Four New Mexico companies nominated for ‘Best Hot Air Balloon Ride’ by USA Today

NEW MEXICO (KRQE) — Four companies in New Mexico have been nominated for USA Today’s “Best Hot Air Balloon Ride” list for 2026. Voting is open now through June 1.

Here’s a look at the New Mexico nominees:

• Four Corners Balloon Rides (Albuquerque)
  • “Four Corners Balloon Rides will get you soaring above Albuquerque in a hot air balloon. They fly smaller balloons with a capacity of up to 12 passengers, and you can opt between shared flights or a private charter, with flights running for about 45 minutes to an hour. You’ll see beautiful views of the Rio Grande Valley, the Sandia Mountains, and all of Albuquerque some 2,000 feet below you. The pilot, Daniel, has over 3,000 hours of flight time, so you’re ensured to be in good, safe hands. “

• Rainbow Ryders (Albuquerque)
  • “As home to the International Balloon Fiesta, Albuquerque is one of the world’s most popular spots for hot air ballooning. Rainbow Ryders offers daily flights throughout the year, which have you floating above the high desert landscape of New Mexico, as well as the Phoenix-Scottsdale area. The company is also the official hot air balloon ride operator at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.“

• World Balloon (Albuquerque)
  • “World Balloon in Albuquerque, New Mexico, offers both group and private hot air balloon flights throughout the year. On flights that usually last an hour, passengers can enjoy unmatched views of the Rio Grande River and Bosque or watch the sunrise over the city.”

• X-Treme-Lee Fun Balloon Adventures (Gallup)
  • “X-Treme-Lee Fun Balloon Adventures provides a beautiful sunrise hot air balloon tour near Gallup, New Mexico. On journeys that typically last about an hour, passengers can enjoy views of scenic Red Rock Park’s canyons and spires.”

A total of 20 companies were nominated overall. Multiple companies in neighboring states were also nominated. Those include Above It All in Aspen, Colorado, Adventures Out West in Colorado Springs, Firebird Balloons in Phoenix, Grand Adventure Balloon Tours in Winter Park, Colorado, Hot Air Expeditions in Phoenix, and Red Rock Balloons in Sedona, Arizona.

The winner will be determined by readers’ votes. You can vote online.