There are few journey experiences that handle to be each exhilarating and meditative, however a sizzling air balloon experience accomplishes simply that—a delicate ascent into the sky that appears like slipping between dimensions. I’ve been lucky to float above a variety of landscapes in no less than half a dozen balloon flights, from the sun-drenched vineyards of California to the misty valleys of the Pacific Northwest—and every has provided a quiet form of magic.
However the Sedona sizzling air balloon experience I just lately took with Pink Rock Balloons was one thing altogether totally different. Suspended excessive above Arizona’s iconic crimson rock formations, with the primary mild of day igniting the rugged desert beneath, the expertise felt otherworldly.
Although it took a number of makes an attempt (over a 12 months’s interval) to make it into the air resulting from climate delays, the reward was a flight that exceeded expectations. From the second we gently lifted off till our flawless touchdown simply west of Sedona, it was clear: this wasn’t simply one other merchandise to verify off a journey record. This was one of the crucial breathtakingly stunning and soul-stirring issues to do in Sedona, an expertise that elevates the spirit as a lot because the senses.
Why a Sedona Scorching Air Balloon Journey Is So Particular
Scorching air ballooning is in contrast to some other type of flight. There’s no rush of air, no vibration, no noise besides the occasional burst of the burner. It’s an expertise that defies fashionable aviation—a throwback to the earliest days of human flight when elevate got here from hearth and braveness.
Even folks afraid of heights typically say ballooning feels oddly safe. There’s a grace and gentleness to it that’s laborious to place into phrases. It’s much less like flying and extra like levitating, as if you’ve stepped onto a magic carpet and are merely floating above the world.
And above Sedona’s crimson rock spires, it’s nothing wanting magical.
The Origins of Flight… and the Champagne Toast Custom
Scorching air ballooning holds a particular place in aviation historical past. The primary profitable manned flight came about in 1783 in France, when the Montgolfier brothers launched a balloon into the sky. However earlier than daring to ship people into the air, they first examined the idea with a curious cargo: a sheep, a duck, and a rooster. After that profitable flight, they quickly despatched up a few pigs within the basket to simulate passengers.
When that early flight descended, it landed in a farmer’s subject. The sight of this floating contraption—in contrast to something the locals had ever seen—understandably brought on confusion, and maybe even concern. Legend has it that the frightened farmers attacked the balloon with pitchforks, killing one of many pigs within the course of, believing it to be some form of supernatural risk.
Realizing that this response may not be unusual, the Montgolfier brothers took precautions on future flights. To ease tensions and ingratiate themselves with any locals their balloons would possibly land close to, they started bringing bottles of Champagne to supply as a gesture of goodwill and peace.
That observe developed into the modern-day custom we nonetheless have fun after a profitable balloon flight. At the moment, the Champagne toast is greater than only a drink; it’s a tribute to ballooning’s whimsical historical past and a festivity of a secure return to Earth.
Pink Rock Balloons: Skilled, Passionate, and Security-First
My balloon experience in Sedona didn’t go off with no hitch—however in a great way. The truth is, I needed to reschedule 4 instances resulting from climate. Whereas that will sound irritating (and sure, it got here on the expense of additional resort stays), it truly gave me a deeper appreciation for the professionalism of Pink Rock Balloons.
This isn’t an organization that takes possibilities. If situations aren’t good, they don’t fly. It’s that straightforward.
I’ve skilled related cancellations in different elements of the nation. In Walla Walla, Washington, for instance, one flight was known as off as a result of the temperature was one diploma too heat. That’s how exact, and cautious, this business is.
Pink Rock Balloons exemplifies that very same dedication to security, and I’d belief them once more in a heartbeat.
Meet Mark, the Balloon Whisperer
Our pilot for the morning was Mark Stewart, one of many firm’s homeowners. With over 30 years of ballooning expertise, Mark was not solely educated and calm, but additionally genuinely humorous, the form of pilot who makes each passenger really feel comfy.
We have been the primary of 4 balloons to take off that morning. As we floated over Sedona’s gorgeous panorama, Mark was continuously in communication with the opposite balloon pilots, offering updates on wind speeds, elevation, and situations. It was clear that he wasn’t simply flying—he was studying the sky.
Watching him work, I couldn’t assist however consider him as a kind of balloon whisperer.
The Sedona Scorching Air Balloon Journey Expertise from Above
Floating above Sedona in a sizzling air balloon is a kind of surreal experiences that etches itself into your reminiscence. Because the solar rises, it casts golden mild throughout the crimson rock formations, revealing shadows and textures you merely can’t recognize from the bottom.
We hovered close to cliff edges, skimmed the tops of buttes, and gazed down at limitless desert brush and winding trails. It was quiet, spacious, and superbly nonetheless—a perspective of Sedona that few get to witness.
In case you’re constructing your itinerary and questioning about one of the best issues to do in Sedona, this must be on the very high of the record.
A Toast to the Sky
After a easy and virtually imperceptible touchdown, the type that makes you surprise in the event you’ve truly touched down, the crew pack up the balloon earlier than taking us on a brief drive to satisfy up with the opposite teams.
There, surrounded by morning solar and smiling strangers-now-friends, we raised our glasses for the standard champagne toast (in our case it was mimosas). It was a becoming near an unforgettable journey and a small celebration of the whole lot ballooning represents: surprise, exploration, and slightly bit of caprice.
Remaining Ideas on Ballooning in Sedona
There are various methods to expertise the fantastic thing about Sedona, climbing, jeep excursions, scenic drives and extra, however none of them evaluate to silently drifting above all of it because the solar climbs over the horizon.
The Sedona sizzling air balloon experience with Pink Rock Balloons was simply one of the crucial extraordinary issues I’ve achieved in Sedona.
So in the event you’re planning a visit and in search of probably the most memorable issues to do in Sedona—I can’t advocate this expertise sufficient. You’ll want to click on the previous hyperlink to learn an article and watch a video on another improbable issues to do in Sedona. I’ve additionally create a complete Sedona Itinerary that embrace the whole lot it’s good to learn about visiting.
Be affected person with the climate, it’s definitely worth the wait. You probably have any questions on a Sedona sizzling air balloon experience, go away a remark beneath. So, till subsequent time, we’ll see ya on the highway…
The publish Sedona Scorching Air Balloon Journey: The Most Epic Strategy to See Arizona’s Pink Rocks appeared first on Mike's Highway Journey.
