Where is it?
The Moffat County Hot Air Balloon Festival got its start in 2010. The small town of Craig, CO hosts the event at the Loudy-Simpson Park. The park, which is on the south side of town, has ample space for the 25 or more balloons to launch from. There is also space for all the vendors and performers. In fact there are enough activities to keep a family busy for most of the day.
When is it?
The rally is scheduled for the first weekend of August each year. Morning flights are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday but some balloons will be flying for media day on Friday. A balloon glow is scheduled for Saturday night with a concert and fireworks to follow.
Summertime in Colorado is prone to rapidly changing weather so some events do get canceled if thunderstorms are in the vicinity. Like the locals say, “if you don’t like the weather wait 5 minutes”.
What makes it special or unique?
Loudy-Simpson Park is the perfect place to hold a balloon rally. The launch area is large grass fields with no overhead obstacles. On the north side of the park is the Yampa River. Near the park entrance is a pond which may have been a bend in the river before being cut off from it. These both provide a watery playground for the pilots as well as opportunities for photographers to get some reflection photos.
Many days the winds are steerable or slow enough for the balloons to land back in the park. However, if the balloons fly far enough to the west they will encounter some higher terrain and typically windy landings, at least from our experience flying in that direction.
Basically Craig is a fun place for pilots to fly and there are enough activities to keep spectators happy once the flights are finished. It’s also pet friendly.
Photography Tips
The river and ponds are not only fun for the balloons to play with but are also great for photographers. If the balloons fly towards the ponds there is a small beach that will give clear views of the water. Getting photos of the balloons and the river from the ground is more difficult. Trees block most of the view except at the boat ramp which is extremely small and lined with trees. There is a clear view from the bridge but it also has chainlink fencing along it.
Being in a balloon will give you the best view of balloons on the river assuming the balloon you are in is also on or above the river.
Watch for reflections and for the balloons to do a splash-n-dash. As the balloons leave the water they will create a cascade of water from the basket.
What to do in the area
Our favorite activity, when not ballooning, is floating the Yampa River. The most common launch area is next to the golf course. Depending on the speed of the water flow, it will take a couple hours to get to the boat ramp at Loudy-Simpson Park. There is one area with some small artificial rapids.
During the rally, Loudy-Simpson Park has a number of actives including a 5k race, craft fair, kids playground, live music, food and a classic car show. Check out the schedule on the event page.
Less than an hour away is Steamboat Springs for shopping and galleries.
Lodgings
There are a number of hotels in Craig and one campground. The Craig KOA is on the east end of town. A little farther outside of town is the Elk Head Reservoir which also has a campground and fishing.
Dining
The food options are somewhat limited. The usual fast-food places are all represented.
The places we frequent are:
- OP Bar and Grill – a sports bar with a varied menu
- Fiesta Jalisco – Mexican
- Carelli’s – Italian lunch or dinner, Saturday brunch, vegetarian fare
- Cool Water Grille – one of the few places for breakfast
- J.W. Snacks Gulf Coast Bar and Grill – American
For a complete restaurant rundown I suggest Tripadvisor.
Contact info and links
The Moffat County Hot Air Balloon Festival website has the schedule and vendor information.
Pilots seeking information should contact the balloonmeister, Barbi Hann.
