ABQ Balloon Fiesta - What to do in the down time?

A nap was the first thing that came to mind, but I see you have that covered already.

Have you been to Tinkertown? www.tinkertownmuseum.com, I think.

There is an Indian Market either on or near the balloon fiesta grounds, too. Sorry I can't be more specific - I just caught part of the ad today.

Lee Ann

There is usually an excellent Arts & Crafts Fair at the corner of Paseo del Norte and I 25. They have top quality items at great prices.

Also, do the Tent Rocks hike...it's amazing.

Drive the Turquoise Trail to Madrid -- a restored ghost town with some neat shops and a magical glass blower.

Hope this helps...
Debi

What is the Tent Rocks hike?

Opps...just saw you've been to craft fair.

How about the ABQ Museum? It is really nice. OR the Biopark? the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center? Explora Science Center [more for kids but fun]; strolling on Central in Nob Hill; Natural History and Science Museum w/ Lode Star Astronomy Center.

I've done or been to all and recommend them!

Hope this helps...
Debi

It's hard to explain -- Tent Rocks involves hiking around and through sandstone pillars. They are truly unique to see and the hike is perfect for this time of year. This will help better than I can explain --

http://www.nm.blm.gov/recreation/albuquerque/kasha_katuwe.htm

Debi

I've been to the market at Paseo Del Norte @ 25 many times. I agree, great shopping!

One person travelling with us is working on her Master's - thus - college budget. I'm trying to keep this from being the shopping extravaganza that it has been in years past.



How much time does Tinkertown require? I just took a quick peek at the website. The correct address is www.tinkertown.com

Debi -

The photos of Tent Rock are AMAZING! We vary in athletic ability. Is it an easy hike or will we be suffering?

I was not in particularly good shape when I first did them and it was in the heat of the summer, but I did okay.

There is some challenge in a few spots, but overall it is okay if you take lots of water with you and take your time.

They are really amazing to see...unlike anything else around here.

Debi

Thanks for the info.

You are most Welcome!
Debi

Debi -

Forgive me for pestering you too much. I'm looking at Google Images to see some photos of Tent Rocks.

I'm not sure if the pictures were captured on the trail or not... but some of the photos look to be on a very narrow trail. Is that accurate of our hike or just the photos of a true adventurer?

Not sure what pictures you were looking at...the majority of the hike is wide paths.

Try this out...read the comments on the end...just one grumpy review

http://www.explorenm.com/hikes/TentRocks

Debi

Bumping for wanderlust123. I hope you find this thread to be helpful too.

Thanks!

We just returned from a trip during which we visited Tent Rocks and hiked to the top of the mesa, although unintentionally, as I'll explain. I will say the rocks and views from the mesa were fabulous.
Here is some information that might help you know what to expect.
The last few miles of the drive are over a gravel and dirt road. However, it was easily drivable, but our rental car got filthy.
When you get to the park, you will a pretty large lot. You will also discover that you are supposed to pay a $5.00 per car fee. However, you have to have the correct change, because the money goes in an envelope which goes in a metal container. There is a stub on the envelope to remove and place in your car window. I am mentioning this because if you don't have the correct change, you have to overpay, underpay or not pay at all, in which case you could be fined if caught.
Once there, you will find two trails. The basic one is a moderately hilly, relatively easy 1.2 mile loop. You do get some good views of the tent rocks.
Partway around the loop, there is a secondary trail that is 1.5 miles long (each way) up to the top of a mesa.
The trail is flat and easy at first, beginning with a series of canyons that eventually get quite narrow (slot canyons). The trail ends with a steep, pretty rugged (in my opinion) incline until you reach the top.
The views on the second trail are spectacular, so my suggestion is to try it and keep going until you find it too challenging, which may not happen.
There is a directional sign that is confusing, which is how we ended up on the second trail. We ran into several other groups who made the same mistake. However, we are really glad we goofed, because that trail was one of the highlights of our trip.
Have fun.

