Photo by Jeff Laydon, Pagosa Photography.
There’s something magical about seeing Pagosa Springs from the sky. As the balloon rises above the valley, the San Juan Mountains unfold in every direction, morning light spills across the landscape, and the usual sounds of town seem to disappear.
A hot air balloon flight with Rocky Mountain Balloon Adventures, or Pagosa Adventure Hot Air Balloon Rides can turn a visit to Pagosa Springs into a memorable Colorado adventure. Ballooning as a way to experience the area’s mountains, lakes, rivers and surrounding wilderness from a completely different perspective.
1. Watch the Sunrise Paint the San Juan Mountains
Most Pagosa Springs balloon flights take place in the morning, when the air is generally calm and conditions are favorable for ballooning. As the sun comes up, the peaks and valleys gradually change from cool blues and shadows to warm shades of gold stretching across the valleys. For photographers, couples and anyone who loves dramatic scenery, this may be one of the most memorable parts of the experience.
2. See Pagosa Springs From a Bird’s-Eye View
From the basket, the familiar landscape looks completely different. Instead of viewing the San Juan Mountains from a trail or scenic overlook, you’ll be floating above the valley with panoramic views of mountain peaks, forests, lakes and canyons. It’s a peaceful way to appreciate just how expansive the landscape surrounding Pagosa Springs really is.
3. Experience the Thrill of a Gentle Takeoff
The adventure begins before you’re even in the air. Watching the crew inflate the enormous balloon is part of the experience, and some operators invite passengers to participate in the setup. Then comes the takeoff. Rather than a roaring engine or a fast ascent, a balloon rises gradually and quietly, creating an unusual sensation of simply drifting away from the ground.
4. Float Along With Mountain Wildlife
Keep your eyes open during the flight. Pagosa Springs’ surrounding landscape is home to abundant wildlife. Balloon passengers may spot animals and birds (including elk, deer, wild turkeys, ospreys and bald eagles) from above. There’s also something special about seeing wildlife from a balloon because you’re observing rather than moving through the landscape, so the experience can feel remarkably quiet and unobtrusive.
5. Enjoy the Silence of Flight
One of the biggest surprises for first-time balloon passengers is how peaceful it can be. Once the balloon is airborne, there is no conventional aircraft engine. Instead, passengers drift with the breeze, interrupted occasionally by the sound of the burner. That combination of height, scenery and quiet creates an experience that’s very different from other sightseeing adventures.
6. Make the Landing Part of the Adventure
The experience doesn’t necessarily end when the balloon touches down. Some local balloon experiences encourage passengers in helping the crew deflate and pack away the balloon afterward. It’s a fun behind-the-scenes look at what goes into a balloon flight, and gives you a chance to appreciate the teamwork involved.
7. Celebrate With a Post-Flight Tradition
After the flight, some balloon experiences finish with a traditional celebration featuring a toast, refreshments and a flight certificate. It’s a fitting conclusion to a morning spent floating above the mountains, and a nice way to commemorate an experience that’s likely to become one of the highlights of your trip.
If you’re planning a Pagosa Springs getaway, consider putting a balloon flight near the top of your itinerary. Balloon flights are weather-dependent, so schedules and flight conditions can change based on wind and other factors.