A sunrise balloon ride over the desert is one of the most memorable things a group can do in Scottsdale. The views of the mountains and the desert floor are hard to match, and the morning is calm enough that the ride feels unhurried. It is also weather dependent, so plan a flexible day around it.
Back to the estateBalloons fly when the air is calm, and that is usually in the first hour or two after sunrise. Operators pick up guests from their meeting point before dawn, so the group needs to plan for an early start. Ask the operator how early the pickup is, and whether the group should eat before the ride.
Wind and visibility decide whether a ride goes ahead, and the operator makes the call on the morning. Most operators have a rebooking or refund policy for weather cancellations, so ask about it before you pay. Build a second morning into the trip, so the group is not forced to choose between the ride and a flight home.
After the ride, most groups want a late breakfast and a slow morning. Plan the rest of the day around that, and keep the afternoon for the pool, the spa or the golf simulator at the house. For more morning ideas, see things to do in North Scottsdale for a group weekend.
Rides start before sunrise, because the winds are calmest in the first hour or two of daylight. Operators decide each morning based on the weather.
Operators have their own policies. Ask about rebooking or refunds before you pay, and build a second morning into the trip.
Not usually. The ride is early and weather dependent, so keep the golf for a different day, and use the afternoon to rest.
Ride timing and cancellation policies vary by operator. Confirm the details with the operator before you book.
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