Albuquerque
Hot Air Balloon Rides
Choose Your Flight Experience
See for yourself why New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment with a hot air balloon ride.
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride
Please note: Due to insurance requirements, we cannot fly anyone who is pregnant or under the age of 5 years old.
Fulfill your bucket list with a true one-of-a-kind experience. Our flight team launches spectacular sunrise flights every day of the year, lifting into the air just after the sun comes up. Experience the scenic Rio Grande and enchanting southwest vistas like never before with an estimated one-hour balloon flight.
Bring your family and friends, and don’t forget your camera; you’ll want to share your pictures with everyone!
Conclude your bucket list adventure with a traditional celebratory toast!
Please note: per FAA regulations, we must launch after the sun has officially risen.
Sunset Hot Air Balloon Ride
Due to insurance requirements, we cannot fly anyone who is pregnant or under the age of 5 years old.
Please note: per FAA regulations, we must land before the sun has officially set. Available November – January.
Albuquerque’s Sandia Mountains and sunsets are world-renowned for the vibrant shades of orange, pink and purple. We offer sunset rides daily (weather permitting) from November 1st through January 31st, with a flight time about one hour before the sun goes down.
Conclude your bucket list adventure with a traditional celebratory toast!
Private Sunrise Balloon Ride
Due to insurance requirements, we cannot fly anyone who is pregnant or under the age of 5 years old.
Minimum of two passengers required.
Looking for a more exclusive experience? Then a private balloon ride is the way to go. Soar above the Land of Enchantment with only your party and one of our renowned pilots. See for yourself why Rainbow Ryders balloon rides were voted one of the top places to propose in the world. We also have private balloon rides available for parties larger than two and any celebration!
Conclude your bucket list adventure with a traditional celebratory toast!
Private Sunset Hot Air Balloon Ride
Due to insurance requirements, we cannot fly anyone who is pregnant or under the age of 5 years old.
Two passenger minimum. Available November – January.
Looking for a more exclusive experience? Then a private balloon ride is the way to go. Soar above the Land of Enchantment with only your party and one of our renowned pilots. See for yourself why Rainbow Ryder’s balloon rides were voted one of the top places to propose in the world. We also have private balloon rides available for parties larger than two and any celebration!
Conclude your bucket list adventure with a traditional celebratory toast!
Please note: we are only able to provide sunset flights November – January every year due to temperature and wind patterns!
Balloon Fiesta® Mass Ascension Balloon Ride
Due to insurance requirements, we cannot fly anyone who is pregnant or under 5 years old.
During the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which takes place October 3-11, 2026, you can lift off with hundreds of other colorful hot air balloons during one of the morning mass ascensions to experience the true magic of the world’s largest balloon event.
Rainbow Ryders is the only company authorized to give balloon rides from Balloon Fiesta Park for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. All other commercial ride companies launch at least 5 miles from Balloon Fiesta Park. Fly with Rainbow Ryders, and you’re amidst all the action!
Be sure to include the exclusive Ryders Club for VIP treatment when you book your balloon ride! You’ll receive the following benefits when you upgrade your flight with this package:
- Express check-in line at the Rainbow Ryders’ tent
- Access to our VIP heated lounge before your flight with a catered breakfast and hot drink specials
- Q&A with our chief pilots and crew before your flight, and a VIP escort to your balloon
- A Ryders Club souvenir gift package
Balloon Fiesta® Private Mass Ascension Ride
Due to insurance requirements, we cannot fly anyone who is pregnant or under 5 years old.
This private experience will ensure it is only you, your party, and one of our pilots in the balloon basket. It also includes the VIP Ryders Club package.
During the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which takes place October 3-11, 2026, you can lift off with hundreds of other colorful hot air balloons during one of the morning mass ascensions to experience the true magic of the world’s largest balloon event.
Rainbow Ryders is the only company authorized to give balloon rides from Balloon Fiesta Park for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. All other commercial ride companies launch at least 5 miles from Balloon Fiesta Park. Fly with Rainbow Ryders, and you’re amidst all the action!
Included with your private flight is the exclusive VIP Ryders Club package, valued at $150 per person. You’ll receive the following benefits with this package:
- Express check-in line at the Rainbow Ryders’ tent
- Access to our VIP heated lounge before your flight with a catered breakfast and hot drink specials
- Q&A with our chief pilots and crew before your flight, and a VIP escort to your balloon
- A Ryders Club souvenir gift package
Balloon Fiesta® Pre and Post-Event Private Basket Balloon Ride
Due to insurance requirements, we cannot fly anyone who is pregnant or under 5 years old.
