Rainbow Ryders

4.7 (331 reviews)

Hot Air Balloons

Closed • 7:00 am - 7:00 pm

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Rainbow Ryders - view from the hot air balloon - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Rainbow Ryders - We experienced a gorgeous hot air balloon ride with Rainbow Ryders in Albuquerque. - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Rainbow Ryders - Central heating, Anthony fires some BTU's. - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Rainbow Ryders - Hot Air Balloon - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Libby M.

We had such a great, safe experience with Alfred at Rainbow Ryders. We can't recommend them enough!!

Charmaine S.

New Mexico but EXTRA! Had booked via phone---it was easy. I had questions I can't ask online since we booked the day before. You pay after the event which was so great. Check in was an hour before the event. It was very organized! The gathering rooms, the colored registration label cards with QR codes to sign waiver. Lucky we got to fly with the best And OG Alfred. Our group had the biggest hot air balloon and was the balloon depicting the culture of NM. Their team was incredible. Shuttle to the site for the take off and we had a toast after---Alfred's team even had special toast and snacks for the whole group. Incredible experience overall! More than a bucket list should I Say!

Jim T.

Rainbow Ryders took 22 of my family members up in two balloons. An experience they will never forget. Everyone enjoyed themselves. Most highly recommended.

Christy S.

I had an absolutely amazing experience with Rainbow Ryders! This has been on my bucket list for years, and it did not disappoint. They have it all down to an art form. It was smooth in every way. Knowledgeable and experienced pilots and crew. The sky was filled with colorful balloons over the city of Albuquerque. I cannot more highly recommend this experience.

My husband and a group of friends got to fly with Alfred. I highly recommend this business and the pilots that come with. It was such a great experience, smooth takeoff and landing! Views were incredible. Thanks, Alfred!!

we had. an amazing adventure on our first balloon experience Although the day began in the wee hours of the morning we were one of many! as luck would have it we were the first up after the dawn patrol with the thousands of people cheering we felt like celebrities So beautiful up there! our pilot was amazing and definitely put us at ease The videos are too large but have a couple pics that don't do it justice

Outstanding experience. These folks have it together, from check-in to loading, flying and touchdown. We were on board with a total of 11 folks. Boarded the van to the takeoff point, a large open area about 5 minute drive from the Ryders office. All balloons going up get deployed in the field, we're given some basic safety and landing prep instruction and up, up away. The ascent is smooth, we go a couple hundred feet up, the get a wet foot in the very shallow Rio Grande river. Then the real ascent, up to just shy of 3000 feet. The sensation is quite calm, you are not being propelled by prop or jet, you are with the wind. Its quiet and as you cruise with the wind, you hear the yard hounds from the homes below jankled by the burners of the colorful orbiting globes. The winds today tool us southeasternly at first, but then changed to the west. Our approach to land was extended as some low level winds were variable. Our pilot, Anthony picked a more open space to put 'er down. As we approached to land we were 10-15 feet over the rooftops finally settling in a sandy sage brush open field. With everyone braced as instructed we rolled the basket left on touchdown (like a slow motion roll, btw). The chase crew was johnny on the spot and everyone exited the basket without problem. A post-flight toast and the crew packed up the deflated balloon for the ride back to HQ. This was a lifetime experience. Great job Rainbow Ryders, great choreography and flight experience.

Marianne V.

We had an amazing hot air balloon ride with Brad as our pilot. Everything from start to finish was amazing. Well worth the money to check this off our bucket list.

Abel F.

Anthony I think his name was.,the whole team did an outstanding job.,also they're very professional So they know what they're doing! So saying that! I'd definitely recommend everyone to there and have an amazing experience like we did so thank you so very to the team

Monica S.

This company has great communication. They were very easy to find and in their communication they explained parking. When I arrived Troy checked me in and let me know that I'd be riding in his balloon. Boy did I hit the jackpot more on that later though. He sent me to an iPad to fill out a waiver, which was very quick and easy. Then after that he directed me to a waiting area which had plenty of seating for everyone who was flying that morning. They had information on each table, explaining what to expect during the flight which I absolutely appreciated, especially when it comes to what to expect during the landing . They were very prompt and right at 6 o'clock got things going. Troy's van was one of the first ones out. They drove us to the launch field and it was great seeing all of the balloons inflating together. It was pretty magical. There were about 15+ balloons in the air during our flight. Troy is a veteran pilot of approx 45 years. He holds records in ballooning. I was anxious coming into this, but Troy was so confident and skilled he immediately put me at ease. It was one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had and I'd highly recommend Flying with this group if you're considering a hot air balloon ride also shout out to the Chase crew. They were amazing and on the ground in the location where we were estimated to land to stabilize us prior to us landing. Everyone did an amazing job. Once the flight was over, they provided us with beverages. They were super fast, packing up the balloon and had us back on our way to the offices in a timely manner. Troy checked us all out real quickly and sent us on our way with some snacks, absolutely brilliant way to start a morning.

Great experience. We had Greg as our pilot and Greg a Lily as his helpers. If you are afraid of heights and think you could never do this- think again as I am that person and once I met Greg and learned of his background - fear left me. My family had such a great experience and Greg shared lots of information on the journey. Do the sunrise tour- life is too short not to enjoy it!!

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Paige H.

124

9 years ago

I was in ABQ for two days for a wedding, and had never visited before. Our goal was to see as much of the city as we could in this short period of time. A hot air balloon ride has always been on my bucket list, but I am a nervous flyer so I would come up with excuses not to do it. Luckily enough, the circumstances were right and we decided to book the experience! We booked the 5:30am sunrise balloon ride. From the beginning, communication was great. A confirmation email was sent detailing where to go, what to wear, etc. I can't rave about our pilot enough. Jon was amazing! He spent the 10 minute van ride from HQ to field answering questions and subtly reassuring anyone that might be nervous (me). Jon has 20+ years of balloon piloting experience and built his first balloon when he was 16... His passion for the job put me at ease immediately - you could tell that he wasn't just punching in and punching out. The actual balloon ride was something that I will never forget. I had imagined that the ride would seem out of control and bumpy, when it was in fact the exact opposite. Calm, peaceful, and very controlled. There were 12 passengers in our basket plus the pilot - it seems like a lot of people, but it was comfortable enough (my boyfriend and I rotated, one of us on the inside and one on the edge, which worked well). The trip was an hour in duration - I could have stayed up all day! Lastly, in all the relaxation there was one thing still haunting my anxious brain - the landing! Jon took a few minutes up in the air to share some landing stories, expectations based on weather conditions, and we practiced the landing position. Again, the communication was fantastic. The landing itself went very smoothly thanks to Jon's experience. We had 2.5 bumps that weren't bad at all. I would like to call attention to the health limitations of participants, which Rainbow Ryder's does mention on their website. The landing had some force behind it and if you have any back or leg issues I would caution you against riding. This was a great experience and I'm so happy to have checked it off of my bucket list! Major kudos to Rainbow Ryder's and Jon for making it such a memorable excursion. read more

Rainbow Ryders - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Scott A.

Thank you for giving ballooning a try and checking it off your…

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Sara W.

Elite 14

5 years ago

Absolutely fabulous hot air balloon experience. Our experienced pilot and hardworking crew made this amazing. The ride was smooth and peaceful as we flew over the petroglyphs. Even spotted a jackrabbit! I'm typically afraid of heights but I was completely comfortable. Totally smooth and stable take off, ride and landing. I would recommend this experience to others. read more

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Brianna J.

Riding in a hot air balloon is so peaceful, and knowing that you…

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Natalie S.

5 years ago

We had so much fun riding with Rainbow ryders in Albuquerque, NM. Alfred was our pilot and he did a fantastic job navigating through the air. It was a little bit scarier than I had expected but the sweeping views are well worth it. I will definitely be doing business with this company in the future and hopefully will be able to go hot air ballooning in the other cities where this business operates. I definitely recommend this trip to anyone who is visiting New Mexico! read more

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Nicola V.

We are very pleased to hear that you enjoyed your flight with Alfred…

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Dan S.

