Soaring over the majestic Black Hills at sunrise, the Custer: Black Hills Hot Air Balloon Flight offers an unparalleled aerial adventure. Guests can expect breathtaking panoramic views, the chance to spot local wildlife, and an unforgettable champagne toast upon landing. Led by experienced pilots, this 3-hour experience showcases the natural beauty of the region in an intimate and serene setting. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway or a unique outdoor activity, this hot air balloon ride promises to leave you awestruck and eager to discover more about the wonders of Custer State Park and the Black Hills National Forest.
Key Points
- Experience a 3-hour hot air balloon adventure, including a 1-hour scenic flight over the Black Hills National Forest and Custer State Park.
- Enjoy stunning 360-degree panoramic views of mountains, valleys, lakes, and prairies, with potential wildlife sightings of elk, antelope, deer, and mountain lions.
- This activity is suitable for ages 5-99, with complimentary transportation to and from the launch site, and a celebratory champagne toast at the end.
- Participants will receive a souvenir flight certificate and are recommended to wear comfortable attire, such as closed-toe shoes, sunglasses, and sun protection.
- Safety is the top priority, with licensed and trained pilots, regular equipment inspections, and strict adherence to safety standards and regulations.
Activity Overview
The Custer Black Hills Hot Air Balloon Flight at Sunrise offers a 3-hour experience, including a 1-hour hot air balloon ride, for $375.00 per person with a group size of up to 12 passengers.
Visitors can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot now and pay later.
The excursion provides a spectacular sunrise over the Black Hills National Forest and Custer State Park, offering 360-degree views of the area’s picturesque mountains, valleys, lakes, and prairies.
Travelers may spot wildlife like elk, antelope, deer, and buffalo during their flight, which is conveniently located near popular attractions like Mount Rushmore and Wind Cave National Park.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Custer.
Experience Highlights
What truly captivates visitors on this hot air balloon adventure are the spectacular sunrise views over the Black Hills National Forest and Custer State Park. From the basket, guests enjoy 360-degree panoramas of the majestic mountains, lush valleys, glistening lakes, and vast prairies. Wildlife sightings are common, with elk, antelope, deer, and even the elusive mountain lion gracing the landscape. Guests also appreciate the balloon’s close proximity to iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Wind Cave National Park, and the South Dakota Badlands. As the journey comes to a close, a celebratory champagne toast provides the perfect ending to an unforgettable aerial experience.
| Highlights | Description |
|---|---|
| Sunrise Views | Spectacular vistas over the Black Hills |
| 360-Degree Panoramas | Majestic mountains, valleys, lakes, and prairies |
| Wildlife Sightings | Elk, antelope, deer, and potentially mountain lions |
| Iconic Landmarks | Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Wind Cave, Badlands |
| Champagne Toast | Celebratory finish to the hot air balloon adventure |
Included Services
Complementing the exhilarating hot air balloon ride, the package includes a suite of services to enhance the overall experience.
Passengers will enjoy the expertise of a professional pilot who’ll guide them through the skies. Upon landing, they’ll savor a celebratory champagne toast to commemorate their airborne adventure.
The experience also includes transportation to and from the launch site, as well as light snacks. As a memento, each participant will receive a souvenir flight certificate.
With parking, taxes, and fees covered, the only thing left to consider is the gratuity for the dedicated crew. This comprehensive offering ensures a seamless and memorable hot air balloon experience in the picturesque Black Hills.
Participant Guidelines
Suitable for adults aged 13 to 99 and children aged 5 to 12, this hot air balloon experience caters to a wide range of participants. However, certain restrictions apply. The activity is not suitable for children under 4, pregnant women, or individuals with mobility impairments. Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. Open-toed shoes are not allowed. To ensure a safe and enjoyable flight, the organizers have established these guidelines.
| Allowed | Not Allowed |
|---|---|
| Ages 5-12 | Under 4 |
| Ages 13-99 | Pregnant women |
| Comfortable shoes | Mobility impairments |
| Sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen | Open-toed shoes |
Important Information
The hot air balloon flight has a few important details to keep in mind.
