Sunrise Hot-Air Balloon Flight: Rio Grande Valley Views

Experience the breathtaking beauty of a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Albuquerque’s Rio Grande Valley. Marvel at the vibrant colors in the sky and learn about New Mexico’s landscape from your expert pilot.

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • 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…
What's Included
  • Scenic hot air balloon flight
  • Professional guide
  • Champagne toast
  • Light snacks after the flight
What's Not Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

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…

Location
5601 Eagle Rock Ave NE
Eagle Rock Avenue Northeast
Please check in at our office location.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(1250 Ratings)
5 stars
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43alysong
Oct 7, 2025
Fantastic experience and best flight EVER! - Absolutely a fabulous experience from when I purchased the tickets to getting info in advance to the actual ride! Gary was our guide and Seb was our fantastic pilot. The Banana Boys were so professional and helpful. I loved the option to be pre-boarded since I do have flexibility issues. We took a video and my friends loved it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robbied593
Oct 7, 2025
Up, up and away! - A group of friends decided to go up in a balloon at this years Hot Air Balloon Festival in Albuquerque. We couldn't have picked a better company to go up with! The check-in process was easy. I would recommend paying a little extra to be in the tent before the flight. We got to our balloon and Kacey, our pilot, kept us informed of all the pre-flight process. Our flight took 50 minutes and every minute was wonderful. I would highly recommend Rinbow Ryders for any one considering this "bucket list" experience!
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Account4fun
Oct 7, 2025
Must do! - We booked a balloon ride during the mass ascension at ABQ balloon fiesta and it was worth every penny! Heff was an amazing pilot, skilled and personable, and we would definitely ride with him again. We added on the ryder club option and it was also worth the cost - shorter check in, warm spot to wait, a nice breakfast and a gift bag. Highly recommend this experience with 🌈! Tip - if you want a spot at mass ascension you should book very early in the year as it's incredibly popular.
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398ginnia
Oct 7, 2025
A perfect day in a balloon. - Our balloon trip was one of the best experiences I have had. Not only did it meet my expectations but exceeded them as our pilot, Marvin Schultz from Sundance Balloons shared interesting information on ballooning traditions and on the operations and specifications of the balloon itself. Our thanks to Rainbow Ryders for all they did to make this ride happen for us. Can't say enough good things about them.
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00montana00
Oct 6, 2025
Perfect and Safe Ride! - We were not able to fly on our scheduled morning because of weather, so came back the next morning. It was a little windy, but the pilots found a place to launch. It was a beautiful ride, but we did get carried a little off course...as each ride is unique! We never felt afraid, as our pilot had 38 years of experience and was very capable and in complete control! We loved it and would definitely return!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Deannar926
Oct 6, 2025
Complete experience: Beautiful views and scenery on the calm sunrise flight! - What a terrific time! Make sure to book in advance, especially during the Balloon Fiesta (first half of October), when demand is very high. Choose a morning / sunrise flight if possible — that’s when conditions are more stable, and the lighting is magical. Unlike airplanes or helicopters, balloons move with the wind, so there’s no rushing sound — just the occasional burst of flame from the burner. As you drift across the river, you can often hear birds calling, dogs barking faintly below, or even the water moving if you’re low enough. Many pilots do a gentle “splash-and-dash,” where the basket briefly touches the surface of the Rio Grande before lifting again — a crowd favorite and perfect photo moment. Can't wait to come back do this again! Lovely experience with our pilot Pete!
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Williambb8903me
Oct 6, 2025
Amazing ride - For one that is fond of heights I wasn’t sure I wanted to take balloon ride. From the beginning to the end the professionalism of all the team members was amazing. They obviously know what needs to be done and did it. The balloon ride was amazing. I couldn’t believe how smooth it was and the control our pilot Alfred had of the balloon was very comforting. He answered questions and pointed out things to see and was in constant contact with the other balloons which seemed to help everyone. The views from up there was something you will always remember. I strongly recommend a balloon ride with Rainbow Ryders. It was definitely a bucket list item that I didn’t have on my list.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Billwt2528vo
Oct 6, 2025
Rainbow Riders, our best bucket list experience - If you are going to take a hot air balloon ride, we can't be stronger in our recommendation for using Rainbow Riders. They provided great planning assistance; a friendly and adept ground crew was most helpful in organizing the boarding process and explaining what was going on to inflate our ride. Our pilot, Jon Thompson, can be described in one word "SUPERB". But professional, totally competent and friendly go into making "superb" the best way to describe him. The best bucket list item we have ever done. Go do it with Rainbow Riders!
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Linda
Oct 6, 2025
Spectacular! Accommodating for ADA PERSONSRainbow Ryder’s Fantasy. The pilot and his crew were more helpful than snyone - Both the pilot and their crew were informative. Alfred, Bubba, and Mike were excellent in all manners. They assisted many ADA persons without Being asked. Bubba where are we going? Just dropped me off here in the motor Friday. Pray you have a continuous blessed time and a safe trip. Thank you so much. God bless you guys. Thank you
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Janeg2606
Oct 6, 2025
Very Pricey and terrible customer service - weather cancelled our flight. This company did a terrible job giving us an option to reschedule. They told us first come first serve on a stand by basis. This caused major anger at 3 am in the morning with people that had been cancelled due to. weather. After planning this for a year, our flight was cancelled, we then had to show up the next two mornings at 3 am, and still did not get on a flight. They should not be the only game in town!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $189
up to 6 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).