The bosque is the cottonwood forest that lines the Rio Grande through Albuquerque, a green band of trees along the river in an otherwise dry valley. On the trails you walk under the canopy. From a hot air balloon you look down on it and see how the trees trace the course of the river through the city. On the Albuquerque hub it is a possible view on both balloon rides, depending on where the wind carries you.
The Albuquerque Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride is the best fit. It spends 45 to 60 minutes in the air in a shared basket, from US$189 per person. Your pilot sets the route each morning by the wind, and on some flights the balloon comes low over the river valley, close enough to skim the Rio Grande, with the forest along its banks below. The sun comes up over the Sandia Mountains while you are aloft. Plan on about 3 to 4 hours in total.
The Albuquerque Sunset Hot Air Balloon Ride can bring the cottonwoods into view too, from US$225 per person. It flies in winter, and the trees may carry a light dusting of snow. 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. Sunrise riders also receive a commemorative flight certificate, and the pilot’s commentary helps you pick out the river and the forest from the air.
The bosque is a view the wind may or may not give you. The launch site changes from day to day, and the balloon travels in whatever direction the wind blows, so some flights stay over the city or open ground rather than the river. Treat the cottonwoods as a likely sight on many flights, not a promise. 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 for the cottonwood forest in the early light, book the sunrise ride.
Rio Grande Bosque aus der Luft: Albuquerque · Albuquerque Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride.