Red Rock Balloon Rally

Hot air ballooning is a statewide passion. Though Albuquerque hosts the Balloon Fiesta, one of the largest balloon rallies in the world, it isn’t the only noteworthy balloon rally in New Mexico. In fact, there are numerous rallies around the state throughout the year. Though none of them are as visually overwhelming as Balloon Fiesta, there are perks associated with attending smaller rallies. They are less expensive, less crowded, with less traffic, while still showcasing New Mexico’s glorious landscapes and weather.

Red Rock Balloon Rally

The Red Rock Balloon Rally has been around for more than 40 years, attracting 150-200 balloons annually to launch over the red sandstone bluffs east of Gallup. In fact, when the balloon tally is closer to 200, Red Rock Rally becomes the second largest rally in the U.S. (behind Fiesta of course). Covid set them back. They are still recovering.

The annual event starts on the first Friday in December, running through the weekend (December 6-8, 2024). Though there are similarities to Balloon Fiesta, like mass ascension and balloon glows, the rally in Gallup is a different experience. The most enjoyable differences are cost, crowd density and traffic.

Whereas mass ascension occurs shortly after sunrise, that happens later in December and there isn’t a 1-2 hour battle with standstill traffic to get to the parking area prior to the mass ascension. They charge a nominal parking fee, but there are no additional charges to attend the event. Like Fiesta, visitors can mill around the launch areas, weaving through balloons as they inflate. However, a lot of people prefer the view from above, clambering up the bluffs, waiting for the balloons to waft their way.

There are more roadside vendors selling tamales than breakfast burritos, but they are delicious (and inexpensive). If you aren’t prepared for morning tamales, West End Donut is open 24/7 (pretty far from Red Rock Park) and Glenn’s Bakery opens at 6 AM on Friday, 5 AM on Saturday.

Red Rock Balloon Rally | Additional Events

The Balloon Glow is held at Red Rock Park on Friday night, with a secondary Balloon Glow in the parking lot of the Rio West Mall on Saturday night. The Friday night event includes a bonfire, with dancers from Zuni Pueblo and the Apache Crown dancers.

There’s also a holiday parade in downtown Gallup on Saturday, with balloonists firing up the crowds with a candlestick display (propane burners and baskets), and parade participants tossing loads of candy at bystanders, launching the spectators into a collective sugar high.

Rainbow Ryders and X-Treme-Lee Fun Balloon Adventures offer balloon rides during the rally. Bill Lee, the pilot for the Tru-Lee Balloon, is also one of the key organizers and a great source of information about the event or Gallup in general. It is almost impossible not to run into him during the rally. A Gallup native, he has been navigating the bluffs and canyons around Red Rock Park since he started ballooning and it shows. He navigates the cliffs deftly, often perching on the smallest edges of sandstone. He is an enthusiastic advocate for Gallup and an affable fellow. Say “hello” if you happen to see him.

Weather & Wind

Like life, ballooning is unpredictable and your flight is based on the whimsy of the winds. The balloons do NOT launch every morning. Weather and wind matter when it comes to hot air ballooning. Events are invariably cancelled at the last minute every year due to uncooperative weather. If the balloons get off the ground two mornings out of three, it is a good year.

What to Do After The Balloons Land?

For people visiting New Mexico during Red Rock Rally, there is ample time for day trips and sight-seeing after the balloons land. For more information, check out the Guide to Gallup.

Red Rock Balloon Rally
P.O. Box 2621
Gallup, NM 87305
(800) 380-4989
info@redrockballoonrally.com

Contact rally organizers if you are interested in being a volunteer or participating on a chase crew.