Hot air ballooning in Arizona!
Balloon flights in North Phoenix
Hot air ballooning in Arizona has been largely based in the North Phoenix area. It provides a good mix of terrain to fly over. Each day we select a take off location that will give us the best flight for the day. Our goal is to get some mountain flying. The best flights are when we can get low. The views of the desert from just above the cactus are spectacular. At some point during the flight we like to climb high. Usually 5000 to 6000 feet. on most days we can see the snow capped mountains in Flagstaff to the north and Mount Lemon in Tucson to the South. Then the main goal is to land in an location that the chase crew can get to us.
I typically tell people flying a hot air balloon is like playing pier with mother nature and father time. Mother nature deals the cards and you play the cards you are delt. Certain days there is magic. Not to long ago we had an overcast day. The winds where favorable but it was cloudy. You take off and the next thing you know you find yourself in a backdrop that photos just do justice. The picture in this post was my balloon taken from another balloon. You gotta love cell phones Taylor texted me this picture while in flight. We where just North of the Deer Valley airport. The passengers that day where treated to an amazing display of beauty in the clouds.
The passengers where treated to a view they will never forget. Thanks to mother nature taylor Aldridge and iPhone.
Hot Air Balloon Tailgating
NBC Sports flys over Glendale
The week of football's biggest event, I had the pleasure of flying NBC Sports over University of Phoenix Stadium for a "hot air balloon tailgate."
Enjoy the video:
Things to do in Phoenix
View from above our launch site in North Phoenix.
Every winter, Phoenix grows. People fly in from all over the country (and Canada) to escape winter and soak up some sun. I can't say I blame them.
Phoenix is literally bursting with things to do. If you're looking for an adventure, I'd definitely recommend taking a hot air balloon ride with us, but there are plenty of other things to do, too.
Top things to do in Phoenix
1. Hike
If you're looking to immerse yourself in the desert landscape, I highly recommend hiking one of the many mountains within the Phoenix area. Camelback Mountain is located in Paradise Valley in Scottsdale, and is a moderate climb that rewards you with stunning views of the entire Phoenix valley. Camelback does see a lot of traffic, especially in the winter months, so get there early to avoid traffic and find parking.
Other fun hikes within the city include South Mountain and Piestewa Peak (locals might still call it Squaw Peak, so don't get confused!).
2. Eat
There are a bunch of great restaurants and local breweries to enjoy while you're in town. If you feel like pizza, Grimaldi's has a bunch of locations in Phoenix. Looking to enjoy a local brewery? Four Peaks Brewing Company has delicious food, daily specials, and a healthy list of craft brews made in-house. San Tan Brewery deserves to be on this list, too. Finally, if you're looking for something a little different, check out the Cornish Pasty Company where you'll experience the original "pasty" from Southwest England. So delicious!
3. The Botanical Garden
The Desert Botanical Garden is open daily and provides a total desert flora immersion. With rotating exhibits, gardening classes, music, and special events, it's definitely worth seeing while you're in town. Check out upcoming events.
4. Sport Events
No matter when you visit Phoenix, you're sure to be in town for one of our many sporting events. Follow the Cactus League during spring training, catch up with the Diamondbacks throughout the summer, throughout the fall check out Sun Devil football or the Cardinal's, or during the winter follow the Coyote's if you like hockey or the Sun's if you're into basketball. Glendale is also home to the 2015 Superbowl, so say hi if you're in town for that!
5. a hot air balloon ride
A list of things to do in Phoenix wouldn't be complete without mentioning a hot air balloon ride. Of course we're biased, but experiencing the desert from the air is spectacular. Most balloon rides start at sunrise, so you'll have to get up early but I promise the views are worth it. If you're looking for a unique adventure, a balloon ride is right up your alley and the perfect way to top off your Phoenix vacation.
If you're looking for other things to do in Phoenix, check out Visit Phoenix for more ideas.
Valentine's day is around the corner.
Via fotki.yandex.ru
Forget the chocolates.
If you're looking for a Valentine's day gift idea, look no further: a hot air balloon ride is a romantic adventure.
At 2 Fly Us, we offer intimate private balloon flights (we only carry couples or small groups of no more than four people), so you won't have to worry about sharing your ride with more than 16 other strangers. End your ride with a champagne toast and you're well-on-your-way toward creating a spectacular Valentine's day memory.