How High does a Hot Air Balloon Fly?

Generally, a hot air balloon flies between 1,000 to 3,000 feet high depending on the winds.

What should you wear on a hot air balloon flight?

You should wear casual clothing along with comfortable shoes. We suggest wearing light layers so that you can easily adjust to the temperature as the sun comes up. The coolest you will be is on the ground. Once you’re in flight, the burners tend to keep the baskets nice and warm. Flat, closed–toe shoes are recommended as walking to and from the balloon launch and landing site is outdoor terrain.

Can you bring a camera on a hot air balloon flight?

Yes! Prepare to take many pictures during your hot air balloon flight over Napa Valley!

Can a child fly in a hot air balloon?

Typically, the average age requirement is 6 years old and 48 inches tall to fly in a hot air balloon. For safety reason, you are unable to hold your child at any time during the flight; children do need to be able to stand on their own for the approximate one-hour long balloon flight. Also, the sound of the burners can sometimes scare younger children, this is not a constant sound you will hear, the pilot turns the burners on every few minutes to keep at a specific altitude. You know your child better than we do so we say that it is up to the parent.

How do you get a hot air balloon inflated?

A fan is used to blow cool air into the balloon. Later the burners are used to heat the air as the balloon lies on the ground. Gradually the balloon will rise to an upright position.

Is it quiet in a hot air balloon?

When the burner is off, it is extremely quiet. Quiet is one of the most enjoyable aspects of hot air ballooning.

What fabric is used to make a hot air balloon?

Most common is Dacron or rip-stop nylon.

Does a hot air balloon basket sway when flying?

The baskets do not sway since it moves with the wind.

Can my service pet fly with me in a hot air balloon?

No. Although your service pet may be well trained for most all situations, the sound of the burners periodically going off above their heads might frighten them.

Is there an age limit to who can fly in a hot air balloon?

No. If you or your family member is able to climb into and out of the basket on their own or with a little assistance from our crew, and are able to stand for the duration of the approximate one-hour flight, we welcome all to join us.

Why do hot air balloons fly so early in the morning?

Just before sunrise is when the weather is the coolest and the winds are the calmest which is ideal for ballooning.

Can I fly in a hot air balloon if I am pregnant?

No. Although we would love for you to join us for this adventure, we want to ensure both mom and baby are safe and don’t want to harm baby if we have a slightly bumpier landing.

Can I fly in a hot air balloon if I have a broken arm or leg?

No. Although we would love for you to join us for this adventure we don’t want to prolong the injury you already have if you bump it on side of the basket upon landing.

Come fly with us...

Flying over 40 years in the Napa Valley!

BOOK A BALLOON RIDE

Flying over 40 years in the Napa Valley!

Join us in a hot air balloon Napa adventure.

BALLOON FLIGHT PACKAGE

Starting at $269/pp

Hot air balloon ride ~ 1hr

Optional complimentary round-trip transportation from Napa or Sonoma hotel

Fresh coffee & delicious pastries before take-off

Pre-flight photo (available for purchase)

Enjoy exciting balloon inflation

Lift-off!

NEW! Add a post-flight Champagne Toast for only $20

BALLOON RIDE

$269.00

$269 Spring Special! Monday – Thursday* (Fridays as well through April 15) | $299 Friday – Sunday
*excluding some holidays
Ready to embark on an adventure that will become a life-time memory?

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Guests

Optional Add on Champagne Toast

$20.00

Pickup Location

Pickup Time

Ride Start Time

Start Date

Description
Additional information

Description

We meet Outside of The Model Bakery at the Oxbow Public Market in Downtown Napa where we will have coffee and pastries for you! From there we will take you to our launch site where you will get to see the final stages of our balloon inflation. Once you board the balloon a photographer will take your photo and have them ready for you after your flight to purchase. From there your flight is about approximately an hour! Once you land, we will take you back to the Oxbow Public Market where you will be free to join the rest of your day. All together you are usually with us for about 3-4 hours.