Elite 19

170

8 years ago

If you're wondering whether the hot air balloon ride is worth the splurge price, I say do it. Albuquerque offers an unique landscape to see from the balloon, broad, bright blue skies from which to view and, from our experience, gentle winds to escort you across the sky. Our balloon team support team and pilot, Troy, were extremely friendly and helped us enjoy a great experience up close including inflating the balloon, flying and landing (amazing how a landing on a relatively small plot of land is possible). While it was a relatively cold winter day, there is no wind while in the air (since you're traveling at the same speed of the wind), the heat of the flame kept us warm. The views are terrific with the pilot pivoting the basket numerous times so we could enjoy the views in all directions. Great time and we took some fantastic pictures. Give it a try! read more

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Scott A.

Hey Dan! We definitely agree that Albuquerque has some of the most…

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E. W.

4 years ago

Flawless!!! What an experience!!! Top notch outfit. The pilots and crews are a class act. They all work as a team to ensure your experience is optimized, safe and educational. It was like a well organized predawn attack. We mustered, assigned pilots and crews, loaded up in our transports and moved out together jockeying for positions on the route to the launch site. Once on site the crew started preflight and readiness activities to ascend into the sky. It was a flawlessly performed ballot only experts could pull off. Captain Morghan and crew set the standard for all to emulate. read more

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Gina H.

7 years ago

Everything with Rainbow Ryders went so smooth - from our last minute Sunday night telephone reservation for a Monday morning flight, to check-in, to the flight itself. Our Pilot in Command Alfred Salazar and his chase crew Elijah took away any flight anxieties with their passion for ballooning. Our flight took us over the Rio Grande, near downtown Albuquerque and UNM. It was a beautiful way to wake-up. Mimosas and conversation at the end of the flight were a relaxing way to end the morning. If you have wanted to try a hot air balloon ride - do it! Let these guys take care of the flying - you stand back and enjoy read more

Rainbow Ryders - Rainbow Ryders balloon basket for four - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Rainbow Ryders - Call Rainbow Ryders to check hot air ballooning off your bucket list! - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Rainbow Ryders - Alfred gets us ready to go - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Rainbow Ryders - Rainbow Ryder's balloon over the Rio Grande - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Scott A.

Hello Gina! Thank you so much for sharing those breathtaking photos!…

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Cheryl B.

Elite 14

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13 years ago

WOW, what a fantastic experience! We booked our flight through Los Poblanos Inn, where we were staying. Rainbow Ryders picked us up at the inn right on time and took us to the launching site. By the way, it is an early morning flight, which apparently is the best time to fly. Brian was very nice and friendly and also very informative about what to expect. I thought I might be afraid of flying in a hot air balloon, but I wasn't! The flight was very smooth and not scary at all. Casey, our pilot, was great! He was very friendly and definitely knew what he was doing. He was also very good at pointing out different places and things to look at. Landing was super smooth as well. It's very interesting - the balloon can land at a different place every time, depending on where the wind takes it. The chase crew will follow the balloon and keeps in touch with the pilot over a radio, and the pilot will tell them where he plans to land. By the time we landed, Brian and Jerry were already there waiting. The FAQs say to dress in layers and to wear pants. In the summertime, I don't think the layers are necessary. I think the pants are for the ladies who want to wear short skirts or dresses. There is no door to the basket. You have to climb in! I imagine that summertime is the best time to fly because of the weather, but it can start to get hot up there. After landing, there is champagne and juice and little breakfast items. Casey told us a funny story about the first hot air balloon for our toast. I did see some little kids getting ready for another balloon, but I wondered how they would be able to see anything. The basket was taller than these kids. Casey, Brian, and Jerry were really great. This was such a great experience for us that we are definitely booking with Rainbow Ryders again during our next visit to Albuquerque! read more

Rainbow Ryders - Balloon bags and baskets - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Rainbow Ryders - Sunrise over the Sandia Mountains - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Rainbow Ryders - The Rio Grande - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Rainbow Ryders - Gorgeous view - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Rainbow Ryders - Looking straight down - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Rainbow Ryders - Brian pouring the champagne - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Allison R.

100

9 years ago

Absolutely amazing!!! I don't know where to begin! First making the reservations were super easy, and at one point we needed to change the amount of occupants which wasn't an issue at all. This was our entire family's first air balloon ride (me, husband, two boys 10/9) and it couldn't have gone any better. Our pilot was the awesome Neil F. And the chasers were Robert and Elijah- so sorry if I misspelled! Neil talked with us the entire trip and interacted with the kids too. He gave us information as we flew about the area and history of air balloons. Now while my husband and I enjoyed the views and photo opportunities, the boys loved the landing the best... and not to get off, because of the "crash"!! Ha! That's all they could talk about afterwards was how we hit the ground and we became a human puzzle until we could get out. We will most definitely do this again when we are back in the area. Ask for Neil!!!!!!! read more

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Preston L.

We are so glad we were able to provide a great experience Allison! It…

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Laura M.

304

5 years ago

We had an excellent experience with Rainbow Ryders for a sunrise balloon ride to celebrate my mom's birthday. My mom is a stroke survivor with special physical requirements and the staff at Rainbow Ryders -- from the booking receptionist to our pilot Dean -- were all super accommodating. We are so appreciative of their willingness to work with us to make this unforgettable experience possible (and safe!) for my mom and our family. Highly recommend! read more

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Nicola V.

We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed your flight with us and that…

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Alicia N.

8 years ago

Outstanding customer service and experienced pilots!! I booked our flight for the wrong day, and they were able to accommodate us on the day we wanted instead. And our pilot was friendly, with thousands of hours of flying experience. We couldn't have been happier!!! Highly recommended -- 5 stars all the way! read more

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Scott A.

Thank you so much for reviewing us. We are glad that we were able to…

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Licha C.

4 years ago

Loved loved our pilot Alfred! He keeps it interesting and answers all your questions. They are all very professional and organized.i was a little afraid at the beginning but it was very safe and amazing. They know what they are doing! Alfred alone has been with the company for 18 years. Highly recommend to anyone who is thinking about it or in the fence!! read more

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Brianna J.

Alfred is so wonderful with his passengers! He is a very well…

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P M.

12 years ago

This crew is all about safety! Dean was our pilot and he was just so gracious and funny. We ended up delaying the ride one day because the winds were a little rough. We were so glad that we did ﾟoﾟ The view, the experience, and the great people at Rainbow Ryders was well worth the wait. Cant wait to go back for more!!! read more

Rainbow Ryders - Cute souvenir from Dean our pilot. The cork from our celebration toast made into a balloon! - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Rainbow Ryders - Take off shot of our other friends on the second balloon. - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Glenn P.

6 years ago

Can we give more than five stars?? Alfred, Adam and Tony were the best. What a way to start the day!! Fun, professional, safe and interesting. Take a ride with them...they won't let you down! read more

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Nicola V.

We are very pleased to hear that you enjoyed your flight with Alfred…

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Marilyn E.

7 years ago

Absolutely fabulous trip! Very informative and amusing pilot Brooke who kept us safe and performed flawlessly. One and a half hour flight with a smooth landing on a single road between alfalfa fields. Great lifetime experience. My only input would be that they need to make the registration process more efficient and upgrade their champagne...Cook's...UGH. Definitely recommend these guys. read more

Rainbow Ryders - Dawn launch! - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Meghan M.

Hi Marilyn! Thanks so much for taking the time to write a review. We…

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Cecile R.

6 years ago

This was amazing-great flight, great pilot and great company running the place. One checked off the bucket list!

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Nicola V.

We are very pleased to hear that you enjoyed your flight with us and…

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Mychal F.

5 years ago

Incredible experience! Whole team was excellent start to finish. Did the ride at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta and the ride was surreal. Loved every second of it. The reservation team was so helpful with our questions. Our pilot Damian made it such a fun time checking this on our bucket list. He and the hard working flight crew (aka Chasers) were the right amount of laid back and professional. We are already planning to do it again. Must do! read more

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Nicola V.

We are very pleased to hear that you enjoyed your flight with Damian…

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Michael G.

7 years ago

Had the best time ever. Check off on a bucket list item for me and my daughters. Went during the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque and was an hour ride. read more

Rainbow Ryders - Balloon Fiesta 2019 - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Meghan M.

Hi Michael! Thank you so much for flying with us. It must have been…

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Carey S.

