We were sad to leave Heber City and the spectacular Wasatch fall colors , but new adventures were calling, and this time, we were headed south to Albuquerque for the world-famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Saying goodbye to the colorful mountains wasn’t easy, but the excitement of seeing hundreds of colorful hot air balloons fill the sky kept us moving forward.
The Balloon Fiesta, a nine-day event held every October, is the largest hot air balloon festival in the world. It started back in 1972 with just 13 balloons and has grown into a massive spectacle, now drawing over 500 balloons and nearly 900,000 visitors annually. The event’s highlight is the “Mass Ascension,” when hundreds of balloons take off at dawn, creating a rainbow-colored sky unlike anything else in the world.
We had booked six days at the Fiesta through Adventure Caravans, an RV touring company known for organizing exceptional guided tours across North America. They take care of all the logistics, making it easy to enjoy the trip without worrying about planning every detail. From finding the best camping spots to organizing group excursions, they really do it all, ensuring that RV travelers get the most out of their experiences.
Our RV site was ideally located just a short distance from the launch fields, and continuous shuttles made it easy to come and go as we pleased. Being so close to the action meant we never had to miss a moment of the balloon launches, evening glow events, or the mesmerizing fireworks shows. The roar of the burners and the sight of balloons inflating at sunrise right before your eyes was unforgettable.
We were part of a group of 48 RVs with Adventure Caravans, and by the end of the week, we had made friends with people from all over. Everyone was friendly and just as excited as we were to be part of such a special event. Sharing stories over campfires, attending evening socials, and swapping travel tips made the experience even more enriching. There’s something unique about being part of a traveling community, and the connections we made here will likely continue long after the Fiesta.
After settling into our RV site at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, we decided to kick off our first day with a visit to the Albuquerque International Balloon Museum. Just a short walk from the launch fields, this museum is a must-see for anyone who loves the history and science behind ballooning. The museum is filled with fascinating exhibits, including historic balloons that have made significant flights, old photos of early ballooning expeditions, and hands-on displays that really brought the history of this unique sport to life.
Opened in 2005 and named after famed balloonists Anderson-Abruzzo, the museum is dedicated to preserving the history of ballooning, both in New Mexico and around the world. We were especially drawn to the exhibits about long-distance flights and record-setting journeys. One of the most interesting sections was the one detailing the role of balloons in exploration, including those that crossed the Atlantic and even made attempts to circle the globe. Seeing some of the actual balloons used in these daring flights up close was a treat.
After spending a couple of hours at the museum, we headed back to our RV to catch a demonstration of balloon operations. We watched as the crew explained the unfolded and inflated a balloon, walking us through each step of the process. From preparing the envelope to igniting the burners, it was fascinating to see how much skill and precision goes into launching one of these massive crafts safely.
The day ended on a high note with a lovely meet-and-greet event, organized by Adventure Caravans. It was a catered dinner, allowing us to relax and get to know our fellow RVers a little better. The owners of Adventure Caravans Allie and Nick were there to greet us all. The food was delicious, and the conversation was even better. We swapped stories of past travels and shared excitement about the upcoming events of the Balloon Fiesta. The sense of community within our group was already growing strong, and we knew we were in for an amazing week ahead.
Between the ballooning history we soaked up at the museum and the hands-on experience with the demonstration, we felt like we had truly stepped into the world of ballooning. Click on thumbnail to view image
Our alarm went off early, but we didn’t mind at all—we were up before dawn to catch one of the most breathtaking events of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta: the Dawn Patrol. We caught the 4 a.m. shuttle from our RV site to the launch field, still bleary-eyed but excited for what was to come. It was surprising to see just how many people had the same idea; the field was already bustling with activity when we arrived.
The Dawn Patrol is a special part of the Balloon Fiesta, where a select group of skilled balloonists launch in the early morning hours while it’s still dark. These pilots are responsible for checking the wind and weather conditions to help ensure that the larger mass ascension, which happens later, will go smoothly. But beyond its practical purpose, the Dawn Patrol has become a beloved spectacle. Watching balloons lift off against the night sky, their envelopes illuminated by the burners, is pure magic.
At around 5:30 a.m., the balloons involved in the Dawn Patrol began their preparations. The crews worked efficiently in the cool morning air, laying out the massive envelopes and firing up the burners. By 6 a.m., the inflation process began. It’s hard to describe just how beautiful it was to see those colorful balloons coming to life in the dark, each one glowing like a giant lantern as the burners ignited and filled them with hot air.
