Where and when do we meet?

We meet approximately a half-hour before sunrise. It can vary from 5:00 am to 7:30 am depending on the time of year; make sure you check via email or phone the evening before your flight.

Pilots meet passengers at the Black Hills Balloons Hangar, located at 747 Mt Rushmore Rd, Custer SD 57730. It is centrally located in the town of Custer, easy to find, with plenty of street parking nearby.

How long is the flight?

Your flight over the hills will last approximately one hour (based on weather and available landing sites). At times, flights can be as short as 45 minutes or as long as 1 hour and 45 minutes.

What will I see from the balloon? / Can you see Mount Rushmore?

Flying in a hot air balloon is one of the best ways to witness the Black Hills! Our flying area is in Custer County, in the Southern Black Hills. The area is full of mountains, valleys, lakes, and prairies. And every flight is different! We often view local wildlife like elk, antelope, whitetail deer, buffalo, and mule deer, all while drifting gently alongside other colorful balloons. The beautiful Black Hills is the only place in the world where you can witness such a historic, wild landscape and abundant wildlife from a hot air balloon.

We’re also often asked if we can see the area’s Memorials and Monuments from the air – on a typical flight we catch a glimpse of Crazy Horse Memorial, but rarely Mount Rushmore. Due to airspace restrictions, we aren’t allowed to fly in the area surrounding Mount Rushmore. It is also quite rugged around the Monument, so it’s not ideal for landing a hot air balloon. We recommend visiting Mount Rushmore National Memorial after the flight – order scoop of their famous ice cream, and spend some quality time in the museum. It’s a beautiful site and better viewed up-close, with a short walk along the Presidential Trail.

Why Sunrise?

Hot air balloons fly at sunrise because it’s when the winds and weather conditions are most stable. Not to mention, Sunrise is the most beautiful time of day.

What should I wear?

Dress for a hike in the woods. Closed-toed shoes and layers are recommended. NO OPENED-TOED SHOES. During the flight, the temperature should be no different than what you feel on the ground. A quick weather check can prepare you for the highs and lows of the day.  Dress for the low (before sunrise) and you’ll be in good shape.

What can I bring along?

A camera, of course! Also, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are recommended.

How high do we go?

Flight altitude varies daily, from treetops to a few thousand feet; allowing for the best views and steerage to the best available landing site.

Will I suffer from motion sickness?

Not likely. Hot air balloons go with the wind so there is very little sensation of movement. If you close your eyes, the balloon can gain hundreds of feet in elevation without notice.

Are there any restrictions as to whom can fly?

Due to insurance restrictions, we cannot fly pregnant women or children under 4. We also do not recommend flying if you have a broken bone or a recent injury. Please call and discuss any potential health restrictions prior to booking.

Is there a passenger weight limit?

Each balloon is rated to carry a combined passenger weight limit; so while each aircraft does have its limits, we don’t have an individual passenger limit. As long as you are physically capable of climbing into the basket and participating in the experience, we look forward to sharing the skies with you! At the time of booking, we’ll ask your weight solely so we can properly calculate our weights and balances for the day (it’s an aircraft thing), and assign passengers to their aircraft.

How many can fly?

Our balloons vary in size from 4 passengers to 12, giving us the opportunity to fly the balloon(s) best suited for the number of passengers booked each day. So whether you are a couple celebrating a birthday or a family reunion of 10, you’ll have the opportunity to fly together. Our largest balloons are outfitted with baskets that are divided into compartments, so each passenger will have a perfect view during the flight. Many times passengers who met that morning, join each other for breakfast after the flight, making fast friends while in the air.

What if I have to cancel my flight?

If you need to cancel or postpone your flight, we require 72 hours notice via phone or email. You will receive a full refund. If you do not provide sufficient notice or you do not show up for your scheduled flight, you will not receive a refund.

Is it ALWAYS flyable?

We wish! Ballooning is weather-dependent. Meaning, we only fly when the conditions are perfect for flight. If Mother Nature does not allow and we are forced to postpone your flight, it is only with your safety in mind. We have a 100% safety record and if in the opinion of our pilots, weather conditions are not suitable for safe flight operations, we will postpone your flight.

Because we want every opportunity to get you in the air, we recommend you provide a backup date when securing your reservation. Choosing a day early in your Black Hills visit will allow flexibility IF the weather does not cooperate on your scheduled day. If the weather forces us to cancel your flight and you are not able to re-book, your flight will be fully refundable.