Definitely a bucket list trip! Dean was an expert pilot and led us on an amazing adventure. Flawless trip with amazing views and an experience like none other read more

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

The experience itself was amazing but our pilot and check out process were awful. Everything started well enough with the ride itself being very fun and scenic. However, Troy Bradley (our pilot) was beyond rude during check out. We had trouble running our card since we'd just travelled. So after he ran 4 charges we called the bank and got it sorted. Rather than wait, Troy ran the card immediately before the charges were cleared causing the bank to put a hold on the account. He snapped at us and stalked off to the back room where the girl at the front desk had to chase him down after we waited 30 minutes. I would highly recommend the experience but not this pilot. Troy can fly a balloon but lacks basic decency and politeness. Edit: They ran our card 4 more times after we explicitly told them to hold off. Incompetent is an understatement for how money grubbing these people are. read more

Great time. It's an absolutely must do in Albuquerque. I fly planes for a living and so I have spent plenty of time in the air, but there is no better way to see Albuquerque than this. The staff was incredible and safe and the charm of hot air ballooning really hit us immediately when we took off. The whole family loved it. Our pilot was Neil F. He did a great job and Nichole was part of the crew and did awesome too. Its a good amount of money but an unforgettable experience. A true must do in Albuquerque! read more

Pilot Dean was the man! Answered any questions and told jokes, highly recommend him and this company.

This ride/experience was awesome. Enjoyable from the moment we took off the ground until we landed. Amazing views of Las Vegas. We got a pleasant surprise picnic at the end with champagne and snacks. Highly recommended escape. read more

Our pilot Patrick and his chase crew (Sean and Josh) were awesome!!! This experience was one of a kind and I would 150% do it again with Rainbow Ryders and ask for Patrick! I was his "copilot" and he made the adventure a breeze made very fun!! read more

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This was our first balloon ride. Sheldon was our pilot. He was cool, and informative! His passion for ballooning and his knowledge of the history made it one interesting flight. The sky was beautiful. The weather was nice. The team at Rainbow Ryders was awesome. A special shout out to Lindsay, who helped rebook our trip from a previously cancelled ride, she made the experience great! Highly recommended! read more

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Rainbow Riders are terrific. Damian (pilot) and Nicole (chaser) were the best ever. Thank you for being our tour guides from up above! It's a must trip! read more

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Woe there aren't sufficient words to express the experience that I had with this company they were all friendly helpful patient kind understanding and how many other adjectives can I find to describe these fantastic individuals I would highly recommend this to anybody Who has going up in a hot air balloon in their bucket list they were so so good in so many ways the experience is there are no words there just are no words to express how fantastic this opportunity was do it just do it why haven't you done it yet will you know about it now so you got to do it now go do it this week or at least by the weekend read more

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Alfred Salazar and crew were amazing!! Would highly recommend Rainbow Ryders. Had a blast on our ride!!

We absolutely loved our balloon ride! We were able to get a last minute reservation for our last day in Albuquerque. We booked late Wednesday afternoon for a Thursday morning flight. There were 8 of us in a basket, 4 on each side, with a partition in between the other four passengers. It was a beautiful experience with a great team. Alfred and Elijah took us up on the ride and were very knowledgeable and enjoyable. Gage drove us to the launch site and was super friendly and enjoyable. Totally amazing experience and the whole entire crew was great. read more

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Rainbow Ryders was pretty incredible. Even though I fainted mid-ride, I still had a stellar time. Albuquerque at sunrise from above is definitely an unforgettable view, and I recommend anyone passing through to take a morning to experience it. Our pilot was super awesome, and didn't make me feel bad about passing out mid-air at all, which I did appreciate. I suggest if you are one to get light-headed ever, do NOT stand under the flame of the balloon, because you will not have a lot of oxygen getting to you. The breakfast + toast afterwards was a nice touch as well. read more

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We had an amazing time with Tom in early October 2016. I was looking to propose to my gf and what better way than in a hot air balloon! I informed Tom of my plans prior to us getting in the truck to the launch location. I am scared of heights, but come to find out Tom is as well. He made me feel comfortable with going up 1000 feet and calmed my nerves. He played tour guide in the air and pointed out some landmarks of Albuquerque. When I was ready to propose, I handed him the camera and he took some great shots of us. At the end of the flight, he landed us safely on the ground and we did a celebration with some neighbors who helped put the balloon back in the truck. Overall, we had an amazing time and I will be taking another ride next time I have the chance. read more