Great detailed info! I forgot how dusty and rutted that road can be! And yes, you do need the $5 to park. Good call!

There should be a permanent map at the entrance indicating the 2 routes. The longer one [the better one] is an up and back...it is not a loop. The shorter one is a loop if memory serves.

Debi

I know I can do 3+ miles walking on flat land per hour. Just guessing - how long did it take with the narrowed walk & incline? Were you strolling or walking with a purpose?

IF you are like me, you are not going to rush this...you will be looking up when in the slot canyons, snapping photos and just enjoying the site. I can't remember how long it takes to go the long route, but perhaps mscarls will have that answer...??

Debi

I don't mean to give the impression that I want to rush it... just being a control freak, I want to make sure we have time to do everything!

OK...2 hours should do it[most likely less]and drive time from ABQ under an hour.
Debi

Shoot...drive time... one way about 40 minutes...from ABQ. Sorry!
Debi

Thanks

I was burned on my first trip to Fiesta due to the traffic jam. As a result, I simply obsess over timing details.

Thanks for putting up with OCD* me!
*(self diagnosis!)

Thanks for correcting the Tinkertown URL. We (Mr. Pickle, 11yo ds, and I) went there this afternoon and spent about two hours, but you can spend more time if you really look at everything in detail. Be sure to look up, down, and all around because there is stuff everywhere!

Lee Ann

I'm afraid I wasn't paying much attention to how long the walk took. I was too busy alternating between checking out the views and taking photographs and watching my footing.
I will say we did have to stop and rest a few times on the way up. I'm blaming it on the thin air -- not my age or physical condition.

We too are going to the balloon festival- first time for us. This was great info & helps in planning our days there. One quick qestion- my husband spoke to someone at the Festival "office" who said you dont need to buy tickets in advance. Is this true? ALso, do any of you veteran festival goers have any "secret" tips for us first timers? Many thanks- Mo

Mo-
There have been lots of posts on the fiesta. To find them...type in Balloon Fiesta in the search box at the top of this page and you will find lots of good suggestions. Read through them and come back and ask any specific Q's you might have that weren't already answered.

You do not have to buy tickets in advance, you can buy them at gate on the morning/evening of the event[s].

Hope this helps...
Debi

Secret tips? Hmmmm...what do you have in mind, exactly? Debi and I can make up some secrets for you...

Lee Ann

Secrets indeed

tsk ,tsk, tsk Lee Ann!

Debi

Mo-

The best suggestion I have is to plan on leaving far earlier than you think you need to! Get to the field and have a delicious breakfast.

I took a friend of a friend up on her hospitality since she lived about 20 minutes from the field. Ok, I expected "some" traffic. I had no idea that I would be stuck on side roads for more than two hours!

Also, dress in layers! I checked accuweather.com today and the temps range from mid 40's to upper 70's on opening weekend. Granted, things can still change... but that screams "pack everything you own" to me!

Another one -

You can never have too much film/disc space. If you are shooting digital, have a backup battery.

Moldy is absolutely correct about leaving WAY early to be sure you get parked and in the park early enough to walk around, grab a breakfast burrito, cinnamon bun and hot chocolate and really see the balloons inflating.

And the temps will start out COLD and as the sun comes up, it will get warmer fast! So again, moldy is right about dressing in layers. Be sure to wear a hat, gloves etc.

Now for my secrets --

drink lots of water [altitude and lack of humidity will get you otherwise -- especially if you are a flatlander]

wear sunscreen -- even if you are from a sunny climate. Again, the altitude will make the effects of the sun much stronger and you will burn!

take outdoor activities easy for the first few days [hiking etc] till you acclaimate to altitude.

get your chile "on the side" because you might think you are used to HOT food, but this is way different stuff than you may be used to. And it varies in heat from restaurant to restaurant.

