Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Oct 3-11

[Ray,IN]

Help friends, We have decided to celebrate our 15 anniversary at this event. My investigation so far has brought me to the conclusion it is better NOT to buy advance (non-refundable) tickets, they're only $1 more at the gate. Buy an "all-event parking pass, and park the RV elsewhere. Right now I'm leaning towards Kirtland AFB famcamp. It's 12 miles away, just S of I40. Any recommendations/thoughts on my tentative plan? I have asthma, so staying in a dusty lot with hundreds of other RV's dry-camping doesn't work. I have an excellent genset, but I'm concerned about it taking a walk while we're inside.

I don't want to flub this up.

[read & learn]

Ray
We will be there with the Newmar group in the VIP section next to the launch field. Stop by and say hello.

[Ray,IN]

We'll try to keep it in mind and if possible we will stop in.

[AFChap]

Ray -- we stayed at Kirtland last year during Balloon Fiesta -- you might plan to get there a few days early as it will likely fill up quick. They have a 14 day max stay limit, so get there early enough to get in and late enough that your 14 days will carry you through!

We found they run shuttle buses from local parking areas into the grounds that made it really easy to get in and out. We parked in a church lot to catch the shuttle bus. We bought tickets online a day or two ahead of time and saved some $$. The cost of the shuttle ticket is very reasonable and includes admission to the fiesta grounds.

Another option would be to bicycle in -- one morning I parked in a church lot several major streets to the south of the grounds and rode the bicycle trail right up to the fiesta grounds entrance. The trail is paved and off streets, and follows the drainage ditch coming from the south. When the balloons launch they normally go south and fly right over that area. It just happened the morning we rode the trail that a good number of the balloons just made it over the first street and then came down -- we had balloons coming down all around us!! It was awesome for us though a bit of a bummer for the balloonists!!

[Savannah]

Kirtland also can be very dusty so keep that in mind. There are some electric hook ups on the Fiesta grounds so maybe that would be a good thing to check on. The traffic is horrible in the mornings and evenings for the launches so being close is super plus if you are on the grounds you can sit outside in your PJs and watch the balloons drinking your coffee. For the evening activities you do want to be on the launch field.

We lived in Albuquerque and always moved to the Fiesta grounds so we wouldn't have to fight the traffic. Keep in mind most happens early in the morning and in the afternoon about 5 or so on into the evening. You do have the day free to sightsee, shop, eat etc.

They do run buses from the Fiesta camping area and there are water trucks and dump trucks. There have also been shower trailers in the past.

ENJOY!! Happy Anniversary

[Ray,IN]

Wow! Thanks for the tips every one! Sounds like dry camping on the grounds may be the better way to see the fiesta, donno, still on the fence about where to park. AFChap, bikes are sold, wife has a little trouble balancing since the mini-strokes. Parking at Kirtland and taking a shuttle, humm, that may work.

[brucemcdou]

Hi, Ray - Congratulations on your anniversary! You'll really enjoy the Balloon Fiesta. We were there last year and ended up staying in two different locations: the regular spots across the street, and the "VIP" area adjacent to the launch field. Neither with hookups but both very well organized. The VIP area adjacent to the field was probably less dusty (gravel) and certainly much more convenient for the early morning and evening activities on the field. As Savannah noted when you stay on the grounds you can wake up, make coffee, and just walk outside. We spent several early mornings up on our roof, wrapped in a blanket and sipping coffee, with a better view of the balloons than most everyone else.

You'll enjoy it whichever space you pick but urge you to consider staying on the grounds to avoid the traffic crush to get there.

[Ray,IN]

Plans laid, thanks everyone. Kirtland AFB for parking, shuttle service to fiesta, dinner atop Sandia Peak. The rest is off the cuff. OH, and a walk thru the VIP section to locate irv2.com decals.