Rainbow Ryders - drink with the crew - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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We were a bunch of senior citizens visiting the home town of our parents in honor of our sister we lost in 2021. We had the most amazing experience. The crew were so amazing and helpful. Alfred our pilot and Fred and Ken, thank you ! This was our First hot air balloon experience and will be a memory we will never forget. The thrill of quietly floating through the air among the birds is an experience like no other. The gentle peace of the air around you cannot be compared to anything else. Will do this again! Loved it ! read more

Our sunrise flight was a surprise birthday gift for my husband, and he was utterly thrilled with the experience (as was I!). Check-in that morning was at the company's headquarters, which thankfully meant restroom availability before take-off; I had visions of meeting at some random field and having to pee without a pot. :-) We were scheduled for a 6:30 take-off, but for some reason everything started a little late; not sure if it was the weather or waiting for other guests. We didn't actually leave the facility until 6:45-ish, which didn't affect the ride in any way, but the extra waiting did keep me anxious. I soon forgot that after vaulting into the basket with my husband and 10 other guests and gently lifting off the ground into the New Mexico sky. The air became quiet quickly, the only sound the occasional flame keeping our balloon afloat and our pilot's (Dean's) guidance and stories about his past flights. I appreciated Dean's humor, explanation of why he was doing certain things, and details of the balloon's mechanisms. It never felt crammed with the other people in the balloon; in fact, I took comfort in numbers and being around other excited, awed passengers. One of the coolest things was when our balloon lowered near a residential area and little children ran excitedly outside to wave and shout hi. We landed safely and as gently as possible in a church parking lot, with snacks and champagne/juice to follow. Overall, it was a wonderful experience, never felt in danger, appreciated Dean's leadership and mastery, and happy to have flown in the balloon capital of the country! read more

What a great experience! Alfred was amazing. Showed us how things work to easy our minds because it was our first time up! I would happily do this again with them especially if Alfred is our pilot. read more

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

Rainbow Ryders are great! Top Gun Pilot Jesse is the best with co-pilot Doug! Awesome ground team! Flying high at 10,550 ft! read more

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I booked a hot air balloon ride during the Albuquerque fiesta. When I booked several months ago, I asked the employee on the phone when the best time would be to see the mass ascension. She told me any day, so I booked on Monday. Not only did we NOT take off with any other balloons the entire hour we were faced towards the city of Albuquerque. For about 3 minutes we had a view of the Sandia Mountains. Rainbow Ryders has a complete false advertising on what we would see. I would not recommend paying for this. You can go on a day outside the fiesta and see the same thing for 4x less. read more

I'm a confirmed Balloonatic! Rainbow Ryders is the only licensed outfit to take people up during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta & it is WELL worth the indulgence to climb aboard! Took my 1st Balloon ride ever, this past weekend & it couldn't have been a smoother flight. These guys are fantastic! Check in early-early, then walk over to watch (& even help) as our balloon is inflated, stood up & geared up to go - they had about 12 of us in the huge basket - & there wasn't a bad view in the house! We lifted off during Mass Ascension....which is when the 100s of balloons are taking to the skies & you cannot even imagine the scene w/ so many colorful balloons, so many happy, cheering people.... Smooth liftoff, smooth flight, smooth landing - didn't even feel the going up or down....it was just like we were floating the whole time. Traveled about 5 miles over the course of 1 hr w/ 100s of balloons all around us - ABSOLUTELY AMAZING Come back only to be greeted w/ a champagne toast & some cool mementos of our journey - wanted to go up & do it all over again The theme this yr was Earth, Wind & Flyers....& we enjoyed all the elements. Love Balloons!!! read more

When my wife said she wanted to take a hot air balloon ride, I looked at her and said, "I am going to miss you". Somehow, she managed to talk me into it, and I survived to write this review. We took our balloon ride during Albuquerque's famous Balloon Fiesta. Rainbow Ryders is the only company authorized to give balloon rides during the fiesta. That should tell you what you need to know about their company. Our pilot, Jim Mitchell, was very informative and very professional. He gave us lots information about the area and hot air balloons in general, such as; they are considered aircraft, just like a plane and subject to FAA rules, so pilots must be certified by the FAA. If you have a fear of heights, like I do, and the thought of going up in a basket being lifted by a giant balloon filled with hot air scares the living snot out of you, here's my advice - put on your big boy pants and just do it. It's a once in a lifetime experience. read more

