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Worth every penny. I cannot take credit for booking the experience, but I know she did some looking into reviews as well as calling the owner. It's an expensive adventure, but in a word; AMAZING! And I know a great deal of that was because of on the company and our pilot. I would've had fun on another balloon, but it wouldn't have compared, I just wouldn't have known. Personally, I couldn't have asked for a better experience, it was everything I could've asked for and more! Early morning, crisp air, a chance to get hands on, and then FLY! Our pilot was the epitome of control and calm, he resonated confidence and I trusted him implicitly. He also let me help, you didn't HAVE to help if that's not your thing, but I got to and I was STOKED! Highly recommend =D big smiles all around and an experience that I will never forget. Thanks Sol, we'll have to come back and visit again soon!
Fantastic ride with a very personable and reliable pilot, Sol. He answered many questions with great patience, accommodated the needs of each passenger regardless of their age and physical ability, and pointed out both the technical aspects of ballooning (and there are many) as well as wildlife and flora we saw on our flight- all with a sense of humor. I would recommend this to anyone on the fence, given one needs to be up at 4:00 am. The ride time time can vary based on wind, but we were lucky enough to experience a 80 min balloon ride with a very smooth landing. At the end of the ride we had a traditional champagne toast along the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, where he explained briefly the history behind it all. His helpers (setting up the balloon, and packing it back in, is hard work) are super nice and courteous too. Just do it, it will be a memory you will cherish.
It was my first time to New Mexico and first time going on a hot air balloon ride! I loved everything about it! Rio Grande Balloons was so professional and so accommodating that I would definitely recommend it! Taos was the perfect setting since it is more remote and we got to see the most beautiful sunrise! Sol and his team were friendly and super knowledgeable! It was peaceful and so much fun. We will never forget this trip ever because of this adventure! It's the small touches like them taking photos for us, a time lapse of prepping the balloon for departure was super cool! We also landed with a surprise toast of champagne and snacks set up so nicely on a table! I would come back and do this again! Worth the money!
I had the best experience with this team! I had been a local for 25 years, went back home to visit and they really made me and my friends feel welcomed and we had the best experience. I would 10/10 recommend. If I can I will definitely love to join another flight. They were kind enough to offer snacks and great banter, and some wonderful tales of how hot air ballooning all began.
Sol and his crew were super friendly, efficient and consummate professionals! Sol is the "balloon whisperer", finding the perfect air currents to take us to the Rio Grande Gorge, drop us in for a breathtaking view below the rim of the gorge, and then a pinpoint landing at the airport. The champagne toast at the gorge bridge was the perfect finish to an amazing morning. Highest recommendation!!
If you want to go on a memorable and fun balloon ride, you had better call Sol! This was our second time with him, the first time my husband dragged me kicking and screaming, and despite that I loved it. Fast forward four years and we were in New Mexico once again and naturally we decided to repeat. Sol and his gang were just as good. He is very knowledgable about his trade and clearly loves his job. I love his job as well. We spent close to 2 hours ascending the heavens, down into the Rio Grande Gorge and then soaring up above, in the friendly skies of the Taos region, some 3500 feet above the valley for a sum total of 10,000 feet of elevation. I never once felt afraid. We landed at the airport and were treated to an interesting show watching planes take off and land both below us and then above us. When we were done we were taken to the bridge over the Gorge where Sol explained to us the story of the first balloon ride while drinking a toast of Gruet Sparkling wine and snacks!
