RAINBOW RYDERS HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE CO.
The sport of hot air ballooning is a 230-year-old tradition and the Sonoran Desert provides a particularly special experience and perfect launching spot. Whether you call the Valley home or visiting, Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Ride Company's mission has always focused on providing an unforgettable bucket list experience. Rainbow Ryders began with only a 2-passenger balloon in 1983 and has since grown to become the premier and largest hot air balloon ride company in the country; serving the Southwest with flights offered here in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Albuquerque, and Colorado Springs.
Photo: Schultz Digital
Q & A
Scott Appelman, President | CEO
Q: How did Rainbow Ryders begin?
A: In 1983, I started Rainbow Ryders from my home in Albuquerque, New Mexico with a two-passenger hot air balloon. We entered the Phoenix market 13 years ago in 2008, then we expanded to Colorado Springs in 2014 where we began to operate balloon rides and produce Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off, an 80 balloon event with 200,000 spectators annually on Labor Day weekend.
Q: What makes the Valley the perfect place to hot air balloon?
A: The weather here in Phoenix/Scottsdale is perfect for 310 days+ for balloon rides. The beauty of the Sonoran Desert and the ability to see the landscape 60 miles in all directions, not to mention our spectacular sunrises and sunsets, make flying unlike anywhere else.
Photo: Schultz Digital
Q: For those looking to travel, you also produce the annual Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off Event and are the Official Ride Operator for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. What makes each of these events so special?
Photo: Schultz Digital
A: The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the world’s largest balloon festival with over 500 balloons flying, and is currently preparing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the event. What makes these events incredibly special to me, as the organizer of the Special Shapes Rodeo and Balloon Glows, getting to see how these events have grown over the years and being able to watch the spectators reactions as they have one of the most unique experiences of their lives, is an honor unlike anything else.
Q: The Rainbow Ryders facilities are impressive, allowing guests to meet at your well-appointed office for paperwork before departure. Can you share why this facility is so important to the overall experience?
A: As the only hot air balloon ride company to have a building available for our passengers, providing a space to feel comfortable and safe in the very early hours of the morning, was extremely important to us. We provide a unique opportunity for them to meet, use the restroom, browse our merchandise to commemorate checking off their bucket list, and grab a snack before heading off to enjoy the rest of their day. An added bonus, our building provides an extra museum-type of experience, giving the passengers the opportunity to see the largest amassed collection of hot air balloon equipment in one location, and be part of the process from beginning to end, watching our crew get their ride equipment ready to head out to the desert.
Photo: Schultz Digital
Q: Hot Air Balloon tours are a great family and group activity, and even a unique option for bachelorette trips and wedding ceremonies special occasions with gondolas that can carry 2-14 guests. Can you share one of your favorite memory-making moments that you've been a part of?
A: This may sound cliche, but there are so many moments and so many people that have left a mark on me, I can’t choose one. The privilege of being part of their memories is something that most people don’t get to experience. It is astoundingly gratifying and makes me realize over and over how important it is to make people’s hot air balloon experiences as special as possible.
