Complete your trip to Nevada by exploring the natural beauty and history of the legendary Carson Valley. One of the best ways to capture this region’s stunning landscape, is with a hot air balloon ride! A balloon ride with Balloon Nevada is ranked as one of the top things to do in Nevada, and we invite you to come see why.
Book HereThe beauty of visiting Carson Valley is that you can make your stay as action-packed or laid back as you’d like! From sports and recreation, to leisure and arts, museums, historical sites and live entertainment, your thirst for adventure or quest for relaxation can easily be fulfilled. The best part is, hot air ballooning in Nevada offers a great culmination of it all - outdoor adventure, romance, peace and tranquility. We’ve got a variety of options to suit any occasion or itinerary. With hotels and plenty of lodging in near by Carson City, Minden and Gardnerville, stay for a weekend to enjoy a little bit of it all!
Our Carson Valley fall and winter hot air balloon rides are a heartwarming experience! The weather conditions for these two seasons are ideal for morning hot air balloon rides in Nevada. You will relish in the views of the Carson River and Carson Range - the spur of the Sierra Nevada, including the incredible Jobs Peak! Amazing wildlife have also been spotted such as both Bald and Golden Eagles, Prairie Falcon, Red-tailed Hawks, deer and more. Some flights are even lucky enough to see Lake Tahoe over the mountains!
Balloon Nevada operates in conjunction with our sister company, Lake Tahoe Balloons who has successfully operated balloon flights over Lake Tahoe for well over two decades. Through our two locations, visitors and locals alike can enjoy the wonders of hot air ballooning year round with options to choose from depending on the season.
Our state-of-the-art FAA certified hot air balloons are built by Cameron Balloons U.S., in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Considered to be the top U.S. manufacturer of hot air balloons, Cameron designs balloons that not only outperform those of competitors but that are also more durable. While foreign and other U.S. manufactures may offer a lower purchase prices, the comfort and knowledge that you are flying in the best that money can buy is priceless. The baskets are compartmentalized to maximize the space, comfort of and safety of each guest and vary in size to do so. They are constructed of rattan which is both light weight and extremely durable. Each basket is individually woven by hand onto a rigid frame. The envelope is typically constructed using fire-treated nylon or dacron that meet specific manufacturer requirements and while the material is lightweight, it is also very strong.
A Las Vegas native, Sheldon began flying balloons in 2003 and has since amassed more than 2400 hours as a hot air balloon pilot. He has flown balloons of all shapes and sizes all over the world and is proud to have maintained a perfect safety record.
Sheldon's passion for ballooning has taken him to balloon festivals around the globe including The Great Reno Balloon Race, Taiwan Balloon Festival, Cielo Magico in Santiago, Mexico, and The International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, NM - recognized as the Olympics of ballooning. As a professional balloon pilot, he flew commercial balloon rides in Las Vegas before making the move to Lake Tahoe Balloons and Balloon Nevada.
Sheldon looks forward to sharing his undying passion for hot air ballooning with you.
Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Greg has enjoyed a passion for all things outdoors since a very young age. The grand California playground and landscapes drew him to Tahoe in 2008, a decision that has left him with no regrets.
Greg began his career with Lake Tahoe Balloons in 2010, was promoted to Boat Captain of the Tahoe Flyer (the world's smallest aircraft carrier) in 2015 and is also our General Manager for both of our locations, managing the day to day operations and site logistics.
As a semi-pro snowboarder in the winter months, an avid rock climber and hiker in the summer, Greg has a wealth of knowledge on the best places to hike, visit and eat while in Nevada and Tahoe.
Enjoy an invigorating Nevada hot air balloon tour with unparalleled, panoramic views of Carson Valley. Your pilot will show you historical and popular points of interest, as you relish in all the beauty that Mother Nature has to offer.
Book HereThe coldest part of your morning will be on the ground! Come dressed in comfortable layered clothing. Closed-toed walking shoes and a hat are recommended. Don’t forget your camera and sunblock! Temps average in the mid-20’s around sunrise in Carson Valley during winter months, so please plan accordingly.
Absolutely! Statistically, flying is the safest form of transportation and ballooning is the safest form of flight. Balloon Nevada has FAA licensed pilots and skilled crew with impeccable safety records. You are in great hands.
For the Carson Valley season, our state-of-the-art balloons are certified to carry a maximum of 8 passengers. The baskets are divided to maximize comfort and safety of each guest. Everyone has a view!
The typical balloon flight will be anywhere from tree-top level to approximately 2,000 ft.
The average flight lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour.
No. Hot air balloons drift at the same speed and direction as the wind. Therefore passengers experience no sense of motion.
For safety reasons, expectant mothers can not fly and children must be a minimum of 8 years old and 48” tall to fly.
A hot air balloon is not “steered” in the conventional sense. The balloon moves in the direction of the wind, however, winds change directions at different altitudes. Pilots use these varying wind currents to guide the balloon from launch to landing.
The most stunning views from the Carson River and Carson Range - the spur of the Sierra Nevada, including the incredible Jobs Peak! Amazing wildlife have been spotted including wintering raptors such as the Bald and Golden Eagles, Rough-legged and Ferruginous Hawks and Prairie Falcon. Also residing in the area are Red-tailed Hawks, Northern Harrier, American Kestrel, deer and other wildlife. Some flights are even lucky enough to see Lake Tahoe over the mountains!
Absolutely! Flying is the safest form of transportation and, statically speaking, ballooning is the safest form of flight. Believe it or not, getting in and out of the basket is the most challenging part of the whole flight! That said, hot air balloon rides are an involved outdoor activity and may not be appropriate for everyone. Balloon Nevada has highly skilled and experienced pilots and crew with impeccable safety records. You are in great hands.
Please feel free to call our office at (530) 544-1221 any day of the week between 9am and 6pm (PST) and we’ll be delighted to answer your questions.
Let your mind be free and take your love for adventure to new heights! The fresh mountain air of the Sierras, pristine landscapes and remarkable wildlife are sure to fill your soul with joy.
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Balloon Nevada
1144 HWY 395 N.
Gardnerville, NV 89410
Sales & Marketing
Attn: Gabriel Gundling
4086 Byway E.
Napa, CA 94558
Email Gabriel Gundling