More Ride for the Buck! A 45-60 minute commercial balloon ride in Albuquerque goes for $375/adult. My wife and I have taken five of these and I'd say closer to 35-45 minutes. This ride was 1 hr and 20 minutes! There is good scenery in Albuquerque with the gently flowing Rio Grande and the Sandias, but it pales in comparison to the Rio Grande Gorge with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains as backdrop. Rio Grande Balloons price is $325/adult. This is slightly higher than the other Taos balloon offerings ($285 and $300). I can't speak for the latter, but I can speak to our other five commercial flights: You get what you pay for. This was my wife's and my 6th balloon ride. This 6th ride is like comparing riding in a Mercedes to riding in a compact economy car on a rough road, that is, there is no comparison. We didn't know what we had been missing! Read on. Bonus: Photos and videos -- FREE! On our previous five balloon rides there was no photographer. Sol uses his smart phone to take pictures of us in the basket. His ground crew also takes pictures and videos from below! When you complete the ride, you go to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge picnic area for a traditional post balloon ride celebration. Set you smart phone to airdrop. Sol will explain how to do this. Within seconds you will have photos and videos of your flight! By the way, you will enjoy the post balloon flight tradition and Sol tells it better than anyone. Sol has his personally trained crew of four. Our other flights had a crew of two and paying passengers helped set up and take down. Let me tell you, Sol's balloon and sundry equipment is professionally unpacked and repacked by the people who know how to do it. Yes, you can help, but the point is this balloon is ready to fly when it is unpacked, and ready to fly again after it is repacked. That's important. The pilot, Sol, is also the owner of the company and the balloon you are going to be riding in. I am retired Air Force with over 5,000 hours of flight time. Sol is a professional; a pilot's pilot. His preflight is the most thorough I have seen for a hot air balloon. He guides his crew of four to set up the balloon launch. If they hook something up, he reinspects it on his preflight inspection. A good flight starts with attention to detail and safety. Maybe since my other balloon flights were not with the owner, it makes a difference. But I believe that Sol is just a safety-detail guy. Sol briefed us on landing after we got into the basket. For landing we would be crouched down with our backs against either the middle partition or the basket wall with our backs facing the direction of landing. In all of my other rides we were standing up. My wife hurt her back on flight 5 in Albuquerque when we bounced and flipped over (winds were about 12 mph on landing). Not good. Sol's landing safety position must be uncommon sense. Excellent! You're not going to ride with a better pilot. Sol contacted a small private plane flying over to check on winds aloft. This is important to navigation because in this area the wind direction aloft is often opposite of that at, say, 2500 above the ground. That way you can navigate better down the canyon and return to a landing spot of your choosing. Sol knows how to lead a conversation and get people to participate. As if the balloon ride wasn't enough, he puts everyone at ease and opens conversation between passengers. He encourages questions -- so ask! One question asked was "How do you control the flight of the balloon?" Easily understood answer! Landing. By landing the winds had crept up to probably 10 mph. This happened probably during the last minutes of our approach. But Sol had us in position. He had selected a smooth, sandy field to land in that was pretty free of vegetation. He greased it in with a steady flat drag of the basket. When we came to a stop the basket was at a 45 degree angle, paused there and then gentry settled. My wife was ecstatic with the landing. Let's go again!
Sol and his crew at Rio Grande Balloons were awesome. It was our 1st time ever in a hot air balloon and they made us feel safe with the whole process. They really really know the landscape by the gorge bridge and take the time to give you an experience you will never forget. Will do it again next time we come to Taos. All in all we spent about an hour up over the Taos gorge and surrounding area. Awesome.
First of all, this is a once in a lifetime experience. Forget seeing the Gorge from the bridge. That's nothing compared to seeing it from a balloon. Sol is a very calm and kind presence. He has a way of bringing the group riding in the balloon together, making everyone comfortable with his presence of calm serenity that you would want to see in the person piloting your balloon. I felt more safe in the hot air balloon than in my car or an airplane because I intuitively knew that Sol was wholly competent and he projected confidence. He's been piloting baloons since the 90s. The experience started off with an early morning meet up and continued with a drive to the balloon launch site. It's a great place to watch the sun rise behind the mountains and above the Gorge. As Sol's team of hardworking folks analyzed the wind and set up the balloon, we were able to explore a bit or chat with the folks who were soon to share the hot air balloon experience with us. (NOTE: Since most of the experience is outdoors, it's COVID safe, but Sol also takes proper precautions asking you to wear a mask in the car.) Once the balloon was ready, everyone got in it quickly before it floated away! Sol communicated with his team on walkie talkies, and the journey began. I have no words to describe the beauty, exhilaration or freedom felt in a hot air balloon, particularly in such a beautiful location. Once we drifted with the wind going high and low, taking in the scenery in a way that was very unique, Sol expertly landed the balloon. I was holding my young child in my lap and had no problem with the landing. The entire experience was beautifully completed with a communal wrapping up of the balloon, thoughtfully appointed snacks and a champagne toast along with a beautiful story and historical overview of Hot Air Ballooning. I had some unique challenges, as Sol welcomed me and my 2 children on board. He helped me acclimate my young child to the noise and heat, and my son had a blast. My autistic child started having a hard time, despite his initial declarations of excitement for the upcoming ride. Sol helped accommodate his needs and maintained a sense of calm throughout. I would strongly recommend taking a ride with Rio Grande Balloons. Its an experience you'll never forget.