Additional information

Passenger	Adult, Child (under 12 years)

Excitement

Adventure

Romance

It happens in the Napa Valley

SPEAK TO A RESERVATIONIST

GIVE THE GIFT OF FLIGHT

"Such an amazing experience! Chad was our pilot, super funny guy and very knowledgeable! Totally recommend this to anyone visiting who would like to see Napa from a 'higher' perspective!"

Julia Vito
★★★★★

"Our first hot air balloon ride! This company and its employees were professional, helpful, informative, and kind! The balloon ride was a dream - perfect takeoff and landing, beautiful weather, and so peaceful."

Kimberly Perry
★★★★★

"A stunning amazing experience. What a way to get an early start to celebrate a special birthday. Thanks to Capt. Jake and the amazing ground team."

Michael S.
★★★★★

READ OUR REVIEWS

Embark on an Adventure…

In the sky, high above Napa Valley’s wine country. Since 1976, Balloons Above the Valley has been offering remarkable hot air balloon rides to guests who seek a unique and unforgettable experience. Lush green vineyards below your feet, seeing your reflection as you float above the waters, and feeling one with the California sky. We’re proud to be the first hot air balloon company in Napa and continue to innovate and explore the best ways to provide an even better experience to our guests each year. Check out our most popular balloon ride packages and learn a bit more about us.

Balloons Above the Valley has been flying hot air balloons in the Napa Valley since 1976.

Owner and founder Bob Barbarick is a pioneer hot air balloon aviator and started his balloon company in Napa Valley, providing flights in the largest hot air balloons in America. Since that time, Balloons Above the Valley has built a reputation that surpasses all others in industry standards, quality of service, operations and flight safety. Balloons Above the Valley continues to this day the attention to detail and “I Care” attitude that has established its current standing as the premier hot air balloon Napa-based company in Northern California.

Balloons Above the Valley lives the belief that when you treat everyone like you would like to be treated, you will be successful in whatever you do. This has proven to be true for us. For over 40 years and counting, Balloons Above the Valley continuing to provide unique experiences to each customer that chooses to experiene a hot air balloon Napa Valley ride. Such commitment to excellence and customer experience has enabled our company to last and thrive.

We live by, serve by and grow by our guests’ safety and fulfilling experience. This is our #1 priority ~ Always!

A hot air balloon Napa Valley ride provides you with views of the valley in ways you’ll never forget.

Explore Our Flights

Browse our hot air balloon ride packages from Brunch to Wine Tours and choose the right hot air balloon experience for you!

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Get to Know Our Pilots

Learn a bit more about the qualified pilots who will be providing you with an unforgettable hot air balloon ride in Napa Valley!

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Check out Our Blog

Keep up with what’s happening in Napa, tips on planning your vacation and hot air balloon ride, and learn more about things to do wine country.

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We offer many flight options to accommodate everyone’s tastes.

A hot air balloon Napa Valley ride shows you the valley from a remarkable view. For those wanting the simplicity of a hot air balloon ride in Napa, the Balloon Flight option accommodates perfectly. Enjoy coffee and pastries at Model Bakery, then board our hot air balloon and enjoy the sunrise from high above.

Unable to join a hot air balloon Napa adventure? We didn’t forget about you. With our Chase Package you can enjoy all of the above but when it comes to the balloon ride itself, you get to hang out with the ground crew and follow the balloon to its landing.

What are you waiting for?

It’s time to embark on a truly memorable adventure!

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Group Reservations

Contact us for all group rates, availability and additional info 1-800-464-6824 or info@balloonrides.com. You may also visit our Group Package page to submit our inquire form and a member of our staff will contact you shortly.

More Info

Mailing Address:
603 California Blvd
Napa, CA 94559
Phone: 1-800-464-6824
Business Hours: 7 Days a Week 8am-5pm