Additional Information
Are hot air balloon rides safe?
Hot air balloons are FAA registered aircraft which follow safety and maintenance standards, just like a commercial airliner. Your pilot is licensed and trained according to FAA standards and is fully insured. He routinely attends safety seminars and continuing education. SAFETY FIRST!
Medical concerns?
If in doubt, we ask that you consult your physician about a balloon flight. Most landings are very smooth, but occasionally the winds pick up and we can have a fast (sometimes spirited and exciting) landing. We do not recommend a hot air balloon adventure for the following: • Pregnancy – Not Allowed • Anyone with a recent or upcoming surgery • Anyone with neck, leg or back injury.
• Anyone who can't stand over an hour, not able to hold on and brace for landing.
Why only fly at sunrise?
Flying at sunrise is when the air is most stable. Wind variances typically increase as the day goes on.
Where do we meet?
Directions to Chatfield State Park: From I-25, take 470 west to Wadsworth, exit at Wadsworth, proceed south on Wadsworth to Chatfield State Recreation Area. Turn left into park. From I-70, either take I-25 south to 470 and follow previous instructions, or take I-70 west to 470 south to Wadsworth, exit at Wadsworth, proceed south on Wadsworth to Chatfield State Recreation Area. Turn left into park. Please do not input Chatfield State Park into your GPS as it will take you to the park office on the other side of the lake. Instead, use these coordinates for the launch site parking lot:
Please Note: When you arrive at the park in the morning, there will probably not be anyone at the entrance booth collecting money. Go to the self-service billboard just past the booth where you can pay the fee and get your pass. The pass is good for one day only—you may be ticketed if you do not have one. The fee is a $10.00/day park entrance fee, or you can use your annual parks pass.
How long will our adventure last?
We recommend planning for 3 to 3 1/2 hours total time. Your flight will be 45 to 60 plus minutes, depending on where our landing site will be. We offer a post flight celebration which typically includes mimosas (non-alcohol available), pastries, yogurt and fruit.
How many people will fit in the basket and are there any size or weight restrictions?
We can accommodate 2 to 6 passengers. Our baskets are state of the art equipment featuring doors, no climbing over to get in! For safety reasons, at the time of booking we do ask weight information. This gives us the best opportunity to accommodate our total group load and stay within the weight limitation set by the balloon size.
What should I wear?
Dress in layers, mornings can be chilly, but will warm up quickly. Most of the time we will land near road or walking path, but, on occasion we may have to walk out of a remote field. We recommend hiking boots or athletic closed toed shoes. No Sandals.
What will we see?
Within minutes after lifting off you soon will enjoy spectacular views in every direction. You will have a view of downtown Denver as well as the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Chatfield State Park is very scenic, from the air as well as on the ground. A part of the flight will be close to the ground or just above trees. You may see wildlife such as deer, fox, coyote and a variety of birds including Bald Eagle!
What if I have motion sickness or afraid of heights?
Passengers that have expressed a fear of heights felt very comfortable in a hot air balloon soon after lift off. Balloon flights are smooth. Close your eyes…you won’t sense the balloon's motion at all.
How do you steer a hot air balloon, how high will we go?
Hot air balloons float with the wind. Your pilot will explore a variety of altitudes during the flight, from just above the treetops to as high as 3,000 feet. By changing altitudes, your pilot is able to change direction by finding different layers in wind currents. Pilots can only control how the balloon goes up and down.
What about a gratuity?
Our Crew is dedicated, and provide an excellent service and a memorable experience. Tipping is customary in our industry, 10-15% is average, but please remember that this is at your discretion. Our crew is always greatly appreciative. For your convenience, a gratuity may be added to your credit card after the flight.
What about inclement weather?
Weather is a primary factor in ballooning. You will receive a phone call or text the night before your flight informing you about your morning flight. If we do have to cancel the flight because of weather conditions, there is no charge to our passengers. We will do our best to reschedule your flight.
What if we need to cancel our reservation?
We require a 48-hour cancellation notice. If your reservations are not cancelled prior to this time you may be charged the full amount of the flight. If your flight is cancelled by Cloudbase Balloons, llc due to inclement weather or other circumstances beyond our control, there will be no charge. We will then do our best to reschedule another date. Cloudbase Balloons, llc reserves the right to cancel, postpone or delay any flight due to safety considerations.
Do you have a waiver form that I can read before my balloon flight?
Yes. You can download the waiver, print one for each passenger, read, sign and bring with you for your flight. We do have these waivers available at Chatfield State Park as well. To Download or View PDF click here.