5 years ago

We went up on the balloon during mass ascension on Saturday October 2nd. It was a great experience from start to finish. Friendly, helpful people met us at the tent where we ate a nice breakfast. Then the flight with Al was absolutely beautifull and amazing. The chase crew and preflight crew were able to give us a lot of great information. Hands down a must do when vacationing in Albuquerque!! read more

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Brianna J.

The first day of Balloon Fiesta was absolutely gorgeous! Ryders Club…

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Elisabeth M.

133

8 years ago

Very friendly and professional customer service. Easy booking process. Good value for money. Safe and well maintained equipment. Enthusiastic crew and pilots. Very welcoming. Champagne and juices and some snacks - all included in the package! The only thing we missed: some strong coffee for the early arrivals! read more

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Preston L.

Hi Elisabeth, I'm so glad you enjoyed your flight with us! We try to…

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Samantha L.

8 years ago

My husband and I recently booked a sunrise hot air balloon tour with Rainbow Ryders. This was my very first time in a hot air balloon and I was a little nervous. However the experiences exceeded all of my expectations! Our pilot was Kris and he was amazing! We felt so safe in his balloon and he was clearly very experienced. Kris kept us entertained and gave us a great tour of the area. He definitely maximized every minute of the hour that we paid for and made sure we had a great time. After we landed, the team served us all complimentary champagne and snacks. This was one of the most memorable experiences I've ever had and I would highly recommend this company to anyone interested in booking a tour in Albuquerque. 5 stars for sure!!! read more

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Preston L.

Thanks for your kind words Samantha! We are so glad you were able to…

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Awatif Y.

8 years ago

We had the privilege to ride with Captain Michael Gianetti on October 13th, 2018. Michael and his team (which includes his lovely wife) were simply amazing, they explained everything to us and helped calm some of us who were a little afraid to ride (my little niece and myself). Michael also took time to tell us more about the areas we passed while on the hot air balloon and answered all our questions. I will highly recommend him, you cannot go wrong with Rainbow Ryders. read more

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Preston L.

Hi Awatif and thank you so much for your kind review! Michael is…

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Susanna T.

5 years ago

First hot air balloon ride and it was awesome! The staff is very friendly and skilled and they make the whole process very easy and enjoyable. 10/10 recommend, especially here in Albuquerque! read more

Rainbow Ryders - In flight - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Nicola V.

We are very pleased to hear that you enjoyed your first hot air…

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Steven F.

4 years ago

Great experience with Alfred. And a perfect landing. Although I am afraid of heights, I did not feel scared at all during the experience. I highly recommend. read more

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Brianna J.

There is something so peaceful about flying in a hot air balloon that…

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Mona W.

Elite 20

1407

1295

10435

9 years ago

The ride was amazing. You were floating in the air with the wind and it was completely serene. I can imagine no better way to see Albuquerque. Staff at Rainbow Ryders were friendly and professional. The crew made sure everyone felt safe. Now, if only I could travel by balloon every day. read more

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Scott A.

We agree, every ride is breathtaking and incredibly peaceful. Thank…

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Taylor A.

309

6 years ago

Oh my god where do I start?! The views were amazing! We did a sunrise balloon ride and it was absolutely perfect. The staff were all so nice and informative. Our pilot Alfred S was so awesome and his passion for flying his hot air balloons definitely showed. My boyfriend and I couldn't have had a better experience it was so magical. Thank you for making it so special Rainbow Ryders! Highly recommend this place 10/10. read more

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Nicola V.

We are very pleased to hear that you enjoyed your sunrise ride with…

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Anasha K.

5 years ago

Had the experience of a lifetime with Rainbow Ryders (Albuquerque). I highly recommend this company for your hot air balloon ride. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and made us feel like part of their family. They answered all our questions throughout the process, from registration until after we returned to the office location. Their website is very thorough, if you want to look up any information as well. The views of Albuquerque at sunrise were incredible. TROY was an awesome pilot, obviously experienced, provided tons of information, and kept us entertained throughout the ride. You can tell he loves what he does. We got a long flight, an hour and 15 minutes! Our ground crew was amazing as well. Darrell was so friendly and Nicole gave us tips of what to do in the area. After our flight, we were given Flight Certificates, toasted with some champagne, and had some snacks. If you are thinking of trying hot air ballooning, CALL RAINBOW RYDERS!!! You will NOT be disappointed!! read more

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Shay C.

5 years ago

If you want to mark a bucket list item off of your list or just have fun, Rainbow Ryders is the way to go!!! Jacob, Noah and Kevin made a fantastic team....ask for them....if you can!!! We got a better experience than any other ride out there and had a blast!! We had a Splash and Dash opportunity, super exhilarating! Longer ride due to mother nature and got to make friends with the other family in our basket. Jacob may be young, but he knows his way around a hot air balloon!!! Our 9 and 12 year old girls were nervous, but he put them at ease with his confidence!!! read more

Rainbow Ryders - Ready for a commercial!!! What a memory we will have forever!!! Thank you Rainbow Ryders!!! - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Nicola V.

We are very happy to hear that you enjoyed your flight with Jacob and…

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Rebecca C.

5 years ago

We had such a great time on our flight this morning! Our pilot Kris was awesome and crew Adam &Scott (?) were terrific and very courteous. I highly recommend this company. It was definitely a "bucket list" experience and first-class. read more

Rainbow Ryders - Rainbow Ryder Balloons over the Rio Grande, Albuquerque. - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Nicola V.

We are very pleased to hear that you enjoyed your sunrise flight with…

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Cadrianna C.

5 years ago

Rainbow Ryders provided an excellent experience. Check in was smooth, and our pilot, Kris, did an excellent job. We were able to do a dip in the Rio Grande and had 360 degree views around Albuquerque. He was also very knowledgeable about landmarks from above, and did his best to keep us all entertained. All in all an excellent experience that I would recommend to anyone visiting the area. One piece of advice - if you go, do a morning trip. Due to winds and warmer temperatures it is much more common for an afternoon flight to be cancelled. read more

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Nicola V.

We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed your flight with Kris! He is…

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Elaine G.

8 years ago

This was my favorite thing about visiting New Mexico will recommend it to everyone that will be in The Albuquerque area. Don't be afraid it's the best coffee before your real coffee. read more

Rainbow Ryders - Enjoying the sunshine over the rio Grande from the amazing hot air balloon. - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Rainbow Ryders - From above the rio Experience a magnificent sunrise balloon ride over the scenic Rio Grande Valley and the majestic Sandia Mountains - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Rainbow Ryders - We are coming in for the landing. - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Preston L.

Hi Elaine and thanks so much for your wonderful review and beautiful…

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Sabrina B.

6 years ago

This was so cool and not near as scary as I had anticipated ! Of course Chris and his crew were so knowledgeable and professional so that always helps to alleviate fears ! Plus they were very good about complying to covid protections ! This was a perfect bucket list adventure ! read more

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Nicola V.

We are very happy to hear that you enjoyed your flight with Chris and…

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Katie M.

6 years ago

What a great experience! I don't like flying, don't like heights but Rainbow Ryders really know what they are doing and I was completely at ease and able to relax and enjoy. It is such an incredible experience, don't pass it up! read more

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Nicola V.

We are very pleased to hear that despite your fears, you were able to…

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Mary S.

7 years ago

Amazing experience! First flight in Colorado and got to experience a splash and dash for the first time! read more

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Libby M.

5 years ago

What a great experience for Mother's Day!! The views were incredible. Our pilot Kris was the best. He was extremely knowledgeable and informative. The take off was so smooth that I did not notice we were already off the ground. It was amazing to see the other balloons in the air at the same time. A true bucket list experience!! read more

Rainbow Ryders - Take off - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Rainbow Ryders - View - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Rainbow Ryders - Looking up - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Rainbow Ryders - Rio Grande - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Nicola V.

We are very happy to hear that your enjoyed your flight with Kris! He…

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Dee C.