This was an amazing first Hot Air Balloon experience & adventure for my husband & I. We were traveling to Taos from Florida, & Sol added us to his roster the day before, as our scheduled balloon trip backed out because of health issues. Sol's detailed explanations, were not only educational, but made us feel secure that he is a great pilot. The trip ran smoothly from start to finish, with beautiful sunrise, & weather. The views of the Rio Grande river were spectacular. We appreciated his good humor, & photographing our memorable experience! We highly recommend Rio Grande Balloons. Don't worry.. you're in good hands!!
1 month ago
My wife and I experienced our first balloon ride ever, and could not have had a better experience. Sol and his crew were perfect professionals, answering all our questions, including us in pre and post-flight tasks, preparing us for each step and educating us along the way. Could not recommend Rio Grande Balloons highly enough! read more
7 months ago
1 year ago
Beautiful experience. The pilot & crew did a great job. I felt safe the whole time, and they were very knowledgeable. The view of the gorge & mountains is unbeatable. I can't recommend it high enough. If you have an opportunity to go ballooning in Taos, this is the way to go! read more
1 year ago
3 years ago
Worth every penny. I cannot take credit for booking the experience, but I know she did some looking into reviews as well as calling the owner. It's an expensive adventure, but in a word; AMAZING! And I know a great deal of that was because of on the company and our pilot. I would've had fun on another balloon, but it wouldn't have compared, I just wouldn't have known. Personally, I couldn't have asked for a better experience, it was everything I could've asked for and more! Early morning, crisp air, a chance to get hands on, and then FLY! Our pilot was the epitome of control and calm, he resonated confidence and I trusted him implicitly. He also let me help, you didn't HAVE to help if that's not your thing, but I got to and I was STOKED! Highly recommend =D big smiles all around and an experience that I will never forget. Thanks Sol, we'll have to come back and visit again soon! read more
2 years ago
Fantastic ride with a very personable and reliable pilot, Sol. He answered many questions with great patience, accommodated the needs of each passenger regardless of their age and physical ability, and pointed out both the technical aspects of ballooning (and there are many) as well as wildlife and flora we saw on our flight- all with a sense of humor. I would recommend this to anyone on the fence, given one needs to be up at 4:00 am. The ride time time can vary based on wind, but we were lucky enough to experience a 80 min balloon ride with a very smooth landing. At the end of the ride we had a traditional champagne toast along the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, where he explained briefly the history behind it all. His helpers (setting up the balloon, and packing it back in, is hard work) are super nice and courteous too. Just do it, it will be a memory you will cherish. read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
5 years ago
It was my first time to New Mexico and first time going on a hot air balloon ride! I loved everything about it! Rio Grande Balloons was so professional and so accommodating that I would definitely recommend it! Taos was the perfect setting since it is more remote and we got to see the most beautiful sunrise! Sol and his team were friendly and super knowledgeable! It was peaceful and so much fun. We will never forget this trip ever because of this adventure! It's the small touches like them taking photos for us, a time lapse of prepping the balloon for departure was super cool! We also landed with a surprise toast of champagne and snacks set up so nicely on a table! I would come back and do this again! Worth the money! read more
4 years ago
I had the best experience with this team! I had been a local for 25 years, went back home to visit and they really made me and my friends feel welcomed and we had the best experience. I would 10/10 recommend. If I can I will definitely love to join another flight. They were kind enough to offer snacks and great banter, and some wonderful tales of how hot air ballooning all began. read more
2 years ago
Sol and his crew were super friendly, efficient and consummate professionals! Sol is the "balloon whisperer", finding the perfect air currents to take us to the Rio Grande Gorge, drop us in for a breathtaking view below the rim of the gorge, and then a pinpoint landing at the airport. The champagne toast at the gorge bridge was the perfect finish to an amazing morning. Highest recommendation!! read more
3 years ago
2 years ago
If you want to go on a memorable and fun balloon ride, you had better call Sol! This was our second time with him, the first time my husband dragged me kicking and screaming, and despite that I loved it. Fast forward four years and we were in New Mexico once again and naturally we decided to repeat. Sol and his gang were just as good. He is very knowledgable about his trade and clearly loves his job. I love his job as well. We spent close to 2 hours ascending the heavens, down into the Rio Grande Gorge and then soaring up above, in the friendly skies of the Taos region, some 3500 feet above the valley for a sum total of 10,000 feet of elevation. I never once felt afraid. We landed at the airport and were treated to an interesting show watching planes take off and land both below us and then above us. When we were done we were taken to the bridge over the Gorge where Sol explained to us the story of the first balloon ride while drinking a toast of Gruet Sparkling wine and snacks! read more
