Trying to capture the magic of soaring over South Dakota’s scenic Black Hills in a hot air balloon? Well, this tour from Custer offers just that—and more. Based on hundreds of glowing reviews, it’s clear that this experience holds a special place in many travelers’ hearts. We’ll walk you through what to expect, why it’s worth considering, and how to get the most out of your adventure.
What we love about this tour? First, the stunning sunrise views over the Black Hills create a truly memorable spectacle. Second, the professional guides and crew make safety and comfort their top priorities, which is vital since this is an early-morning adventure. Third, the extra touches, like Champagne to toast your flight, add a celebratory feel that elevates the experience.
One thing to keep in mind? Since flights depend on weather conditions, and cancellations can happen for safety reasons, flexibility in planning your trip is key. Plus, this tour does not include hotel transfers, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.
Who is this suited for? If you love breathtaking scenery, enjoy peaceful, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and don’t mind early mornings, this tour is a perfect choice. It’s also suitable for families with children aged 4 and up, provided they are accompanied by an adult.
Key Points
- Early morning sunrise flights guarantee the most spectacular views and a peaceful atmosphere.
- Professional pilots and ground crew ensure safety, efficiency, and a welcoming experience.
- Stunning panoramic views of the Black Hills, including landmarks like Crazy Horse and local wildlife, are the main attractions.
- Includes Champagne toast, light snacks, and bottled water, adding a celebratory touch to the flight.
- Weather-dependent; cancellations are possible but handled smoothly with rescheduling or refunds.
- Convenient meeting point in Custer simplifies logistics, with no need for extra transportation arrangements.
An In-Depth Look at the Experience
Looking for more options in Custer? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Booking and Planning
Since the tour is highly booked—averaging 43 days in advance—you’ll want to plan early if you’re set on a specific sunrise date. Priced at $375 per person, it’s an investment in a unique perspective of the Black Hills landscape. The booking process is straightforward, and confirmation arrives via email or text the day before, updating you on weather conditions and flight status. Keep in mind, it’s a mobile ticket, so no printing required.
Meeting Point and Preparation
The experience kicks off at 747 Mt Rushmore Rd in Custer, a central and easy-to-find location. From there, the crew transports you to the launch site. Before takeoff, you’ll participate in a brief safety talk—important for first-timers—and get ample opportunities for photos as the balloon is inflated. Many reviewers mention how smooth and well-organized the process is, which helps ease any pre-flight nerves.
The Flight Itself
Once airborne, you’ll glide gently over the Black Hills National Forest for about an hour. The silence at altitude is striking, interrupted only by the occasional burst of burner flames. As one reviewer noted, “the flight and ground crews were efficient, professional, and informative,” making it both relaxing and educational. The views are the real star—panoramic vistas that include landmarks like the Crazy Horse monument, the surrounding woodland, and perhaps even wildlife like deer seen from above.
Many who are afraid of heights find that the smoothness of ballooning, combined with the serene environment, makes the experience surprisingly calming. “It was so smooth, I wasn’t scared at all,” one reviewer shared, highlighting how approachable this adventure can be even for first-timers.
Landing and Celebration
After landing, the crew quickly packs up the balloon while you enjoy light snacks, bottled water, and a toast with Champagne. This celebratory moment is often described as a highlight—a chance to reflect on the beauty below and share stories with new friends. The stories from pilots like Damien and Mike reveal a genuine passion for the Black Hills and a commitment to safety, which reassures many first-time balloonists.
Cancellations and Weather Safety
Weather plays a crucial role; flights depend on clear, calm conditions. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the crew will cancel or reschedule. Reviewers appreciated how transparent the company is—sometimes the fog or wind simply won’t permit a safe flight, but the team communicates promptly, and full refunds are offered if cancellation occurs.
