Petroglyph National Monument lies on the edge of Albuquerque, and from a hot air balloon it is, at best, a view in the distance. You will not see the rock images that give it its name from the basket. What a flight over the valley may give you is the wider setting: the monument’s landscape far off, beyond the city. On the Albuquerque hub it is a far-off view on some flights, not a stop and not a route.
The Albuquerque Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride is the ride to choose if you hope to see it. It spends 45 to 60 minutes in the air in a shared basket, from US$189 per person. Your pilot picks the route by the morning wind; you may fly over the city and the Rio Grande, with the sun coming up over the Sandia Mountains. On a clear morning the monument may appear far off. Plan on about 3 to 4 hours in total.
The Albuquerque Sunset Hot Air Balloon Ride flies in the late afternoon instead, from US$225 per person, and its listing names the Sandia Mountains, the Rio Grande and local wildlife rather than the monument. It lands before official sunset. Sunrise rides run year-round, except during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in early October; sunset rides run from November to January.
Both rides begin at the check-in office at 5601 Eagle Rock Ave NE in northeast Albuquerque, just off I-25. After check-in, a van takes you to that day’s launch site, which changes with the weather, and you can help the crew inflate the balloon. The basket is shared with about 10 to 16 passengers in total, and up to 6 guests can go on one booking. After landing there is a celebratory toast with light snacks, and the van brings you back to the office. Meeting times are around 5:30–6:30 am for sunrise, varying by month, and early afternoon for sunset; both are confirmed after booking. On the sunrise ride you also receive a commemorative flight certificate, and the pilot’s commentary helps you place distant landmarks.
Keep expectations realistic. Whether the monument comes into view depends on the wind, the launch site and how clear the air is, and some flights never head in its direction. If the petroglyphs themselves are what you want to see, plan a visit on foot; the balloon offers the valley around them. Flights need safe winds, clear skies and no rain. If the weather is unsuitable, you can take the ride on another date or get a full refund, and you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before your flight. There is no hotel pickup, so make your own way to the office.
The minimum age is 5, and children aged 5 to 12 pay a child price. No fixed weight limit is stated. Passengers weighing 300 lb (136 kg) or more must buy an additional space for safety and balance. The rides are not recommended with spinal injuries, knee problems or poor cardiovascular health, and pregnant passengers cannot fly. To look out over the valley towards the monument at first light, book the sunrise ride.
See Petroglyph National Monument from a hot air balloon over Albuquerque. Book the Albuquerque Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride.