10 Unforgettable Colorado Hot Air Balloon Rides + Festivals in 2023
With calm morning winds, blue skies, and nearly 300 days of sunshine a year, Colorado is a state that truly has it all. From snow-capped peaks to rolling green valleys, there is no shortage of natural beauty to witness.
But if you’re looking for a truly unforgettable way to experience the stunning Rocky Mountains, a hot air balloon ride is an absolute must.
In this blog post, we’ll take you on a journey through some of the best hot air balloon rides in Colorado, each offering a unique and awe-inspiring perspective on this incredible mountain range.
From Pagosa Springs to Boulder and beyond, get ready to take flight and experience the Rockies like never before.
1. Wild West Balloon Adventures—Steamboat Springs
- Cost: $295 per person must be 6+ to ride
- Flight Duration: Approximately 45 minutes
- Entire Experience: 2 to 2 1/2 hours
For an unforgettable Colorado hot air balloon experience in Steamboat Springs, look no further than Wild West Balloon Adventures.
This family-owned and operated company has been taking guests on breathtaking rides for over 30 years.
As you ascend into the sky in their colorful balloon, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Steamboat Ski Resort, the Flat Top Mountains, and an inactive Volcano to the North, called Hahn’s Peak.
The experienced pilots will provide an informative and entertaining narration of the area’s history and geology as you float above the landscapes.
The balloon ride with Wild West Balloon Adventures typically lasts about an hour, but the memories will last a lifetime.
Once you land, you’ll be treated to a celebratory toast with champagne or sparkling cider and receive a commemorative flight certificate to mark your experience.
2. Rocky Mountain Balloon Adventures—Pagosa Springs
- Cost: Adults $169/ Kids (12 & under) $139
- Flight Duration: 30 minutes in the air
- Entire Experience: 3 to 3 1/2 hours
Rocky Mountain Balloon Adventures in Pagosa Springs offers a hot air balloon ride in Colorado that will take you on a magical journey above the San Juan Mountains.
As you climb aboard the basket, you’ll be greeted by their friendly and experienced crew, who will guide you through the flight.
From the moment the balloon lifts off the ground, you’ll feel a sense of serenity and awe as you take in the stunning views from above.
One of the unique features of this balloon ride is the ability to fly low over nearby lakes, which is known as the “splash-n-dash.”
This thrilling experience allows you to skim the surface of the water and feel the refreshing mist as you pass over the lake. For those seeking a higher perspective, the balloon can climb up to 3,000 feet, offering a 200-mile panoramic view of four states.
After the flight, you’ll enjoy a closing ceremony back on the ground, where you’ll be presented with a flight certificate as a memento of your adventure.
Looking for more things to in Pagosa Springs? Check out our local guides!
3. Fair Winds Hot Air Balloon Flights—Boulder
- Cost: $269 per Adult/ $269 per Child (12 and under)
- Flight Duration: 1 to 1 1/2 hours
- Entire Experience: 3 to 3 1/2 hours
Get ready to soar high above the stunning Colorado landscape with Fair Winds Hot Air Balloon Flights in Boulder!
With over 35 years of experience, their knowledgeable and friendly pilots will ensure that you have a safe flight.
From the moment you lift off the ground, you’ll feel the excitement and adventure of exploring the beautiful Colorado scenery from a bird’s-eye view.
With their balloons able to carry up to six to ten guests, it’s an opportunity to share the fun with friends and family. Fair Winds offers both private and larger balloon flights for those who prefer to share the experience with others.
But what really sets them apart is the encouragement they give to guests to participate in the inflation and deflation of the balloon. This is not just a ride, but a hands-on experience that truly adds to the fun.
The flight time is approximately one to one and a half hours, and the entire experience takes around three to three and a half hours.
Upon returning to the launch site, guests will be treated to a bottle of champagne or sparkling cider, an official Fair Winds t-shirt and balloon pin, and a personalized flight certificate with a photo.
4. Grand Adventure Balloon Tours—Winter Park
- Cost: $350 per person
- Flight Duration: Approximately 1 hour
- Entire Experience: 2 to 2 1/2 hours
Get ready to take your adventure to new heights with Grand Adventure Balloon Tours in Winter Park!
