It was one of the coolest things we have ever done. It is so peaceful. I thought I might be affraid, but there is really nothing scary about it. Our Pilot "Walter", had a lot of great stories and made everyone feel comfortable. Don't miss it if you have a chance.
bluenwhite - Dallas, TX |
Fantastic time, the kids loved it! Our pilot Walter was straight out of central casting. A bit of adventure, amazing views and best of all a smooth landing!
GChert - Cambridge, Massachusetts |
We went with Black Hills Balloons earlier this summer and are very happy we did. We booked a few months in advance. They suggested we book the trip earlier in our vacation incase it needed to be cancelled due to weather we could reschedule. We called the night before to confirm and the weather was good so we met the next morning around 5:30 am. They toss up a small balloon to see which way the wind is blowing and then determine what the route will be.
We started southwest of Custer State Park and flew over the Black Hills National Forest. We were up in the air around 6:30 and the ride itself was about 50 minutes. We then had champagne, cheese and muffins with the staff and participants in the other balloon. The story they tell about why we have champagne after a hot air balloon ride is quite interesting and really added to the trip. We were back between 8:00 and 8:30.
I must have come up with my own preconceived expectations of the trip which somewhat disappointed me:
1) That we would be going up at sunrise - we went up about 1 hour after sunrise. But in order to be ready to go we were up early enough to watch the sunrise and it was gorgeous!
2) That we would see Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and the Wild Life Loop we didn't fly that direction so all we saw was Crazy Horse quite far in the distance.
I am the type of person who doesn't like heights, is slightly claustrophobic, and gets motion sickness and I was not bothered in the least. We were very high up (I think they said over 1000 feet), but it is more a feeling you get in an airplane vs climbing a high latter or looking over a high balcony/window. I think the balloons hold up to 12 people and you are divided into groups and stay in your own section of the basket, it was a little cramped, but I think the fact you are completely open from the waist/chest it didn't seem so bad. Being outside and getting fresh air also made it seem quite open. We had a very smooth ride so I did not feel motion sick at all, but I don't know if that is typical of all rides.
Other that being disappointed by my own expectations the trip itself was fabulous and I would highly recommend it. It was expensive for a family of four, but we considered it a trip of a lifetime. We always wanted to do a hot air balloon ride and the price itself is comparable to back home, so to have this experience in one of the most beautiful places in the world was well worth it.
g0ttakn0w - canada |
We are Aussies and it was on our list of things to do - a hot air balloon trip somewhere in the US. We chose Black Hills Balloons and we're so glad we did. We had the pleasure of meeting Steve and his crew in late June 2009, we were collected at the designated pick up place and taken to a very beautiful spot, watched the unloading and inflation of the beautiful balloon and what a way to see the countryside. It was spectacular and ended too soon (due to encroaching bad weather). Steve is very good, knows his job and does it well and at the end we had the traditional champagne toast plus a history lesson as to why we drink champagne at the end of a balloon flight. If you want to know, you'll have to go fly with Steve. Onya Steve and thank you for the experience of a lifetime.
CharlieMM - Townsville, Australia |
Black Hills Balloons Provides a great Hot Air Balloon ride in the Custer, SD area. It was a beautiful and exciting experience that I recommend to every one visiting that area.
Member - PHOENIX AZ |
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