Air Adventures
Whether you seek out heart-pumping aerial adventures or a more relaxed scene from the basket of a hot-air balloon, you have many ways to see the desert from a vantage point in the sky.
Aerobatic Flight Experience
To start, Mesa is home base to Fighter Combat International where guests can live out their Top Gun dreams undergoing a mock combat battle in the sky. Here you will experience incredible G-forces and perform out-of-this-world aerobatic adventures.
Skydiving
Just south of Mesa is Skydive Arizona where you can tackle the ultimate aerial adventure from 10,000 feet! If jumping out of a plane is not your style opt for the latest craze, indoor skydiving. At SkyVenture, guests can experience a simulated free fall at speeds up to 150 mph. You can also blow your hair back at IFly, and enjoy the sensation of flying in their vertical wind tunnels.
Aviation History
Learn how aircraft has evolved with a visit to the Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona Museum. Explore bombers, cargo planes, and walk through a working hanger. After touring the rare combat planes on the ground, get up in the air and book a one-in-a-lifetime ride in an authentic warbird. Bonus tip: sign up for a Visit Mesa Deals Pass and receive a special offer on an Annual Pass so you can enjoy the museum again and again.
Hot Air Balloon Rides
For a more leisurely sky ride, a number of Mesa hotels are serviced by Rainbow Ryders and Hot Air Expeditions who will pick you up and take you up in a hot-air balloon. Most flights are scheduled in the morning offering you the best sunrise views in Arizona and unobstructed 360-degree views of Arizona’s signature desert terrain, allowing for breathtaking photographs.
How long is the hot air balloon ride?
Flight times usually range from 45-60 minutes however total times can vary (up to 3.5 hours) depending on pre-flight requirements and after flight activities.
How much is a ride?
Pricing typically ranges between $160 - $600 per person depending on the experience. Prices depend on whether your tour is shared or private, the time of day, and the length of your excursion. Child pricing available (starting at $99.) Gift certificates are also available for those who already have everything.
Get an exclusive discount on Rainbow Ryders hot air balloon rides with our Visit Mesa Deals Pass.
Safety
Hot air ballooning is extremely safe, not only for the passengers but for the environment as well. Prior to your trip, your pilot will have had thousands of hours of hot air balloon flying experience, as well as a Federal Aviation Administration Certified Pilot’s License. Each balloon is also inspected regularly by a Federal Aviation Administration approved facility to ensure they remain in perfect working order.
How high do you go?
While on your aerial journey, your pilot will take you on a variety of altitudes. You may hover around 400 feet so you can observe the sights and sounds of Arizona wildlife and you may sail as high as 3,000 feet for a stunning panoramic view of the valley.
Whatever aerial pursuit you crave, you can enjoy it in Mesa.