Does anyone know if there are any hot air balloon trips in Napa CA that are later in the day (not dawn)?

Question

All the ones I have seen only take place in the early am.

Answer 1

Almost all hotair balloons do an early-morning takeoff, to take advantage of the rising thermals (as the sun heats the earth, there is a lot of heat reflected, which assists in the balloon lifting to altitude).

Your best bet would be to call one of the companies (in your area, there are probably quite a few) and ask if they are willing to schedule something for later in the day. Depending on what your needs are (and of course, how much you are willing to pay) they would probably be prepared to accomodate you.

I have taken (many MANY years ago) a night-time balloon flight over Toronto....was incredibly exciting to see the city lit up like that, floating soundlessly over top....but was also very expensive (as I recall, 4 or 5 times what it cost for a 'normal' flight)

Answer 2

I live in Napa too, and what everyone else said is correct. They explained it to us last year when we took our balloon ride. But, in the summer or fall every once in a while you'll see a couple in the afternoon. It all depends on the temp and weather. We took ours through Balloons Above The Valley. I know they have a website. But seriously, take the early morning one if you can, and try to get the second wave, the sun is up more then and it's totally beautiful! It's cold when they're prepping the balloons, and they tell you to dress warm (and do that! Don't be embarrassed!). Once you're up in the air it's not cold because of the heaters.

The way it worked is that everybody booked for that morning showed up for breakfast stuff at a place in Yountville, then we were loaded into vans and taken to the launching site which was a parking lot. It was still dark at 5:30 a.m. Half of us were told we were either first or second flights. We were second. So the first flights take off and we wait. Then when the first flights are about to touch down they put you in vans and you go on the "chase". Our balloon landed in a remote vineyard. Then those people got off, our vanload got on, and we took off and flew over Napa to south Napa. We hit 2000 feet and could even see not only upvalley, but the Golden Gate! It's very cool. So ask for that second flight. And take lots of pics!

Answer 3

I would agree with Ron R. I live in Napa and I don't think I have ever seen them coming down the valley, past 8am. I live almost at the bottom of the Napa VAlley where they land. And that is the only time of day I ever see them. according to balloons above the valley website, they chose the early dawn hours due to the winds. it is most calm here in napa early in the morning.

best bet is to call the ballooon operators.