Hot Air Balloon Ride Black Hills South Dakota, 1 Hour Flight

Conquer the Black Hills’ peaks with a traditional hot air balloon ride over Custer, South Dakota.

Join us on a hot air balloon adventure and experience one of the most relaxing, tranquil and enjoyable activities you will find anywhere. Your day starts early as you awake before dawn and make your way to the meeting point in Custer.

For most, flying in a hot air balloon is a once-in-a-lifetime bucket-list adventure. But flying in the beautiful Black Hills is more than that, it’s unique. While balloon flights are generally focused over vineyards and farmland, Black Hills Balloons flies over some spectacular rugged terrain. We typically fly in the southern hills.

The Custer Valley and the world renowned Custer State Park make up the heart of our flying area. There are mountains, valleys, lakes and prairies to view as you drift along on the morning breeze.

We quite often see some unique wildlife that you really don't see in many other places from a balloon!

The Black Hills are habitat to elk, antelope, buffalo and mule deer. If you're really lucky you might even see a mountain lion from the secure gondola! There’s nowhere else in the world, where you can witness the same views from a hot air balloon and fly over such a historic and beautiful landscape.

The morning of your flight, after meeting the pilot and crew, you are driven to the launch site to witness the balloon coming to life. Inflation takes 20 minutes and with a little hands-on participation the balloon is ready to launch. Your flight over the hills will last approximately one hour (weather and available landing sites permitting), where you’ll enjoy views of local wildlife, gorgeous landscapes and a beautiful Black Hills sunrise. Flight altitude varies from treetops to a few thousand feet to allow the best views and steerage to the best available landing site. Upon landing, the balloon ground crew quickly packs up the gear while we toast with a sip of champagne and the traditional Balloonists Prayer.

• 1 hour hot air balloon ride
• Traditional Champagne toast
• First Flight Certificate
• FAA certified pilot
• Stunning views

Your one hour journey will see you rise hundreds of feet in the air above the peaks and scenic lakes. Herds of wild buffalo, elk and deer are frequent sights.