With over 30 years of experience flying the Rockies, their knowledgeable and experienced pilots will take you on a journey you’ll never forget.
And with balloon rides available year-round, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the beauty of this region in any season.
So why Winter Park? For starters, the Mountains in this area are known for being big, bold, and beautiful, making it an unforgettable experience to float among them.
Guests can enjoy scenic views of the peaks located in Rocky Mountain National Park, as well as the awe-inspiring Colorado Rockies. This includes the opportunity to witness stunning sunrises over the Continental Divide.
Conveniently located near popular destinations like Winter Park, Breckenridge, Keystone, Grand Lake, Estes Park, and the Front Range, Grand Adventures is easily accessible for visitors from all over Colorado.
A day trip to this part of the state promises to be one of the most beautiful experiences of a lifetime.
5. Above It All Balloon Company—Aspen/Snowmass
- Cost: $395 per person/ $3,100 Private flight
- Flight Duration: Approximately 1 hour
- Entire Experience: 3 to 3 1/2 hours
Above It All Balloon Company is the ultimate adventure for those seeking to experience the beauty of Aspen/Snowmass from above.
Offering year-round flights, guests are treated to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that’s well worth the early wake-up call.
As the sun rises, the hot air balloon takes off, providing spectacular views of the surrounding areas. Unlike other adventures that require physical exertion, this experience allows guests to relax and enjoy the ride, taking in the breathtaking views of the Rockies.
The flights last approximately an hour and drift down the Snowmass Brush Creek Valley, providing guests with an incredible journey.
As the hot air balloon crosses over some of the lower mountains to the west, passengers never know where they’ll land. To celebrate this thrilling adventure, Above It All Balloon Co. concludes the journey with a delightful champagne toast.
Launching at sunrise may be early, but it’s worth it to see the sun peek over the mountains and light up the valley. The entire experience, from takeoff to landing, takes about three hours, leaving guests with a morning they will never forget.
6. Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Ride—Colorado Springs
- Cost: $209 per adult/$125 per child
- Flight Duration: 45 minutes to an hour
- Entire Experience: Approximately 3 hours
Get ready to soar with Rainbow Ryders, the ultimate hot air balloon experience in Southwest Colorado!
With offices in Albuquerque, Phoenix, and Colorado Springs and a whopping forty balloons in their fleet, Rainbow Ryders has been providing spectacular balloon rides since 1983.
Daily flights are available from June until September, offering an incredible experience that takes passengers high above the stunning Colorado landscape. From the air, you’ll be able to see iconic landmarks such as the Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and the majestic Rocky Mountains.
The flight lasts between 45 minutes to an hour, giving you ample time to take in the breathtaking views and capture timeless memories.
The total time of the experience is around 3 hours, including time for pre-flight preparations, the balloon flight itself, and a post-flight celebration with a champagne toast and light refreshments.
7. Camelot Balloons—Vail
- Cost: $395 per person or $3,100 private flight
- Flight Duration: 45-60 minute shared flight
- Entire Experience: approximately 3-4 hours
Camelot Balloons is the premier hot air balloon company in Vail, offering a unique and exciting adventure for those seeking to experience the Rocky Mountains from above. With unparalleled views of the Vail Valley, this Colorado hot air balloon ride is a truly remarkable experience.
For over 30 years, Camelot Balloons has been providing unforgettable hot air balloon rides over the stunning Colorado landscape. With experienced pilots at the helm, you can sit back and relax as you soar through the sky, taking in the breathtaking views of the Rockies.
But the adventure doesn’t end there! After 45-60 minutes in the air, your expert pilot will guide the balloon back to earth where you can enjoy light snacks and a champagne toast in celebration of a beautiful morning in the air.
Their 2023 flying season begins on May 27th, so book your ride now to experience the thrill of a hot air balloon ride in Vail, Avon, or Eagle, Colorado.
8. Rocky Mountain Hot Air—Denver
- Cost: $250 per person
- Flight Duration: approximately 1 hour
- Entire Experience: 3-4 hours
Rocky Mountain Hot Air in Denver offers an incredible hot air balloon experience that you won’t soon forget.
