Red Rock Balloons — Local services in Sedona

While planning our vacation we wanted to fly hot air balloons and Sedona, Arizona seemed like the perfect place to do it, Red Rock Balloons (and most likely every other operator) offers sunrise flights, which is probably the best way to do it.

we ordered our voyage online and were told we would be advised about the exact hour the day before, we don't have a local phone number, but we still got the text message, so thank you for being up to date with modern technology, another company we were in contact with only sends text messages to us numbers.

we showed up bright and early at their offices in Sedona, and shortly after the staff showed up, unlocked the office, let us in, told us we could use the bathroom and started checking us in.

this was fast and effective a few minutes later we were called to get shuttled out to the launch site, they prepared the balloons while we waited, we were offered to wait inside the cars with heating on, but most of us decided to stay outside and take pictures and/or video while they were mounting the burner to the basket, filling up the balloons, these guys have their crew trained well, it was a real smooth operation the pilot wasn't standing back watching them work either he took part.

I think we may have waited 10-15 minutes once we got to the launch site until we were in the air, the launch was super smooth and our pilot kept us informed and entertained during the final stages of preparation before taking off.

during the flight our pilot - Casey gave us interesting information about the general area we were in, the hikes, mountains and formations nearby, even some details about Sedona itself.

we ended up landing somewhere else than were we took off, but from what I understand that is normal that is how the wind works, he kept us and his crew informed, they were waiting for us when we landed, and we were offered water bottles while they packed down the hot air balloon, we were then taken to a nearby location where they pulled out a table and server champagne, juice or mimosas, I am sure water was also available then, Casey told us the tradition behind toasting after each flight, we didn't stay there long before we were shuttled back to their offices, during our drive back Casey talked out the sights, hikes and points of interest in Sedona, and even recommended where to have our breakfast. if I have to complain about something it would be that it was really hard to hear him further back in the vehicle.

summarised/tldr: this was a 10/10 experience and I would recommend anyone do this, bring your smile and your camera, that is what you need, the pilots and the crew takes care of the rest, and if you somehow forgot your smile, the pilots will find it for you ;)

this is an experience you will remember for the rest...

We took part in an October launch with Red Rocks just before dawn, floated about 5 miles over the course of 1 hour with about 10 other people while floating over or near mesas (depending on which balloon you were in), trees, desert scrubland and even near a sprawling desert mansion or two. The pilot and ground crew (which helps with unloading, unpacking, retrieving and repacking the balloon) were super experienced, friendly, knowledgeable and safety-focused. Their storefront (where everyone meets up pre-dawn initially) is comfortable, well-lit and equipped with clean BATHROOMS you can use before hopping in the passenger van which they use to transport everyone to the nearby launch site.

Our balloon was one of four Red Rock balloons that launched near dawn from a clearing in the desert. Each of our vessels took different path but we were never far from the other balloons which all kept a safe distance. We witnessed the balloon unpacking and prep (15 minutes), and of course the flight itself (60 minutes) as well as the retrieval and tear down (~25 minutes) afterwards. In total the whole experience lasted about 3.75 hours which included arrival, check-in, van ride out, balloon unpacking, setup and launch, balloon float, landing, tear-down, packing, van drive to clearing for lovely champagne toast and err socializing, and finally the van ride back to storefront). Overall Red Rocks made for a memorable, breathtakingly scenic, safe, enjoyable picture-perfect adventure!

NOTE: The weather for our flight was perfect and therefor feather-like in that there was ZERO jerky or intense motions... you get far more motion in an elevator or car ride than this serene float through the clouds... even our landing was as soft as a whisper.

TIPS: Wear layers, wear ear covering, bring sunglasses, use the bathroom before leaving, you'll be encourage to leave backpacks in the van so pack light, and tips are encouraged but not mandatory and can be made via Venmo at the...

If you're thinking about a hot air balloon ride in Sedona, don't hesitate - do it. Yesterday, we flew with Red Rock Balloons and had an unforgettable experience. Mark and his crew were professional, kind, and full of knowledge. From the moment we arrived in the quiet morning light, we were made to feel completely at ease. Watching the balloon inflate as the sun began to rise was breathtaking, and once in the air, the beauty was beyond words.

The flight was smooth and peaceful, drifting above canyons and red rock formations as the golden light of sunrise spread across the landscape. Mark’s guidance throughout made the journey even more special. After landing, we were treated to a champagne toast with mimosas, sharing laughs with the crew and fellow passengers.

I had put this off for years, blaming the cost, but now I know I’ll do it again. It’s more than just a ride - it’s a memory that will stay with you forever. Bucket list worthy in every way.

We posted a short video with this review, but if you’d like to see more photos and stories from the road, follow us at "Stray Compass Life" on Facebook. We live full time in our RV and share daily blogs filled with nature, travel, and photography.

Tell Red Rock Balloons we sent you. You won’t regret it.

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