3 years ago

Even though we did not get to ride in a balloon due to high winds we did have an opportunity to get to know Rainbow Ryders. Customer service staff over the phone was extremely professional, helpful and kind. If I was just rating the company on them I would give 5 stars. However, there were other things that did not go as well. SAVE YOUR MONEY and do not upgrade to VIP. It is a total waste of money. The breakfast was ok (not great) and the souvenirs were very disappointing. Who wants plastic sunglasses that you give to small children? The good part of the VIP is that you have a tent you can wait in while they prepare for the ride. However, our first balloon flight was cancelled and when we rescheduled for a makeup flight there was no place for VIP members to go. They were very unorganized while we were waiting to go up in the balloons. So we waited and waited outside in the sun for them to eventually tell us that the second flight was also cancelled (we of course do not blame them for the cancellation as it is always better to be safe than sorry). We will try our luck with a different company in a different location. read more

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Elise M.

8 years ago

My husband and I had an exhilarating experience with Troy as our operator in Albuquerque. It was an experience of a lifetime...not scary at all! read more

Business owner information

Preston L.

Elise thanks so much for sharing your photo! It's amazing and just…

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Nicole T.

6 years ago

What an experience! We had Brad and he was an amazing guide. We didn't feel nervous at all in his hands. The ride was smooth and breathtaking! So many gorgeous pictures and a very smooth landing with a champagne toast. If I could give 6 stars I would, this was the best morning ever! read more

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Nicola V.

We are very happy to hear that you enjoyed your ride with Brad, he is…

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Gisele S.

7 years ago

John was our pilot, and he was fantastic. He answered all our questions and explained everything he was doing. His flight crew was just as wonderful. Our landing was very gentle. read more

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Meghan M.

Hi Gisele!…

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Val W.

4 years ago

Wow! This experience was even better than I could have imagined. From the start Rainbow Ryders made it easy to book the balloon ride and gave clear instructions on what to expect. I went with friends during the ABQ balloon fiesta and on the day of the staff were very accommodating (as we had a booking error they were able to support with). It was so worth the 3 am wake up call to be on time for the 6:30 am meet up. Larry and Ian were the two assigned to the chase team and they were both amazing! Their humor, knowledge, and presence made the experience even better and it felt good to have the same crew with us throughout the day. The view of the fiesta was mesmerizing. I loved being able to be apart of the setup and clean up, allowing for a community feeling between all of the riders. And I must acknowledge the most incredible pilot- Juan Garcia! His energy was infectious and he was so kind and made us feel welcome, comfortable, and entertained. An all around amazing experience, I wish I could relive in real time. I definitely recommend anyone consider to book, it is so worth it! read more

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Nicola V.

We are thrilled you enjoyed your flight! Juan, Larry, and Ian are…

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Kevin N.

Elite 24

701

1422

9 years ago

Amazing experience! Troy was the nicest and best pilot ever! A 5-10 mile ride turned into and hr and a half 27 miles ride down the river. So beautiful. The fire in the balloon keeps you decently warn and they give you mimosas at the end! I'm thinking I have to give the new Colorado Springs one a try now. read more

Rainbow Ryders - Cruising down the river - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Business owner information

Scott A.

Beautiful photo, thanks for sharing! Rides over the river sure are…

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Page 5 of 9

5601 Eagle Rock Ave NE
Albuquerque, NM 87113
Business Parkway/Academy Acres
Directions
(800) 725-2477
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.rainbowryders.com/

Hours

What time does Rainbow Ryders open?

Rainbow Ryders opens at 7:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Rainbow Ryders close?

Rainbow Ryders closes at 7:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Rainbow Ryders take credit cards?

Yes, Rainbow Ryders takes credit cards.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Rainbow Ryders have bike parking?

Yes, Rainbow Ryders has bike parking.

Does Rainbow Ryders have parking?

Yes, Rainbow Ryders has parking options. Private Lot Parking, Street Parking

From the Business

Specialties

The Experience of a Lifetime, Happening Right Now! Offering sunrise flights daily and sunset flights seasonally. Enjoy majestic views of the southwest desert landscape and wildlife. Safety and experience is our #1 priority, flying the finest equipment available. We are fully insured and licensed and are the Official Ride Operator of the World's Largest Balloon Event.

History

Established in 1983.

Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Ride Co., est. 1983 is proudly flying in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, Albuquerque and Colorado Springs. We are celebrating nearly four decades of providing the premier hot air balloon ride experience in the Southwest. Rainbow Ryders is the largest balloon ride operator in the U.S. as well as the official balloon ride operator of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the largest ballooning event in the world!

Meet the Business Owner: Scott A.

Scott has been a pilot for over 30 years. It is his leadership that has allowed Rainbow Ryders to grow and prosper as it has.

Ask the Community - Rainbow Ryders

When are the sunset flights offered?

For Albuquerque's Sunset Seaason it runs November - Feburary. The current season they are only available Friday -Sundays, and will end at the end of January 2024. They will start back up as normal November 2024.

View question details

Can someone clarify the pricing: is it $149 PER PERSON to ride or $149 for a session (no matter how many people)?

Hi Amanda, We do apologize for any confusion. The price will be per person for our balloon rides.…

View question details

View All 3 Questions

Review Highlights - Rainbow Ryders

“Once airborne, Anthony Lard, our pilot keep us entertained and informed as we passed over various landmarks.”

Mentioned in 155 reviews

World Balloon

4.7(204 reviews)

5.7 mi•North Valley/Los Ranchos

Murray and his crew are top notch! Our flight was beautiful and informative. I highly recommend…read morethem.

I typically only do reviews for food but had an awesome experience with World Balloon. They were…read morevery accommodating and added us on a tour for the next day after another company cancelled. Prices were reasonable. The team was professional, structured, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic. I never felt endangered or scared during the entire ride. We saw the sun rise and had a great 360 view of Albuquerque. When we landed the trackers were there to assist and and bring us back to the take off site. Upon returning we had a champagne toast whole listening to a story on the origins to the hot air balloons.

Photos

The owner Murray telling the tale of the origins of ballooning after a Champagne toast to the flight

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Private Balloon Flights

3.0(2 reviews)

0.0 mi•Business Parkway/Academy Acres

I'm going to jump to 5 here because even tho this is somewhat prohibitively expensive, it's special…read moreand if you're going to do this at all here is why I liked this company: we flew with just our pilot. It's a smal basket so it's nice to just be with your friend...or boyfriend. *wink* I admit it was somewhat less thrilling than I had expected because it was so darn smooth and we didn't go terribly far or high, but that depends on winds, etc. we went about 500-600 ft high but they often go as high as 1000. This company is family-run and they were SO NICE. We met our pilot, his fiancee and her dad who all worked together. The champagne brunch was cute, but unnecessary as it was the private aspect that sold me. for the slight bump in price, go private. our flight was delayed to try for better weather on our second day in Alby, and it was early, (630 am meeting time) but it was very nice weather/visibility. glad we waited. inflating the balloon was the best part for me. They were very responsive on email and phone. they also have a very cute plump dog as a mascot. Jack!

We made a reservation months ago for a balloon ride, our first. This Captain Bentley made promises…read morehe did not keep: no private flight, six people in the basket. No pick up and brought to balloon site, we had to drive ourselves in the dark ,early morning. He said he did not do like some of the others, fly the first group and put down the balloon and pick up the second group out of the chase VEHICLE . But that is what happened to us, but the winds had picked up and we did NOT get our flight. DISCOVER PRIVATE BALLOON FLIGHTS ARE THE ONES WE FOUND AFTER CALLING OTHER BALLOON COMPANIES, THEY WILL GIVE YOU WHAT YOU AND A GREAT CHAMPAGGNE BRUNCH AFTERWARDS. THIS AN EXPENSIVE RIDE , SO GO FOR THE BEST.

Photos

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THE Balloon Flight School

5.0(1 review)

5.5 mi•Eastside

The Balloon Flight School was a memorable experience. The balloon ride, sure, was the main event,…read morebut actually the host was the most entertaining. With years of flight experience and compliance with the FAA, the host, AL, actually brought a flare to the overall flight which exceeded expectations. The reality is that the take off was a whirl of activity to assure proper assembly of the balloon apparatus and then we were in the basket and off into the air! Wow, nothing like being whisked off your feet. You may even enjoy the post-flight faux history lesson about Luis the IVX and the origination of balloon flight. Champagne anyone?

From the owner: Hot AIr Balloon flight training (LTA) We fly to y our schedule.read more

Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Rides - Aerogelic Ballooning

4.2(10 reviews)

5.1 mi•Midtown/University

Hot air balloon pilot on October 7th am 1st flight very knowledgeable and friendly. Definitely will…read morego on again.

