Checkout Hot Air Expeditions Watch Video
Hot Air Expeditions was founded in 1991 when Margie and Randy Long, a married couple living in Illinois, got the ballooning bug after an awe-inspiring morning of watching hot air balloons seemingly float effortlessly among the clouds. Their first endeavor was a move to Phoenix, Arizona, which boasts the most flyable days per year for ballooning of anywhere in the country, and the purchase of a small balloon. With the purchase of their first hot air balloon, Randy obtained his pilot’s license and Margie ran the behind-the-scenes operations. They began carrying two passengers at a time, and quickly blossomed. Hot Air Expeditions is now one of the largest capacity hot air balloon ride operators in the United States. They employ 5 office staff members, 8 pilots, 35 crew members, and have 10 balloons within their fleet. Currently run by Margie and Randy’s daughters, Amanda and Stephanie Long, the company continues to thrive, grow and mature. The company is carried on with the same inspiration, infatuation and commitment to a once-in-a-lifetime passenger experience as when it first began.
Hot Air Balloon Rides in Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona is a dream location for a hot air balloon ride for locals and visitors alike, with mind-blowing sunrises and sunsets, expansive saguaro dotted mountain ranges, and native animals like jackrabbits, coyotes, and burros scurrying about, there is no better way to take in views (and snap amazing photos!) of our beautiful city. Boasting optimal flying conditions with over 300 days of sunshine a year, Phoenix/Scottsdale is home to the most flyable days per year of anywhere in the country for hot air ballooning, making it one of the most desirable places to take flight.
Breathtaking Views
While in flight, soaring 2,000-5,000 feet in the air, the expansiveness of the Arizona Sonoran Desert is overwhelmingly humbling. In what feels so picturesque, the views almost feel unreal. In the distance, points of interest like Downtown Phoenix, Camelback Mountain, Lake Pleasant and State Farm Stadium (home to the Arizona Cardinals) are commonly seen, as the pilot shares the history of our fascinating city, and points out local wildlife and plant life.
Not only are the views breathtaking, the calm and peacefulness of ballooning is unparalleled. Floating with the wind, the journey is a smooth one, you’ll hardly realize you’ve left the ground. “Riding on a cloud” and “a magic carpet ride” are phrases that have been used to describe the feeling of gently floating thousands of feet in the air among the clouds. With virtually no background noise, the only sounds you will hear up, up and away are the clicks of cameras, and rustling of desert animals below, as well as the occasional use of the burner by your pilot.
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