This private experience will ensure it is only you, your party, and one of our pilots in the balloon basket.
Looking for a Balloon Fiesta experience without all of the crowds and traffic? Join us a day or two before or after the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which takes place October 3-11, 2026, for a spectacular flight alongside up to 50 other balloons!
Start your early morning adventure by meeting Rainbow Ryders at Balloon Fiesta Park for check-in. From there, the pilots will begin the inflation process; you can simply watch or become an involved, hands-on crew member as the gentle giants come to life.
At lift off, you’ll embark on a unique journey with breathtaking views of the Rio Grande Valley and the sun rising over the Sandia Mountains—make sure you bring your camera! As you float across the sky, you can send your greetings to the earthbound folks below.
After landing, enjoy a celebratory toast to mark the end of your safe and memorable adventure. You will be presented with a balloon flight pin to commemorate your aeronautical experience.
Balloon Fiesta® Pre and Post-Event Shared Basket Balloon Ride
Due to insurance requirements, we cannot fly anyone who is pregnant or under 5 years old.
Looking for a Balloon Fiesta experience without all of the crowds and traffic? Join us a day or two before or after the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which takes place October 3-11, 2026, for a spectacular flight alongside up to 50 other balloons!
Start your early morning adventure by meeting Rainbow Ryders at Balloon Fiesta Park for check-in. From there, the pilots will begin the inflation process; you can simply watch or become an involved, hands-on crew member as the gentle giants come to life.
At lift off, you’ll embark on a unique journey with breathtaking views of the Rio Grande Valley and the sun rising over the Sandia Mountains—make sure you bring your camera! As you float across the sky, you can send your greetings to the earthbound folks below.
After landing, you’ll enjoy a celebratory toast and receive a commemorative balloon flight pin, marking the end of your safe and memorable adventure.
Experience Albuquerque from Above
Prepare your cameras for an unforgettable experience as you embark on one of Rainbow Ryders’ hot air balloon rides in Albuquerque. You’ll enjoy an approximately hour-long flight that usually showcases things like:
- The majestic Rio Grande and the Bosque
- The gorgeous Sandia Mountain range
- Ancient volcanoes, including the Three Sisters
- Petroglyph National Monument from afar
You can opt for a sunrise flight, available year-round with the chance of an exhilarating splash ‘n’ dash in the Rio Grande during the summer, or a seasonal winter sunset flight between November and January where you may see a light dusting of snow on the Bosque’s cottonwood trees before the sun sets.
Why Choose Rainbow Ryders
Rainbow Ryders was established in 1983, right here in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and we have been based in the Duke City ever since. For over four decades, we’ve continuously raised the standard of hot air ballooning excellence and safety protocols, making us the premier hot air balloon company in ABQ and the other three locations we serve in the Southwestern United States.
As the official ride operator for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®, we take pride in gracing the skies of New Mexico with our expansive fleet. Our FAA-certified pilots fly over 10,000 local passengers annually, helping these other members of our community cross hot air ballooning off their bucket list.
What Our Ryders Have to Say
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Hot Air Balloon Festivals
Join us for a flight and other festivities at a hot air balloon festival.
Over our 40+ years of operation, Rainbow Ryders has had the honor of being part of some of the world’s largest and most celebrated hot air balloon festivals. Three events that we are the official ride operator of are:
- The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
- The Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off
- The Arizona Balloon Classic
We also attend Gallup’s Red Rock Balloon Rally and delight crowds with tethered flights at Phoenix’s Spooktacular Festival. Each festival offers unique experiences.
Share the Gift of Flight With Someone!
Surprise one of the adventurers in your life with breathtaking aerial views and a ride they’ll never forget.
Where the Journey Starts
Before your private or shared Albuquerque hot air balloon ride, we will rendezvous at 5601 Eagle Rock Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113, which is just off of I-25, about five minutes east of Balloon Fiesta Park. Although the Rainbow Ryders team will ultimately take you to an official launch site nearby, this starting location serves as a convenient meetup spot for people from all over the Land of Enchantment, including places like Old Town Albuquerque, Downtown Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Bernalillo, Los Lunas, and Santa Fe.
