Soaring High in Aspen: Plan Your Outdoor Adventure with Above it All Balloon Company
Experience Aspen from a fresh perspective with Above it All Balloon Company. Combine thrilling hikes with serene hot air balloon flights to capture the wild beauty of the Rockies in a way few get to see.
Adventure Tips
Book Balloon Flights Early
Secure your spot as Above it All Balloon Company flights are popular and weather-dependent, especially in summer months. Early booking ensures availability.
Dress in Layers
Mountain weather can shift quickly. Layering helps you stay comfortable during cool balloon rides and warmer hiking excursions.
Stay Hydrated at Altitude
Aspen’s elevation stresses hydration; bring ample water whether hiking or preparing for balloon flights.
Arrive Early for Sunrise Flights
Morning flights offer stable winds and stunning lighting but require early arrival. Prepare with transportation and timing in mind.
Soaring High in Aspen: Plan Your Outdoor Adventure with Above it All Balloon Company
Aspen, Colorado, with its towering mountains and crisp alpine air, calls to those who hunger for adventure that's as accessible as it is exhilarating. While Aspen’s trails invite hikers and bikers alike to engage the rugged terrain, Above it All Balloon Company offers a unique perspective: rising quietly above the landscape in a hot air balloon where the vast wilderness reveals itself in panoramic glory.
Imagine floating over forested ridges and rivers that dare you to follow their course downstream. The gentle lift and silence of the balloon give you time to appreciate the landscape’s fierce independence — a place that shifts and changes with the wind and light rather than bends to human will. Above it All Balloon Company isn’t just a balloon ride; it’s an outdoor activity that fits perfectly alongside hiking, biking, or skiing plans. It’s practical too, providing seasonal flights that are well-supported with experienced pilots, safety briefings, and flexible booking options to match the often unpredictable mountain weather.
If you’ve planned a hiking day in Aspen, consider starting with a balloon flight at sunrise. The experience is calm yet alive with the energy of dawn—the steep slopes gradually waking, and wildlife stirring below. Flights commonly last about an hour, with landings in serene open fields where the crew will greet you warmly and facilitate return transportation to Aspen.
For safety and comfort, gear your day around alpine conditions. Wear sturdy footwear for trails, and pack layers for shifting temperatures—cold air rises and falls freely with the balloon. Hydration matters: Aspen’s elevation (around 8,000 feet) challenges your body more than city altitude. Carry water and pace yourself, whether on foot or air.
Above it All Balloon Company is great for anyone who respects the outdoors and wants to experience its scale and quiet majesty without the physical strain of climbing. Their offerings pair well with other outdoor activities: hike Maroon Bells for dense pine forests and lakes, cycle through the Hunter Creek Trail for moderate terrain, and then float above it all, letting the wind determine your path. The balloon ride connects the dots between land and sky, delivering a clear reminder that nature is fiercely itself and invites an honest, respectful engagement.
Planning your trip wisely means booking flights early in popular months (June through September), dressing for sudden weather changes, and preparing for an early start. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a family looking for a different outdoor thrill, or an adventure seeker wanting a new vantage point on Aspen’s beauty, Above it All Balloon Company adds an unforgettable chapter to your experience here. In Aspen, outdoor adventure isn’t just on the ground — sometimes, it’s best experienced floating gently just above it.
Nearby Trips
Adventures near Aspen
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Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I arrive for a hot air balloon flight?
Plan to arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before your scheduled flight. This allows time for check-in, safety briefings, and any unforeseen delays, especially for sunrise launches.
Can I hike before or after my balloon flight on the same day?
Yes, many visitors combine early balloon rides with mid-morning hikes. Choose hikes under 5 miles if combining activities to avoid fatigue and altitude sickness.
What wildlife am I likely to see during flights or hikes?
Elk, mule deer, and occasionally black bears roam these parts. Birds of prey like golden eagles often soar nearby, providing a dynamic wildlife viewing experience from the skies and trails.
Is there a weight limit for the balloon rides?
Yes, Above it All Balloon Company adheres to safety limits averaged over the passengers’ weight for balanced flights. Contact them ahead for specific weight policies.
What should I do if weather cancels my balloon ride?
Balloon flights are weather-dependent and may be rescheduled. Above it All Balloon Company typically offers flexible rebooking or refunds—check their policy when booking.
Are children allowed on the balloon rides?
Children over a certain age and height are welcome, but minors must be accompanied by an adult. Safety briefings include guidance tailored to families.
Recommended Gear
Sturdy Hiking Boots
Reliable traction and ankle support are vital for navigating the mixed terrain around Aspen.
Layered Clothing
Quickly changing temperatures make layering non-negotiable for comfort and safety.
Water Bottle or Hydration Pack
Altitude increases dehydration risk, making regular water intake mandatory.
Sun Protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
The thinner mountain atmosphere amplifies UV exposure, so shielding your skin and eyes is crucial.
Local Insights
Hidden Gems
- "Hunter Creek Trail offers a less crowded alternative to the main Maroon Bells routes with similarly stunning views."
- "Castle Creek Valley’s open meadows are perfect for spotting moose at dawn."
Wildlife
- "Watch for mountain bluebirds flitting across clearings and the occasional elk herd near Aspen Highlands."
- "Late spring and early summer bring newborn fawns close to forest edges."
History
"Aspen began as a silver mining town before snow sports redefined the economy. Balloon flights today trace a new chapter in connecting human adventure with the landscape’s raw geography."