The Real Value: Why It’s Worth the Price
At $375 per person, this tour might seem upscale, but most reviewers agree it’s a worthwhile splurge. Considering the included Champagne toast, light snacks, and the exclusive nature of sunrise ballooning, the price reflects a premium experience. For many, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the Black Hills from an angle few get to enjoy—quiet, elevated, and utterly beautiful.
The early start means you’ve got the rest of the day free afterward, which is perfect for exploring nearby attractions or relaxing. Plus, booking in advance not only secures your spot but also helps you avoid the stress of last-minute planning when you’re already on vacation.
Detailed Tour Breakdown
Stop 1: Black Hills Balloons Meeting Point
Your adventure begins at the centrally located spot in Custer, SD. From here, the crew transports you to the launch site—an area specially prepared for safe balloon inflation. Reviewers love how organized the process is; “the ground crew kicked ass,” one says, highlighting their professionalism.
During the inflation, you’ll get to see the giant balloon being prepared, often with opportunities for photos. The safety briefing covers what to expect, what to do during takeoff and landing, and how to behave during the flight. Many guests comment that the entire setup is smooth and leaves them feeling well-prepared.
Stop 2: The Flight Over Black Hills
Once airborne, you’ll enjoy about an hour of gentle, silent flight—an experience many describe as meditative. The views stretch for miles in every direction, revealing the rugged beauty of the Black Hills. Some reviews mention spotting local wildlife, such as deer and other livestock, from above, which adds a lively touch to the scenery.
Guides like Damien and Mike are praised for their knowledge and humor, sharing stories about the area’s history and the origins of hot air ballooning. Their professionalism and friendly attitude help make the flight less intimidating and more engaging.
Post-Flight Celebration
After touching back down, the crew quickly packs up the balloon, while you indulge in light snacks and a Champagne toast. Many reviewers mention how the celebratory atmosphere makes the experience feel even more special. The crew’s stories and jokes often turn the quiet flight into a fun, memorable event.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience is perfect for those seeking breathtaking scenery without the physical demands of hiking or driving to viewpoints. The peaceful nature of ballooning makes it especially appealing to travelers craving calm and serenity. It’s also ideal for families with children aged 4 and above, provided they’re accompanied by an adult.
If you’re a photography enthusiast, the panoramic views and early morning light will reward you with stunning shots. And if you’re celebrating a special occasion—anniversary, birthday, or just a personal milestone—this toast will add an extra layer of celebration.
FAQs
Is this tour weather dependent? Yes. Flights depend on safe weather conditions like clear skies and calm winds. If weather is unsuitable, the tour will be canceled or rescheduled with a full refund or alternative date.
What is included in the price? The fee covers the hot air balloon flight, a glass of Champagne, bottled water, and all taxes and fees.
Are there age restrictions? Yes. The minimum age is 4 years old, and children must be accompanied by an adult.
How long does the entire experience last? Expect approximately 2 to 3 hours, with about an hour of actual flight time plus prep and post-flight celebrations.
Do I need to bring anything? Comfortable clothing suitable for early morning and potential cool temperatures. No specific gear is required.
Is there a group size limit? Yes. The tour caps at 20 travelers, ensuring a personal experience.
Can I cancel if the weather isn’t good? Yes. Full refunds are available if canceled more than 24 hours in advance or if the weather cancels the flight.
What if I have height concerns? Many reviewers with height fears found the experience surprisingly smooth and calming, thanks to a stable basket and gentle flight.
Is transportation provided? No, you need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.
Final Words
This hot air balloon ride over the Black Hills offers a rare chance to see South Dakota’s natural beauty from a peaceful, elevated perspective. With experienced pilots, a scenic route, and thoughtful touches like Champagne, it’s a premium experience that many say is worth every penny. It’s especially suited for those who love serene landscapes, early mornings, and memorable photo opportunities.
If you’re after a gentle adventure that combines stunning views with a sense of celebration, this tour could very well become one of your trip’s highlights. Just remember to book early, keep an eye on the weather, and prepare to enjoy a truly majestic flight.