One of the most impressive sights on early morning drives out to Scorpion Bay are the gorgeous hovering hot air balloons that cluster around Interstate 17 and float serenely over the cacti-dotted hills along the Carefree Highway. A peaceful hot air balloon ride is a great treat for out-of-town guests after an exhilarating day on a boat at Scorpion Bay and provides a birds-eye view of Lake Pleasant and the surrounding Arizona desert. Below are four options if you are looking for a hot air balloon adventure near Scorpion Bay Marina at Lake Pleasant:
1. Destination Balloon Rides
Located in North Phoenix near Lake Pleasant, Destination Balloon Rides offers exhilarating private balloon rides and small group flights over the Sonoran Desert for individuals five and older, even accommodating guests with limited mobility. Family-owned and operated, Destination Balloon rides offer an intimate and exclusively private ride. One of the few Phoenix hot air balloon companies that has a focus on small groups and the only Phoenix balloon ride with a door basket. Pilot Shawn Wix is a respected guide, consistently earning high reviews for his customer service, balloon expertise and ability to share local points of interest and features of the stunning desert landscape.
Location: Multiple launch site options in North Phoenix
Contact 302-236-7425 for reservations or visit https://destinationballoonrides.com
2. Arizona Balloon Flights
Personalized tours for you and your guest. The entire flight is tailored to your desire of experiencing ballooning in its purest form. Take special flight paths for up-close and personal looks at the desert scenery. Their iconic Arizona "Superstar" Hot Air Balloon is an Aerostar S57a that stands nearly eight stories tall. The balloon was designed after the Arizona State Flag, is proudly flown throughout the state, and creates a memorable photo backdrop for riders.
Location: Multiple launch site options across the state
Contact 602-469-7262 for reservations or visit https://arizonaballoonflights.com/
Arizona Balloons Inc
Arizona Balloons focuses on sharing their knowledge and passion of ballooning with all ages while showcasing Arizona’s natural beauty from a new perspective. Sparking creativity and cultivating memories that have passengers coming back, time and again. They offer sunrise and sunset flights, private charters as well corporate team building activities, family outings and romantic adventures.
Location: 33100 N. North Valley Pkwy, Phoenix, about 30 minutes from Scorpion Bay Marina.
Contact 602-888-9087 for reservations or visit https://arizonaballoonsinc.com/
APEX Balloons
For nearly twenty years, APEX Balloons has been offering personal, dynamic and exciting hot air balloon rides in Phoenix. They aim to fly higher, longer, and with a more varied array of unique flight experiences than you may receive elsewhere. Apex flies seven days a week through the year with typical flights launching at sunrise, and sunset flight options available mid-October through March. The launch is located near I-17 and the 101 Loop in north Phoenix.
Location: 21705 N. 19th Avenue, Phoenix, about 33 minutes from Scorpion Bay Marina.
Contact 877-946-8247 for reservations or visit https://www.phoenixballoonrides.com/
Scorpion Bay is Arizona’s premier floating playground, offering everything from daily pontoon and ski boat rentals to slips for harboring your yacht (or dinghy). Come for the fishing or come for the frolicking—either way, incredible mountain views, fantastic dining and world-class marina services await less than an hour out of Phoenix. https://www.scorpionbayaz.com/