The Pagosa Adventure Family
Marissa Myers
Owner/Chief PilotMarissa, born and raised in Pagosa Springs, was introduced to the world of hot air ballooning before she was born, with both parents owning ballooning companies. Marissa’s mom Colleen began flying in Pagosa Springs in 1985 and continues to fly in the southwest region to this day.
Immersed in the art of flight since birth, her passion for the craft of ascension was instilled early on. After pursuing a career in nursing, Marissa made the bold decision to follow her true calling—hot air ballooning. Leaving the nursing profession, she is now dedicated to chasing her dreams of sharing the joy of the skies with passengers, combining a lifetime of experience with her deep love for the skies.
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Marissa is the proud Chief Pilot and owner of Pagosa Adventure, where she combines her lifelong passion for hot air ballooning with her leadership skills. Having grown up in Pagosa Springs, surrounded by the world of hot air balloons, Marissa developed a deep love for the art of flight. As the head of Pagosa Adventure, she ensures that each guest experiences the thrill and beauty of ballooning, while maintaining the highest standards of safety and professionalism. Marissa’s hands-on approach and dedication to her craft have solidified Pagosa Adventure as the premier hot air balloon company in the region
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Marissa’s true passion lies in sharing joy with others, and hot air ballooning provides the perfect opportunity for that. As a young girl, she affectionately renamed Pagosa Peak “my mountain” and dreamed of owning a vast horse ranch, complete with a helicopter to commute daily to and from Pagosa Springs.
Today, those dreams have taken flight as she and Cody make ballooning a part of their everyday lives. When she’s not managing Pagosa Adventure, Marissa enjoys spending time with their three children, exploring the outdoors through hiking, boating, snowboarding, and traveling.
At Pagosa Adventure, Marissa’s specialty is ensuring that every passenger has a memorable and exceptional experience, making each flight an adventure to remember.
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Marissa’s favorites in Pagosa are:
- Restaurant: The Alley House
- Relaxation: Amber’s Alchemy- amazing massages
- Bar: Coyote Moon
- Ski Rental: Pagosa Ski
- Ski Run: Summer Day
- Hiking Trail: Pagosa Peak
- Scenic Drive: Pagosa Junction
Cody Myers
OwnerAlthough Cody wasn’t born and raised in Colorado, he made his way here as soon as he could. Cody grew up in Aledo, Texas, just outside Fort Worth, where he spent his childhood playing sports. He later pursued his academic passions, earning a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech and completing his postgraduate studies in Geology at TCU, with his thesis work taking him all the way to Svalbard. Now calling Colorado home, Cody brings his adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors to his daily life with Marissa and their family.
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After earning his Bachelor’s degree in Business from Texas Tech and later completing his Master’s in Geology at Texas Christian University, Cody discovered that his true passion lay in outdoor adventure. Today, Cody is an F.A.A. Licensed Commercial Hot Air Balloon Pilot and a Hot Air Balloon Pilot Instructor, combining his love for flight with his technical expertise. In addition to ballooning, Cody is a Certified Raft Guide and Guide Instructor, bringing his adventurous spirit to both the skies and rivers. His diverse skills and experience make him a vital part of the Pagosa Adventure team.
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Cody’s passion for adventure extends beyond ballooning and rafting—it’s about sharing the beauty of the outdoors with new and old friends alike. When he’s not soaring through the skies or navigating rivers, you can find him spending quality time with his family, playing Clue with his kids, skiing the slopes, strumming his guitar, riding dirt bikes, traveling to new places, or diving into a good book. One of his most thrilling adventures occurred while rafting, when he unexpectedly encountered a group of mountain lions drinking from the river—a moment that perfectly captures his adventurous spirit. And, of course, at Pagosa Adventure, Cody is known for his specialty: lifting the heavy things!
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Cody’s favorites in Pagosa are:
- Restaurant: For Breakfast: The Peak; Otherwise: Chavolo’s
- Relaxation: Overlook Hot Springs
- Bar: Coyote Moon
- Ski Rental: Pagosa Ski
- Ski Run: Shambala
- Hiking Trail: Piedra Falls
- Scenic Drive: Plumtah Road
Lorenzo Sosa
Crew Chief-
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Lorenzo Sosa’s passion for the outdoors runs deep, particularly in the stunning landscapes of Southwest Colorado, where he has spent much of his life exploring and appreciating nature. His love for the mountains, and wide-open skies fuels his enthusiasm as part of the Pagosa Adventure team, where he brings not only expertise but a deep connection to the environment. This passion acts as a vital puzzle piece for Pagosa Adventure, enriching every flight and raft trip and creating a truly immersive experience for our guests.
In addition to his role as Crew Chief and Spanish-speaking tour guide, Lorenzo’s personal life is closely tied to Pagosa Adventure—he is married to Shelby, our talented photographer, whose work beautifully captures the essence of each ballooning adventure. Together, they make a dynamic team, enhancing the experience for every visitor.
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Lorenzo’s favorites in Pagosa are:
- Restaurant: Rosie’s Pizza
- Relaxation: The Springs
- Bar: Riff Raff on the Rio
- Ski Rental: –
- Ski run: “Are you kidding me, I own my own skis?”
- Hiking Trail: “Anywhere in the mountains.”
- Scenic Drive: Williams Reservoir, Pagosa
“The Pagosa Adventure family has been in the Pagosa Springs, Colorado area since the mid-1980s. A love of adventure and the passion to share it with others is what guides our crew in making sure guests have the best time of their lives.”
Denise, Chase Crew
Denise came to us as a fan, a lover of the outdoors, with a desire for fun, and a hobby of all things balloons.
Denise is a native of New York, came to Colorado in the late 80’s, and has been a follower of balloon events dragging her family far for the pure joy of the colorful spectacles.
Addie, 12
Addy is an adventure seeker at heart and she is always up for something new.
During the summer, she can be found in/or near water. During the winter, she spends every second skiing she can.
When she grows up she wants to be a marine biologist.
Julian, 16
Julian enjoys spending their days on their grandparent’s ranch riding horses.
They are also an avid hunter.
During the winter, Julian dreams of riding their snowmobile every day. When they grow up they want to work on a ranch.
Jaiden, 17
Jaiden, the oldest of the adventure kids, is keen to lead the way.
From rafting to flying, Jaiden enjoys all adventures. When not on the river or in the sky, Jaiden loves to fish, hunt, and ride his snow machine.
When he grows up he wants to be a cardiothoracic surgeon.