Worth the experience, amazingly beautiful. Make sure to bring warm clothes because it can get cold…read moreif you go early. People all over the world come see this great experience.

Photos

Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Rides - Aerogelic Ballooning

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Hot air balloon festival Albuquerque, New Mexico www.aerogelicballooning.com

Elevated New Mexico

5.0(2 reviews)

4.9 mi•North Valley/Los Ranchos

We found this family-run business by chance and we're so grateful we chose to experience this once…read morein a lifetime/bucket list thang with Elevated New Mexico. Justin and Keshia and team made it a seamless and really enjoyable experience. We launched from the same site as other experience providers, but because the Elevated New Mexico team appear to be a smaller and less commercialized outfit, our family arrived with the team already having set up for the flight, and we watched the balloon inflate and were in the air immediately after sunrise. We got to see the sun rise above the mountains whilst in flight, while others were still getting off the ground. We also greatly appreciated that Justin shared some history about hot air-ballooning and that this was a deliberate focus of the experience. Best part of our NM trip!

We are SO lucky to find Elevated New Mexico!!!…read more The representatives walked us through the process with thoughtfulness and professionalism. Thank you Elevated New Mexico for giving us such an amazing and unforgettable experience!!!!

Photos

Launch site

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Fly Albuquerque

4.1(32 reviews)

6.0 mi•North Valley/Los Ranchos

Amazing experience, really nice crew. Totally recommend it if you are courageous. Very safe and…read morechill ride.

Unfortunately, we never got to go on this tour. I should have read the bad reviews before booking…read morewith this tour operator. Just like several who wrote reviews, we booked this tour not knowing how awful the owner is. We booked a non-refundable ticket; no issue there. The website, tour rep, and confirmation email all state that if we can't fly because of weather, we can rebook for any time. We booked yesterday, AFTER speaking with a rep who assured us we would be able to fly. The rep was very confident, so we purchased. When we arrived, we were assured again that we could fly. We got on the van, signed the waiver, and then they canceled. It felt a bit sketchy because many other operators were flying, and I hadn't experienced this "Weather". All of that is fine! The major issue is that the rep, the website, and the cancellation email told us we could book any other available day. Naturally, we tried to book for the next day, or the following day, and of course, we couldn't. We checked the website, and BOTH days were available. Not only available, but there were 10 open seats. We contacted the owner and she was beyond rude. The owner admitted that there were slots available, but said we couldn't rebook for another day! Their policy specifically states we can rebook. In fact, they told us we could rebook whenever we wanted; that was the final reason we booked the ticket! She is a LIAR and very RUDE! I've attached screenshots of her saying we can't rebook, along with their cancellation policy, which specifically says we can book. STAY AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY.

Photos

Stepdad posin for a pic.

Fiesta balloon

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Rio Grande river

Two Wheel Tourism

5.0(1 review)

8.1 mi•Old Town

Two friends and I from San Francisco visited Albuquerque this past summer and were fortunate enough…read moreto have David and Jenny as our hosts. David took the three of us to a local bike shop to rent bikes for the day and led us on a fun adventure throughout Albuquerque. He was very knowledgeable about the town and the different bike routes that would be enjoyable. Our first stop was to a quaint and secluded breakfast spot where we sat in a nicely shaded garden and sipped our morning coffee before heading out to a local winery, Casa Rodena. The ride there was nicely paced and I got to enjoy all the views. I'm not an avid bike rider so I'm usually in the back of the pack, but I never felt rushed or left behind. We rode through a quiet part of town and I enjoyed seeing the traditional adobe style homes along the way. When we arrived at the winery, we did a few tastings and then bought a bottle of our favorite one and sat in the back patio. The winery itself is very nice and peaceful. We all had a great time just chatting and relaxing among the shaded trees. Lastly, David took us to Old Town where we had a chance to stroll the plaza and visit the merchants. My favorite site there was the Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel, which has a lot of character and charm. I had a great time exploring Albuquerque on bike and would definitely do it again. David was a great guide and made our trip very enjoyable and memorable. My friends and I felt well taken care of and couldn't have asked for a better host!

From the owner: Our bike tours cater to those looking to immerse themselves in the rich culture, food, and scenery…read morethat is New Mexico. Mission Statement: Our mission is to offer unique, inspiring, and sustainable vacations that promote personal health and support the communities in which we tour. We believe: the world is meant to be explored. By joining us on one of our tours, you will have the opportunity to experience your next destination, instead of just visiting it. vacations should truly be stress-free. That's why when you choose the Reserve and Relax package on one of our tours, no planning is necessary. Simply find a way to get to and from our tour, and the rest will be our job! our group tours allow mere acquaintances to form lasting bonds. that by sharing our local knowledge, you will find your vacation more memorable and satisfying. in giving back. For every participant on our tours, a portion of our proceeds is donated to the Esperanza Community Bike Shop, a local outreach program whose goals include teaching bicycle repair and safety to the greater Albuquerque area.

Photos

One of the many amazing petroglyphs on our tours

Hot air balloons in the distance

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Snow-capped Sandias in winter

Aerogelic Ballooning

3.0(4 reviews)

5.9 mi•North Valley/Los Ranchos

Went on a girls trip to Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Unfortunately festival flights…read morewere $$$$$ We found Aerogelic Ballooning online. They offered a festival week discount. It is a few miles from the fiesta but when you're in the air you will see lots of other balloons. The balloon holds 20 people and they schedule 40. While the first 20 go up, the rest follow in the chase vehicle. After they land the group switches. It was an amazing experience! (See photos) The pilot, Shane has been flying for 25 years and his family works with him. Everything was smooth from ordering tickets, to meet up, and of course the actual ride. Things to remember: 1. Get there early so you have time to make a pit stop and still leave on time. 2. If you notice a giant slit in the balloon while it is being inflated....Don't Panic. It's just a vent (thanks Dakota) 3. Stop and enjoy the amazing sunrise views in Albuquerque from high in the sky!

I would give this place -5 stars if I could…read more This hot air ballon company has wronged my husband and I. They're was a miscommunication error when my husband was trying to schedule our flight. When we went online to call them to schedule our flight we picked "New Mexico, Albuquerque and found a phone number to call. We assumed that it was to the Albuquerque location but it was ACTUALLY to the Phoenix, Arizona main location. Neither did the lady my husband talked to named Misty or my husband knew that when the flight was scheduled. So come the day before of we are trying to get in touch with them to confirm our flight no luck straight to voice message. The morning of we look at the email again and see the location for the balloon flight is at "the Starbucks on I-7 and Happy Valley Rd". (I posted a pic of the location directions they sent us) I mean you'd think a legit business would give you an actual address but. When we asked about the address we found out that our flight was scheduled for the Phoenix, Arizona location at 3pm. We were devastated! We're road tripping from Kansas to Nevada and we thought what a great idea to stop in Albuquerque NM and enjoy a hot air balloon ride a first for us both. Now before we both completely lost it my husband was trying to work with Misty to see if we could find a solution both parties would be happy with. We first asked for a refund. Misty told us flat out "No" to the refunds and that they were basically gonna keep our $100 deposit regardless of the communication error being just as much my husbands fault as well hers. She said that the whole refund was out of her hands and jurisdiction. Now mind you we were driving around the mountain area of New Mexico so the call got dropped twice. Every time my husband called back politely and apologetic about the spotty reception Misty got upset and offended because she thought he was doing it intentionally. She said that it's his and his phones fault and basically blamed this whole situation on my husbands lack of understanding. Whoa now! You call that you're customer service?!?The fact that this employee can not work with us but instead is against us makes me question the integrity of this business. Misty did nothing to help us feel that we made the right decision in choosing them. My husband worked hard to urge her to help us see if there was anyway we could reschedule. She finally told him to call this guy named Glenn who runs the Albuquerque location. So we did, we called Glenn. When we told Glenn our story we had hopes that maybe we found someone who would show some kindness and help us. WRONG!!! Glenn said well you got two choices 1. You can be on stand by and just check back with us daily to see if we have any open spots available. Your standby would last for 6 months and it's only good at the Phoenix location. I don't recommend this because it's very unlikely you'll get a flight. 2. Just accept you're out $100. Like seriously?! Can you believe that?!? I said to my husband there's no way we can win so he can make the decision. Sure enough my husband decided on the standby because after moving out and the holidays we just can't waste $100. Glenn said "Okay I'll be sure to let Misty know since she is the boss, the manager of operations." Whoa whoa whoa back that up! You mean to tell me that the MANAGER OF OPERATIONS IS UNABLE TO ISSUE A $100 REFUND?!? Smh what kind of place are you running here?!?! So we're both confused, upset and I myself am now crying my eyes out because the whole point of us being here just got cancelled. And now we're $100 out. This is some sneaky snake like business you have running here. I personally don't even want to business with this place anymore but understand my husbands strife. Why would I want to trust this place after the horrible customer service I just experienced. Soooo Misty calls back to confirm that we're doing the standby thing. Now here's the icing on the cake. My husband after talking with Misty points out so that another poor couple or family doesn't encounter the same problem we did, that the phone number we found online for the Albuquerque location was incorrect and was actually for the Phoenix location. Guess what she said? "Oh we know you guys actually aren't the first couple whose had this kind of mistake" ARE YOU FRICKEN KIDDING ME??!!?!?!?!?!?!?!???!! Livid just livid!!! It's a Whole big scam a con for them to keep your money.NO HELP from MISTY or GLENN and almost an admittance that this business will intentionally set your reservation up for failure just to keep your hard earned money. Worst experience of my life!!! Still crying and upset about it!!! I honestly don't know if I even want to get in a hot air balloon anytime soon knowing this is a possible experience. THEY TOOK OUR MONEY FOR THE EXPERIENCE WE DID NOT WANT. NEVER DO BUSINESS WITH THIS DISHONORABLE PLACE.