One by one, the balloons started to rise into the sky, their vibrant colors standing out against the deep blue of the pre-dawn darkness. Every time a pilot fired up the burner for more lift, the balloon would light up, creating a dazzling display of glowing colors floating gracefully into the sky. It was as if the stars had descended to Earth and were rising back up again, lighting the way for the day’s events.
It was a sight to behold, and one we will never forget. There’s something incredibly peaceful about watching those balloons drift off into the early morning sky, the quiet punctuated only by the occasional roar of the burners. We were surrounded by thousands of other spectators, yet it felt like a personal, almost intimate experience—just us and the balloons, rising into the dark.
As the Dawn Patrol disappeared into the distance, we knew the day was only just beginning, and the best was yet to come with the upcoming Mass Ascension. Click on thumbnail to view image
As the first light of dawn began to break across the horizon, it was time for one of the most anticipated moments of the Balloon Fiesta—the Mass Ascension. This incredible event is the centerpiece of the Fiesta, when hundreds of hot air balloons take to the sky in waves, filling the air with a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes. The sight of all those balloons ascending together is nothing short of magical.
Before the balloons could launch, the excitement began with a rousing performance of the national anthem, setting the tone for the day. As the final notes echoed through the crowd, a thrilling flyover roared overhead, with planes soaring across the sky, adding to the electric atmosphere. Then, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived: the official start balloon—always one of the most famous and easily recognizable balloons at the Fiesta—slowly began to lift off, signaling the start of the Mass Ascension.
Within minutes, balloons of all colors, shapes, and sizes started rising into the air, one after the other. The sky, which had just been a pale blue canvas at sunrise, was soon filled with bursts of color. Reds, yellows, blues, and greens danced above us, some in the traditional round shape, others in the form of whimsical characters and objects. From giant cartoon characters to Darth Vader and Yoda balloons, every glance revealed something new and delightful.
The Mass Ascension is perfectly choreographed, with balloons launching in waves to create a steady stream of ascents. Every minute, more balloons would join the sky, floating peacefully into the morning air. There were so many of them, it felt like a continuous flow of beauty above us.
Watching those balloons gently float away, we couldn’t help but be in awe. The sheer number of them, the vibrant colors against the rising sun, and the joyful atmosphere all came together to create a scene that felt otherworldly. It was truly a sight to behold, one that will forever be etched in our memories. When we returned to our RV the balloons were still flying over and some were even landing in the field right next to our location. Balloon after balloon, the sky became a living, moving masterpiece—a perfect start to an unforgettable day at the Fiesta. Click on thumbnail to view image
After the breathtaking Mass Ascension, we spent the afternoon resting and relaxing for the evening’s events—an exciting drone show followed by a spectacular fireworks display. Knowing what was ahead made the wait even more exciting, and by sunset, we were ready to experience the magic of the night.
The drone show, presented by Sandia Resort and Casino, was one of the newer highlights of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, and it did not disappoint. Hundreds of drones, perfectly synchronized, lit up the night sky with a dazzling array of colors and shapes. The precision of these tiny flying machines was truly remarkable. Each drone was programmed to form complex images, from massive hot air balloons floating in the sky to mesmerizing geometric patterns and even animated sequences. At times, the drones seemed to dance across the sky in perfect harmony, shifting and changing in ways that seemed almost too intricate to be real. It was a spectacular fusion of technology and artistry.
The crowd watched in awe as the drones created scenes that were not only visually stunning but also tied into the ballooning theme, celebrating the spirit of the Balloon Fiesta. The level of detail and coordination involved in the drone formations was impressive—one moment, we were looking at a giant glowing balloon, and in the next, the drones had seamlessly transitioned into a series of fireworks-like bursts. It was a mesmerizing show that added a modern, innovative twist to the Fiesta’s traditional balloon events.
But the night wasn’t over yet. After the drone show, we were treated to an amazing fireworks display, which lit up the Albuquerque sky. Bursts of color exploded overhead, each one more vibrant and beautiful than the last. The grand finale was absolutely breathtaking, as the sky filled with a cascade of glittering lights, leaving the crowd cheering and clapping in delight.
It was the perfect way to end an already spectacular day. From the early morning’s magical Dawn Patrol and Mass Ascension to the cutting-edge drone show and brilliant fireworks, this day at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta had been unforgettable. Click on thumbnail to view image
Our day began with yet another magical Mass Ascension, but this time we had a front-row seat from the comfort of the Adventure Caravans tent. Watching the balloons take off never gets old, and today was particularly exciting when several balloons made a gentle descent right in the field in front of us. Seeing those massive, colorful envelopes land so close was an unexpected treat and set the tone for what would be an unforgettable day.