Riding in a hot air balloon was an exquisite, amazing, and unique once-in-a-lifetime experience. When in Rome, they say, do as the Romans do. When in Albuquerque, it seems, you take to the skies, via balloon. After lots of research, my husband and I narrowed our options to World Balloon and Rainbow Ryders. We ended up booking a Saturday morning trip with World Balloon online, but shortly thereafter they called and cancelled our reservation with the explanation, "the website shouldn't have let [us] book." No matter, we just took our business to Rainbow Ryders, and couldn't have been more pleased with our decision. Rainbow Ryders was courteous and professional, and despite being in a wicker basket a thousand feet in the air, I never felt unsafe. Rainbow Ryders shuttles passengers offsite for departure. Riders (Ryders?) can be involved as they want in the set-up of the balloon before take-off. Once on-board, we were gallivanted away for an hour and 15 minute aerial adventure, where we took in 360° views of Albuquerque, the Rio Grande, and a sky full of other hot air balloons. Despite the heights (and surrounding passengers), everything felt so serene and peaceful. After taking an exorbitant number of photos, we landed very softly in a field near the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Park. We were then transported to Wildflower Park for a celebratory champagne brunch, with muffins and mimosas. We were also "awarded" flight certificates and commemorative pins for surviving the adventure. I'd be remiss to neglect mentioning our pilot, Randy Rogers, was an excellent aerial tour guide. His experience, demeanor, and knowledge of hot air ballooning and Albuquerque geography made for wonderful excursion. If ever in Albuquerque, even if just for a few hours, hot air ballooning is THE thing to do in town. It's a bit of a splurge, but the memories are worth every penny. read more

My friends and I booked a hot air ballon ride over a month in advance. We were flying from Dallas to Albuquerque and one of the things we wanted to do was a balloon ride. The day before our ride, they call to cancel and all their excuse was "it wasn't going to work out." So rescheduled for a couple days later which would be our last day in Albuquerque. Twelve hours before our flight, they call to cancel again. This time they used the weather as an excuse. The man said he will refund me and next time we are in town to remember them and book again.....?? Not even a discount or coupon offer for if we ever we going to fly all the way to Albuquerque- which we won't. Very very disappointed since this was one Of the highlights for our trip. read more

Wow! Is all I can say. Ok I'll say more. This was a fantastic adventure. The company was so professional and they have the most experience of all the companies in the area. Our pilot was once in the Air Force and they hire only the best. Our pilot had over 2300 hours of flight time. We were on a trip with 13 people and they were able to take us all in one basket. They are very concerned with safety and make sure that we were not only safe but that we had all of our photo ops and experiences checked off! Absolutely recommend this place!! read more

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

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Jesse was AMAZING! His sense of humor was spot on and he navigated through the air like a gazelle with wings. Thank you for a memorable morning! read more

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

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Amazing ride, amazing views, truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Neil and Jared (sp?) really made it special, though. Both were extremely knowledgeable, kind, and trustworthy. Our pilot Neil had such a wonderful personality and attitude, it made the whole experience even better. Bit of a choppy landing, but it got your adrenaline pumping, so it was fine. Would recommend, would do it again. read more

Balloon Fiesta Ride - Amazing Experience!!! Was lucky enough to take a ride with Rainbow Ryders during Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. We took off right from the field with hundreds of other balloons during a mass ascension. It was amazing to float in the air and be surrounded by other balloons. The staff is very professional and also fun and did a great champagne toast when we got back to the field. Our landing was so smooth and gentle, like a feather touching the ground without even a bump. This is the only operator who can launch right from the field at Balloon Fiesta and I strongly encourage anyone attending Balloon Fiesta to do it as it is really the experience of a lifetime! They operate year-round in Albuquerque and Phoenix too so do fly with Rainbow Ryders because they totally rock! The yellow balloons with rainbow checks also look great in photos. read more

Thank you Dean, Damian, and Sean for the most memorable and magical birthday ride a girl could ask for! As a native of this city, I appreciated this new perspective on my beautiful hometown. The dip down by the Rio Grande River was stunning and amazing. Thank you all for being so cool. Your love for the gig shines as bright and as pure as our magnificent sky. read more

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Had a great time riding with Dean as our pilot. I was super scared to go-up but he made me feel completely safe the entire journey. If you get a chance to book, make sure to request Dean! He's full of smiles and experience read more

