Albuquerque Balloon Launch draws Class B RV owners

By Mike Wendland | Updated Oct 8, 2013

When blog reader Harry Salt sent me these spectacular photos, I just knew I had to share them.

They are from the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, now underway in New Mexico.

Harry was part of two RV groups that attended – a Class B group and a Roadtrek group. ”

“The festival goes thru Oct 13,” writes Salt. “After Oct 7 some of the group went on a ‘walkabout' for about 30 days. Supposed to have been at National Parks and Monuments but now they are improvising. It will end Early November at the 49er Death Valley Encampment.”

Attendees were from Massachusetts to Alaska and Harry says there were 58 Roadtreks, one Krystal, one Chateau. Eleven were Sprinter brands. He tried to get them all in the photos but would have needed a much wider lens.

What makes the skies so blue and Salt's photos so spectacular is why the event is held this time of the year. This is the 42nd time that the Balloon Fiesta has filled Albuquerque’s crystal blue skies. The Balloon Fiesta is still the premier international ballooning event, powered by the perfect October climate and a phenomenon called the “Albuquerque Box,” (a combination of weather patterns and geographic landscape, the box allows balloonists to control and even retrace their adventure).

It's held at Balloon Fiesta Park. The 200 acres of grass and booths are filled with balloons and vendors selling everything from traditional New Mexican food to balloon memorabilia. Each year balloon teams from around the world participate in the event and news coverage originates from more than 50 countries. It has become the most photographed event in the world.

You may have missed the first weekend but this event really goes on every day. The breathtaking mass ascensions featuring waves of hot air balloons will fill Albuquerque’s morning skies this coming weekend, too.

I gotts do this smoeday. You, too? Thanks Harry, for sending the photos.

Mike Wendland

Published on 2013-10-08

Mike Wendland is a multiple Emmy-award-winning Journalist, Podcaster, YouTuber, and Blogger, who has traveled with his wife, Jennifer, all over North America in an RV, sharing adventures and reviewing RV, Camping, Outdoor, Travel and Tech Gear for the past 12 years. They are leading industry experts in RV living and have written 18 travel books.

28 Responses to “Albuquerque Balloon Launch draws Class B RV owners”

October 15, 2014at11:20 am, Cheryl Ann Barnes said:

We Did !!!

October 15, 2014at10:00 am, Jocelyn Johnson said:

They are so awesome to see at day lite

October 14, 2014at2:28 am, Hazel Ideker said:

WOULD LOVE TO SEE OIT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

October 14, 2014at1:51 am, Deanna Sinclair said:

I just got home 5 minutes ago from my 11th year as a balloon chase crew member. The crew stays in a hotel. When I am not able to crew anymore, I’ll be there in an RV. It is a great festival — 9 days long, but there are usually a few days that are too windy to fly so plan to be there at least 5 days.

October 14, 2014at12:18 am, Adven said:

Thank you !!!!!!

October 14, 2014at12:16 am, Adven said:

we want to see your activities ,,,,,,,,,,
Then intending to launching own …….

October 13, 2014at9:26 pm, Barbara Shepherd said:

We own two Class A RVs. What is the difference between Class B & class C?

October 13, 2014at7:49 pm, Bev Busch Sutter said:

We were there & it’s beautiful. Fun as well.

October 13, 2014at6:20 pm, Madeleine Purdy said:

Tom Purdy

October 13, 2014at6:12 pm, Lanell Henderson Ashmore said:

I have seen this it is beautiful worth the trip.

October 13, 2014at5:43 pm, Richard Whitley said:

It was worth it to be there. Early am and all

October 13, 2014at5:23 pm, Barbara Chavez said:

Next year

October 13, 2014at4:21 pm, N.l. Dubois said:

Carole E…….did you see this?

October 13, 2014at12:20 pm, Mary Snook said:

Is there one that looks like a chicken!?

October 13, 2014at12:15 pm, Kirsty Halliday said:

I finished my season at Yellowstone then drove all the way south for this…was totally worth it!!!!

October 13, 2014at12:08 pm, Peggy Dobbins said:

This is on my bucket list too see. Maybe one day. Love,love,love hot air balloons

October 13, 2014at11:05 am, Katherine Gallegos said:

I shoulda coulda come…

October 13, 2014at10:47 am, Connie Bowling Damron said:

This is on my bucket list to see!!

October 13, 2014at9:38 am, Patti McClain Warren said:

The colors against that blue sky…awesome

October 13, 2014at9:11 am, Kathleen Schmidt Haggerty said:

Owen Stuart, this is when/how we should go to Albuquerque!

October 13, 2014at9:21 am, Owen Stuart said:

as part of a month long va-ca

October 13, 2014at1:09 pm, Gloria Baker said:

ride the santa fe tramway!

October 12, 2013at1:09 pm, Joanne Hall said:

Glad to hear your friends had fun at the Balloon Fiesta. My husband probably parked them. We have been volunteering here since Sept 30. An awesome experience. Must do!

October 09, 2013at12:09 pm, Gail Alexander said:

We have friends who live there and they say it is a sight they never get tired of! Can’t wait to see it someday.

October 08, 2013at11:01 pm, Ellie said:

We are so glad we were able to attend. Being on the launch field on Sunday morning when over three hours 550 hot air balloons ascended was unbelievable. It was a kalioscope of colors. So very impressive. We have traveled 64,000 miles in our RT, visited many National Parks. This event ranks at the very top.