Vegas Balloon Rides

Reviewed by the Vegas Guide editorial team · Updated July 2026

A sunrise hot-air balloon flight over the open Mojave Desert west of Las Vegas, meeting at an office just off the Strip before a drive to the launch site.

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Is Vegas Balloon Rides Worth It? Review & Booking

Vegas Balloon Rides is a long-running hot-air balloon operator that runs sunrise flights over the open Mojave Desert. Despite the name, the balloons do not float over the Strip or the city — passengers meet at the company's office just off the Strip and are then driven roughly an hour west to a remote desert launch site, where the flying happens away from the lights and casinos.

The outing starts in the dark, about two hours before sunrise, so the crew can inflate the balloon in the calm morning air. Once aloft, riders spend around an hour drifting a few thousand feet up, with wide views of the Mojave floor, the surrounding Spring Mountains and desert ridgelines catching the first light. A champagne toast, light snacks and round-trip transport from the office are included.

Be clear on what it is: a desert-scenery flight, not a tour of the Strip, so anyone expecting to see the casino skyline will be disappointed. The very early start, roughly one-hour drive each way and frequent weather-related cancellations test your patience, and riders must be at least six, under 280 pounds and able to climb into the basket. For travelers who want a genuinely serene, once-in-a-lifetime sunrise over the desert — and don't mind waking before 4 a.m. — it delivers.

Insider tipDon't book this for your final morning — flights cancel often for wind, so leave a backup day, and keep in mind groups of three or more usually get a per-person discount.

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Frequently asked questions

Do you fly over the Las Vegas Strip?

No. The balloons launch from open desert about an hour's drive west of the Strip, so the views are of the Mojave floor and surrounding mountains rather than the casino skyline.

Why does the flight start so early?

Hot-air balloons need the calm, cool air just after dawn to fly safely, so pickup is roughly two hours before sunrise — plan on a wake-up in the 3-4 a.m. range depending on the season.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Flights are weather-dependent and cancellations for wind or storms are common; the operator typically reschedules or refunds, but build a spare morning into your trip rather than booking it for your last day.

How high does the balloon go and how long is the flight?

You're in the air for about an hour, drifting a few thousand feet above the desert floor — the exact altitude and direction depend on the morning's winds.

Are there age or weight limits?

Passengers must be at least 6 years old and under 280 pounds, and everyone needs to be able to step up and climb into the balloon basket unassisted.

How far in advance should I book?

Reserve at least 48 hours ahead; because each morning's capacity is limited and flights fill up, popular dates around holidays and weekends can sell out well in advance.

Rating

4.1

PricePrice on request

Duration3 hours

Getting thereHotel pickup from major Strip hotels (confirm at booking)

Meeting pointMeet at the Vegas Balloon Rides office at 4390 Polaris Avenue, just off the Strip, roughly two hours before sunrise; the crew then drives the group about an hour west to the desert launch site.

TransportRound-trip transport between the Polaris Avenue office and the flying area is included — there is no self-drive to the launch site.

Time in the airAbout 60 minutes aloft; the full outing runs roughly 3-4 hours once the drive and balloon inflation are counted.

What's includedChampagne toast on landing plus light breakfast snacks, water and orange juice.

Age & fitnessRiders must be at least 6 years old, in good physical condition, able to climb in and out of the basket, and under 280 pounds.

What to bringDress in layers with closed-toe shoes — pre-dawn desert air is cold and the launch ground can be uneven.

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