Rocky Mountain Balloon Adventures

Balloon rides by the Rocky Mountain Balloon Adventures are considered one of the best activities to do in Pagosa Springs. The company was founded in 1986 by Mike Marchand, a licensed pilot who became widely known by the city dwellers and tourists due to his signature red, yellow and blue balloon.

Mike also happens to be the founder of two popular air balloon events, which are the Colorfest and the Winterfest.

Year round hot air balloon ride in Pagosa Springs

As each of the four seasons has something visually pleasing to offer, the Rocky Mountain Balloon Adventures operates all-year round, but is still weather dependent. The company uses a large basket that can carry 10 to 12 passengers. The whole tour, which consists of 6 parts, takes about three to three and a half hours to finish. Flights are conducted every morning, just shortly after sunrise.

The tour begins with welcoming, orienting and instructing the passengers, followed by the balloon inflation which can be a hands-on activity for everyone. Once done, the balloon will ascend to the sky and float above the earth. The passengers will spend about 30 minutes in the air, with a chance for a Splash-N-Dash (depending on wind conditions) where the pilot flies the balloon just inches over the area lakes before ascending into the air again.

The tour ends with the deflation of the balloon, again where the passengers will be given a hands-on experience of. There will also be a closing ceremony where everyone gets to enjoy delicious muffins and juice while receiving a personalized flight certificate.

The Rocky Mountain Balloon Adventures is a member of several air ballooning organizations such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Professional Ride Operators, Balloon Federation of America and Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association; and of various Chambers of Commerce (Pagosa Springs, Bayfield and Durango).