Suckla Farms Balloonport

Dacono, US πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Closed Airport

ICAO

US-11187

IATA

-

Elevation

5050 ft

Region

US-CO

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: Not available

Local Code: Not available

Location: 40.0583Β° N, -104.891998Β° E

Continent: NA

Type: Closed Airport

Keywords: CO28

Terminal Information Not Available
Terminal arrivals and departures are only available for airports with scheduled commercial service and IATA codes.

External Links

Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

It appears that Suckla Farms Balloonport (US-11187) in Dacono, US, functions primarily as a launch and landing site for hot air balloon operations rather than a traveler-facing facility with its own dedicated reviews or amenities in the manner of an airport terminal. Extensive searches for "Suckla Farms Balloonport reviews" or "traveler experiences at Suckla Farms Balloonport" did not yield specific feedback directly associated with the balloonport itself.

Therefore, information regarding overall traveler sentiment, terminal facilities, amenities, cleanliness, security wait times, customs/immigration experience, transportation connections, or parking *specifically* for Suckla Farms Balloonport is not publicly available or applicable in the traditional sense.

General sentiment for hot air balloon experiences in the Northern Colorado region (which would include operations from Dacono) is overwhelmingly positive. Reviews for various hot air balloon companies operating in the wider area consistently highlight the following:

What Travelers Love (General Colorado Hot Air Balloon Experiences):

  • Spectacular Views: Travelers frequently praise the breathtaking panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains, Continental Divide, and local landscapes during sunrise flights.
  • Professional and Friendly Staff/Pilots: Many reviews emphasize the experienced, knowledgeable, and personable pilots and ground crews who contribute to a safe and enjoyable experience, often sharing interesting facts about the area and ballooning.
  • Peaceful and Memorable Experience: The tranquility of floating above the ground is a common highlight, described as a "magical adventure" and a "once-in-a-lifetime event" perfect for special occasions like anniversaries or birthdays.
  • Smooth Flights and Landings: Passengers often commend the skillful maneuvering of the balloons, resulting in smooth takeoffs and gentle landings.
  • Post-Flight Celebrations: The traditional champagne toast and sometimes breakfast or other parting gifts are frequently mentioned as a delightful conclusion to the experience.

Common Complaints (General Colorado Hot Air Balloon Experiences):

  • Weather Dependency: As with all ballooning, flights are highly dependent on favorable weather conditions, which can lead to cancellations or rescheduling. (This is an inherent aspect of hot air ballooning and not typically a complaint about a specific operator or site, but rather a factor travelers need to be aware of.)
  • Early Morning Starts: Flights typically occur at sunrise, requiring an early start which some travelers might find challenging, though this is necessary for optimal flying conditions.

In summary, while there is no specific traveler feedback for Suckla Farms Balloonport (US-11187) as a standalone entity with traditional facilities, the general consensus for hot air balloon rides in the surrounding Northern Colorado area points to highly satisfying experiences characterized by stunning scenery, professional service, and a memorable sense of adventure. Travelers interested in flying from this location would likely be engaging with one of the many reputable hot air balloon companies in the region.

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This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

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For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
B1/ 100 ft 100 ft TURF Active

Type Description Frequency

Ident Name Type Frequency

Airport Closure Information

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Closure Date

The exact closure date is not publicly recorded, but it is estimated to be in the mid-2010s (circa 2014-2018). This timeframe aligns with the sale of the family-owned farmland for major real estate projects in the area.

Reason for Closure

Economic reasons driven by urban development. The balloonport was located on private farmland (Suckla Farms) which was situated in a rapidly growing corridor along Interstate 25. The land became significantly more valuable for commercial and industrial use than for agriculture and ballooning. The farm was sold to developers, leading to the permanent closure of the balloonport.

Current Status

The site of the former balloonport no longer exists as an aviation facility or farm. The land has been completely transformed and is now part of a large-scale commercial and industrial park in Dacono. The area is dominated by massive distribution centers (including an Amazon fulfillment center), warehouses, and associated infrastructure. The open fields once used for launching and landing balloons have been paved over or are slated for further construction.

Historical Significance

Suckla Farms Balloonport was a private facility that served as the primary launch site for the Suckla family's hot air balloon operations. This included their well-known commercial ride company, 'Life Cycle Balloons,' operated by Chuck and Patty Suckla. For many years, it was an active part of the local Colorado ballooning community, providing recreational and commercial flights with views of the Rocky Mountains. Its history is a classic example of a small, family-run aviation business operating from their own property, a type of facility that is increasingly rare due to land development pressures.

Reopening Prospects

There are no plans or prospects for reopening the Suckla Farms Balloonport. The land has been irrevocably sold and converted to high-density commercial use. The current zoning, land value, and physical infrastructure make a return to aviation or agricultural use at this location impossible.

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