- Home
- Things To Do
- Hot Air Ballooning
Hot Air Ballooning
Utah Hot Air Balloon Festivals
- Bluff Balloon Festival - January | Bluff, Utah
- Up & Away Hot Air Balloon and Music Festival - January | Washington, Utah
- Kanab Balloons and Tunes Festival - February | Kanab, Utah
- Eyes to the Sky Balloon Festival - June | Salina, Utah
- Panguitch Valley Balloon Rally - June | Panguitch, Utah
- Springville Art City Days - June | Springville, Utah
- America's Freedom Festival - July | Provo, Utah
- Dinah SOAR Days - August | Vernal, Utah
- Sandy Balloon Festival - August | Sandy, Utah
- Utah Hot Air Balloon Palooza - September | Murray, Utah
Go With a Guide
Not in town for a festival? You can still take to the skies with a hot air balloon guide. From Ogden to St. George, Utah's hot air balloon guides offer sunrise rides, tethered rides, private and shared rides. Just be sure to book in advance.
"May the winds welcome you with softness. May the sun bless you with its warm hands. May you fly so high and so well that God joins you in laughter, and sets you gently back into the loving arms of Mother Earth."
– "The Balloonist's Prayer," Author Unknown
What is a "balloon glow"?
A "balloon glow," "night glow" or "glow-in" is a popular attraction at many hot air balloon festivals. Typically beginning around sunset, many of the participating balloons will tether to the ground in a select spot, and each will take turns firing up their burner. As night descends, the glow of the balloons creates a spectacular sight. It's also a great opportunity to observe the balloons up close, which is particularly fun for kids.
At Dinah "Soar" Days in Vernal, the night glow is set up along Vernal's Main Street.
Photo: Geoff Liesik
Stories to Inspire Your Travel
-
7 Skiing Tips for More Fun on the Mountain
Written By Alexandra Lev
4 minute read
Skiing is one of the most exciting sports on earth, especially with the right gear, a good attitude and some lesson time.
-
Utah's Kid Ski Culture
5 minute read
Utah is happy to help you support your future skier or rider, and make things fun for parents, too. Read our guide to teaching kids to ski and plan a trip.
-
AndShesDopeToo's Insider's Guide to Ogden
Written By Visit Utah
5 minute read
AndShesDopeToo is a worldwide adventure community of women run by Jennifer and Taylor Killian from Ogden, Utah. This insider's guide video highlights their unparalleled access to both the outdoors and the city's "fun counterculture vibe" at the foot of the mighty Wasatch Mountains.
-
Arrive by Train
Written By Tim Sullivan
15 minute read
Follow author Tim Sullivan and his eight-year-old daughter as they travel by train, bus and bike on a "pilgrimage" to Golden Spike National Historic Site.
-
Dinosaurland Top 5
Written By Visit Utah
3 minute read
Vernal, Utah, is an adventure base camp to the best of eastern Utah. Uintah County around Vernal — called Dinosaurland — is home to diverse outdoor recreation and natural history at three state parks, Dinosaur National Monument and countless trailheads to the Ashley National Forest.
-
A Stroll Up Bear Lake's Limber Pine Trail: A Quick-Hit Classic
Written By Matcha
4 minute read
The Limber Pine Nature Trail is an easy, 1.2-mile loop is perfect for families and beginner hikers. This short hike is one of the best ways to get expansive views of the Bear River Range.
-
12 Family-Friendly Activities Near SLC
Written By Matcha
4 minute read
From roller coasters to ski slopes, discover 12 fun family activities in and around Salt Lake City.
-
Utah’s Scenery Offers A Backdrop for Inclusive Family Camping
Written By Nushin Huq
5 minute read
While Utah is known for its amazing outdoors, it also has resources that ensure that families and individuals of all abilities can access these places.
-
Legacy and Craft
Written By Austen Diamond
4 minute read
Three of Glen Thompson’s custom leather horse saddles are fitting examples of craftsmanship and a Utah folk art tradition. See more at the Chase Home Museum.
-
Time Traveling at Ogden's George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park
Written By Matcha
4 minute read
Many have dreamed of exploring jungles and forests only to discover a land filled with dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes? The George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park is the place to bring that dream to life, with 100-plus exhibits and realistic, full-sized dinosaur replicas, capturing the imagination of young and old alike.
-
8 Reasons Why Ski School Is Cool
Written By Paula Colman
4 minute read
Ski school is cool, and it’s where beginners to experts find the secrets to skiing (and Utah’s secret powder stashes). Learn to ski the entire resort.
-
The Story of Starvation Reservoir
Written By Matcha
Sprawling waters and local legends at Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation.
-
The Hunt for Tavaputs Ranch
Written By Darby Doyle
18 minute read
Spectacular skies, off-road adventures and abundant wildlife in remote central Utah at Tavaputs Ranch.
-
More than Downhill Skiing
Written By Matcha
4 minute read
Winter in the Ogden Valley showcases some of the best of Northern Utah, from backcountry trails to downtown eats and events. No matter what kind of winter adventure you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it in Ogden.
-
When to Ski and Eat and Play in Utah
Written By Paula Colman
5 minute read
From Thanksgiving to Memorial Day, travelers come to Utah to enjoy all that Mountain Time offers, but when is the best to time visit? The answer is: OFTEN!
-
A Matter of Geological Consent
Written By Darby Doyle
7 minute read
A billion years of geological history surrounds Salt Lake City, where a modern landscape reflects ancient constraints.
-
The Spiral Jetty, Utah’s Most Iconic Land Art Sculpture, Keeps Drawing a Crowd
Written By Elaine Jarvik
7 minute read
In April 1970, it took six days, 625 man-hours, 292 truck-hours, $9,000, and 6,500 tons of basalt, limestone and mud for Robert Smithson to construct the Spiral Jetty. His work still stands today. Visit and be inspired by this iconic piece of Utah's land art.
-
15 Non-Technical Slot Canyons
Written By Whitney Childers
7 minute read
You don’t have to be Spider-Man to explore some of the best slot canyons Utah has to offer. You just need to be ready for an adventure in tight spaces with huge photographic rewards
-
Journey Through Utah's History at This Is The Place Heritage Park
Written By Matcha
3 minute read
This Is The Place Heritage Park has a major place in Utah’s history — quite literally.
-
Hiking Southern Utah with Younger Children: Tips for Family Friendly Adventure
Find safety tips, side activities and kid-friendly hikes in Utah with our special guide to hiking Southern Utah with children. Read now!
-
Field Notes: Backpacking With Children
Written By Tim Sullivan
2 minute read
Author Tim Sullivan shares his tips and tricks on backpacking with his young children.
-
Strawberry Reservoir: Ripe for All Kinds of Anglers
Written By Matcha
With trophy-sized cutthroats and rainbows, large populations of aquatic insects and ample wade fishing opportunities, Strawberry Reservoir — affectionately called "the Berry" — really does have something for every angler’s tastes.
-
Explore Antelope Island's Fielding Garr Ranch
Volunteers Beth and Dennis Simonsen show visitors around the historic Fielding Garr Ranch complex on Antelope Island State Park in Northern Utah.
-
Salt Lake City’s Must-See Street Art
Written By Sara Hobbs
4 minute read
Salt Lake City, Utah has more than 80 murals and art installations to discover. Come and see how these urban street artists showcase their own flavor and perspective.
-
Family and Budget Guide to the One and Only Ski City: Salt Lake
Written By Kristen Pope
6 minute read
With 11 family-friendly resorts nearby, Salt Lake City skiing, dining and entertainment options make Utah one of the best ski destinations in the western U.S.