Up, up and away: Hot air balloon fiesta in Albuquerque

Lift off: Hundreds of hot air balloons take to Albuquerque skies this October. Credit: snowpeak.

By Derek Brown

Alarm clocks ring extra early in New Mexico during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The first balloons lift off at 6 a.m. for Dawn Patrol and glow a fiery orange in the early-morning desert sky. Mass Ascension takes place about one hour later — it’s said to be a spectacle of color and shapes when more than 500 hot air balloons take to the sky at once.

The 40th annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta runs Oct. 1-9, and this year’s theme is “The Greatest Show Off Earth.” The balloon show is the biggest in the world, and thousands flock to the region to take in the colorful splendor. It’s not too late to plan a trip — many Albuquerque hotels remain available.

I’ve always wanted to attend, and will one day. Based upon my hot air ballooning experience, this has to be an amazing 9 days of inspiration both on the ground and in the air.

Related resources

• Albuquerque vacations
• New Mexico hotels
• Phoenix hotels

Derek Brown is a producer, travel writer and explorer who recently moved to New York City from Chicago.

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