And my last tip for the fiesta in particular --

one of the big things is to collect pins from the pilots/crew of the balloons. They are valuable and tradeable. You can buy them too at the booths, but getting them free is even nicer! If you ask really nicely, or help out with inflations etc, you just might get a pin. Also, lots of pilots have cards [like baseball cards] of their balloons and these are collectible too!

So, now you know!!

Hope this helps...
Debi

Ok, my turn to agree with Debi!

I love hot & spicy Tex-Mex but New Mexican chiles kick my butt! Definitely play it safe and get the chile on the side. You can always ask for more... but it sure is hard to scrape off if it is too spicy!

I heard on the news today that parking onsite will cost $10 this year. Fiesta officials are encouraging people to take the Park 'n Ride buses; this option costs less and includes fiesta admission.

Lee Ann

Lee Ann -

Thanks for posting that information.

Our hotel is actually closer to the field than the shuttle bus stop. I'll have to remember to throw in a few extra bucks than last year for parking.

I started another thread about shopping in Albuquerque if anyone has any good tips to share.

http://tinyurl.com/zw2rx

Thanks

I also heard on the news that you can take the new light rail service "Roadrunner" and it will take you close to park and then there will be busses to drive you the rest of the way. Also, they said there are LESS parking spaces available this year at the park.

And I am now in ABQ { HI LEE ANN!! }and the weather is glorious. Hope it holds for you all.

4 days to Hawaii!

Hope this helps...
Debi

I must already be on vacation mode...it's railrunner, not roadrunner! It is a light rail service.

Debi

Hi, Debi!

Lee Ann

We had our morning coffee on the patio today and watched at least 2 dozen balloons sail directly over the house. The weather is perfect again today and we went to Garcia's on 4th and Mountain for what we think it THE best NM food.

Debi

Has anyone been to Petroglyphs National Park?

How about a class at Santa Fe School of Cooking? I really enjoyed the class I took. It is not hands on but rather instructional and you get to eat the food at the end.

Yes, my husband and I have been a couple times. It's a marvelous place with fairly easy paths to take you along as you look for the petroglyphs. This is a national park, so if you have any special passes, bring them. We have a Golden Eagle Pass which is a senior special good forever. You have to qualify age-wise, though. One small perk for being "more mature." The ranger on site is extremely knowledgeable and books on several subjects are available in the shop too. You can spend as much or as little time at this park as you wish, but we have always found it interesting with a bit of exercise.

Not recently, but I drive past it regularly... Now that the weather is getting cooler, it would be a nice way to spend an afternoon.

Lee Ann

and another one to top!

Just got back from Albuquerque after having gone to the Balloon Fiesta twice. We were lucky to have superb weather for the balloon flying and for us to see them all. We drove to the grounds both times due to an online snafu for the shuttle tickets. Driving and parking were no issue at all for us because we arrived early for the events. The Wed. morning Mass Ascencion was just superb! Something like 700 balloons participated. Just awesome!

On Thurs. night, we attended the Glowdeo which was OK, but the fireworks show after it was among the best I've ever seen.

The absolute worst part of the Fiesta was trying to get out of the parking lot. There should have been many people around to assist with traffic. We saw noone until we were virtually out of the whole lot. It was maddening and took over an hour to leave the lot. The Balloon Fiesta committee has to come up with a solution for that driving migraine!

The breakfast burritos, brats and tiny donuts were all great too. Lots of choices in eating places and lots of places. The lines were never too long.

I greatly recommend the Balloon Fiesta for old and young alike. It was truly memorable!

>>On Thurs. night, we attended the Glowdeo which was OK, but the fireworks show after it was among the best I've ever seen.<<

Mr. Pickle, our 11yo son, and I were there too. Those fireworks were pretty spectacular! I suspect the larger Glowdeos are more fun, but I've never been to one.

