The Red Rock Balloon Rally in Gallup, New Mexico is one of the first rallies we started attending as pilots. It is always the first weekend of December which means it is cold. In fact it’s the coldest temperatures this southern California girl has ever had to deal with. It took me years to get the right clothes and layer combinations to deal with the sometimes single digit temperatures.
History
The rally was started by four individuals in 1981 and has grown to be the second largest North American balloon rally.
The 40th anniversary was supposed to be in 2020 but the global pandemic caused the postponement of that milestone to 2021.
Location
Red Rock Park located to the east of Gallup hosts the event. This unique area allows the balloons to fly between and over the sandstone cliffs. The cliffs walls are smooth enough that balloons can slide up and down them as they hop between canyons. Pilots should know that there are areas to avoid for accessibility and safety reasons. Flying too far can result in a helicopter rescue since roads are non-existent in the wilderness. Staying in the rocks is where the fun is and makes for easy recovery unless it’s an especially muddy year.
How many balloons and what to expect
The event hosts approximately 200 balloons, many from nearby Albuquerque.
Activities include:
- Morning ascensions Friday-Sunday from Red Rock Park. Friday morning also includes New Mexico balloons launching from the golf course in town.
- Dawn patrol on Saturday and Sunday mornings before the regularly schedule launches.
- Two balloon glows, Friday at The Rocks and Saturday at Rio West Mall.
Uniqueness
Durning the glow at The Rocks, Native American Dancers perform around a large bonfire.
The landscape makes this one of the most unique places to fly which brings pilots back year after year. The Red Rock Balloon Rally Association has partnered with many non-profits in the area. They have contributed tens of thousands of dollars to these other organizations.
The event has been awarded:
- Best Balloon event in the west by Ballooning Magazine
- Most Outstanding Event by the New Mexico Tourism Association
- Outstanding Community Event by the Gallup Chamber of Commerce
Photography Tips
The scenery stands on its own but adding balloons makes it even more special. There are two launch sites, one is near the campground and the other is in the first canyon. Being in the canyon creates great images of the balloons against the rocks. If you can get in the air you will find even more unique photographic opportunities. If you can’t get a balloon ride, climbing to the top of the ridge will afford you a view of the launch canyon and Arena canyon to the west. There are some smaller canyons as you travel west that the balloons will drop into if they can.
Also watch for the more adventurous pilots to cross near Pyramid Rock or Church Rock taking them back into Superman Canyon off route 566.
Saturday and Sunday have dawn patrol flights if the weather permits. Dawn patrol allows you to get the sunrise colors as the balloons are in the air.
The balloon glow at the rocks and Native American dancers are both unique opportunities to get after dark shots.
What to do in the area
Activities
- Pyramid Rock Run on Saturday, registration at the Park starts at 8AM
- Hiking trails in Red Rock Park, including Church Rock and Pyramid Rock
Around Town
- Downtown Christmas parade Saturday at 1PM
- Historic El Rancho Hotel
- Flea Market
- lots of galleries and trading posts
- lots of New Mexican restaurants, Jerry’s Cafe is our favorite
Cultural and Ecological sites
- Navajo Code Talkers Museum
- Zuni Pueblo
- Window Rock
- El Morro National Monument
- Chaco Culture National Historic Park
Contact Information
http://redrockballoonrally.com
