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
2025 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
6:45am Departure
Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride - 6:45am Meeting time
7am Departure
Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride - 7am Meeting time
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
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
6am Departure
Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride - 6am Meeting time
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.
Reviews
1,195 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing experience, highly recommend!
Christie L,
Aug 8, 2025
- Viator
5.00My friend and I had never been on a hot air balloon ride and were a little nervous before going! Our anxieties immediately went away when we met our balloonist, Troy. He was so knowledgeable and wonderful, this ride was absolutely amazing!
A must do experience. In albuquerque!
Terence P,
Aug 7, 2025
- Viator
5.00Amazing experience. Our pilot was very personable and provided a very smooth ride. We had a person on board not keen of heights, but he had no problem, and enjoyed it as well. Beautiful views, we headed west of the city, with the wind conditions, Landing was very soft. Worth the early morning trip!
Beautiful Views
Claire S,
Aug 2, 2025
- Viator
5.00Rainbow Ryders is family friendly, they provide beautiful views of the area and plenty of excitement for all.
Great Experience
Roseann S,
Jul 29, 2025
- Viator
5.00Very professional. Well organized. Pilot (ours was Alfred) was great and very experienced. Ride was just about an hour. Pricey but so well worth it! I would do it again. Very safety conscious with protocol and winds. I like that!
Albuquerque Ballloon Ride
James B,
Jul 16, 2025
- Viator
5.00Everything went per the plan. We had a very experienced pilot and ground crew. Views were awesome and we had a very smooth flight and landing. They let us help prep the balloon and explained what we were doing the entire time. Pilot (Troy) also provided narrative on what we were seeing along the route. Ended with champagne, drinks and snacks. Very professional operation and enjoyable morning! Highly recommended.
Related Experiences
Operated by Rainbow Ryders