After the morning’s excitement, we joined our group for a tour of two of Albuquerque’s cultural gems: the Turquoise Museum and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Our first stop was the Turquoise Museum, housed in a stunning castle-like building. The museum is a treasure trove of turquoise history, showcasing this iconic gemstone’s significance in the Southwest. Founded by five generations of a family passionate about turquoise, the museum not only features beautiful pieces of turquoise jewelry and art but also educates visitors about the geology, mining, and cultural importance of this gemstone.
We wandered through exhibits that included everything from ancient turquoise used by Native American tribes to modern, intricately designed pieces. The museum also delved into the science behind turquoise, explaining how different shades and qualities are formed based on the environment in which the stone is found. Seeing these beautiful gems in all their forms—raw, polished, and set into jewelry—was fascinating, and it deepened our appreciation for the artistry involved in turquoise craftsmanship.
From there, we moved on to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, a place dedicated to preserving and sharing the culture, history, and traditions of New Mexico’s 19 Pueblo communities. The center features exhibits that highlight the rich history of the Pueblo people, from ancient times to the present day. We learned about their unique art forms, agricultural practices, and the deep spiritual connections they have with the land.
One of the highlights of the visit was seeing the traditional Pueblo dances, performed by members of several local tribes. The energy and passion in the dancers’ movements were palpable, and the rhythmic drumming and singing added a powerful layer to the experience. The dances are not just performances—they are cultural expressions deeply rooted in the tribes’ traditions and beliefs, and it was an honor to witness such a profound connection to heritage.
After a full day of exploring Albuquerque’s cultural history, we returned to the Adventure Caravans tent for another delightful catered dinner. As we enjoyed our meal with our new friends, the evening’s entertainment unfolded right in front of us. Once again, we were treated to the brilliant drone show and a dazzling fireworks display, all from the comfort of our campsite. Sitting under the stars, watching the night sky light up with intricate drone patterns and vibrant bursts of fireworks, was the perfect way to wind down after a day filled with adventure and discovery. Click on thumbnail to view image
On our final day with the Adventure Caravans group, we boarded buses and headed north to Santa Fe, one of the most iconic and historic towns in the American West. Known for its distinctive adobe architecture, vibrant arts scene, and rich cultural heritage, Santa Fe is a city like no other.
Founded in 1610, Santa Fe is the oldest capital city in the United States and was originally established as a Spanish colony. Its long and diverse history includes periods of Spanish, Mexican, and American control, all of which have left their mark on the city’s architecture and culture. The city served as the northern terminus of the El Camino Real, the “Royal Road” that connected Mexico City to the far northern reaches of New Spain. In the 1800s, Santa Fe was a key stop along the Santa Fe Trail, which connected the city to Missouri and facilitated trade and settlement in the region.
Our guided tour of Santa Fe began with a visit to the San Miguel Chapel and a visit to the oldest home in Santa Fe dating back to the 1600’s. From there we visited the Inn and Spa at Loretto then onto the Santa Fe Plaza surrounded by centuries-old buildings, including the Palace of the Governors, the Plaza has been a gathering place for locals and visitors alike for over 400 years. Our guide shared fascinating stories about the city’s past, from its founding to its role as a trading hub, and we were amazed by how much history is packed into this small, picturesque city.
After our tour, we stopped for a delicious lunch at the French Pastry Shop, indulging in savory and sweet crêpes that were the perfect midday treat. From there, we walked over to the Canyon Road District, one of Santa Fe’s most famous and beloved areas.
Canyon Road is renowned for its art galleries, with over a hundred galleries showcasing a wide variety of art, including traditional Native American pottery, contemporary sculpture, vibrant Southwestern paintings, and intricate jewelry. The street itself is charming, lined with historic adobe buildings that house both established and emerging artists. As we strolled down Canyon Road, we were struck by the diversity and beauty of the artwork on display. Each gallery seemed to offer something different, from modern abstract pieces to classical landscapes and sculptures. It was easy to see why Santa Fe has earned a reputation as one of the top art destinations in the country.
After a day of exploring Santa Fe’s rich history and vibrant art scene, we headed back to Albuquerque for one last evening with our new friends. Our farewell dinner was a wonderful opportunity to reminisce about the incredible experiences we’d shared throughout the week. We laughed, swapped stories, and made promises to keep in touch as we savored a wonderful meal together.
The next morning we said our goodbyes, it was clear that this trip had been more than just a visit to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta—it had been an unforgettable journey filled with new friendships, awe-inspiring sights, and a deeper appreciation for the history and culture of the Southwest. What a perfect way to end our adventure! Click on thumbnail to view image