2 years ago
3 years ago
4 years ago
More Ride for the Buck! A 45-60 minute commercial balloon ride in Albuquerque goes for $375/adult. My wife and I have taken five of these and I'd say closer to 35-45 minutes. This ride was 1 hr and 20 minutes! There is good scenery in Albuquerque with the gently flowing Rio Grande and the Sandias, but it pales in comparison to the Rio Grande Gorge with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains as backdrop. Rio Grande Balloons price is $325/adult. This is slightly higher than the other Taos balloon offerings ($285 and $300). I can't speak for the latter, but I can speak to our other five commercial flights: You get what you pay for. This was my wife's and my 6th balloon ride. This 6th ride is like comparing riding in a Mercedes to riding in a compact economy car on a rough road, that is, there is no comparison. We didn't know what we had been missing! Read on. Bonus: Photos and videos -- FREE! On our previous five balloon rides there was no photographer. Sol uses his smart phone to take pictures of us in the basket. His ground crew also takes pictures and videos from below! When you complete the ride, you go to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge picnic area for a traditional post balloon ride celebration. Set you smart phone to airdrop. Sol will explain how to do this. Within seconds you will have photos and videos of your flight! By the way, you will enjoy the post balloon flight tradition and Sol tells it better than anyone. Sol has his personally trained crew of four. Our other flights had a crew of two and paying passengers helped set up and take down. Let me tell you, Sol's balloon and sundry equipment is professionally unpacked and repacked by the people who know how to do it. Yes, you can help, but the point is this balloon is ready to fly when it is unpacked, and ready to fly again after it is repacked. That's important. The pilot, Sol, is also the owner of the company and the balloon you are going to be riding in. I am retired Air Force with over 5,000 hours of flight time. Sol is a professional; a pilot's pilot. His preflight is the most thorough I have seen for a hot air balloon. He guides his crew of four to set up the balloon launch. If they hook something up, he reinspects it on his preflight inspection. A good flight starts with attention to detail and safety. Maybe since my other balloon flights were not with the owner, it makes a difference. But I believe that Sol is just a safety-detail guy. Sol briefed us on landing after we got into the basket. For landing we would be crouched down with our backs against either the middle partition or the basket wall with our backs facing the direction of landing. In all of my other rides we were standing up. My wife hurt her back on flight 5 in Albuquerque when we bounced and flipped over (winds were about 12 mph on landing). Not good. Sol's landing safety position must be uncommon sense. Excellent! You're not going to ride with a better pilot. Sol contacted a small private plane flying over to check on winds aloft. This is important to navigation because in this area the wind direction aloft is often opposite of that at, say, 2500 above the ground. That way you can navigate better down the canyon and return to a landing spot of your choosing. Sol knows how to lead a conversation and get people to participate. As if the balloon ride wasn't enough, he puts everyone at ease and opens conversation between passengers. He encourages questions -- so ask! One question asked was "How do you control the flight of the balloon?" Easily understood answer! Landing. By landing the winds had crept up to probably 10 mph. This happened probably during the last minutes of our approach. But Sol had us in position. He had selected a smooth, sandy field to land in that was pretty free of vegetation. He greased it in with a steady flat drag of the basket. When we came to a stop the basket was at a 45 degree angle, paused there and then gentry settled. My wife was ecstatic with the landing. Let's go again! read more
2 years ago
5 years ago
Sol and his crew at Rio Grande Balloons were awesome. It was our 1st time ever in a hot air balloon and they made us feel safe with the whole process. They really really know the landscape by the gorge bridge and take the time to give you an experience you will never forget. Will do it again next time we come to Taos. All in all we spent about an hour up over the Taos gorge and surrounding area. Awesome. read more
5 years ago
First of all, this is a once in a lifetime experience. Forget seeing the Gorge from the bridge. That's nothing compared to seeing it from a balloon. Sol is a very calm and kind presence. He has a way of bringing the group riding in the balloon together, making everyone comfortable with his presence of calm serenity that you would want to see in the person piloting your balloon. I felt more safe in the hot air balloon than in my car or an airplane because I intuitively knew that Sol was wholly competent and he projected confidence. He's been piloting baloons since the 90s. The experience started off with an early morning meet up and continued with a drive to the balloon launch site. It's a great place to watch the sun rise behind the mountains and above the Gorge. As Sol's team of hardworking folks analyzed the wind and set up the balloon, we were able to explore a bit or chat with the folks who were soon to share the hot air balloon experience with us. (NOTE: Since most of the experience is outdoors, it's COVID safe, but Sol also takes proper precautions asking you