Hot Air Ballooning in Sedona, Arizona
An Alternative Way to See Red Rock Country From the Sky
Aug 25, 2009
Sedona, Arizona is located in northern Arizona, two hours north of Phoenix and within a day trip of the Grand Canyon. At an elevation of approximately 4,500 feet, Sedona is already elevated high above the the desert heat of southern Arizona. To climb higher still, and enjoy the red rock views for which Sedona is famous from a different angle, a hot air balloon flight may just be the most unforgettable vacation experience.
Hot Air Balloon Flight Permits for Sedona
There are a few hot air balloon companies in Sedona which offer hot air balloon flights over the Sedona area. However, some hot air balloon companies do not have permission to fly directly over the Sedona area and it is best to check with the hot air balloon operator, before booking, as to the exact location the hot air balloon will fly over.
To enjoy true red rock views of the Sedona area, the hot air balloon operator has to have a forest service permit for the Coconino National Forest. Some hot air balloon flights actually operate south of Cottonwood and will not fly over the red rock country of Sedona.
What to Expect on a Hot Air Balloon Flight in Sedona
Most Sedona hot air balloon operators offer the following as standard:
- hot air balloon flights operate once a day at sunrise, year round, weather permitting
- hotel pickup and drop-off in Sedona
- reservations are required
- the two main competitors in Sedona for hot air ballooning, Red Rock Balloon Adventures and Northern Light Balloon Expeditions, offer flights from $195 per person
- the hot air balloon flight will take approximately 1 – 1 ½ hours, although the total length of the trip from pick up to drop off will be longer.
Getting Married in a Hot Air Balloon in Sedona
For an alternative Sedona wedding, it is possible to get married in a hot air balloon in Sedona; Red Rock Balloon Adventures provide a hot air balloon wedding package which includes a 'commemorative picnic' and wedding cake, pick up and drop off at a Sedona hotel and a private balloon flight for the wedding couple and a few guests. The total cost for getting married in a hot air balloon in Sedona is $2,500; advance telephone reservations are essential.
Sedona Hot Air Balloon Operators
Northern Light Balloon Expeditions claim to be the oldest and largest hot air balloon company in northern Arizona and operates a fleet of of five hot air balloons, capable of carrying seven people in each hot air balloon. Red Rock Balloon Adventures offer a Sedona wedding package with a difference.
Both Northern Light Balloon Expeditions and Red Rock Balloon Adventures in Sedona have forest service permits for Coconino National Forest and fly over the red rock country of Sedona. However, whichever Sedona hot air balloon operator is chosen, taking a hot air balloon flight in Sedona will provide many memorable vacation memories.
For further information:
- Red Rock Balloon Adventures, 105 Canyon Diablo Road, Sedona, AZ, 86351 1-800-258-3754
- Northern Light Balloon Expeditions, P.O. Box 1695, Sedona, AZ, 86339 1-800-230-6222
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