Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Co.

Rainbow Ryders, Inc. is the premier and largest hot air balloon business serving the Southwest since 1983, with offices in Albuquerque, Phoenix, and Colorado Springs and forty balloons in our fleet. Our pilots have flown more than 50,000 hours, serving more than 750,000 passengers. All our pilots are FAA-certified and have nearly 200 years of combined experience. We are also the only “Covid Safe Practice” Certified hot air balloon ride company.

Pilot expertise and commitment to safety are two important reasons why Rainbow Ryders has been the official hot air balloon ride provider for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® since 1999.

Our founder and president Scott Appelman was the originator and organizer of the Fiesta’s Balloon Glow from 1987 – 1992, an event that is one of the most popular today. He also organized the event’s Special Shapes Rodeo and Albuquerque Aloft and won the Heritage Award from the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta as well as the Tourism Hall of Fame award from the Tourism Association of America.

BALLOON SAFETY

Rainbow Ryders prides ourselves on our commitment to safety. Our pilots are the best in the industry with a minimum of 500 flight hours. We regularly drug and alcohol test our pilots and carry the highest insurance available in the industry.

In addition to our pilot’s training, they are all required to carry a 2nd Class Airman Medical Certificate. We exceed all regulations set forth by the FAA and pioneer new regulations in the industry. We have won countless awards and have been named the only official ride operator for world-renowned events due to the impeccable safety record we hold as a company.

PHOENIX / SCOTTSDALE HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES

Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Phoenix, Arizona, or a local seeking a fresh experience, we’ve got the perfect solution for the best Phoenix view! Take a hot air balloon ride and soar above the serene Sonoran Desert in Arizona. Capture stunning moments with your camera as you witness native wildlife, breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, majestic mountain ranges, and the iconic saguaro cactus on this unforgettable adventure. Check an item off of your bucket list with Rainbow Ryders any time of the year in this sun state as we offer sunrise flights year round and sunset flight seasonally!

Founded in 1983, Rainbow Ryders holds a proud legacy of over 40 years, including a remarkable sixteen-year span dedicated to offering hot air balloon rides in Phoenix! Having flown over 750,000 passengers and with our pilots accumulating 100,000+ combined flight hours, we take pride in offering one of the best bucket list experiences in Phoenix.

WHY CHOOSE RAINBOW RYDERS

With every flight and passenger, safety remains our number one priority. All of our pilots are extremely qualified with an FAA commercial pilot’s license, a second class medical certificate, and a required minimum of 500 flight hours. Each pilot is required to undergo random drug and alcohol testing, annual flight reviews, and annual safety seminars. Our ground crew attends safety seminars as well as equipment meetings to ensure the safety of all passengers from the point of check in. Our impeccable safety record remains intact due to our commitment to safety standards. Maintaining a fleet of more than 40 hot air balloons, Rainbow Ryders prioritizes the highest standard of equipment quality. Our top-tier equipment undergoes regular inspections through an FAA certified repair station, as well as thorough inspections both before and after each flight resulting in the best hot air balloon flight experience!

There is no shortage of things to do and see in Phoenix though the ultimate Arizona bucket list experience awaits with Rainbow Ryders! Join us as we take flight over the valley of the sun!