>>The absolute worst part of the Fiesta was trying to get out of the parking lot. There should have been many people around to assist with traffic. We saw noone until we were virtually out of the whole lot. It was maddening and took over an hour to leave the lot. The Balloon Fiesta committee has to come up with a solution for that driving migraine!<<

Seems like it's always like that. The solution is Park 'n' Ride. We used it for the first time Thursday night, and it was great. Our bus left about five minutes after the fireworks were done; we were back at our car in 15 minutes and home 20 minutes after that.

Lee Ann

Lee Ann, I'm really glad to hear that the Park 'n Ride worked so well for you. Our friend in ABQ suggested it too, so online I tried to get tickets. It told me that it was sold out for Thurs. night and the same for Weds. morning. That was the reason we felt we had to drive instead. Oddly enough, a few days after we purchased our regular general admission tickets, I went back to check the Park 'n Ride options. At that time, there were tickets available. Must be the "spirits" moving or something. At least we got to attend the events we wanted and really enjoyed our experience. Thanks for adding yours!

There's a Balloon Festival Indian Art Market at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel Journal Center @ Paseo Del Norte & I-25 Just south of the Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Tent, Look for the 2nd tent outside the Courtyard just past the 1st,tent I've been there the last 2 years great Artist selling all Native American Art. Native American food and live entertainment as well as Indian dancing. The thing i love about it, it's all free!!! The best Bargain in town.

Just to update the Tent Rocks info. I was just there last week.

There is now a manned entry and you must pay to enter -- no more honor system. I have NPS pass so I don't know what the fee was.

I was with a friend from back east and it was her first day at altitude. We took our time and the long hike up to the top took us about 2 hours or so. We took it easy and stopped as we needed to and made sure we drank lots of water.

The Cave Loop Trail is 1.2 miles long, rated as easy. The more difficult Canyon Trail is a 1.5-mile, one-way trek into a narrow canyon with a steep (630-ft) climb to the mesa top.

This is a great day trip from ABQ during downtime. Easy to get to between morning launches and night glows.

Debi

I that this got bumped back up for another year.

11 months later and I'm bumping again.



I'm getting balloon fever! I feel the need for sick days!

I went back and read all of the posts and thought I'd included a comment regarding my initial post of things I've done in ABQ. I was talking about this with a friend today who is making her first Fiesta trip and it made me think that perhaps I'd want to post it here.


I mentioned that we had done to Turquoise Museum and the Atomic Museum.

On the surface, the names sound like something that would be very appealing to tourists. My impression of both = boring! I suggested to my friend going to Fiesta for the first time that she go on different adventures than the Turquoise Museum and the Atomic Museum.

Come on down, moldy!

Lee Ann

You know I'm looking forward to it!

I'm getting serious balloon fever!

It is the beginning of peak ballooning season. I have several balloon rallies to attend for the next two months. I'm just giddy... and I have a new camera lens.

It's gonna be pretty weather but my bags will be heavy!

Temps this year for Fiesta will range from 40's to the 80's while I'm there.

Looks like outdoor fun will be calling my name.

When will you be here, Moldy?

Lee Ann

Lee Ann - Opening weekend is calling my name! We arrive on Friday and depart (far too soon!) on Monday.

I can only be "sick" for so long! lol

bookmarking as this year will be a first for the balloon festival for me, even though I 've been to NM numerous times, but not for the BF.

Thanks so much for ttt this thread!

Aw, shucks - my weekend is full already! I was hoping we could arrange an impromptu GTG between the Moldys and the Pickles.

Easytraveler, how about you? When will you be in town?

Lee Ann

Lee Ann - Well, I'm already planning on being there next year!

Lee Ann: Right now it'll be for the weekend and possibly the following Monday and even Tuesday. Depends on what other activities we'll going to.

How about you?

Further update to Tent Rocks......

I was there just last weekend. Due to a rock slide, the Canyon Trail is closed about 1/2 of the way up to the vista overlook. But, it's still worth taking as you'll pass through the slot canyon(s) and by some dramatic scenery and rock formations.

