RVing to The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Details About the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
RVing around the country is an adventure. Whether you are retired and want to see the world or you have somewhere that you want to go in mind, RVing gives you total control over where you go and what you do.
In your travels, include a trip to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. You can see the sky filled with special hot air balloons as far as your eyes can see. For nine days in October, you can be a part of an annual tradition that is truly unique. Here is a deeper look at some of the memories you can create while RVing to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a yearly hot air balloon festival that takes place in Albuquerque, New Mexico, during early October. The Balloon Fiesta is a nine-day event occurring in the first full week of October, and has over 500 hot air balloons each year far from its humble beginnings of merely 13 balloons in 1972. The event is the largest balloon festival in the world.
Start Near the Border at Ute Mountain
Whether you are traveling from out of state or you want to make this a continuous road trip, begin your journey near the northern New Mexico border. Alone in the distance, not far from the Rio Grande, you find Ute Mountain not far below the northern border.
New Mexico has quite a few mountains, but they are mostly grouped together. Not Ute Mountain, though; it stands alone in the middle of a very flat area. It is a strange but interesting site to see. As tall as it is, it can even reach into the clouds. Seeing it on a cloudy day sticking up through the clouds can take your breath away. It’s a majestic way to start your road trip.
Visit the Native Americans at Taos Pueblo
The American Southwest is filled with the rich history of the local Native American tribes. Much of it has survived by various means, and you can see it for yourself at Taos Pueblo. It is an active pueblo settlement that one of the Native American tribes live in, and it is open to the public.
Taos Pueblo can show you what it is like to live in a Native American pueblo village, but the best part of the experience is meeting the members of the Taos tribe that live there. The stories, experiences, and wares they have to share leave you with an experience that you won’t forget. All they ask is that you be respectful of their wishes and do not take pictures inside if they invite you into their homes.
Cross the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
As you leave Taos Pueblo, there is something that you can do that everyone who comes to New Mexico should try at least once. You can cross the Rio Grande. The best way to do it is at the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, one of the tallest bridges in the country.
The Rio Grande is famous for being a key part of history in stories about the American Southwest. You’ve likely heard a story or two about someone famous crossing the Rio Grande. Now, you can too.
You can park on either end of the bridge for a better view. Looking straight down, you can see the river at the bottom of the gorge. It is thousands of years of the river cutting its way through the gorge. You cannot help being awestruck and inspired by the view.
Look Into the Past at the Bandelier National Monument
Not far from your first stop at Taos Pueblo, take a look into the past at the Bandelier National Monument. The monument covers more than 30,000 acres of wilderness. You can hike the canyon trails looking for wildlife. There is also evidence of human life left there from generations past.
The monument includes the remains of Native American settlements. Some experts have dated them back to around 11,000 years ago. They’ve lasted this long because those settlements are carved into the side of stone mountains and buttes. You can find them scattered along the trails, giving anyone who passes by a beautiful look into the past.
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Explore the Ghost Ranch
Road trips give you the chance to find peace and enjoy your travels. The roads are full of people that want to get away from their daily grind and leave all of their stress behind. If this sounds familiar, then there is another stop that you should make on your way to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
Ghost Ranch is a 21,000-acre area that is filled with beautiful landscapes and a rich past. It’s not just about myths and legends. It was a functional ranch in the 1920s and hosted many famous people over the years.
Despite its name, Ghost Ranch is a welcoming and friendly place to visit. The view is breathtaking, and many people find it to be the most peaceful place that they have ever visited. Out there, you just may find the peace and tranquility that you need to feel refreshed and revitalized.
Finish the Wildlife Tour at the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge
People think that New Mexico is one big lifeless desert, but New Mexico is the home of a large and diverse animal population. One of the best ways to see animals is in the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. It is on a floodplain that was restored in 1939 to establish the refuge.
Not only is the refuge breathtaking to seem, but it is also helping many species recover from environmental problems. Birds, in particular, are thriving due to the refuge. It serves as a waypoint for many species that migrate through the area.
There are many other animals that you can see in the refuge too. Depending on the time of year that you visit, the animal inhabitants change. For avid animal watchers, it is an interesting place to visit on your quest to find elusive animals.
Explore the World of Science in The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
Moving from wildlife to science, make the next stop on your trip the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History. New Mexico’s history with nuclear science led to a new way of producing power and changed warfare forever.
The museum covers the extensive history and science behind many of the nuclear energy-based advancements seen in the last several decades. Anyone interested in how nuclear power has changed and will continue to change the world will find this museum interesting.
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Prepare with a Trip to the Albuquerque Balloon Museum
You are almost ready for the fiesta, but you can prepare with a trip to the Albuquerque Balloon Museum. This award-winning museum is packed with information about the history of ballooning.
Hot air-ballooning is more complicated than most people realize. The museum exposes the work that it took to make events like the Balloon Fiesta possible. You’ll get to see replicas of some of the most famous hot air balloons and learn how they work. Knowing the complex processes behind keeping a balloon in the air makes the fiesta even more enjoyable.
Arrive at Balloon Fiesta Park for Mass Ascension
Finally, your trip around New Mexico is at an end as you arrive at Balloon Fiesta Park. It is the home of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and several other ballooning events throughout the year. Although every part of the fiesta is a wonder to behold, nothing compares to Mass Ascension.
Mass Ascension is one of the main events to see at the fiesta. Imagine the sky filling with every unique type of hot air balloon that you can imagine. One after another, they pop up out of the waiting crowd. Some have described it as an exciting, peaceful, and almost spiritual event. It is truly worth the long RVing trip through New Mexico.
PS – Rent an RV to See the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
RVing to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta can be a fun way to create lasting memories with your loved ones. There’s something about watching so many hot air balloons rise into the sky that can take your breath away. Fortunately, you don’t need to own an RV to go on an RV adventure. You can rent one.
RVnGO offers a large number of RV rentals across the United States. You can rent an RV where you live and drive to unique attractions and events like the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta or rent one once you arrive in Albuquerque. You won’t be limited to staying in one hotel, as you can continue staying in fascinating places along your trip. View all of the available RVs for rent on RVnGO so you can find the perfect match.
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