easy
3–4 hours total including prep and flight
Suitable for most fitness levels; standing during flight and mild walking during launch and landing required.
Lift off into the morning sky with Red Rock Balloons and witness Sedona’s famous red rock formations from a breathtaking vantage point. Learn why this smooth, scenic flight at sunrise is one of the area’s top outdoor adventures.
Sedona, Arizona, is renowned for its striking red sandstone formations and expansive desert vistas. Among its many outdoor adventures, a sunrise hot air balloon ride with Red Rock Balloons sets a bold standard for experiencing the region’s landscape from an entirely new perspective. As dawn breaks over the rugged terrain, the sky lightens and the famous red rocks glow with an ethereal orange-pink hue — a spectacle best witnessed from hundreds of feet above.
Red Rock Balloons specializes exclusively in sunrise flights, an optimal time when the air is calm and the light is soft, showcasing the dramatic canyons, mesas, and towering rock spires that define this iconic Southwest landscape. Unlike other Sedona experiences that keep you on the ground, these flights offer a smooth, almost silent glide, with pilots skilled in maneuvering for the best photo angles and landmark views. Guests commonly spot formations like Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Courthouse Butte, along with the vast, open desert stretching toward the Mogollon Rim.
What distinguishes Red Rock Balloons is more than just the flight. The crew’s professionalism, humor, and attentiveness make the experience comfortable and enriching. Pilots like Brooke and Mark effortlessly provide safety, expert narration, and personalized moments to savor the silence and sky. After landing gently, the celebration continues with a traditional champagne or mimosa toast, and a glimpse into the history of ballooning adds a unique cultural layer.
This offering anchors Red Rock Balloons as a standout outdoor adventure company in the Sedona region, blending breathtaking scenery with educational and thoughtful service. Whether a first-timer or ballooning enthusiast, this adventure is an unforgettable addition to any trip, turning a sunrise into a memory that lingers long after the basket touches the earth.
Give yourself extra time to watch the balloon inflation and receive safety instructions before takeoff.
Temperatures can be chilly before sunrise; layering helps you stay comfortable during the flight.
Bring a fully charged camera or smartphone to capture panoramic desert and rock formation views.
Wear sturdy shoes as landings may be on uneven terrain like fields or open desert.
Sedona’s landscape has been sacred to Native American tribes for centuries, and the red rocks continue to inspire stories and spiritual exploration.
Red Rock Balloons supports sustainable tourism by limiting group sizes and following responsible flight paths to minimize wildlife disturbance.
Keeps you warm during chilly early mornings and adaptable as temperatures rise.
fall specific
Protects feet during launch and landing on uneven or dusty terrain.
Sunscreen and a hat help shield you from sun exposure after sunrise.
summer specific
To capture the panoramic views and magical light of the desert sunrise.