I realize this thread is a couple years old, but if you're still looking for stuff to do, moldyhotels (or anyone else), visit Tsankawi, which is actually part of Bandelier, only much less touristed than the other trails. The trail takes you along, and over the top of a mesa, where a native village was once located. The village hasn't been excavated like the one at the more popular Bandelier site, but you can still find pottery sherds, see petroglyphs, and wonder about how people managed in those small, cliffside caves. No sheer wall cliffs like at the popular Bandelier site, but my wife liked Tsankawi better because of the opportunity to be more interactive with what we were seeing.

This weekend (October 4th-5th), easytraveler, or next weekend? I live here, so I'll be around Monday and Tuesday. Email me at this name at gmaildotcom.

Lee Ann

beachbum- Thanks for the latest on Tent Rocks.

Is it still worth the effort of the drive from ABQ if only 1/2 can be seen?

Lee Ann, you've got mail!

(it's under "bells")

We were driving from Santa Fe, moldyhotelsaregross, so it was as far as if from Albuquerque, but I'd still say it's worth the trip. I believe the only thing you'd be missing is the view from the vista at the top. Our B&B's owner suggested we could better that by driving the additional 4 miles to Veterans Memorial Overlook. We started out on that drive, but my wife got a little nervous; rough, unpaved road, and we were in a rental car. So, we turned around, and were still rewarded with some beautiful Tent Rocks landscapes that most visitors don't take time to see.

This is a great thread!

We won't be there in time for the Balloon Fiesta, but I was wondering what to do if we had time in the ABQ area. There are some great ideas here. Thanks!

BayouGal - Send me an e-mail to my screen name at gmail.com.

Hi guys,

I got a call from moldy (the OP). She is unable to get to a computer but she asked me to tell you a place she visited yesterday about 3 hours outside Albuquerque. It's called Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary, here is their web page.

http://www.wildspiritwolfsanctuary.org/

Moldy cannot adequately express how much she enjoyed it, describing it as phenomenal and beyond being worth the money. I wish you all could hear the enthusiasm in her voice, this wolf sanctuary must be incredible. So if you need a good day trip from Albuquerque, here is a recommendation from a good Fodorite.

Hi everyone!

I'm still without adequate words to express my sentiments of the visit to the Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary. My best friend and I had an hour and a half guided photo tour inside the surrounds with the curator. I was able to get some wonderful photos and will treasure my memories from there. I'll post some when I have caught up from my obligatory duties. We've already revised our next Balloon Fiesta trip schedule so that we will have more time at WSWS.

Thanks, P_M for posting for me.

We have not heard of this place; many thanks moldy [and P_M] for posting info. Looks amazing.

Deb

We spent some time at the Maxwell Museum on the UNM campus this morning. It is small, but they have some wonderful pottery and other exhibits. It is free and there are other galleries and museums on campus. Check it out.
unm.edu

Deb

How far are the tent rocks from Albuquerque? I am going to Alb. on business this month and woudl love to do the hike.

It will take you about 45 minutes or so from ABQ proper but allow up to an hour. Once you exit the interstate, the road is local, speed limit low. Also, the last portion is on gravel road so it will take time there as well.

"From Albuquerque, take the exit for Santo Domingo/Cochiti Lake Recreation Area (Exit 259) off I-25 onto NM 22. Follow the signs on NM 22 to Cochiti Pueblo and Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. Turn right off NM 22 at the pueblo water tower (painted like a drum) onto Tribal Route 92, which connects to Forest Service Road 266. From the fee station, travel five miles on a gravel road to the national monument’s designated parking/picnic area and trailhead."

Deb

If going to Tent Rocks, do save some time to go to the observation area down the gravel road. I think it was about 4 miles of very slow driving but the view was spectacular.

Thanks DebitNM for all the tent rock information. I had never heard of them before and I am ready to plan a visit.

Same post... new year!


Bumping this back to the top for some fresh ideas.


We have booked another guided tour at the Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary and have plans on going to the Balloon Fiesta in ABQ for opening weekend.