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

Rainbow Ryders were fantastic! My mom, sister and I decided to check an item off our bucket list. Rainbow Ryders was the only company recommended by the Santa Fe visitor center and I understand why! They were fantastic from start to finish. We booked the sunset ride with less than 12 hour notice in the middle of the week and that was no problem for them (mornings and weekends are busier). Troy was our pilot and he was awesome! He was professional, highly experienced, kind, informative and just overall an interesting person (i.e. breaking dozens of world records). The chase crew, Rick, was also a pleasure! He even took pictures and videos as we took off then sent them to us! Plus there is a champagne toast at the end! Overall, the sunset ride was great! Everyone was kind, professional and experienced. We are so glad we went with Rainbow Ryders to check this item off the bucket list! read more

Great balloon ride. I was skeptical about how fun this was going to be, but it ended up being one of the highlights of my New Mexico trip. I felt safe with a competent pilot and a good crew that kept things light but were nonetheless professional. The views were fantastic as we literally floated inches above the Rio Grande and soared high above the city of Albuquerque. I have never taken a balloon ride with any other company, but Rainbow Ryders is the only company that can take off from the Balloon Fiesta Park. The only negative was that it was so expensive and the pilot and crew didn't seem to like answering questions. Other than that, it was fun and I highly recommend it. read more

Great experience at Rainbow Ryders!!! Our pilot, Kris, and our chase crew were amazing!!! Check in at the office was quick and easy! Love that we didn't spend tons of time getting a "briefing" just told what we needed to know to be safe, got in the balloon, and had a fabulous time!!! I would recommend this company to others if in town!!!! read more

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Dean was a fantastic pilot! His crew was funny and engaging. He made me and my kids laugh the entire trip. Best birthday gift I've ever given myself! The flight was beautiful, perfect sites and weather! This is a must do, and this is a must use company. read more

So cool!! John made it such an enjoyable experience and answered all of our questions. Totally recommend, you get a certificate at the end which is cool as well. read more

We had so much fun on this excursion. This was a "bucket" list item for sure. They were the right kind of serious on safety and you should know that going in. However, they made it so much fun as well. Our pilot, Dean, was teaching us a little history and how to (not steer) but turn and get the balloon to go in the direction you want (hopefully). We had a toast (Albuquerque Sunrise) at the end of the ride and we could not have been more happy about this trip. Thank you to the whole crew for giving us this memory and enough photo ops to put a video on youtube. read more

For my first time riding a hot air ballon, this place was amazing! My pilot was very nice, answered all questions and went above by giving a verbal guide of Albuquerque. I highly recommend this place for an occasion. read more

Absolutely - hands down - the best balloonists in ABQ. For context, I have been fortunate to have flown with other companies and private owners over the years. This experience has been the best by far. This flight in-particular was for my daughter's first flight and her 15th birthday. The crew is simply outstanding and skilled. You will be in the best of hands with the team. Namely, The pilot Paul and some of the other crew: Andrew, Doug, Rick, and Damian! Thanks you guys! You're the best! P.S. Let me know when you're ready to puppy sit! read more

They are the only vendor at the Balloon Festival- have their own (rainbow) balloons but also contract with others during the festival. Rides during the festival are expensive - $450 (vs $150-250 normally) and there are no refunds for missed rides (you arrive late) or bad weather. You can make special requests for certain pilots or companies. And they do try to accommodate that. We rode with Bill from Magical Adventures (Temecula) which had a huge 350k cubic ft balloon holding very comfortably 14 adults. The process with Rainbow Ryders was easy and the staff very nice and helpful. I wouldn't pay more for the VIP experience - you get a tent, seating area and breakfast. But the festival is alive at 5am so it's good to walk about. read more

Rainbow Ryders - Magical Adventures - big basket! - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Wonderful experience!! As out of towners we could not have asked for a more momentous outing. Not only did we feel safe during covid but our balloonist Alberto was amazing! Made us feel safe as passengers and gave amazing fun facts! read more

Wonderful experience with Neil as pilot. I was worried that I might be scared of heights, etc and turn out to be a calm and smoothing morning ride. Not gonna type more. Just check out photos! read more

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Had an unforgettable experience!! We had Niel as our pilot, he was amazing. My then boyfriend proposed to me on the balloon and the rainbow riders made sure to add to our experience and make it even more memorable. I said yes so I no longer have a boyfriend, I have a fiancé!! This is definitely a check off my bucket list. Thank you so much for making a great morning even more wonderful. read more

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