Waking up at five in the morning to venture out into chilly high altitudes doesn’t always sound like the most appealing adventure, but trust me, it’s worth it this time. Getting to travel through the air in a hot air balloon was one of the most astonishing experiences of my young life. My best friend invited me to the Napa Valley — near where we grew up — to celebrate her 16th birthday.

We woke before the sun had peaked above the hills that surround the vineyard-filled valley and drove out to our destination, still wiping the sleep from our eyes. After sitting through a brief safety lecture, we stepped out into a wide-open field where multiple hot air balloons lay dormant on the grass. While they certainly look impressive from the sky, hot air balloons are massive upclose; some have the capability to carry 12 people. I stood in awe of the foreign contraptions as they came to life, their colorful canvases billowing as they filled with hot air from what looked like flamethrowers attached to each basket.

Once all the balloons had floated idly for a bit while attached to the ground — testing crucial functions before flight — we were loaded into the basket with a small group of adventurers. Standing in the basket, a bit anxious and a lot excited, we were suddenly floating. In shock and awe, I watched the crew on the ground slowly get smaller. The rising sun blazed across the valley in glorious, golden rays as we drifted above the world below. Nestled underneath the warmth of the fire that kept the balloon afloat and accompanied by my best friend, I never wanted to come down.

While each experience in the air is different (different crew, different amenities, different location), I can guarantee that any hot air balloon adventure is well worth it for the one-of-a-kind views. If you’re interested in experiencing the thrills and wonder for yourself, check out these two amazing options in Western Colorado.

ABOVE IT ALL BALLOON CO. INC.

In 1996, Bruce and Pam Wood moved back to the Roaring Fork Valley to start both a family and their business, Above It All Balloon Co. Inc. Bruce Wood, who learned how to fly in the Snowmass Valley in the early 90s, is the main pilot. The couple enjoyed traveling around to different balloon festivals and flying as a hobby prior to starting their now-booming business.

“We offer hot air balloon flights year-round out of Snowmass Village, but we are busiest in the summer. We began with one main pilot, and then two, and eventually we needed three pilots each summer,” reveals Pam Wood.

The team flies at sunrise, carrying passengers up to the Elk Mountain Range and providing spectacular views of the Colorado Rockies. Each flight lasts about an hour and concludes with a champagne toast and some snacks. “We often say it is the flight of a lifetime, but like many of our guests, once you have experienced it, you will want to do it again!” she says.

Before booking, be sure to have the following information at the ready: how many passengers are in your group, how much each person weighs, a contact number while in town and credit card information to guarantee the flight. Above It All Balloon Co. Inc. offers both shared and private flights and do not allow children under the age of six.

To book, visit the website aboveitallballoon.com, email aboveitallballoon@gmail.com or call 970.963.6148.

WILD WEST BALLOON ADVENTURES

This Steamboat company was started in 1998 by local Ian Cox. By the mid-2000s, Cox was teaching current co-owner Bud Whitehead how to fly the balloons, which led to Whitehead and his wife taking over in 2018. “Our goal with Wild West Balloon Adventures is to ensure that every guest has the experience of a lifetime with us,” shares Stacia Whitehead, co-owner and marketing director.

Wild West launches next to the Yampa River, providing guests a special view of the surrounding mountains and valley below once in the air. You may even see some elk, deer, moose or even a bear on your journey. They also offer complimentary photos, so you can focus on the sights while the team capture your jaw dropping on camera.

“One of our main goals is to offer quality over quantity,” Stacia Whitehead emphasizes. “We limit our flights to two flights a day in the summer and one in the winter to enable us to spend more time getting to know our guests. We take pride in personally meeting and genuinely caring about all our passengers and have made many great friends through our balloon flights.”

As their sole pilot, Bud has flown well over 1,000 hours, so customers can be sure they’re getting the best experience in terms of quality and safety.

To book with Wild West Balloon Adventures, visit their website at wildwestballooning.com or call them directly at 970.879.9191.

Originally published in the Spring 2022 of Spoke+Blossom.

Soar Above Your Own Backyard: Hot Air Ballooning In Western Colorado

ABOVE IT ALL BALLOON CO. INC.

WILD WEST BALLOON ADVENTURES