Has anyone ever taken a hot air balloon tour in Arizona or New Mexico? We are taking a driving trip thru those states in Mid-October and the advertisements for balloon rides in Sedona, for example, looked like fun. Worth the money? ($150 ea)

Took a hot air balloon ride in Albuquerque, NM during the balloon fiesta - it was wonderful! The fiesta is the first 2 weekends of Oct. I think, if you're around you should definitely see it! Yes, we thought it was worth the price - about an hour ride!

We took a hot air balloon ride in Sedona about 2 years ago with Northern Lights. They picked us up at dawn. There were 2 other couples in the basket with us. It was great. We did a "splash and dash". The pilot dipped us down into the river & then lifted us up again. The only thing that was a little disappointing was the fact that we didn't soar over the red rocks. But I would highly recommend it. You also get champagne & fruit, if I remember correctly & a certificate indicating that you made the flight. Have fun.

Karen i took a hot air balloon trip in Alice Springs, Australia in 1998 and it remains one of the greatest travel memories of my life. GO FOR IT. I can't offer any help on particular outfits in AZ or NM.
Have a great trip, Greybeard.

We've done several balloon rides and loved every one of them. It's a magical experience. I agree that if you can be in Albuquerque at fiesta time, that's the absolute best. Even if the fiesta isn't on when you're in that area, Albuquerque is a top spot for ballooning because of the wind currents there. Do it! It is pricy, you're right; the cost you quote looks like what we paid a few years ago. You'd go either at sunup or sundown; our preference was first thing in the morning. Be prepared for them to cancel at the last minute if the weather isn't cooperating; that would be a safety issue. The landing can be a bit bumpy but that's part of the fun. Have a great time!