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‘s Included
Professional guide
Light snacks after the flight
Scenic hot air balloon flight
Champagne toast
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
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.
Options
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
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.
6:45am Departure
Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride - 6:45am Meeting time
7am Departure
Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride - 7am Meeting time
6am Departure
Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride - 6am 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
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
Reviews
1,277 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Worth it!!
leabinm,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great ride!! Kris was an amazing pilot and the views are unbelievable! An absolute must do while in Albuquerque🍾 (Im not a fan of heights, but I want to go again)
Balloon Fiesta Morning Flight
C8943FDrichards,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our flight was great. Rainbow Ryders planned the trip and executed the plan without a hitch. Our pilot, Sheldon Grauberger was fantastic. He made the flight so much fun. When we landed the basket was tilting due to the terrain and Sheldon could not get it to stand up so he left the air our of the balloon and we gently tilted over. It was a blast and everyone thought it was funny. He even made my wife an ornament out of the champagne cork after we enjoyed a few glasses. It was so much fun. I would go again in a flash. Thank you for an enjoyable trip.
Worth it! A wonderful memory if a life time guaranteed.
rachelm336,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Well organized and excellent communication on what to expect. We all met at the company’s building, where they had a waiting room to keep us warm. Then we were split into groups and took a shuttle van to the departure site, about a 10-minute ride. Watching the pilots and crew prep the balloons is, in itself, a fantastic experience. Once we hopped in the basket, we had a calming liftoff. The fall colors, the sunrise, and the mountain backdrops were absolutely breathtaking. Our pilot, Greg, and crew, Leroy, were experts in keeping us safe and comfortable. Greg also informed us about the Albuquerque geology, native peoples, and other unique wonders of the area. Once we landed, we had an Albuquerque Sunrise drink —delicious!
Taking a hot air balloon...
Matt B,
Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Taking a hot air balloon ride has been on my bucket list for years, and the experience with Alfred and Rainbow Ryders exceeded all my expectations! Watching the sunrise over the Rio Grande was absolutely breathtaking. Alfred was incredibly knowledgeable and happily answered all of our questions—his many years of experience were visible through the navigation, especially with the perfect landing on a sidewalk. To top it all off, we enjoyed mimosas while the crew reloaded the balloon and equipment. It was an unforgettable experience from start to finish!
Once in lifetime experience
Pamela S,
Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain Morgan was awesome! I encourage everyone to do this at least once. Staff friendly. We rode in a basket with 12 people.
Bucket list Hot Air Balloon Ride with Rainbow Ryders…check!
I5600MBcarolg,
Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00First-time balloon ride and it couldn’t have been better! Mike Heff at Rainbow Ryders didn’t disappoint. He piloted us through scenic Albuquerque for a truly memorable flight. The fall colors were breathtaking, and he made sure everyone had a great view by rotating the balloon. Mike shared fascinating insights along the way, and his crew was top-notch. Everyone says their pilot is the best—but I think ours really was! Book your flight today; you’ll make memories that last a lifetime.
An Amazing Experience
U5102DHdawnp,
Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an amazing experience. We went for the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta and decided to take a ride before the festival started. Our pilot and crew were awesome. My husband was able to help with the inflation of the Balloon. It was great.
Exceptional experience
434en,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The ride and the team were amazing. Alfred, our pilot, was so knowledgeable and a true expert. A real pro flying the balloon. Nick and Mo took great care of us too. Highly recommend...Thanks all!!
Best balloon ride ever!
Susan B,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing!!! Our pilot Anthony was extremely professional, thorough and made us feel very comfortable. The ride itself was like floating on a cloud. Highly recommend. This tour company was A1 in my opinion.
A Great Experience!
ncsailor1967,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Like most people on this experience, I’d always wanted to ride in a hot air balloon. The experience matched my expectations. The directions for the adventure are clear, the staff well-organized, the setup efficient, and the ride itself is magical. Our pilot has been doing this for eons and he even did a transpacific and a transatlantic balloon crossing (he knows his stuff). My friend—who is very afraid of heights—decided to go as well and she LOVED it. It is far from scary; rather, it is quite tranquil.
From $189.00
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Operated by Rainbow Ryders