With over 25 years of experience, their skilled pilots will guide you through the stunning Colorado landscape, where you’ll catch breathtaking views of forests, lakes, and even wildlife. The ascent into the sky is exhilarating, as the burners roar and the ground falls away beneath you.
As you drift with the winds, you’ll feel the tranquility of the experience, taking in the sights and sounds of the natural world from a unique perspective.
After approximately one hour of flight time, you’ll receive a certificate of ascension and a commemorative balloon pin to remember your amazing journey. The whole experience lasts about 3-4 hours, making it a perfect addition to your Colorado vacation.
9. A Hot Air Affair—Windsor
- Cost: $275 Per Guest or $1,000 for a private flight
- Flight Duration: Approximately 1 hour
- Entire Experience: 3-4 hours
Embark on a thrilling and educational journey with A Hot Air Affair, where you’ll take to the skies for an hour-long hot air balloon flight (subject to wind conditions) above Windsor, Colorado.
Launching from the picturesque Treasure Island Demonstration Garden, this once-in-a-lifetime experience will leave you breathless.
If the weather permits, you’ll float gently above the tree tops of the Cache la Poudre River, providing a unique perspective of the many lakes that make up the Pelican Lakes Golf Course. Marvel at the Front Range, which is breathtakingly beautiful in the west, and keep an eye out for the Denver skyline in the distance if it’s a clear day.
Although not mandatory, you’ll have the chance to lend a helping hand with the setup and tear down of the balloon. This unique opportunity will give you insight into the intricacies of hot air ballooning and make the experience even more unforgettable.
After a gentle landing, the team at A Hot Air Affair – Windsor Flights will raise a toast with a glass of champagne, marking the end of the adventure.
You’ll be able to reflect on the incredible sights you’ve witnessed and the once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ve had.
10. Aero-Cruise Balloon Adventures—Lafayette
- Cost: $269 per person
- Flight Duration: Approximately 1 hour
- Entire Experience: 3-4 hours
Float peacefully above the beautiful Boulder Valley for around an hour while taking in the breathtaking 360-degree views of Colorado’s wildlife, including the Boulder Flatirons, several 14ers, the Front Range, Rocky Mountains, and the Continental Divide with Aero-Cruise Balloon Adventures.
After your flight, the chase crew will return you to the launch site where you’ll receive parting gifts including an individual hot air balloon photo, a t-shirt, and complimentary champagne or sparkling cider.
And if you’re looking for a special experience with a loved one, why not book a private balloon ride for two? It’s the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion or just enjoy a romantic date.
List of Best Colorado Hot Air Balloon Festivals in 2023
If you’re looking for a unique and exciting way to experience the beauty of Colorado, attending a hot air balloon festival is a must.
These events offer a breathtaking view of the Rocky Mountains and showcase the skill and artistry of balloon pilots from all over the world. Here are some of the top hot air balloon festivals in Colorado:
Snowmass Balloon Festival
The Snowmass Balloon Festival is an annual event that takes place on Fri, Sep 22 – Sun, Sep 24, and is one of the most exciting hot air balloon festivals in the United States.
This festival features more than 30 hot air balloon pilots who gather in Snowmass, Colorado to compete with one another in a dazzling display of color and skill.
The festival attracts thousands of visitors from around the world who come to witness the breathtaking sight of dozens of hot air balloons soaring through the sky.
The balloons rise to an altitude of 2,000 to 10,000 feet, making it one of the highest-altitude hot air balloon festivals in the country.
Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off
The Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off is an annual hot air balloon festival held every Labor Day weekend.
This year, the festival will take place from Sat, Sep 2 – Mon, Sep 4. The festival features over 70 hot air balloons, live music, food vendors, and various activities for all ages.
The highlight of the event is the morning balloon launches, where hundreds of balloons take to the skies in a colorful display.
Visitors can also enjoy the evening balloon glow, where the balloons are inflated and lit up against the night sky.
Pagosa Springs ColorFest
The Pagosa Springs ColorFest annual hot air balloon festival is held in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, with the event taking place from Sep 15th to Sep 17th in 2023.
