Launch

We Launch from Historic Coloma, CA. Located on Highway 49, halfway between Placerville and Auburn. This is not flat land flying!

Coloma is home to one of the busiest whitewater rafting rivers in the Country. There are over 20 whitewater outfitters with 100,000 people boating the American River each year. We work with many of the area outfitters and can offer balloon & boating packages to make the most of your time in Coloma.

The area also has several Vineyards and produces many award winning wines! Most of the wineries offer free wine tasting and tours. We can provide you a map of the local vineyards for a post flight taste excursion or help you setup a tour with one of the local specialists.

Where We Meet:
We usually meet our clients at The EarthTrek Expeditions location at 7308 State Highway, in Lotus and launch from a private beach on the shore of the American River right next to the bridge crossing the American river on highway 49.

Map to Meeting Place:
Map to Meeting Place via Google Maps

Meeting Times:
We meet at Sunrise!  Please be prompt as we cannot delay the launch time.  Due to the weather requirements of hot air ballooning an early meeting time is critical for safe flying.  Remember to call in between 4:00pm and 6:00pm the night before the flight to verify weather conditions.

What to Wear/Bring:
Dress in layers as it will warm up later in the morning. Closed toe shoes, sorry no sandals. Camera with lots of film/memory. Sunscreen, mosquito repellant, hat, and happy face. Sorry, but no cell phones are allowed to be “on” in the basket unless previously arranged.