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Albuquerque, New Mexico Hot Air Balloon Rides
Flight Experiences
See the Albuquerque Experience Here
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: Due to insurance requirements, we cannot fly anyone who is pregnant or under the age of 5 years old.
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!
Please note: Due to insurance requirements, we cannot fly anyone who is pregnant or under the age of 5 years old.
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!
Please note: Due to insurance requirements, we cannot fly anyone who is pregnant or under the age of 5 years old.
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!
Please note: Due to insurance requirements, we cannot fly anyone who is pregnant or under the age of 5 years old.
Join Rainbow Ryders for a hot air balloon flights during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Lift off with us, and hundreds of other hot air balloons, during each morning's ascension.
Rainbow Ryders is the ONLY company authorized to give balloon rides from BALLOON FIESTA PARK for the world's largest balloon event, the ALBUQUERQUE INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA. All other RIDE companies launch a minimum of five miles from Balloon Fiesta Park. Fly with Rainbow Ryders and you're a midst 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 by locally-renowned Hello Deli 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
Join us for a fun-filled Balloon Fiesta complete with mass ascensions, competitive flights, special shapes rodeo's and balloon glows, and key grab events.
Don't miss this opportunity to launch with hundreds of colorful balloons from the Balloon Fiesta field aloft the enchanting skies Albuquerque! Meet us at the Rainbow Ryders tent at Balloon Fiesta Park and make sure to bring your camera!
The adventure begins early morning as you meet Rainbow Ryders at Balloon Fiesta Park for check-in. The best part about our pre- and post-Balloon Fiesta flights are that you get many of the benefits of a mass ascension morning, without having to battle large crowds or pay for parking and admission. After check-in, the pilots will begin the inflation process, giving you the opportunity to become an involved, "hands on" crew member as the gentle giants come to life. You may also choose to observe inflation and take pictures as the sun ventures across the Albuquerque sky.
At liftoff, you'll embark upon a journey with 50 - 100 other balloons in the sky. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Rio Grande Valley and the majestic Sandia Mountains. Send your greetings to the earthbound folks below!
After landing, relax back at Balloon Fiesta Park and enjoy a celebratory toast to end your safe and memorable adventure. You will be presented with a flight certificate to commemorate your aeronautical experience that will last a lifetime!
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: Due to insurance requirements, we cannot fly anyone who is pregnant or under the age of 5 years old.
Flight availability will open in September, please call for more details.
The sunset flight adventure begins late-afternoon as you meet Rainbow Ryders at Balloon Fiesta Park for check in. After check-in, you'll step into our chase vehicles and be driven to one of our launch sites on the West Side of Albuquerque. From there the pilots will begin the inflation process, giving you the opportunity to become an involved, "hands on" crew member as the gentle giants come to life. You may also choose to observe inflation and take pictures as the sun ventures across the Albuquerque sky.
At lift off you'll embark upon a journey of uniqueness. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Rio Grande Valley and majestic Sandia Mountains while floating across the sky. Send your greetings to the earthbound folks below!
After landing, enjoy a celebratory toast to end your safe and memorable adventure. Once finished with your adventure, relax back at Balloon Fiesta Park and enjoy the Balloon Glow, the most popular event at the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
Only a handful of people get to experience this adventure of flying into the darkness for at least 30 minutes before the sun rises over the Sandias. You will arrive an hour before the other guests, but losing some ZZZs to be first in the sky is well worth it.
Please note: our dawn patrol flights are currently booked by request only. Give us a call at (505) 823-1111 to book your perfect date!
Please note: Due to insurance requirements, we cannot fly anyone who is pregnant or under the age of 5 years old.
Prepare your cameras for an unforgettable experience as we invite you to capture the views of Albuquerque, New Mexico from the ultimate vantage point!
Embark on a hot air balloon ride in Albuquerque with Rainbow Ryders and soar over the capital of hot air ballooning! Enjoy an approximately hour-long flight showcasing beautiful views of the majestic Rio Grande River, the Sandia Mountain range, ancient volcanoes surrounding the landscape, and so much more!
Whether you opt for a sunrise flight, available year-round with the chance of an exhilarating splash ‘n’ dash in the Rio Grande during summer, or join us for a seasonal winter sunset flight, every flight promises the ultimate bucket list experience!
Established in 1983 based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Rainbow Ryders has proudly soared to the top, earning the title of the premier hot air balloon company not only in Albuquerque but across the entire southwest region! For over four decades, we’ve continuously raised the standard of hot air ballooning excellence. We have been deemed the official ride operator of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta© for over 20 years! With over 10,000 passengers flown annually, we take pride in gracing the skies of New Mexico.
With every flight and passenger, safety remains our number one priority. All of our pilots are extremely qualified with an FAA commercial pilot’s license, a second class medical certificate, and a required minimum of 500 flight hours. Each pilot is required to undergo random drug and alcohol testing, annual flight reviews, and annual safety seminars.
Our ground crew attends safety seminars as well as equipment meetings to ensure the safety of all passengers. Our impeccable safety record remains intact due to our commitment to safety standards.
Albuquerque holds beautiful history with the geological features to prove its’ story! Whether you call New Mexico home, or vacation, we hope to guide you through the skies over the green and breathtaking Albuquerque, New Mexico. Join us in checking off a bucket list item and see Albuquerque from the best viewpoint, the sky!
