About
2021 will be the 18th annual Page Lake Powell Hot Air Balloon Regatta. The rally is always the first weekend in November. Page sits in northern, central Arizona just to the south of the Utah border and on the southern end of Lake Powell. It is also on the southern edge of the Great Basin Desert on the Colorado Plateau with an altitude of just over 3600ft.
Some people who have been around ballooning for a whole lot of years may remember an event called Air Affaire Page Lake Powell, which took place in the spring. Back then flying over the lake was common with balloons launching from the Wahweap Marina.
The current event has nothing to do with the previous one.
What to expect
You can expect to see up to 60 balloons attending the balloon regatta. The pilot briefing takes place at the Lake Powell National Golf Course. Balloons will launch from the golf course but pilots are welcome to launch from through out the town. Many pilots choose to use John C. Page Park which puts them closer to Antelope Canyon for an incredible ride below the rim.
Morning flights are scheduled Friday-Sunday but some early arriving pilots may fly on Thursday.
A balloon glow takes place Saturday night on Lake Powell Blvd. This is a huge event for the town and draws lots of crowds.
What makes the event special or unique
For pilots and passengers, the chance to fly in Antelope Canyon is a huge draw. Even without the canyon, the surrounding terrain is fun and picturesque to fly over. It is equally as picturesque for spectators to enjoy.
Pilots and crew also have the unique opportunity for a different style of tailgate after flying on Friday. A number of house boats are made available at the Antelope Canyon Marina to spend the day aboard but dockside.
Non-balloon events include a large street fair on both Friday, 3PM-10PM and Saturday 11AM-10PM. There are 100 concessions including crafts, food, live music and rides for kids.
On Saturday the Great American Kites will be flying some of the largest kites in the country at the golf course driving range.
The Balloon Regatta also gives back to the local community by providing scholarships to three local high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding achievements.
Photography tips
This rally is a great place for balloon photography. The red sandstone desert and the lake both provide gorgeous backdrops to photograph the balloons against the green grass of the golf course also provides a nice contrasting color for the red desert-scape.
Of course getting in the air will give a great perspective but if you can’t do that then the upper portion of the golf course is a great option. From there you can get a level view of some of the lower flying balloons as they play in the rocks.
What else to do in the area
Outdoor activities
Outdoor activities abound in the area.
- Boating at Lake Powell, but the water is cold this time of year.
- Hiking opportunities both to the north and south.
- Arizona: Horseshoe Bend and Lee’s Ferry
- Utah: Paria Townsite, The Toadstools and White Rocks to name a few. This is the southern portion of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
- Tours: Upper and Lower Antelope Slot Canyons and Glen Canyon Dam.
Sleeping and eating
There are many hotels in town and two options for RV’s.
The tradition breakfast for balloonists who don’t tailgate is Ranch House Grille. Otherwise you will find a large variety of places to eat. We usually make a stop at Slackers for burgers and wander next door for ice cream.
Contact info and links
Since balloons are launched from all over town, spectators can choose their favorite viewing location.
More information can be found on the Balloon Regatta’s website and Facebook page.
Nice article. Sure wish I could get in!
You’ll have to talk to Bryan about that. I don’t know what the wait list is like.