The train to Santa Fe sounds promising. The parking situation was such a challenge the last time we went. The train sounds like a nice alternative.

Hi moldy!

Haven't reread this entire thread, so these may be places that have already been suggested:

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque was fascinating, especially when there were Indian dances being performed.

http://www.indianpueblo.org/

Likewise Los Alamos with its history of the secret work being done there on the atomic bomb.

You could combine a trip to Los Alamos with visits to Georgia O'Keefe country, like Abiquiu.

Gorgeous area of the country and those balloons are so beautiful! Sounds like a terrific trip!

Is opening weekend next weekend - the 3rd and 4th? (yes, I live here, I just don't pay a lot of attention).

The RailRunner runs on Sundays now, which is nice if you want to go to Santa Fe.

El Rancho de las Golondrinas, just south of Santa Fe, is holding their annual harvest festival next weekend. I think we're going there for Mr. Pickle's birthday.

Lee Ann

There is a new museum in Santa Fe, moldy. We liked it: http://www.nmhistorymuseum.org/ It is just behind Palace of the Governors.

Yes, LeeAnn, next weekend. Heads up to duck and keep your head down so you don't get a balloon in your hair

Deb

LeeAnn,- You've hurt a little piece of my heart. Yes, Fiesta and its multitude of crazed fans are just about to invade your town and clog every known artery! So,stock up on emergency rations and batten down the hatches pdq! We're coming.




Thanks for the info on the museum and the rail.

LOL - guess I should stock up on bread and milk. Isn't that what flatlanders...er, I mean Easterners...do when a storm is coming?

I'll second Deb's recommendation for the New Mexico History Museum.

Here's another thought - download a free walking brochure or two from www.walkalbuquerque.org

Lee Ann

We broused the rack of brochures at the airport looking for a new way to spend some time in Albuquerque.

We discovered a 5 month old tour company that is offering trolley tours of Albuquerque. The slightly longer than an hour tour began in Old Town and passed through downtown, museum area, University of New Mexico, Nob Hill, film set locations, route 66, zoo/park area, Tingley Beach (who knew there was a beach in ABQ!?), and some very unique real estate was pointed out along the trip.

I really liked the owners of the company. Two college graduate friends have started this company up and seem to be quite the go-getters. I was impressed by their friendliness and knowledge. They led a very enjoyable tour.


And... if you don't want to be heckled the rest of the tour, you better not be silent under the bridge overpass.

We found that they not only do the trolley tour but they are available for special outings like the Trolley of Terror (Halloween ghost tour) and weddings. Let's hope that those two events don't conincide!

http://www.abqtrolley.com/


The only thing I disliked is that they didn't say that there is tax on the tour price. $25 adults, $20 seniors, $20 kids (all before tax prices)

Sounds like fun! They have Friday night 50% off tours on occasion, too.

Lee Ann

tent rocks. Dixon Apple orchard.

Dixon's is closed for the season.

Lee Ann

Wasn't when I made the post!

We were up that way on the 3rd, and they had taken their signs down already.

But you're right, Dixon's is wonderful, and now that they're selling smaller bags of apples in addition to their large ones, it might work for someone who will only be here for a few days.

Lee Ann

Another year... another bump.


I'm already into the planning of this year's Balloon Fiesta.

I've emailed ABQ Trolley to see what new offerings they have. We really admired their go getter attitude.

The Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary is high on our must do list. It is such an amazing opportunity for photography and my best friend is such a wolf fanatic.

I'm about to start scouring Chowhound for restaurant possibilities. One will definitely find me at Crepe Michel and Il Vecino (such awesome pizza crust) for a meal or two.

ttt

I wondered where you were, but knew you would surface soon

http://abqonthecheap.com/ has lots of good deals.

It's that time again!

You might also want to sign up for Groupon's Albuquerque offerings. They had a spa deal today for less than half price.

Lee Ann