Mashable:
This is the largest summertime hot air balloon festival in North America. The balloons fly twice each day for three days, compared to the nine days of ballooning in Albuquerque’s famous Balloon Fiesta which includes more than 600 balloons.
Up in the air, it was absolutely silent. Like the quietest thing I’ve ever heard (granted I live in New York, so perhaps it was more just that I appreciated such silence). Intermittent, and rather startling blasts from the propane burner kept us floating through the air. The wind wasn’t strong so we moved slowly, over houses, backyards and crowds that gathered to watch. The people waved up at us: the balloon pilots were praised like celebrities in this rural New Jersey town.
I tell all my beginner photography students – if there’s a balloon festival near you, go. You’re guaranteed to get great photos because hot air balloons are huge, colorful and only fly during the Golden Hour. No matter what kind of camera you have, you won’t be disappointed by the images you capture.
EVERY hot air balloon fest is a experience in beauty unlike few things on this rock… Even ones in New Jersey… But, the author mentioned the fest in Albuquerque…… Just being in the vicinity of that fest in the high desert is utterly awe inspiring. But just to the East of the fields where the balloons take off in ABQ are the Sandia mountains. Pretty good skiing in the winter for the high desert… A bit rugged for my taste…
BUT, there is an observation platform atop Sandia Peak at about 9500 feet, just under all the TV transmission/relay towers for the ABQ area where the view of the balloons as they rise off the flats below is something special.. IF you ever get the chance to go to the ABQ fest, never hesitate, BUT if you’re there AND you can wind your way up the backside of the Sandia’s and to the top, it’s worth the extra two hours you’ll spend getting there… Bring LOTS of film OR SD cards…