Western Horizons Hot Air Balloon rides in Rapid City, United States
Rapid City, United States

Western Horizons Hot Air Balloon rides

Outty Ranking 67 5.0 · 42 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $395
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Outty Ranking

67/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 42 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Western Horizons Hot Air Balloon rides worth booking?

Western Horizons Hot Air Balloon rides is a 2-hour experience in Rapid City, United States, from $395 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 42 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
67 / 100
Rating
5/5 (42)
Duration
2 hours
From
$395 per person

Western Horizons Hot Air Balloons offers breathtaking panoramic views of the beautiful Southern Black Hills of South Dakota. Our hot air balloon rides last approximately one hour. The entire experience from pre-flight set up to post-flight refreshments can last from 2 to 3 hours. We fly out of Hot Springs, SD, just after sunrise, weather permitting.

What you get

    About this experience

    Western Horizons Hot Air Balloons offers breathtaking panoramic views of the beautiful Southern Black Hills of South Dakota. Our hot air balloon rides last approximately one hour. The entire experience from pre-flight set up to post-flight refreshments can last from 2 to 3 hours. We fly out of Hot Springs, SD, just after sunrise, weather permitting.

    What's included

    Included

    • Snacks

    What you'll see and do

    1. Western Horizons Hot Air Balloons offers a unique adventure and an opportunity to experience stunning panoramic views of the Southern Black Hills and the expansive prairie of Western South Dakota. On our flights, we frequently see deer, wild turkeys, waterfowl, and other wildlife. Upon safely landing, you will celebrate your flight with the traditional champagne toast (or non-alcoholic substitute) and post-flight hors d' oeuvres while listening to a little bit of ballooning history from your pilot. You will also receive a personalized flight certificate and a digital (electronic) copy of your picture taken in-flight to end your memorable adventure. Our typical flight lasts approximately 1 hour. The entire experience from pre-flight set up to post-flight refreshments can last from 2 to 3 hours. Book your adventure at www.flywesternhorizons.com.

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Rapid City

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 5 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Western Horizons Hot Air Balloons

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Minimum age to participate is 6 years old.

    Photos

    Looking up into the balloon., Western Horizons Hot Air Balloon rides in Rapid CityWinter flying at its BEST!, Western Horizons Hot Air Balloon rides in Rapid CityWestern Horizons Hot Air Balloon rides in Rapid City, photo 4Western Horizons Hot Air Balloon rides in Rapid City, photo 5Western Horizons Hot Air Balloon rides in Rapid City, photo 6Western Horizons Hot Air Balloon rides in Rapid City, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 42 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    5 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    4 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    The guide

    2 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Traveler reviews

    42 verified traveler reviews for Western Horizons Hot Air Balloon rides. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    42
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    704hollyg · October 2026

    Fantastic flight!

    We had an amazing flight with Petra this morning! She was extremely knowledgeable and capable, highly recommend!!

    via Tripadvisor

    Shawn_M · September 2026

    Exceeding expectations

    It was great and very professional! The winds were very light that day so we didn’t go that far but the experience was amazing. Our five year-old son enjoyed it very much and my wife thought it was just great. I’ve been on two other balloon rides before and this was amazing. The balloon company owner, Petra was our pilot and she was great. Safety was the main priority and the safety briefing did take just a couple minutes, but it was well worth the time and added to the comfort of the experience. I would highly recommend this tour to any of my friends or family, we had a wonderful time. The balloon chase crew took great care of us!

    Response from the operator: Shawn, thank you so much for your kind words and for flying with Western Horizons Hot Air Balloons! We are so happy you enjoyed your experience with us!

    via Viator

    959maressam · August 2026

    AMAZING!

    Absolutely incredible experience! I went with my mom during our first trip to South Dakota, and this was definitely one of the major highlights of our visit! Pilots Petra and Shawn, along with their entire team, were extremely knowledgeable, professional, and so much fun. We felt completely safe and comfortable throughout the flight. Communication during booking and whenever we had questions was seamless. The flight itself was relaxing, enjoyable, and truly surreal. The views were breathtaking and indescribable, our photos are incredible, but they still don’t do the experience justice! We also loved gathering together afterward, when Petra shared the fascinating history of hot-air ballooning while we enjoyed some treats. It was an unforgettable experience from beginning to end, and I highly recommend flying with them!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words and for flying with Western Horizons Hot Air Balloons! We are so happy you enjoyed your experience with us!

    via Tripadvisor

    AnnMarie_M · August 2026

    Incredible Journey

    Oh my gosh!!! What an amazing experience!! The balloon ride my daughter and I were on included the two of us and the pilots. We made an incredible journey through the wilderness of pines on the black hills. The sunrise and views were breathtaking and the feeling of floating was exactly my speed! Since it was just the two of us, we had a very intimate back and forth of questions/answers and conversation. Sean is very knowledgeable about South Dakota, landscape and wildlife. It was exciting to see how passionate Petra is about ballooning. We learned so much about how height and wind along with heat determines direction and speed… She even shared the history of the start of ballooning as we celebrated the end of our experience with champagne and snacks. I highly recommended this experience through Western Horizons Hot Air Balloons!

    Response from the operator: Ann Marie, thank you so much for your kind words and for flying with Western Horizons Hot Air Balloons! We are so happy you enjoyed your experience with us!

    via Viator

    F8335AFtinal · July 2025

    Amazing!

    I highly recommend Western Horizons Hot Air Balloon rides. Petra and her crew made this bucket list experience beyond my expectations!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words and for flying with Western Horizons Hot Air Balloons! We are so happy you enjoyed your experience with us!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    2 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    15
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Why this scores 67

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)96
    Review evidence (18% weight)59
    Booking momentum (14% weight)52
    Value for money (12% weight)0
    Listing quality (10% weight)66
    Local standing (8% weight)65
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Western Horizons Hot Air Balloon rides: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rapid City.

    How much does Western Horizons Hot Air Balloon rides cost?

    +

    Prices start at $395 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Rapid City usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Western Horizons Hot Air Balloon rides take?

    +

    Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Rapid City is not rushed.

    Is Western Horizons Hot Air Balloon rides worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 42 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Rapid City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Western Horizons Hot Air Balloon rides?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Western Horizons Hot Air Balloon rides suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Western Horizons Hot Air Balloon rides?

    +

    Around 15 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Rapid City can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Rapid City and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Western Horizons Hot Air Balloon rides start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Rapid City within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Rapid City?

    +

    Rapid City is the base for Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse tours, Badlands National Park loops, Custer State Park wildlife drives and Black Hills cave visits. On Outty we rank every Rapid City experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Mount Rushmore and Black Hills Tour with Two Meals and a Music Variety Show, Bus Tour of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills, Private Tour of Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Rapid City?

    +

    May to September, with Sturgis crowding early August. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Rapid City?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Western Horizons Hot Air Balloon rides?

    +

    Included: Snacks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    What languages is Western Horizons Hot Air Balloon rides offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Western Horizons Hot Air Balloon rides?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Western Horizons Hot Air Balloon rides wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Western Horizons Hot Air Balloon rides if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Western Horizons Hot Air Balloon rides?

    +

    Across 42 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

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