Choosing A Balloon Ride Colorado

By Sally Delacruz


When traveling in the North Western states near the four corners of Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico you will find an area filled with interesting sites and activities that should not be missed. You can find monuments, national forests, and sports activities for every member of the family. One activity that is widely available is a balloon ride Colorado.

Ballooning is a seasonal activity that can be accessed between the months of May and October. Rides are available seven days a week during these months and generally take place in the early mornings. They are restricted to mornings because of high winds that develop in the afternoons. Early starts offer a two or three hour window when the winds are below five miles an hour and the sky and weather is clear.

When you inquire you will find that there are very few restrictions placed on clients who wish to experience hot air ballooning. Obviously, you must be able to get into the basket unaided and you will not be admitted to the basket if you are pregnant. There are also age requirements that ban children under five and seniors over eighty. Other health issues include difficulty breathing at higher altitudes and anyone who requires supplemental oxygen.

This business is regulated by the FAA just the same as commercial flights. The pilots are highly skilled and licensed and some spend many hours training the younger personnel. Inspections are frequent and complete. All burners, baskets and balloons are thoroughly inspected for wear as well as performance issues.

Some companies offer their clients the opportunity to observe the balloons being inflated by arriving earlier than scheduled. The duration of rides vary from one hour to forty or fifty minutes. Because the only steering mechanism is the wind the landing site cannot be exactly fore told so the range may vary between five to ten miles total distance from lift off.

As an added treat many companies will offer a toast at the end of the ride. They also supply breakfast in many cases and one supplies a commemorative bottle of champagne for their clients. The meals are normally only for the clients who participated in a ride but other family members can attend for a small fee.

With flight time so short most balloons only make the trip twice a day. Some companies have massive balloons that carry baskets designed for up to twelve passengers at a time. These larger baskets usually come with dividers installed to provide separation of different parties. There are also baskets that are built to carry four people or less. There are balloonists who will perform marriages while airborne for their clients.

Hot air balloons can provide you with an experience you may never forget. Untethered flight in the silence and tranquility of morning while absorbing the beauty of the country side and natural wildlife cannot be described by many who have enjoyed this event.




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