Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Float over the Rio Grande Valley during a sunrise hot-air balloon flight from Albuquerque, home of the largest hot-air balloon festival in the world. As the sun comes up over the Sandia Mountains, admire the dramatic reds and oranges that fill the sky, and learn about the features of the New Mexico landscape from your expert pilot. Upon landing, enjoy a celebratory toast and light refreshments.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum age is 5 years
Not recommended for participants with knee problems
Due to the nature of this tour and the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is canceled, you will not be entitled to a refund.
Flights can only be operated with safe winds, clear sky and no rain. In case of unsuitable weather conditions, you will be provided the option to take the tour on an alternative date or be refunded in full.
Unable to fly anyone who is pregnant
This is a shared basket flight, there will be anywhere from 10-16 total passengers in each basket
Passengers 300lbs+ must purchase an additional space to ensure safety, comfort, and proper weight distribution during flight
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon
Rise early to begin your hot-air balloon experience. Stop into the office for check-in, then ride to the balloon launch site (which varies day-to-day depending on weather). Your pilot begins the process of inflating the balloon when you arrive. You can even help out the crew during the inflation process for a more hands-on experience. As you float high above the ground, enjoy incredible birds-eye views of the Rio Grande Valley. Your pilot determines the route for the day depending on the wind’s direction. You may fly over the city of Albuquerque and even dip low enough to wave at people or skim the Rio Grande River. Throughout your flight, your pilot shares informative commentary about the landscape beneath you. After approximately one hour in the air, your pilot lands the balloon and the ground crew comes to meet you. Celebrate your flight with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine and a commemorative flight certificate before returning to the original starting point.
What‘s Included
Professional guide
Light snacks after the flight
Scenic hot air balloon flight
Champagne toast
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
Options
6:15 am Departure
Duration: 3 hours: Flight itself is roughly 45 minutes to an hour. The whole experience is 3 hours.
Post-Flight Celebration: Celebratory toast and a light continental breakfast.
6am Departure
Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride - 6am Meeting time
2021 Sunrise Experience
Premier Ride Operator: Rainbow Ryders, Inc. is the premier and largest hot air balloon business serving the Southwest since 1983!
Duration: 1 hour: Your flight will be about 45 minutes - 1 hour (depending on Mother Nature), with the entire experience lasting 3 hours.
Celebratory Toast included
Rio Grande Valley views
7am Departure
Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride - 7am Meeting time
6:45am Departure
Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride - 6:45am Meeting time
Sunrise Experience
Premier Ride Operator: Rainbow Ryders, Inc. is the premier and largest hot air balloon business serving the Southwest since 1983.
Duration: 1 hour: Your flight will be about 45 minutes - 1 hour (depending on Mother Nature), with the entire experience lasting 3 hours.
Celebratory Toast included
Rio Grande Valley views
300lbs+ (Extra Space Policy)
Extra Space Policy: Passengers 300lbs+ must purchase an additional space to ensure safety, comfort, and proper weight distribution during flight
Premier Ride Operator: Rainbow Ryders, Inc. is the premier and largest hot air balloon business serving the Southwest since 1983.
Duration: 1 hour: Your flight will be about 45 minutes - 1 hour (depending on Mother Nature), with the entire experience lasting about 3 hours.
Celebratory Toast included
Rio Grande Valley views
Reviews
1,346 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Experience of a Lifetime
savannahk123,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00There are not enough words to describe my hot air balloon experience with Rainbow Ryders, especially Alfred and his crew. Floating over Albuquerque was a breathtaking experience, and I don't think I stopped smiling once during the flight. Our pilot, Alfred, was so engaging and was great to point out what we were seeing, explaining different parts of our flight, and even shared a video he got of our balloon flying past a friends' house. That was an exciting extra! I was just as mesmerized by the crew setting up and packing up the balloon. From start to finish the experience lasted about three and a half hours, but I easily could have happily stayed all day. 10/10 recommend!
Alfred was amazing!! Very...
Jeni S,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Alfred was amazing!! Very smooth flight & great experience!! It was. Our first time in a balloon and he explained everything well.
Life-changing balloon ride!
jmart134,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I came into this ballooning with some skepticism and a healthy fear of heights, and left with an immensely satisfying experience and possibly a new hobby. Our pilot Steven and our ground crew were absolutely fantastic, and walked us through what to expect during the entire process. Floating about Albuquerque and taking in the whole city was incredibly peaceful, getting to explore the areas above the Rio Grande and downtown from a bird's eye view. Rainbow Ryders' operation, from start to finish, was very professional and definitely instilled confidence and trust in the safety of the activity. The experience was good enough I've already signed up for my next flight!
Mike H was great. Thank...
Gwen P,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Mike H was great. Thank you for your service. Great conversationalist, making jokes, explaining how to pilot an air balloon and history behind it.
Experienced Pilot and Crew
sandysX9640ZY,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Alfred was friendly, funny, and made us feel comfortable, especially after we found out that he had been a pilot since 17 years of age and has now done balloons for many years. His crew members were friendly and hard-working. It was a nice touch to have some thing to drink together where we all visited Moore while waiting for the.
Exhilarating!
B5902HYsandras,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time! We were scheduled to go on a day with questionable weather, got a call and were able to reschedule with no fuss. The crew was great, got us safely into and out of the basket—no small feat for this old body, gave us a great ride, and it was a highlight of our trip activities in Albuquerque.
Amazing experience!!
paulasS1580GJ,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tried on Saturday, but winds were too high. Rebooked for next day and had an amazing experience. Everyone was super friendly and offered great suggestions of places to eat and visit. Highly recommend this company!
10/10 experience
Amanda S,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic experience. Our pilot Alfred was wonderful. Really passionate about what he does and dipped us into the Rio grande which was super cool. Such a memorable experience.
Check one off the bucket list
stevesP2313MK,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A once in a lifetime experience! Our pilot, Troy, was very informative and skilled in operating the balloon. We drifted over the Rio Grande descending to almost river level then up to catch the breeze to continue our flight. The landing was much smoother than we expected with only a slight bump when we touched down. All in all a great experience.
Great Experience!
Mary Z,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful way to see New Mexico! Rainbow Ryder pilot and crew were friendly, knowledgeable and professional. Highly recommend!
From US$189.00
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