Photos

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Private Flight Balloon Rides

1.0(1 review)

6.4 mi

We made our hot air balloon trip plans in June for the Oct 2013 Hot Air Balloon Ride. We called…read moreseveral places and liked the Private Balloon Flights package - they try hard to promote it. This was a bucket list trip for me. We made the hot air balloon trip a stop on our move from San Antonio to San Diego - quite a ways out of the way. We woke up at 4:30 am in the morning to meet in the parking lot as instructed. It was freezing weather and we waited in line. Here we were told that we would not be in the sunrise hot air balloon group after all, but group 2. This was never told to us when we signed up in June (4 months in advance). After we signed in we were instructed to another park. We went and waited outside in the freezing cold for about an hour for the winds to calm down. While we were waiting we met the other people in our group. We learned that we had in fact signed up prior to the people in group 1 - so we are not sure why we were chosen to be in group 2. Another couple that was in group 2 had actually been signed up for a flight the day before and bumped to today - so they should have also been in group 1. At any rate the operator said we were lucky because Group 2 means we get a longer balloon ride. Well we get in the chase vehicle and our chase driver is very friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. We start chasing the group 1 balloon all over ABQ and the chase driver tells us that the balloon driver is actually from out of town and isn't that familiar with the geography. Well this didn't worry us until there were several sites for the balloon pilot to set down but didn't. It seemed like every other balloon in the sky that day found a spot to set down except the balloon we were supposed to be on. After about an hour the pilot radioed our driver and told her to take us back to the park because we would not be getting our balloon ride. I did everything I could do not to start crying. This was the most exciting thing I had planned on our trip. With the government shutdown our entire family vacation road trip was ruined. None of the national parks were open and now to top it off our hot air balloon ride was cancelled. We had done everything right - made our reservations early in advance, showed up on time! The chase driver said to talk to the reservationist Pam to see what she could offer us. When we got dumped off back at the park Pam met us and told us "sorry, sucks when mother nature doesn't cooperate". It was the most UNheartfelt apology ever. She didn't even have the class to offer us breakfast at least - nothing! Not even a sweatshirt for all of our troubles. I think at the very least they could have offered us a discount if we returned to a different day to ride and invited us to stay for breakfast anyway. This company didn't even have the business sense to offer us ANYTHING! I was appalled. They said we could book another balloon flight on Tuesday - three days later! Well, sorry we were leaving in the morning.... our trip was ruined. I get that mother nature has to cooperate, but it was apparent that there was more than just mother nature participating in this disaster! The other couple that was with us drove all the way from Louisiana for this and the couldn't offer them anything either. I mean seriously - was breakfast too much to ask for? What a waste of time! My advice is to go with a different balloon ride operator - someone with more tact and customer service! There are plenty to choose from.

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Steve J.

116

122

4 years ago

We attended the International Balloon Festival for the first time this year. My wife is actually from New Mexico but has never attended. Both my wife and I have ridden a hot air balloon ride once many moons ago but our kids (17 and 19) have never been on one. We decided that it would be great if we could both attend the festival and go up in a balloon all in the same trip. Rainbow Ryders seems to have an exclusive ability to offer balloon rides during the festival so we decided to go with them for our experience. Wow what a great experience it was!!! So as they requested, we checked in by 5am on the day of our ride. The weather was pretty cold at the festival so we have to bundle up while we waited for the pre-check in meeting with the pilot around 6:30am. It was at that time that we meet Sheldon (our pilot) and Joe and Jackson (the chase crew). Sheldon has piloted all over the world and you can tell you are in safe hands when you are up in the air. Joe is actually working on his PhD and Jackson has already served 3 tours in our military. They were quite the amazing team!! At 6:30am they stated blowing up the balloon. I didn't know this, but they actually use fans to blow up the balloon half way. From there they turn on the propane to fill it up before take off. Just before they got the balloon upright, they asked about half of us to pre-board horizontally before the balloon rose up in the air. I had actually never seen this before but it made sense since they needed to weight the basket down before the rest of us could board. After about 5 minutes of propane fueling, up the balloon went and the rest of us boarded. Joe and Jackson too any pictures anyone wanted to take and then up we went!!! When you first start to go up, you can feel a bit like you could fall since you are not wearing a seatbelt or anything as you go up. The basket walls are nearly 4-4.5ft high and the basket itself if very sturdy so all of that is in your head. There are also straps on the basket for you to hold on to if you continue to feel less secure. As we settled in to our cruising altitude (between 500 and 2500ft above the ground) that's when this overwhelming feeling of relaxation and floating through the air like a kite really hits you. It's an amazing feeling!!! Sheldon expertly navigated us through various altitudes to take advantage of the prevailing winds and attempt to get us to our attended destination. Joe and Jackson followed down below and were ready to help breakdown the balloon once we landed. There are no propellers or other propulsion equipment on hot air balloons so you are at the mercy of the winds in getting somewhere. If there were any questions during the flight, Sheldon answered them and followed up to make sure we were satisfied with any answers. Sheldon is also quite the encyclopedia of Hot Air balloon knowledge and provided lots of it along the way. After we landed, Joe and Jackson quickly broke down and put away the balloon while Sheldon handed out our certificates of completion for the ride. He then put together a Champagne toast for us which is apparently customary after every hot air balloon flight. We took some more pictures and off we went in the chase vehicle back to the Festival. Our kids are 17 and 19, and are VERY hard to get to commit to doing stuff with us. After a lot of convincing, they came with us on the trip, got up early and were open to trying out the balloon ride. Boy were they happy once done and both said they would definitely come to the festival and go on the ball ride again. Thanks so much to Rainbow Ryders, Sheldon, Joe and Jackson for an amazing experience. You gave us family time with our kids that is so precious to us now we really cherish it when we can get it. We will be back next year!!! read more

Purple F.