Visitors can expect to see colorful hot air balloons filling the sky over the San Juan Mountains, with events including balloon glows, mass ascensions, and a balloon rally.
There are also a variety of other activities to enjoy, such as live music, food vendors, and a beer garden.
Telluride Balloon Festival
The Telluride Balloon Festival is an annual event held in June in the stunning mountain town of Telluride, Colorado.
This festival beginning Friday and ending Sunday, June 2nd to 4th, 2023 is a celebration of hot air balloons and the beauty of the surrounding San Juan Mountains.
The festival features hot air balloon launches at sunrise, with colorful balloons filling the sky against the backdrop of towering peaks.
Visitors can also enjoy live music, food vendors, and other activities throughout the weekend.
FAQ—Hot Air Balloon Rides Colorado
What months are the best to hot air balloon in Colorado?
While hot air balloons can technically fly year-round in Colorado, the best months for hot air balloon rides are typically May through November.
During these months, the weather is generally mild and there is less wind, providing optimal conditions for a safe and enjoyable flight.
However, it’s always best to check with the specific hot air balloon company for their operating season and schedule.
Why do I have to be weighed to ride in the balloon?
Hot air balloons require careful weight management to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride for all passengers.
To maintain proper balance and stability, hot air balloons are typically designed to carry a specific weight limit, which includes the weight of the balloon, basket, and passengers.
To ensure that the weight limit is not exceeded, hot air balloon companies may require passengers to be weighed prior to the flight.
This information helps the pilot determine the appropriate amount of fuel needed and how many passengers can safely ride in the balloon.
Why do Hot Air Balloon Rides End with a Champagne toast?
The tradition of ending hot air balloon rides with a champagne toast dates back to the 18th century, when hot air balloons were first invented.
As the story goes, after a successful balloon flight, French balloonist Francois Pilatre de Rozier and his co-pilot Pierre Romain landed in a field.
Local farmers, who had never seen a hot air balloon before, were initially frightened by the sight of the two men descending from the sky.
But after Pilatre de Rozier offered them a bottle of champagne to celebrate the successful flight, the farmers were won over and helped the men pack up their balloon.
Since then, the tradition of ending hot air balloon rides with a champagne toast has become a symbol of celebration and a way to thank passengers for taking part in this unforgettable experience.
It’s a way to commemorate the flight and toast to the adventure of ballooning, which is still considered an exciting and luxurious experience today.
Will my flight be canceled if there is wind?
Hot air ballooning is highly dependent on weather conditions. Optimal conditions for hot air ballooning include light surface winds that are below 10 mph, clear visibility, and no precipitation.
Prior to each flight, hot air balloon companies obtain the latest weather forecasts to ensure the safety and enjoyment of their passengers.
In the event of unfavorable weather conditions that would compromise the safety and experience of passengers, hot air balloon companies will reschedule the trip for a future date that is convenient for all parties involved.
How should I dress for a hot air balloon ride?
Dress appropriately for the weather conditions and wear layers, as temperatures can change rapidly during the flight. It’s also a good idea to bring a hat and gloves, as the burner can generate some heat, but your hands and head may still get cold.
Dress in layers: This allows you to adjust your clothing as the temperature changes during the flight. A lightweight jacket or sweater is a good option for the top layer.
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes: Closed-toe shoes with a good grip are recommended, as you will be standing in the balloon basket during the flight.
Bring a hat and gloves: Even if the weather is warm on the ground, it can get cooler at higher altitudes. A hat and gloves will help keep your head and hands warm.
Best Hot Air Balloon Rides Colorado
In conclusion, a hot air balloon ride in Colorado is a truly unique and unforgettable way to experience the beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
Whether you’re flying over pristine lakes, soaring above snow-capped peaks, or gliding through the valleys, there is no better way to take in the stunning natural scenery that Colorado has to offer.
With experienced pilots, stunning views, and a sense of adventure that is second to none, a hot air balloon ride in Colorado is an absolute must for anyone who loves the great outdoors.
So book your ride today and get ready to experience the Rockies like never before!
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