Boise’s Ultimate Must Do Activity: Every Local Must Try This!

Have you ever seen a hot air balloon? Have you ever wondered what it’s like to go up in one? If you were in the Boise area last week in the morning, you might have looked up and seen the beautiful hot air balloons we were lucky to have in the sky.

So many people are moving to Boise each year.  Boise is home to so many fun and unique activities, transplants may not even know where to begin! If you ask us, there are a ton of great options but one activity each Fall might just be the ultimate 'Boise bucket list' item!

The Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic was here last weekend, and it was incredible. Every Labor Day weekend, hot air balloons and their pilots from all over the U.S. gather at Ann Morrison Park and fly over the Boise Valley each morning. The colors of these balloons are amazing, and seeing them in the sky at the same time is even better! You MUST see them!

Take a look!

The process to actually get these balloons in the air is very precise. Before the balloons are even unpacked, a small balloon goes up to track the wind and air flows to ensure it is safe to fly.

The first step is to spread out the balloon and attach it to the basket. Each balloon is thoroughly inspected; they are made from the same fabric as firemen’s suits. After inspection, the balloon is inflated with a large fan and inspected even further. During this step, you can walk inside the balloon. Fun fact: a smaller balloon can hold 90,000 basketballs and is as tall as a three-story building.

Finally, it’s time to blow up the balloon with fire! The pilots lay the basket down and slowly blow fire into the balloon. As they do this, the balloon begins to lift, and they raise the basket so it’s time to hop in and take off.

Once in the air, the more fire you use, the higher you go. Surprisingly, when you’re in the air, it feels like you’re not moving—you’re really just gliding through the sky. Being in a hot air balloon is incredibly peaceful and surreal. The stories you hear and the people you meet are all part of the experience. If you ever get the chance to go up in a hot air balloon, take it and don’t look down!