11 years ago

Here are a few honest, key points I would like to warn people about because this company will tell you whatever you want to hear when you book your flight. 1.) THERE ARE NO SEATS AND THEY WILL PACK AS MANY PEOPLE AS THEY CAN INTO ONE BALLOON. Everyone stands shoulder to shoulder and it's really uncomfortable. There were about 12 people packed into the balloon I was in. I'm not sure why they don't have seats but people standing in the middle don't even really get a view. 2.) IF RAINBOW RYDERS DOESN'T GET ENOUGH PASSENGERS BOOKED THEY WILL CANCEL YOUR FLIGHT. This company seems to have no regard for customer's schedules. They will cancel your flight AN HOUR before, never mind if you come all the way down here from another state!!!! 3.) THE "FLIGHT CERTIFICATE" IS A CHEAP CARDBOARD PRINTOUT WRITTEN IN SHARPIE. 4.) THEY ACTUALLY ASK CUSTOMERS TO "HELP OUT" AND PACK UP THE BALLOON. Isn't that what the crew is there for, though? 5.) THE VENDING MACHINE SNACKS AND ONE GLASSFUL FROM A $10 BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGNE ARE NOT WORTH IT. Neither is the lame "balloonist prayer" they force everyone to listen to. 6.) WINTER IS THE WORST TIME FOR A BALLOON RIDE - My feet and legs were so cold I couldn't even get out of the basket. It was miserable....sooo cold...my torso was ok but my legs and feet were hurting for hours afterward because of the cold. I can't believe people actually pay for such an experience....what a rip off. There was a little boy about 9 standing next to me and he was crying from the cold. 7.) THE OFFICE IS RUN BY TEENAGERS. I literally could not hear a word over the phone due to the unprofessional shrieking and laughter coming from that "office." Good luck getting any ounce of professionalism from them. That sums up my experience. Save your money and do something else, unless you are willing to shell out $700 for a private flight, which to be honest if I was going to spend that much on an experience it would not be a 45 minute balloon ride. read more

Rich P.

2 years ago

An Unforgettable Sunrise Adventure with Greg Morrison! I recently had the pleasure of experiencing a sunrise hot air balloon ride in Albuquerque, and it was nothing short of magical. From the moment we arrived, his professionalism and friendliness set the tone for an incredible adventure. He was knowledgeable, courteous, and made sure everyone felt safe and comfortable. Our pilot, Greg Morrison, was exceptional. His expertise and passion for ballooning were evident throughout the flight. As we gently lifted off the ground, the breathtaking views of the Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande Valley unfolded before us. Watching the first rays of sunlight illuminate the landscape was a sight to behold. The serene and smooth flight allowed us to fully appreciate the beauty of Albuquerque from above. Greg was not only skilled but also entertaining, sharing fascinating stories and insights about the area. The entire experience was well-organized, from the initial meet-and-greet to the champagne toast upon landing. It truly felt like a VIP experience. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this sunrise hot air balloon ride with Greg Morrison is a must-do. It's a perfect way to start the day, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Highly recommended! read more

Hitha H.

10 years ago

My husband hates coming to Albuquerque. I mean, HATES. But my mother is here and so is my sister and therefore he has no choice. We live in New York City, so trying to find something that tops nights out until 4am or big city antics in the amazing, peaceful, beautiful Southwest was challenging. Cue Rainbow Ryders and their hot air balloon excursions. I called them up and immediately signed us up for a morning ride across the city. I grew up in ABQ, and had never thought to *take* a balloon ride- was happy to watch them pass by, or on occasion watch them land in a lot by our house. The trip was incredible, our pilot was Troy Bradley who flew a balloon across the atlantic from Japan to the Baja coast. He was professional, hilarious, had the best stories and at the end- made me a "dirty river" which sounds, well... dirty but it's a cocktail of champagne, cranberry juice and OJ for the traditional post ride champagne toast. It was delicious! Needless to say, we were in amazing hands, the group was awesome and my husband no longer hates the #505. THANK YOU Rainbow Ryders. Can't wait to go up with you again soon! read more

Dee B.

10 years ago

My daughter and I booked a flight a month in advance of the 2016 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. Yes, you have to get up early to beat the traffic and get in line to check in, and it's cold and dark, but the whole experience is really worth it. On Thursday, we rode in an 8-person basket, with Mark as our very experienced pilot. There was a slight weather delay, but within the hour we were off! There was a nice soft wind, followed by a 180 degree turnaround in wind, definitely stronger. Fantastic flight, and 3 very friendly couples to share the experience. It was great to have Mark as our pilot when it came time to land, as the wind was still fairly strong. He handled the balloon like the professional he is, and after the ballooon and basket were loaded on the trailer, the eight of us hopped into the van for the ride back to the Fiesta grounds and mimosas, toasts, and a little history of balloons. Thank you Mark Johnson and Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon for a wonderful time. Highly recommend!!!!!!! read more

Molly H.

12 years ago

If you are questioning whether or not to do this..... just do it! It is one of the coolest things I have ever done. The feeling that you get from being up there weightless is so peaceful. I never once felt frightened at all. I felt so safe and at ease the entire experience. These guys really are the best around, they are experts, they have all been doing it for a long time, and they don't mess around at all. Our first day we went out with a large group out to launch and they had to cancel because the direction of the wind was not in our favor. They tested it for about an hour, because the wind changes once the sun comes up, and they were very informative about the whole process. They were very friendly and answered all of our questions about how the process works and about the Fiesta in the fall etc. The views are breathtaking we flew along the San Juan River with the Sandias to our right. This seriously made our vacation, and absolute must do! read more

Christian C.

7 years ago

Twelve of us in the balloon basket made for 16. Albert the world balloonist (Canada, Dubai, etc.) featured on Natl. Geographic our pilot. Cold (late October) on the ground. And beautiful and graceful on the way up! Rio Grande was stunning and air not so cold after all. No one apparently nervous at 1,200 ft. Saw coyotes and jackrabbits trying to outrun the balloon when descending--pretty impressive speedy creatures. On the landing at 14mph, we landed sideways and it was the best part (or close to it)! Champagne ending was a nice touch. Even my scared of heights not-so-adventurous schoolteacher wife agreed it was all so fun--the best part of our comprehensive NM trip. read more

Rosabell M.

115

1470

10912

2 years ago

We had an unforgettable experience taking a private hot air balloon ride with our kids! While I was initially a bit nervous, the staff were so kind and reassuring that I quickly felt at ease. The entire ride was absolutely breathtaking, with stunning views that made the experience truly magical. To top it off, we received a certificate of completion and a champagne toast to celebrate at the end. I would definitely book another ride with Rainbow Ryders, it was an incredible adventure! read more

Katelynn S.

6 years ago

We had Alfred as our pilot and it was an amazing experience! All of the staff were super friendly and the view you get from the balloon is extraordinary. It is certainly worth every penny. Also- I have to add that I was a little nervous about the whole thing but they made me feel safe and comfortable the entire time. I would definitely ride with Rainbow Ryders again! read more

Richard S.

7 years ago

Our pilot, Dean Donley was professional, reassuring, and funny. His command of the craft was exceptional. He seemed to almost "will" the balloon in any direction. The ground crew was great as well. The Rainbow Ryders facility was very clean and inviting, and all of the staff was knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. What a great experience...one we'll do again. read more

Travis H.

11 years ago

Although I'm fairly afraid of heights: I didn't feel that at all during my hot air balloon ride with Rainbow Ryders, Inc. Troy was a very calming and welcoming pilot and I enjoyed every second. The small bit of knowledge of the history of hot air ballooning at the end of our flight with a champagne toast was a beautiful memory. Thank you, Rainbow Ryders and Troy! read more

Laura G.

9 years ago

Neil Freedman was our pilot with the amazing Nicole ground crew for our private sunrise adventure. Putting aside their wit, humor and seriously awesome personalities - they went above and beyond to offer my mother, son and I an unforgettable experience. I will request this team specifically when I'm back in this area to ride the soft winds again. read more

George B.

7 years ago

Great experience! Very enjoyable with a professional, safety focused organization. Dean was a great pilot, very informative. I would do it again in a heartbeat, especially with Rainbow Ryders. Thanks for a great time. GB from St. Louis MO read more

Caleb S.

8 years ago

This was my first air balloon ride ever the driver was nice and he was great at his job too and at the end you get breakfast.I would recommend this if it's your first time being on a air balloon read more

Daniel P.

8 years ago

Alfred was a great pilot!! And his team for take off, landing, and pick up were flawless. Highly recommend the cranberry oj mimosa!! I wish I could travel the world in a hot air balloon. read more

Lella M.

7 years ago

This was my first hot air balloon ride ever and the best birthday ever! This was one of the most breathtaking experiences of my life!! Alfred our pilot and his crew were incredible! read more

Kevin S.

9 years ago

We got engaged on a hot air balloon over the Rio Grande on May 7th 2017 and had an awesome Pilot, Charles Garcia, who made the whole experience perfect! read more

Daniel L.

