FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Text/Call 970-946-4450
• Email: PagosaAdventure@gmail.com
• Facebook Messenger: Pagosa Adventure

• Hot Air Balloon Rides: Walmart in Pagosa Springs, Colorado
• Rafting: Green & Blue Bus at 275 East Highway 160 (next to the Everyday Gas Station and across from Rif Raff on the Rio)

The flight lasts approximately 30-45 minutes, however, you should anticipate the entire activity to take 3-4 hours.

• Envelope – Fabric material that contains the “hot air”.
• Basket/Gondola – Woven wicker basket where passengers/pilot stands.
• Burner – Loud, heat-producing blasters above the basket.
• Chase Crew- Ground crew members who meet at the landing spot.
• Redline – Not always red, vent line to let heat out of the balloon.
• Tanks – Stainless steel or aluminum tanks filled with propane.
• Lines – Fuel hoses taking propane from tanks to burners.
• Fan- Propeller inflation fan, inflates envelope with cold air.
• Going Hot- Means the burners will be ignited and the air inside the balloon heated.
• Splash and Dash- When the balloon skims the top of a body of water before rising into the air again. 

Flying is a great activity for most ages. We do discourage riders under 5 years old as it is difficult to see over the basket and most younger children fear the noise of the burner.

Usually, no. If you have concerns, please do not hesitate to give us a call at 970-946-4450.

All flights are weather dependent. A flight may be canceled for rain, snow, cloud coverage, wind, or fog. Winds are most calm at sunrise and sunset.

Our pilots check Flight Services, NOAA, local and national weather and in the moment on field aeronautical decision making for weather.

Each passenger must be able to get in and out of the basket and be able to stand for 1 hour.

Pagosa Adventure has a fleet of hot air balloons with options that range from a 2 person private basket to 6-12 person shared basket.

Two 1/2 hour flights may be booked back to back. 

Please note: if two flights back to back are booked, this does not effect your flight time

Hot air balloon rides can be done year-round.

Good closed-toed shoes are a must!

Make sure to remember your camera! The photo opportunities are unbelievable. We always recommend dressing in layers. The mornings begin cold (hats and gloves are encouraged). By the end of the flight, it is warm enough for a t-shirt. Hiking boots or tennis shoes are also recommended. Remember to bring sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen.

Most people do not feel motion sickness because the basket and envelope move with the wind.

Summer is our busiest season, so we recommend you book your flight as soon as you make your travel plans.

Tipping is always appreciated and will be split between the chase crew.

It is unlikely that you will fall in the river and swim, however, basic swimming ability is required.

Be prepared to be wet: swimsuit or fast drying clothes, secure shoes that can get wet flip-flops not acceptable, hat for sun protection, splash gear, and life jackets are provided.

A water bottle, sunscreen, and sunglasses with strap.

Your phone, jewelry, wallet, and car keys.

You can contact us and we will help you decide on which rafting adventure is best for you.

May, June, and the first part of July. Peak flows occur in late May and early June while the water is still cold. This is the best time for white water thrills.

Mid-July and August are warmer, but the water level is much lower. Once the river drops below 400cfs rafting closes and tubing is open.

Undoubtedly, yes. Raft trips fill up quickly and space is limited. Online reservations are the easiest to make.

Typically, we open reservations in March. If you are planning your trip now, contact us and we can schedule you tentatively.

Once official reservations are open, we will give you a call back and book.

We request that you arrive 15 minutes before your departure time for check-in, preparation, and life jacket fitting.

If your guide has done a great job at making your adventure an experience, you will never forget to tip.

Yes, however, minors need a specific release signed by their parents. If a minor is accompanying your party without their parents, a signed waiver from their parents must be present.

Rafting Trips may be canceled 24 hours prior to departure. A full refund minus $25.00 per person will be offered. Canceled trips within 24 hours of departure are non-refundable.

Hot Air Ballooning

There is a $25.00 cancellation fee per person for flights canceled more than 48 hours prior to launch time. There is no refund available If canceled within 48 hours. THIS EXCLUDES FLIGHT CANCELLATIONS DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER.