How to Have the Best Time at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

If you’ve never attended the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, you are missing out on the experience of a lifetime! Known as the world’s largest hot-air balloon festival, this spectacular nine-day event features more than 500 colorful balloons and fun for all ages. In 2021, the festival dates are October 2-10, and it is expected to be bigger and better than ever before. It is also never too early to start planning your trip for 2022 either as the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta sells out fast!

This popular ballooning event is just one of several attractions you can experience before or after your stay at Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch. If you’re looking for more recommendations about things to see and do while you’re in The Land of Enchantment, make sure to request your customized New Mexico itinerary.

For nine days in October, visitors from around the globe descend on Balloon Fiesta Park to watch the New Mexico skies fill with hundreds of balloons during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Before the sun rises, the Dawn Patrol takes to the sky to check out conditions. Then it is time for the Mass Ascension. There is nothing quite like observing the daily Mass Ascension as the sun brightens the horizon on crisp October mornings. When the balloons rise to dot the clear desert skies, it is truly a sight to behold.

An array of popular events fill the day with things to do and sights to admire. Balloons of all shapes and sizes also add a unique spin to the spectacle. In the evening, these fun balloons are illuminated during the Balloon Glow and the Night Magic Glow. In addition to the hot-air balloon events, there is a wide range of entertainment, live music, food concessions, and more.

One of the most unique aspects of the Balloon Fiesta is that you can walk the field and be a part of the action. The safety record of the event is unparalleled. This is one of the only events where you are actually able to walk among the balloons and talk to the pilots. If you’re brave enough, you can even join them in the clouds! Rainbow Ryders offers hot-air balloon rides during the festival for those looking to experience the ultimate sky-high adventure.

Perhaps one of the reasons the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is so highly anticipated is the amount of entertainment the festival offers! Often these fascinating events include everything from live shows to balloon flying competitions to fireworks, so there is never a dull moment.

Are you planning a trip to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta? If so, consider adding on a stay at Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch during your trip. We are located approximately 4 hours from Albuquerque in Southwest New Mexico. Start planning your 2022 trip now as both our small ranch and the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta sell out early! Tucked away in the heart of the Gila National Forest, our dude ranch is the ideal choice for an unforgettable getaway! During your stay, you can experience horseback riding, hiking, fishing, campfires, s’mores, line dancing, and more. Along with a fun-filled day of adventure, enjoy three delicious daily meals, and kick back in a comfortable cabin.

Mid to late October is the peak of fall colors at the ranch, with golden cottonwoods, red sage, and yellow Gamble oak brightening the hills and canyons! Fall is also elk season, so you can often hear elk bugling their mating call at dawn and dusk. Let our horses and experienced wranglers guide you into the beautiful Gila National Forest. Ride through deep canyons, across crystal clear streams, and atop mountain overlooks where you can gaze upon the brilliant fall colors and vast 3.3 million acre National Forest.

Are you ready to experience the Western getaway of a lifetime? Check our availability, and book your trip to Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch to fulfill your New Mexico dream vacation!