My beautiful wife and I had the opportunity to take a hot air balloon ride while in Gallup, New Mexico last week as part of a travel conference we were invited to. If you have never taken a hot air balloon ride I have to say, it’s a must do.
The night before our hot air balloon flight, we spent the evening at a hot air balloon glow. These balloons are so beautiful to see lit up at night.
Hot Air Balloon Glow in Gallup, New Mexico
Check out that flame! When they fired up the flame in the balloon it made the colors shine so bright. It was amazing to see.
The night we attended the hot air balloon glow the temperature was in the teens in Gallup, New Mexico. The amount of heat these guys put off was great at helping us warm up.
Everyone had to stand around and lean on the baskets to help hold the hot air balloons to the ground. Each time they filled the balloon with the heat from the flame it wanted to take flight.
Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Red Rocks New Mexico
The morning of the hot air balloon ride we had the opportunity to assist the crew in getting this massive thing to fly. It takes a lot of work!
This is what it looks like from the inside of the hot air balloon as it’s being blown up. You are looking through one of the vents on the side of the balloon.
Crew members pulled the main ropes back so the flames don’t hit them as they got it inflated.
My wife didn’t want to be the first group to go so we waited and joined the balloon chase crew. When we finally went she was so nervous and scared. I have to say it was rather cute seeing her that way. Although, she now says it was worth it.
Flame on!
It was a beautiful day to fly. Flying in a hot air balloon was something else. It was very smooth and calm. The best way to describe it is – you’re floating or walking in the air.
The views of the Red Rocks in Gallup, New Mexico were just amazing!
Everywhere we looked it was beautiful. This is the view above Red Rock State Park.
Our pilot asked if we wanted to do a touch and go on top of this rock formation, my wife said yes, I was in shock that she agreed since she was so nervous to be flying.
Beyond enjoying the flight, I really enjoyed photographing the flight. There were so many gorgeous views to capture.
The day we flew we had four other balloons with us. It was a sight to see with all of them in the air at once.
As we are descending to land, we pass another hot air balloon ready to switch out their passengers.
If taking a hot air balloon ride is on your life list or bucket list, make it happen. You will not regret it. I had a great time. Even though my wife was scared, she also had a great time and was very glad she did it.
We made it back safe and sound. We had one of the best balloon pilots we could have asked for, so we got a photo with him.
Peter Procopio
Balloon: Koshare Gallup
Aircraft Number: N214LB
Contact: ScenicBalloonRides.com
Watch the video of our hot air balloon experience!
If you are local to New Mexico or able to make the trip, the town of Gallup has a lot to offer. We highly recommend you stop for a flight and we have heard wonderful things about the Red Rock Balloon Rally where over 150 balloons take flight. That would be a sight to see!
Listen to our #TravelTuesday podcast where we feature how to overcome your travel fears – Dwan discusses facing her fear of heights and going up on the hot air balloon ride.
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