The 25th annual Red Rock Balloon Rally will be held December 2nd-4th in Gallup, New Mexico.

Who hasn’t seen photos of a sky full of hot air balloons?

And this rally, by invitation only, is the premier hot air balloon event, and also showcases the dramatic backdrop of the Red Rock area.  Over 200 balloons are expected this year.  While ballooning started as a recreational activity, is has now become a competitive event.  Pilots are scored on their accuracy as they fly from launch point to one or two targets. As they pass over the target they toss markers as close to the center as possible.

Hot air balloons vary in size from 14,000 cubic feet to 500,000 cubic feet, and can carry from one to 32 people.   Some of them are quite mammoth is size, ranging from five to 16 stories high.
 
The Red Rocks are the cemented sands of a fossilized beach, colored by dissolved iron seeping down from more recent volcanic activity, worn smooth by Anasazi residents who carved hand holds in the walls to allow them to reach the mesa tops.  The balloons soaring over this setting makes for some pretty dramatic and picturesque moments.

This ballooning event is also the only one where spectators are encouraged to participate by joining in with the balloon chase crews.

You can find the schedule of events for the weekend here.  Lodging in the area may be tough to come by at this late date, but you can get some ideas here.

New Mexico is one of those states that I haven’t made it to yet.  The Red Rocks Balloon Rally seems like the perfect time to go.

Post from: Fly Away Cafe