Forget the chocolates and roses—for Valentine’s Day, my husband treated me to a flight with Adventures Out West (AOW).
Long before dawn, our excited group piled into vans, headed for a launch site where the real magic began.
Watching the crew unfurl layers of vibrant nylon was like watching a giant wake up; honestly, I felt like a kid again.
Our licensed pilot, the seasoned “T-Dog,” aka Terry Cleaveland, ignited the burners, and the balloon roared to life.
I’m 5’7”, and while I was initially worried about tumbling out, the basket height reached my waist—solid, secure, and my fears dissolved.
The Weightless Ascent
The liftoff was nothing as I imagined. There’s no “flying” sensation; instead, you simply become weightless. Within seconds, we were so high that a small airplane actually passed below us. The panoramic views of Pikes Peak and the Front Range are breathtaking, offering a perspective you just can’t achieve from the ground. While our flight lasted about 45 minutes, the duration can vary with the morning’s breeze, sometimes up to over an hour!
A Quick Lesson in Air History (I promise):
Between the views, I learned that “ballooning” dates back to 1783, when the Montgolfier brothers first lifted a paper bag with hot air. In those early days, scientists weren’t even sure humans could survive at high altitudes. Today, we’re just lucky to enjoy the ride!
Meet the Pil
ot: T-Dog
With over 36 years of experience, T-Dog is a pro. When I asked what he loves most, he pointed to the serene silence and the Rocky Mountain views. The only thing he hates? Cancelling. Safety is everything; he monitors the weather all night, and if winds top 12 mph, it’s a “no-go.” Being a pilot clearly isn’t for the faint of heart!
The Landing & Tradition
Landing is its own adventure. We followed instructions to bend our knees as we approached the earth. We might have “trimmed” a small tree on the way down and hit the ground with a bit of a thud, but we were all smiles. We capped off the morning with a traditional champagne toast and a delicious breakfast.
I Highly Recommend:
- Don’t wait for summer: Adventures Out West provides cold-weather jackets, and the burner overhead keeps the basket surprisingly toasty.
- Embrace the weather: Flights are weather-dependent, so stay flexible. It is absolutely worth the wait.
- Sharing your flight: Booking a private flight is the most intimate experience, but also the most expensive. Sharing a flight with others reduces the per-person cost. It was
- Photos: Consider which device you will use to take photos and how you will secure it.
My hot air balloon ride was an experience of a lifetime! If you’re ready to see the Front Range from the clouds with someone you love, check out the official AOW flight options HERE. Of course, Ziplines are a great Valentine’s gift idea, too. Check them out!
-Sassafras
