Green Chiles, Hot Chocolate, and Balloons That Almost Flew in Albuquerque

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta had been on my bucket list for years, and in October 2023, I finally made it happen. What made it even more special was that we were able to stay with friends who live in Albuquerque, providing us with the bonus of local insight and a chance to catch up between the festivities. The combination of reconnecting with friends and experiencing one of the most iconic events in the Southwest made the trip feel both personal and unforgettable.

Anyone who has attended the Fiesta will tell you that the days start early—very early. We were up before dawn and bundled against the crisp desert air as we made our way to Balloon Fiesta Park. The city was alive at that hour in a way that felt uniquely vibrant: cars streamed toward the grounds, families carried blankets and thermoses of coffee, and vendors fired up grills for breakfast burritos and hot cocoa. There’s a palpable buzz in the air that only builds as you get closer to the field and see the crews preparing the balloons.

We arrived just as the first “Dawn Patrol” balloons lit their burners and began to rise. In the half-darkness, they glowed like enormous lanterns flickering against the night sky. By the time the sun crested the Sandia Mountains, the entire horizon was transformed. The clear October air made every color sharper, more vivid, and the sky melted into soft pastels—pink, orange, and lavender brushed across the mountains. It was one of the most beautiful sunrises I’ve ever seen, and even before the balloons lifted, the setting alone was worth the trip.

Of course, it was also a cold New Mexico morning, the kind that seeps into your bones. We huddled around the propane cannons as crews blasted bursts of flame into the balloons, soaking up every second of warmth. Luckily, vendors had the perfect solution: green chile breakfast burritos and steaming hot chocolate, which warmed us from the inside out and gave us the energy to keep exploring.

Unfortunately, the winds had other plans. Ballooning is entirely dependent on weather, and safety always comes first. That morning, conditions were too unpredictable for most pilots to launch safely. While a handful of balloons managed to take off, the mass ascension that defines the Fiesta never fully happened. At first, I’ll admit it wasn’t enjoyable—this was the moment I had imagined for years. To make matters trickier, I wasn’t able to capture many photos either, since so few balloons actually lifted into the sky. Still, walking among the dozens of inflated balloons tethered to the ground turned out to be magical in its own right. Being that close, hearing the hiss of the burners, and seeing the sheer size and color of the balloons was unforgettable.

The Fiesta itself is about more than just the balloons. Families sprawled on blankets, kids pointed at special-shaped balloons—giant animals, cartoon characters, whimsical designs—and there was an undeniable sense of community. Even without the perfect launch, the experience was worth every minute.

Looking back, I wouldn’t trade it. Balloon riding teaches patience, respect for nature, and an appreciation of the moment. The sight of even a few balloons rising against that pastel New Mexico sunrise is something I’ll never forget, and sharing it with friends made it even sweeter.

This experience is a must.

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