Panguitch Valley Balloon Rally is one of the first balloon rallies to kick off the summer. It is always scheduled to take place the last weekend of June.
History
The Panguitch rally has been taking place since 1999. Our first time at the rally was in 2006 when John Ninomiya flew his cluster balloon at the event.The small town of Panguitch provides a warm welcome to the balloonists every year.
Where
Panguitch is a small town in southern Utah with a population less than 2000. The name “Panguitch” translates to “big fish” in Southern Paiute language. This may be in reference to the rainbow trout found in the nearby lakes. With Bryce Canyon National Park nearby, tourism is a major summertime industry for the town. Most of the valley is farmed which provides a patchwork of landing areas for the balloons.
Rally specifics
Thirty balloons take to skies over the 3 days of morning launches. There is a friendly target competition as well as a balloon glow of about a dozen balloons.
What makes the Panguitch Valley Balloon Rally special?
Panguitch may be a small town but it has a big heart. The balloon rally is a favorite event of the town and they do all they can to make the balloonists and their crews welcome. There is always a long list of sponsors supporting the event.
The weather is almost always good for the event with calm and steerable winds. The launch site is a grassy field on the southwest side of town.
The most popular event with the public is the balloon glow on Saturday night which takes place on the town’s Main Street. The local businesses stay open late to feed and welcome the many visitors who come from as far as Salt Lake City.
Photography Tips
The launch field is usually a nice green and the balloons take off at a leisurely pace. Most of the time the winds are calm enough and steerable that balloons frequently land back at the launch site so no need to leave if you don’t want to. For competition shots on Saturday head to the bend in the road on River Lane. The target will be there. It is a good spot to get balloons descending on the target and dropping their markers.
What to do in the area?
Outdoor activities nearby
- Bryce Canyon National Park is nearby.
- Red Canyon Dixie National Forest is at the entrance to Bryce Canyon and a great place for camping and pet friendly hiking.
- Off road activities, both ATV and OHV.
- Panguitch Lake for camping and fishing.
In town
- Live music and craft fairs around town.
- Parade down Main Street during the rally.
- Many motorcycle enthusiasts come to town during the rally.
Dining
These are some of the dinning options but it is a small town so don’t expect too much. Additionally, many of the businesses are closed on Sunday.
- Henry’s Drive-In for burgers and shakes
- The Cowboy’s Smoke House for steaks and BBQ
- Kenny Ray’s is one of the few breakfast locations
- Tandoori Taqueria for Indian
Lodgings
There are a number of hotels in town but they do fill up for the rally weekend. Additionally, there are two campgrounds in town and more on the way to and around Panguitch Lake.
Spectator information and links
The event is pet friendly. Parking is available at the sports complex at the intersection of E 300 S and S 400 E St.
https://panguitch.com/panguitch-valley-balloon-rally/
https://www.facebook.com/Panguitch-Valley-Balloon-Rally-109332640599/
