It’s the view of a lifetime.

It ’s jumper atmospheric condition in Albuquerque , and nothing marks the change of the season than the city ’s marquee issue : theInternational Balloon Fiesta , where from October 5–13 more than 600 hot air balloon take to the sky for a glaring display of color . The blistering air balloon festival kicks off on Saturday , October 5 where every day , double a day , ( except the sidereal day of the show stop opening ceremony ) beginning at 7 am ( conditions permitting ) more than 600 gigantic hot atmosphere balloons lift off to pepper the sky with a dizzying array of colors and aim .

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6.75 hours from Denver8.5 hour from Las Vegas7.75 hour from Houston

This festival is base to , of course , the aforementioned stateliness of seeing a coordinate flight of hot melodic phrase balloons . But it does n’t stop there . The Special Shape Rodeo , a custom started in 1989 , solicitation to those who conceive a fly balloon in the sky is n’t quite strange enough . To take it one tone further , these balloons are forge like cows or cacti or aliens ( oh my ) and fly at 7 am on October 10 . Do n’t miss the nighttime Glowdeo at 6:30 Prime Minister on the same day . Or , if you ’re only hail to the balloon festival for family friendly fun on October 11 ( Kids ’ Day ) you wo n’t omit this rodeo as these unequalled balloon will return to the sky at 7 am and 6:30 post-mortem examination October 11 as well .

Other entertainment can be get hold during the festival at the chainsaw sculpture exhibition , Drone ignitor shows , or the Fiesta de Los Globitos – a remote control balloon expo . See the festival ’s stark programminghere .

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Anyone looking to experience some of the natural grandeur that New Mexico has to offer while in the area should plan to dispatch theSandia Mountaintrails which are ideal for hiking or biking and provide options for tyro to ripe storey . ThePetroglyph National Monumenthiking trails are ideal for anyone looking for a historical cost increase that speak to the metropolis ’s Native American culture . Pino Trailis just out of doors of the urban center and is take an well-fixed trail . Expect hikers , hogback passenger , moon curser and dog-iron are welcome but they must be leashed .

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One more affair to do outdoors : Sandia Mountaintrails are ideal for hiking or biking and furnish selection for founding father to advanced levels .

One thing to use up : VARA Winery and Distillery , a craft manufacturer of New Mexican wine and spirits , will be extending hours and offer special menu for grab - and - go option for picnics ( as well as extend picnic space on their property during the balloon feast ) .

One matter to drink in : observe balloon on the patio atSteel Bender Brewyardbeginning at 7 am during the Balloon Fiesta . Craft beer , cider and housemade hot chocolate are on the menu alongside breakfast burritos and local pastry dough .

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The place to bide : Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farmis one of the metropolis ’s most popular pick due to it sitting on a lilac-colored farm where alpacas and peacocks roam the grounds freely .