The meeting point for participants is next to Old Pine Social, at the 8th Street intersection.
Flight times may vary, so it’s recommended to reconfirm the schedule after 6:00 PM the evening before the scheduled flight.
Views during the experience depend on the prevailing weather conditions.
Guests can expect spectacular 360-degree vistas of the Black Hills National Forest and Custer State Park, including potential sightings of local wildlife such as elk, antelope, deer, and even mountain lions.
Transportation and Arrival
Participants are provided with transportation to and from the launch site, ensuring a seamless start and end to the hot air balloon experience.
The meeting point is located next to the Old Pine Social, at the 8th Street intersection. From there, guests are transported to the launch site, which can vary depending on weather conditions.
The pilot will confirm the exact flight time the evening before, so participants should be sure to reconfirm the details.
Once the balloon is ready for takeoff, guests board the basket and embark on their unforgettable journey over the stunning Black Hills.
After the flight, transportation is provided back to the original meeting point, completing the exceptional hot air balloon adventure.
Safety Considerations
Safety is always the top priority during the hot air balloon flights. The experienced pilots meticulously inspect the balloon and equipment before each launch to ensure the highest level of safety.
Passengers must follow the pilot’s instructions at all times and wear the provided safety harnesses while in the air.
The company adheres to strict safety standards and regulations:
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All pilots are licensed and highly trained in balloon operations.
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The balloons undergo regular maintenance and inspections.
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Flights are only conducted when weather conditions are ideal and safe.
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Passengers must be physically able to climb in and out of the basket.
Customer Feedback
Customers have consistently praised the exceptional value and transportation provided by the hot air balloon company, evidenced by its impressive overall rating of 5/5 from 14 reviews.
Reviewers highlight the convenience of the complimentary pickup and drop-off service, which ensures a seamless experience from start to finish.
Many customers also note the tremendous value for money, with the 1-hour flight and celebratory champagne toast offering an unbeatable experience.
Guests rave about the stunning 360-degree views of the Black Hills, praising the professionalism of the pilots and the overall organization of the adventure.
The overwhelmingly positive feedback underscores the company’s commitment to delivering an unforgettable hot air balloon experience in Custer, South Dakota.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Flight?
No, you cannot bring your own food and drinks on the hot air balloon flight. The experience includes light snacks and celebratory champagne provided by the operator. Bringing outside food or beverages is generally not allowed on hot air balloon tours.
What Happens if the Weather Is Not Suitable for the Flight?
If the weather is not suitable for the flight, the operator will reschedule or cancel the trip. Customers will receive a full refund if the flight is cancelled due to unfavorable weather conditions that prevent the balloon from taking off safely.
Is There an Age Limit for Participating in the Activity?
The activity has age limits – it’s suitable for adults aged 13 to 99 and children aged 5 to 12, but not for those under 4. Pregnant women and individuals with mobility issues are also unable to participate.
Can I Request a Specific Seat Assignment on the Balloon?
No, passengers cannot request specific seat assignments on the hot air balloon. The seating is arranged by the pilot to ensure proper weight distribution and balance for a safe and enjoyable flight experience for all participants.
Do I Need to Sign Any Waivers or Release Forms Before the Flight?
Yes, participants typically need to sign waivers or release forms before hot air balloon flights. These documents acknowledge the inherent risks and release the operator from liability. It’s a standard safety requirement for this type of activity.
Recap
The Custer: Black Hills Hot Air Balloon Flight at Sunrise offers a truly breathtaking experience.
Soar over the stunning landscapes of the Black Hills, spot wildlife, and conclude with a celebratory champagne toast.
With professional pilots, exceptional service, and safety as the top priority, this unique adventure creates unforgettable memories amidst nature’s beauty.
Don’t miss the chance to embark on this exhilarating hot air balloon experience.
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