Fly, Float and Fall

Fly, Float and Fall: Air Tour Guide

Even in a state of hikers, climbers, kayakers, swimmers and skiers, some people feel at home in the air-and, really, it makes sense. As we float, fly or fall, the state reveals itself as a wonderland of intricate structure. Lizards and rabbits dash under bushes, hawks and eagles soar on thermals, the cacophony of the streets below fades into a faint grid. Perspective grows and contemplation abounds. So consider these natural highs.

HOT AIR BALLOONING

Lift off gently to watch the sun rise over the red rocks of Sedona and savor the magnificent views and afterflight champagne.

Red Rock Balloon Adventures, Sedona. (800) 258-3754; www.redrockballoons.com.

Roping the Wind, Mesa. San Tan and Superstition mountains; (480) 807-0001; www.ropingthewind.com.

Zephyr Balloon, Phoenix. Sunrise flight; (480) 991-4260; www.azballoon.com.

SOARING

Sky King Soaring, Payson. Hop into a sailplane or motorglider and have a close encounter with a cloud while drifting over the Mogollon Rim, Tonto Natural Bridge or Payson. (480) 759-5464; www.skykingsoaring.com.

HANG-GLIDING

Take flight while hanging from a frame-and-fabric wing. Sound too risky? Never fear, hang-gliding schools offer tandem flights, with an instructor ready to take the controls. After all, gliding's a breeze-it's the landing that worries you. So let it worry the instructor while you enjoy the scenery.

Sky Masters School of Hang Gliding, Phoenix. Learn from the oldest hanggliding school in Arizona; (602) 867-6770; www. arizonahanggliding.info/.

Venture Flight, Prescott. Drift over history, forests and scenic Prescott; (928) 308-2409; www.ventureflight.com.

HELICOPTER TOURS

If you prefer a rotor and a floor, hop on a helicopter and tour Sedona or the Grand Canyon.

Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters, Grand Canyon Airport. (800) 528-2418; www.papillon.com.

Arizona Helicopter Tours, Sedona. (928) 282-0904; www.azheli.com.

SKYDIVING

Adrenaline junkies take note: Why fly when you can fall? Drifting on a breeze is dreamy, plummeting from 13,000 feet is a rush. For an extreme view of Arizona from the air, try these parachuting pros, who offer tandem jumps.

Skydive Arizona, Eloy. (520) 466-4777 or (800) 8585867; www.skydiveaz.com.

Skydive Marana, Marana. (520) 682-4441 or (800) 647-5867; www.skydivemarana.com.