to wear a mask in the car.) Once the balloon was ready, everyone got in it quickly before it floated away! Sol communicated with his team on walkie talkies, and the journey began. I have no words to describe the beauty, exhilaration or freedom felt in a hot air balloon, particularly in such a beautiful location. Once we drifted with the wind going high and low, taking in the scenery in a way that was very unique, Sol expertly landed the balloon. I was holding my young child in my lap and had no problem with the landing. The entire experience was beautifully completed with a communal wrapping up of the balloon, thoughtfully appointed snacks and a champagne toast along with a beautiful story and historical overview of Hot Air Ballooning. I had some unique challenges, as Sol welcomed me and my 2 children on board. He helped me acclimate my young child to the noise and heat, and my son had a blast. My autistic child started having a hard time, despite his initial declarations of excitement for the upcoming ride. Sol helped accommodate his needs and maintained a sense of calm throughout. I would strongly recommend taking a ride with Rio Grande Balloons. Its an experience you'll never forget. read more
4 years ago
This was an amazing first Hot Air Balloon experience & adventure for my husband & I. We were traveling to Taos from Florida, & Sol added us to his roster the day before, as our scheduled balloon trip backed out because of health issues. Sol's detailed explanations, were not only educational, but made us feel secure that he is a great pilot. The trip ran smoothly from start to finish, with beautiful sunrise, & weather. The views of the Rio Grande river were spectacular. We appreciated his good humor, & photographing our memorable experience! We highly recommend Rio Grande Balloons. Don't worry.. you're in good hands!! read more
5 years ago
Business owner information
Sol L.
Thanks John! It was a pleasure flying with you!
3 years ago
Highly recommend. Totally worth it. Sol and his team made this an experience and a journey, rather than some rides where they may just funnel you on and off and you head home. You get to ride to the site, interact with the group, learn about the people, witness the setup, learn about the process, get celebratory drinks and snacks, learn about the history, etc. it was a great experience! read more
4 years ago
Fantastic experience flying with Rio Grande balloons!! An incredible memory my family will never forget. Thanks to Sol and his awesome crew!! read more
3 years ago
5 years ago
The location of Rio Grande Balloons, adjacent to the geography of the Rio Grande Gorge, allows for truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Flying below the Taos Plateau and into the depths of the gorge during sunrise is an experience that should not be missed. Sol and his crew were professional, personable and passionate about ballooning. The crew was enthusiastic to explain the process of configuring the balloon and they even encouraged participation (not necessary). Everyone went out their way to ensure that we had the best time possible. One crew member even offered their own gloves to a passenger. It's worth noting that I felt more immersed in the experience than I have on previous air tours. The unobstructed views while aloft, feeling the warmth from burners, and even the stillness of the air made for a sensory experience that set this trip apart from merely humming along onboard a helicopter or airplane. If this isn't on your "bucket list" it should be. I would recommend this business to any individual or family looking for an unforgettable adventure while in Taos. Fly with Rio Grande Balloons! read more
4 years ago
This was the highlight of our trip! Thanks for the crew for such an amazing time and making this special! read more
4 years ago
Wonderful doesn't describe. Take the leap if you are afraid!!!! This is an event of a lifetime. There is just smooth sailing. This company is not only experts but also knowledgeable, nice and have attention to detail. I was nervous but cannot stress enough how this day is now etched in my memory. The champagne toast was a lovely end to an unforgettable experience! Thanks to the entire crew! read more
5 years ago
We had a perfect ballooning experience with Rio Grande. The pilot Sol was friendly and professional and clearly loves what he does. The team was excellent, especially when the wind picked up and we had to take a brief break before starting the lift off again. The ride over beautiful Taos was the highlight of a fun trip. Sol flew the balloon with so much control and our landing was so soft and smooth. The champagne toast was also special. Highly recommend! read more
3 years ago
5 years ago
3 years ago
5 years ago
We did this for my sister's birthday and it was SO worth it! The ride of a lifetime, from start to finish. Sol is calm, explains everything so well, and we had the most amazing views of the Rio Grande, including dipping down into the gorge. We finished with the 240-year old traditional champagne toast, and heard the story behind the tradition. From beginning to end, this experience was well planned and so thoughtful. They even sent us incredible photos and videos afterwards! read more
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More info about Rio Grande Balloons
94 NM-150
Ste 5A
El Prado, NM 87529
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(575) 208-1888
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http://www.riograndeballoons.com
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Rio Grande Balloons - hot_air_balloons - Updated July 2026
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