Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Rides: Sunrise Flight

Float above the Sandia Mountains at sunrise, then toast your flight with champagne

A hot air balloon flight over Albuquerque's Rio Grande Valley at sunrise, with views of the Sandia Mountains stretching across the eastern horizon. The operator flies independently on Albuquerque's west side and does not require a Balloon Fiesta ticket. Light breakfast snacks are included before takeoff. A traditional champagne toast follows the landing. The flight lasts two to three hours and a live English-speaking guide is on board.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sunrise hot air balloon flight

• Rise early for sunrise flight
• Soar above Rio Grande Valley
• View Sandia Mountains from balloon
• Enjoy panoramic New Mexico landscape
• Celebrate with traditional post-flight toast

The experience

You'll start before dawn with light breakfast snacks, then step into the balloon basket as the first light touches the Sandia Mountains. The flight rises with the sunrise, using the Albuquerque Box flying technique. A method that lets you move with the winds instead of fighting them. From the basket, the mountains' famous pink and red hues come alive as the sun climbs, and the Rio Grande Valley spreads below in full view. Nothing blocks the panorama: the rugged peaks, the river, the bosque, and the desert landscape all open up at once.

This operator flies independently on Albuquerque's west side and is not part of the Balloon Fiesta festival, so you don't need a Fiesta ticket to go up. If you want to attend the festival separately, that's booked directly with them. The flight itself takes two to three hours from start to finish, and a live guide in English is with you the whole way. Children from age two are welcome on board.

After you land, the traditional champagne toast marks the end of the flight: a moment to catch your breath and reflect on what you saw from above. Breakfast and the toast are both included. Bring only yourself and the willingness to be up early.

What’s included

• Light breakfast snacks before takeoff.
• a traditional champagne toast after landing.
• a live guide in English throughout the flight.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Oct 2027

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (2 to 12 years)

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Wicked Balloons

Is this one for you?The flight launches before sunrise, so an early start is part of the experience. You'll be up to catch the first light on the mountains. If you're visiting Albuquerque for the first time or want to see the Sandia Mountains from a completely different angle, this is the way to do it without the Balloon Fiesta crowds or ticket.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (2 to 12 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What time does the balloon flight depart?

Flights depart at sunrise, so you'll meet before dawn for breakfast snacks and then launch as the sun comes up over the Sandia Mountains.

Can I see the Sandia Mountains clearly from the balloon?

Yes. The Sandia Mountains stretch across the eastern horizon directly in front of you, and the sunrise flight lets you watch their peaks light up in pink and red as the sun rises: a view you only get from above.

Do I need an Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta ticket to fly with this operator?

No. This operator flies independently on Albuquerque's west side and is not affiliated with or part of the Balloon Fiesta festival, so no Fiesta ticket is required. If you want to attend the festival separately, book that directly with them.

What's included in the balloon ride?

Light breakfast snacks before takeoff and a traditional champagne toast after landing are both included in the flight.

How long does the entire experience take?

The flight lasts two to three hours from the time you arrive for breakfast until after the champagne toast on the ground.