Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Day 1

My friend and I left from Phoenix around 6:00pm and drove to Albuqueque - it took about seven hours, which means we got there at 1:00am. After accounting for the time difference, that means we got in at 2:00am... yikes! We did stop along the way to stargaze which was amazing! Nothing like stopping in the middle of nowhere to see the milky way. I even saw a shooting star. :)

Although we only got three hours of sleep, the festival was definitely worth it! There were around 550 balloons there the day we went.

There was such a large variety of balloons

 Balloons ready to go!

The balloon festival has morning and evening festivities, so after a lunch at Frontier, we spent the middle of the day taking a tram on the Sandia mountains. (Frontier was super yummy, but also very spicy, for those of you who have a low spice tolerance [like me!])The tram takes you up to over 10,000 ft. above sea level, so there is an amazing view from the top!

The Sandia Mountains

We waited in line for almost two hours, but it was worth it. If you plan on going, bring water and sunscreen though! I definitely got a sunburn waiting in line.

Here comes the tram!

Not for those afraid of heights

The view from the top

After our rendevous on the mountain, we headed back to the festival. Parking was atrocious, so we made it just barely in time for the fireworks.

What We Ate:

Breakfast - Dunkin Donuts Pumpkin Muffin

Lunch - Burritos at Frontier. My friend had Carne Adobada (spicy) and I had beans and cheese (not so spicy).

Dinner - Fried mac and cheese (yum!) and the most amazing funnel cake every (more yum!)

What I wish I brought:

Chapstick

Sunscreen

Water bottles

Would I recommend it:

Absolutely! I've never been to anything like it and it was beautiful.

I'll share Day 2 of our trip with you soon! Have any of you ever been to the  Albuquerque balloon fiesta? What did you think?