7 years ago

We enjoyed the ride with Alfred very much. Would do it again! Well worth the investment

Tucker J.

325

2 years ago

The most amazing experience. Staff was so friendly. We will never ever forget this!!!

Rainbow Ryders - hot_air_balloons - Updated September 2026

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World Balloon

4.7

(204 reviews)

Murray and his crew are top notch! Our flight was beautiful and informative. I highly recommend…read morethem.

Air Carriage

4.2

(57 reviews)

I got this on Groupon since it was priced nicely…read more I was very leary of the comments since there were many stating no shows. That was not the case on my visit. I got a confirmattion text the day before and the van with the balloon was at Starbucks well before we arrived. It departed at 6am. Ride was great and workers were helpful. The one red flag is the duration. Groupon said 4 hours. It lasted from 6:02am got in the air and all and then were driven back to Starbucks ny 7::42am. Really nice guy, but if I'm being completely honest, I feel he cut it short so he could save his propane, get us back on the ground so he could squeeze in another booking. Beyond that it was a great first time experience and much knowledge was shared. The duration difference of what we actually got did leave a bad taste in my mouth.

Sangram and his crew were amazing! Stunning views! Loved every minute of it!…read more Ended with a champagne toast.

Quiet Waters Paddling Adventures

4.7

(32 reviews)

State number 23=NM in my quest to paddle the lower 48. Thank you Mike at Quiet Waters for hooking…read moreus up with 2 Kayaks + equipment. Great communication and knowledge. We had a great time at the Lake. Would highly recommend.

Had a great time floating down the Rio grande. Highly recommend this for locals as well as visitors.read more

Cliff's Amusement Park

3.8

(95 reviews)

Cliffs is overall a good time. From rides, to games, to the amazing WaterMonkeys water park, you…read moreare bound to have some fun. Now that we have a toddler, it's a little harder to justify the expense. So when deciding to go, we looked up all of the rides and options online and decided to go. We were a little disappointed in the discrepancies with the online height requirements and what was posted at the park. So we went to guest relations. DJ was incredible. Her kindness and professionalism was top tier! She made sure that we were heard and even had the General Manager talk to us. The GM, Justin, was also incredible. I have never felt like my feedback mattered so much. It wasn't too huge of a deal, a little disappointing, but we were going to have a good time anyways. The way they handle business at Cliffs made it feel like the old "Uncle Cliffs". Family. Community. And made me feel good to spend my money supporting their business. Thank you, Justin and DJ, for making our day and for being the good people. It is rare that we find that kind of customer service these days.

It was a really good place before they made stupid rules and lost money I think they shouldn't tell…read moreppl who to go with and how much ppl per group they should also let u bring what ever u wanna they don't have much options for food none for vegan options or allergies. Ppl should be able to eat what they please and not every is crazy rich to spent so much on tickets and more on food also they should accept cash not everyone is from New Mexico and go for vistit so buying a card from there that u will never use is stupid. And I think ppl would probably actually like going if they where not that strict on this things and they always have a ride or 2 broken and multiple times had the rides not work. Idk if it's due to poor training to employees or over all bad. Do better clifs.

Escape in Time

4.5

(26 reviews)

We had my daughter's 9th Birthday party here and my daughter said it was the best birthday she's…read morehad so far! They got there and had their cake and pizza beforehand and then did the Escape Room: St. George and the Dragon. They were in there a long time so it wasn't super easy for them to solve. We got to watch them on a TV outside the room. Then they came out and had ice cream sundae's. They all seemed very tired too from all the brain work they did in solving the puzzle. We recommend!

Pops Soda Shop that is inside the venue is a great spot before or after a good escape. Wish this…read moreplace was here when we were kids

Running Horse Ranch

4.3

(34 reviews)

Fantastic experience today -- took a private group with Jessica, she's informative and looked out…read morefor the weaker riders. The horses are well looked after and well fed. Valentine is a chunky old girl... Carlos is a funny dude, anyone taking his jokes too seriously needs to take a walk in the fresh air.

Carlos, the owner of this establishment, is impolite and extremely unprofessional. I reserved a…read moreTrail Ride with a Guide for $120 plus tax per rider (3 riders) totaling $396.00. Upon our arrival on the day of the ride, he inquired about my nephew's and niece's weights. My nephew stated he weighed 310 pounds and my niece said she weighed 235 pounds. The cutoff is 240 pounds, so he insisted on charging an additional person's fee. It should have been $120.00 plus, but I was charged $165.00. He then told my nephew, "You're paying," to which I replied, "No, I am paying for him." Carlos then remarked, "I wouldn't pay for him; I don't even let my son ride for free. Why would you pay for him?" This was very rude and made my nephew feel terrible about his weight. I would never return or recommend this place to anyone.

Wildlife West Nature Park

4.6

(54 reviews)

This was a very fun zoo to visit. The animals are all rescues and you can read their story about…read morehow they came to be at the park. There are coyotes, raccoons, birds, foxes, deer, and a bear. It was super hot though when we came so I would recommend going at the end of the day or very early morning. Probably in the fall or spring would be nice too!

The rescued native animals are well protected here, the volunteer staff love the animals as much as…read moretheir own. It shows. Great place for a wedding or reception. Fantastic atmosphere

ABQ Ax

4.5

(38 reviews)

Fun experience, cool memories with loved one! We added throwing stars for $10. We ate before we got…read morehere, but they do have food and drinks

We came here for the first time on Wednesday for a date night and it was a blast! We were both…read morenovices so we were a bit worried it was going to be frustrating not ever hitting the target but luckily we were wrong. The guy who checked us in was amazing! After the safety spiel, he spent the time helping us find our marks so that we would hit the board every time.....and it worked! I walked away feeling like a bad ass and looking forward to the next date night. They have a kitchen and bar too, which is pretty cool. The fries were well seasoned and the beer was cold, what more could you ask for? The set up of the lanes is pretty cool and overall this is just a great spot. HIGHLY recommend coming here!

ABQ BioPark Aquarium

3.9

(127 reviews)

Very clean inside and great gift shop. The large viewing tanks are nice…read more Since our last visit a year ago, several exhibits had closed. There is also no longer a petting tank which kids would LOVE. Super disappointed this is gone. Kids are our future, and we should be investing in their education above all else. The outside ponds were also full of trash and the fish barely had enough water to live in. Let's get it together Albuquerque.

This was the smallest aquarium I've been to, but it was a great stop on our trip. I like how they…read morehave everything set up in an easy-to-follow trail through the aquarium. They had a few surprisingly large tanks for the size of the aquarium. The otter was especially adorable & being able to check out it's exhibit from both under water and above was neat. The aquarium was clean and didn't have an overwhelming fishy smell like some aquariums tend to have. The bathrooms were also clean, and the gift shop had a lot to offer.

Bust Out Escape Room

4.8

(47 reviews)

Best escape rooms in Albuquerque. I have loved all of their rooms. Only downside is waiting for new…read moreones

We've been to many escape rooms around the Houston area and by far this was the best experience…read morewe've had at an escape room. We had Ashton as our "game master" they made the game fun for us all. The Camp Crystal Lake room is what we did very fun and very beginner friendly! Next time we're in New Mexico we will definitely be coming here again.

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19 reviews that are not currently recommended

Rainbow Ryders - hot_air_balloons - Updated September 2026

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World Balloon

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Rainbow Ryders

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Recommended Reviews - Rainbow Ryders

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More info about Rainbow Ryders

Payment methods

Outdoor Amenities

Ask the Community - Rainbow Ryders

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More businesses like Rainbow Ryders

World Balloon

Private Balloon Flights

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19 Rainbow Ryders reviews that are not currently recommended

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

19 reviews that are not currently recommended

Rainbow Ryders - hot_air_balloons - Updated September 2026

Best of Albuquerque

People found Rainbow Ryders by searching for…

Trending Searches in Albuquerque, NM

Browse Articles

Browse Nearby

Browse Brands

Related Searches in Albuquerque, NM

People who viewed Rainbow Ryders also viewed

World Balloon

Air Carriage

Quiet Waters Paddling Adventures

Cliff's Amusement Park

Escape in Time

Running Horse Ranch

Wildlife West Nature Park

ABQ Ax

ABQ BioPark Aquarium

Bust Out Escape Room