Destination Balloon Rides - Phoenix, Arizona

Nikki Harkins

Our hosts were amazing and the views were even more amazing! Very professional and very knowledgeable. Great people. Highly recommend. They went above and beyond and took some of the most epic pictures of our flight.

Lorie Schleicher

We attempted last year to go up, but Shawn, owner/pilot, did not feel good about the weather, so he sent us all home. Today was perfect. It was a great experience. For someone like myself who is fearful of heights. I was so relaxed, it was amazing. A beautiful way to spend our anniversary together. Thank you Shawn and Sharon.

Koen Vangeel

We chose a balloon ride at Destination Balloon Rides because they only do small groups. The communication beforehand was very smooth. We met them at the appointed time and left in their Jeep along with the other participants (there were four of us passengers) to the starting point in the desert. We got to help "inflate" the balloon, were explained about safety and then took off, just in time to see the sunrise in the sky. After a beautiful flight over the desert, with the necessary explanation by Shawn, we were gently returned to the ground. A unique experience.

Nathalie Grenet

We had an amazing experience with Pilot Shawn and Sharon. We met early and we were the first ones up there for a dawn patrol flight (we later counted 17 balloons up in the air). The ride was smooth, our pilot pointed out all the great sights and happily answered all our questions. We were able to help with getting the balloon set up which was a super hands-on experience. Please choose this small business for their experience, knowledge, friendliness and attention to detail.

Aaron

Soaring above the landscape in a hot air balloon with our friends and our pilot Shawn from Destination Balloon Rides was a breathtaking experience that far exceeded our expectations!! The gentle ascent provided a view that left us in awe, capturing the beauty of nature in a way that surprised us all. The tranquility of the journey, coupled with Shawn’s pilot narration, added a great educational touch. This hot air balloon ride isn’t just a journey; it’s a magical odyssey through the skies that will linger in our memories for years to come!!! A++++++

Dylan Perreira

We had an awesome time with Shawn at Destination Balloon Rides.

My wife and I have wanted to go on a balloon ride for years and finally did. Shawn and his crew were super professional and made everything simple and fun. It was just us and Shawn, the owner and our pilot, so we didn’t have to fight for a good view or space. It was an extremely smooth flight and landing and Shawn always kept us pointed toward a good view while telling us a little about the history of what we were seeing. To end the fight we had champagne, a cheese and fruit tray, and chocolates!

We ended up finding out that Destination Balloon Rides is one of the only Locally-Owned Family-Operated hot air balloon companies in Phoenix. We will definitely be flying again with Shawn and referring him to everyone we know.

Jet Bolgiano

Had a truly once in a lifetime experience with Shawn and Sharon. We started our day early meeting at a rendezvous location, there was a bathroom available at a nearby business. From there we were transported by Sharon and Shawn to the actual launch location. Both of them answered any questions we had and provided a very friendly environment while the excitement built up.

When we arrived at the launch location they provided a comprehensive safety brief and explained our flight plan for the day. They both began to prepare our ballon for the flight. It was awesome being encouraged to assist in inflating the balloon with fans, and then hearing and seeing the massive flames from the propane burners to fully inflate the balloon. Sharon provided multiple photo opportunities for different steps of the set up, and even took pictures of us in the basket with the burners on full blast for an awesome shot. When the balloon was fully inflated it was time for life off!

Shawn was extremely knowledgeable of all the landmarks while we were in the air and throughly explained what he was doing while piloting the balloon. Our early flight time ensured that we were in the air well before other balloons, and we had the perfect spot to catch the sunrise. The flight itself was incredibly smooth, the balloon felt very stable the whole time. We “yo-yo’d” through the foothills and got some awesome shots of the Sonoran preserve.

When it came time to land, Shawn expertly piloted the balloon and landed with a gentle thump. It was amazing the amount of skill he had, he literally landed us in the flat space between two tire ruts on a dirt road! Sharon provided some amazing refreshments while we waited for her and Shawn to pack up the balloon and taught us the “balloonist prayer”. They then drove us back to the original rendezvous spot. All in all, this was an amazing experience, Sharon and Shawn’s hospitality, experience, and friendliness made us feel safe and happy the whole time. I can’t praise them enough, would absolutely go again with them.

R Reed

Shawn (Destination Balloon Rides) was referred to me via another company since the other location wasn't able to accommodate just one person. Shawn was able to add me at the very last minute. Arrived in the am, immediately he made me comfortable with his professionalism but fun comedian side. I am VERY GLAD I did not go to a 'corporate' balloon company. Shawn and his partner (we joked about calling it the husband/wife company) did a very good job from the initial contact of making the reservation very easy, non stressful to the end of the ride (including champagne toast). I was able to participate setting the balloon up which was cool. Thank you guys! You brightened my solo trip to Arizona. l highly recommend these 2 guys!!!