Nicole Geri
“I would guess that Albuquerque, as a city, has more balloonists than any other place ... and we have the Fiesta every October. You’ll have 600 balloons flying all around you, and when you’re flying, you’re not exactly controlling where you’re going. You’re at the whims of the direction of the wind. So if you say you want to fly over here, it’s probably not going to happen.”
—Retired balloon pilot Elaine Thacher, who flew her last Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in 2022, at age 85
WHERE TO CAMP FOR A HOT-AIR HANGOUT
Hundreds of thousands will descend on the 52nd Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta this October 5–13. Plenty will pitch tents, park RVs or settle into glamping tents at Balloon Fiesta Park. The views are magnificent, but on-site camping reserves far in advance. A few great alternatives:
ISLETA LAKES & RV PARK
Just south of town, 50 full- service sites on Isleta Pueblo land, with two stocked fishing ponds and a neighboring golf resort and casino.
isleta.com
INDIAN PUEBLO CULTURAL CENTER
RV dry-camping in the center of town, with evening concerts put on by the cultural org that brings together the state's 19 Pueblos.
indianpueblo.org
CORONADO VILLAGE
Roomy, shaded RV sites share a huge heated swimming pool and a swank clubhouse, 3 miles from Balloon Fiesta Park.
coronadovillagerv.com
