Kris and his crew were the best. Great customer service. The process was smooth including our…read morelanding. Best way to celebrate

Rainbow Ryders provides one of the best hot air balloon ride experiences in Albuquerque…read more Reservations need to be made in advance through their website or by phone. Initially, a booking fee of $20 is charged to secure the reservation, and the final payment is collected after the balloon ride is completed. Our initial booking was canceled due to high winds, but we were able to reschedule for a later date without any hassle. Our pilot, Mr. Heff, was very knowledgeable and kept us engaged throughout the entire flight. Standing in the basket during the ride felt safe and comfortable, and the entire flight was incredibly smooth--almost like gently sailing through the sky. The views of Albuquerque and the Rio Grande River were absolutely amazing and made the experience truly memorable. After landing, there was a small celebration with champagne, which was a lovely touch. I would definitely recommend Rainbow Ryders to my friends!

From pick up to drop off, it was all great. Our pilot Chris was so fun to be around and he was so…read moregracious to answer all of our questions. A smooth ride from start to finish. He's also funny. The owner and his wife was so kind- they helped get the balloon set up. Live the history story of hot air ballooning. Makes me want to always have a bottle of champagne to greet others ! It was even better that so many balloons were in the air around us. Never alone in the skies. Overall a wonder experience. I would def call them again.

What an absolute amazing experience. The crew was incredible and worked so hard. Our plot Tammy…read morewas so skilled and talented.

The Balloon Flight School was a memorable experience. The balloon ride, sure, was the main event,…read morebut actually the host was the most entertaining. With years of flight experience and compliance with the FAA, the host, AL, actually brought a flare to the overall flight which exceeded expectations. The reality is that the take off was a whirl of activity to assure proper assembly of the balloon apparatus and then we were in the basket and off into the air! Wow, nothing like being whisked off your feet. You may even enjoy the post-flight faux history lesson about Luis the IVX and the origination of balloon flight. Champagne anyone?

From the owner: Hot AIr Balloon flight training (LTA) We fly to y our schedule.read more

Hot air balloon pilot on October 7th am 1st flight very knowledgeable and friendly. Definitely will…read morego on again.

Worth the experience, amazingly beautiful. Make sure to bring warm clothes because it can get cold…read moreif you go early. People all over the world come see this great experience.

We found this family-run business by chance and we're so grateful we chose to experience this once…read morein a lifetime/bucket list thang with Elevated New Mexico. Justin and Keshia and team made it a seamless and really enjoyable experience. We launched from the same site as other experience providers, but because the Elevated New Mexico team appear to be a smaller and less commercialized outfit, our family arrived with the team already having set up for the flight, and we watched the balloon inflate and were in the air immediately after sunrise. We got to see the sun rise above the mountains whilst in flight, while others were still getting off the ground. We also greatly appreciated that Justin shared some history about hot air-ballooning and that this was a deliberate focus of the experience. Best part of our NM trip!

We are SO lucky to find Elevated New Mexico!!!…read more The representatives walked us through the process with thoughtfulness and professionalism. Thank you Elevated New Mexico for giving us such an amazing and unforgettable experience!!!!

This experience was so unique!! Fly Albuquerque is independent and community-minded. Our flight…read moreand the whole morning was run with integrity and style. I appreciated all the tidbits and stories they shared. Bravo!

Since I usually leave reviews, I always check reviews out prior to chosing where i will be going. I…read morewent to Albuquerque for the international balloon Festival and was looking for a hot air balloon rides. I read the reviews for this company, but I also looked at reviews from other sites & ultimately decided to go with this company because I felt that some of these reviews did not reflect the services this company provides. I am so glad we did choose this company. I called them to let them know that I had booked everything for my stepfather, but that it was under my name and they said there was not a problem with that. I also asked if I could follow them to take pictures of him getting in the hot air, balloon, and taking off at which Brittany happily said yes to. When I called it said to text the phone number listed because nobody answered and as I was texting, I got a return phone call almost immediately Brittney was prompt and professional. One thing I've learned is a hot air balloon ride is not your typical type of service. Everything is based on safety, which I am extremely grateful that this company cared so much about safety. Everything depends on the wind as I experience with a balloon festival when none of the balloons were able to takeoff. Did it ruin my weekend,? No! I still enjoyed what I was able to with the festival, but I did learn that you have to have some type of flexibility and understanding that riding a hot air balloon & being able to experience it all depends on the weather and the mental state of your pilot. Both are extremely important. Unfortunately, the day before nobody was able to fly, so Brittany did accommodate those individuals and allow them to fly in the morning, which made it a little hectic. However, we totally understood because this is a bucket list dream for a lot of people and we're glad she was able to accommodate them as well the following morning. It did make it quite busy and a little hectic in organization for checking in however, this isn't your typical service. My stepdad truly enjoyed his experience and we highly recommend this company. One of the employees actually took pictures of everyone on their own phones of them in the basket, which was a nice touch. Then they did a celebration at the end with some champagne, orange juice, and water. Very nice touch & a memory my step dad will have for a lifetime!

Two friends and I from San Francisco visited Albuquerque this past summer and were fortunate enough…read moreto have David and Jenny as our hosts. David took the three of us to a local bike shop to rent bikes for the day and led us on a fun adventure throughout Albuquerque. He was very knowledgeable about the town and the different bike routes that would be enjoyable. Our first stop was to a quaint and secluded breakfast spot where we sat in a nicely shaded garden and sipped our morning coffee before heading out to a local winery, Casa Rodena. The ride there was nicely paced and I got to enjoy all the views. I'm not an avid bike rider so I'm usually in the back of the pack, but I never felt rushed or left behind. We rode through a quiet part of town and I enjoyed seeing the traditional adobe style homes along the way. When we arrived at the winery, we did a few tastings and then bought a bottle of our favorite one and sat in the back patio. The winery itself is very nice and peaceful. We all had a great time just chatting and relaxing among the shaded trees. Lastly, David took us to Old Town where we had a chance to stroll the plaza and visit the merchants. My favorite site there was the Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel, which has a lot of character and charm. I had a great time exploring Albuquerque on bike and would definitely do it again. David was a great guide and made our trip very enjoyable and memorable. My friends and I felt well taken care of and couldn't have asked for a better host!

From the owner: Our bike tours cater to those looking to immerse themselves in the rich culture, food, and scenery…read morethat is New Mexico. Mission Statement: Our mission is to offer unique, inspiring, and sustainable vacations that promote personal health and support the communities in which we tour. We believe: the world is meant to be explored. By joining us on one of our tours, you will have the opportunity to experience your next destination, instead of just visiting it. vacations should truly be stress-free. That's why when you choose the Reserve and Relax package on one of our tours, no planning is necessary. Simply find a way to get to and from our tour, and the rest will be our job! our group tours allow mere acquaintances to form lasting bonds. that by sharing our local knowledge, you will find your vacation more memorable and satisfying. in giving back. For every participant on our tours, a portion of our proceeds is donated to the Esperanza Community Bike Shop, a local outreach program whose goals include teaching bicycle repair and safety to the greater Albuquerque area.

Went on a girls trip to Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Unfortunately festival flights…read morewere $$$$$ We found Aerogelic Ballooning online. They offered a festival week discount. It is a few miles from the fiesta but when you're in the air you will see lots of other balloons. The balloon holds 20 people and they schedule 40. While the first 20 go up, the rest follow in the chase vehicle. After they land the group switches. It was an amazing experience! (See photos) The pilot, Shane has been flying for 25 years and his family works with him. Everything was smooth from ordering tickets, to meet up, and of course the actual ride. Things to remember: 1. Get there early so you have time to make a pit stop and still leave on time. 2. If you notice a giant slit in the balloon while it is being inflated....Don't Panic. It's just a vent (thanks Dakota) 3. Stop and enjoy the amazing sunrise views in Albuquerque from high in the sky!

I would give this place -5 stars if I could…read more This hot air ballon company has wronged my husband and I. They're was a miscommunication error when my husband was trying to schedule our flight. When we went online to call them to schedule our flight we picked "New Mexico, Albuquerque and found a phone number to call. We assumed that it was to the Albuquerque location but it was ACTUALLY to the Phoenix, Arizona main location. Neither did the lady my husband talked to named Misty or my husband knew that when the flight was scheduled. So come the day before of we are trying to get in touch with them to confirm our flight no luck straight to voice message. The morning of we look at the email again and see the location for the balloon flight is at "the Starbucks on I-7 and Happy Valley Rd". (I posted a pic of the location directions they sent us) I mean you'd think a legit business would give you an actual address but. When we asked about the address we found out that our flight was scheduled for the Phoenix, Arizona location at 3pm. We were devastated! We're road tripping from Kansas to Nevada and we thought what a great idea to stop in Albuquerque NM and enjoy a hot air balloon ride a first for us both. Now before we both completely lost it my husband was trying to work with Misty to see if we could find a solution both parties would be happy with. We first asked for a refund. Misty told us flat out "No" to the refunds and that they were basically gonna keep our $100 deposit regardless of the communication error being just as much my husbands fault as well hers. She said that the whole refund was out of her hands and jurisdiction. Now mind you we were driving around the mountain area of New Mexico so the call got dropped twice. Every time my husband called back politely and apologetic about the spotty reception Misty got upset and offended because she thought he was doing it intentionally. She said that it's his and his phones fault and basically blamed this whole situation on my husbands lack of understanding. Whoa now! You call that you're customer service?!?The fact that this employee can not work with us but instead is against us makes me question the integrity of this business. Misty did nothing to help us feel that we made the right decision in choosing them. My husband worked hard to urge her to help us see if there was anyway we could reschedule. She finally told him to call this guy named Glenn who runs the Albuquerque location. So we did, we called Glenn. When we told Glenn our story we had hopes that maybe we found someone who would show some kindness and help us. WRONG!!! Glenn said well you got two choices 1. You can be on stand by and just check back with us daily to see if we have any open spots available. Your standby would last for 6 months and it's only good at the Phoenix location. I don't recommend this because it's very unlikely you'll get a flight. 2. Just accept you're out $100. Like seriously?! Can you believe that?!? I said to my husband there's no way we can win so he can make the decision. Sure enough my husband decided on the standby because after moving out and the holidays we just can't waste $100. Glenn said "Okay I'll be sure to let Misty know since she is the boss, the manager of operations." Whoa whoa whoa back that up! You mean to tell me that the MANAGER OF OPERATIONS IS UNABLE TO ISSUE A $100 REFUND?!? Smh what kind of place are you running here?!?! So we're both confused, upset and I myself am now crying my eyes out because the whole point of us being here just got cancelled. And now we're $100 out. This is some sneaky snake like business you have running here. I personally don't even want to business with this place anymore but understand my husbands strife. Why would I want to trust this place after the horrible customer service I just experienced. Soooo Misty calls back to confirm that we're doing the standby thing. Now here's the icing on the cake. My husband after talking with Misty points out so that another poor couple or family doesn't encounter the same problem we did, that the phone number we found online for the Albuquerque location was incorrect and was actually for the Phoenix location. Guess what she said? "Oh we know you guys actually aren't the first couple whose had this kind of mistake" ARE YOU FRICKEN KIDDING ME??!!?!?!?!?!?!?!???!! Livid just livid!!! It's a Whole big scam a con for them to keep your money.NO HELP from MISTY or GLENN and almost an admittance that this business will intentionally set your reservation up for failure just to keep your hard earned money. Worst experience of my life!!! Still crying and upset about it!!! I honestly don't know if I even want to get in a hot air balloon anytime soon knowing this is a possible experience. THEY TOOK OUR MONEY FOR THE EXPERIENCE WE DID NOT WANT. NEVER DO BUSINESS WITH THIS DISHONORABLE PLACE.

We made our hot air balloon trip plans in June for the Oct 2013 Hot Air Balloon Ride. We called…read moreseveral places and liked the Private Balloon Flights package - they try hard to promote it. This was a bucket list trip for me. We made the hot air balloon trip a stop on our move from San Antonio to San Diego - quite a ways out of the way. We woke up at 4:30 am in the morning to meet in the parking lot as instructed. It was freezing weather and we waited in line. Here we were told that we would not be in the sunrise hot air balloon group after all, but group 2. This was never told to us when we signed up in June (4 months in advance). After we signed in we were instructed to another park. We went and waited outside in the freezing cold for about an hour for the winds to calm down. While we were waiting we met the other people in our group. We learned that we had in fact signed up prior to the people in group 1 - so we are not sure why we were chosen to be in group 2. Another couple that was in group 2 had actually been signed up for a flight the day before and bumped to today - so they should have also been in group 1. At any rate the operator said we were lucky because Group 2 means we get a longer balloon ride. Well we get in the chase vehicle and our chase driver is very friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. We start chasing the group 1 balloon all over ABQ and the chase driver tells us that the balloon driver is actually from out of town and isn't that familiar with the geography. Well this didn't worry us until there were several sites for the balloon pilot to set down but didn't. It seemed like every other balloon in the sky that day found a spot to set down except the balloon we were supposed to be on. After about an hour the pilot radioed our driver and told her to take us back to the park because we would not be getting our balloon ride. I did everything I could do not to start crying. This was the most exciting thing I had planned on our trip. With the government shutdown our entire family vacation road trip was ruined. None of the national parks were open and now to top it off our hot air balloon ride was cancelled. We had done everything right - made our reservations early in advance, showed up on time! The chase driver said to talk to the reservationist Pam to see what she could offer us. When we got dumped off back at the park Pam met us and told us "sorry, sucks when mother nature doesn't cooperate". It was the most UNheartfelt apology ever. She didn't even have the class to offer us breakfast at least - nothing! Not even a sweatshirt for all of our troubles. I think at the very least they could have offered us a discount if we returned to a different day to ride and invited us to stay for breakfast anyway. This company didn't even have the business sense to offer us ANYTHING! I was appalled. They said we could book another balloon flight on Tuesday - three days later! Well, sorry we were leaving in the morning.... our trip was ruined. I get that mother nature has to cooperate, but it was apparent that there was more than just mother nature participating in this disaster! The other couple that was with us drove all the way from Louisiana for this and the couldn't offer them anything either. I mean seriously - was breakfast too much to ask for? What a waste of time! My advice is to go with a different balloon ride operator - someone with more tact and customer service! There are plenty to choose from.