Follow the Rio Grande from Albuquerque for a few hours and you’ll find yourself at Elephant Butte Lake. Sandy beaches with easy access, multiple boat ramps, and beautiful landscapes makes for an amazing weekend get-away… and that’s before the Balloon Regatta! On a weekend in late summer, right as the sun is rising and reflecting off the still water, crowds of hot air balloons take to the sky and drift across the lake. This is a sight you can experience from the beach, on a boat, or in one of the balloons themselves – all three promise a good time and an unforgettable experience!

Elephant Butte Balloon Regatta