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Hello,
Its my first time to the balloon fiesta since 1995 and I've heard getting in and our of the balloon fiesta is a zoo these days. So, can anyone recommend any good nearby locations to see the morning mass ascension?
Hello,
Its my first time to the balloon fiesta since 1995 and I've heard getting in and our of the balloon fiesta is a zoo these days. So, can anyone recommend any good nearby locations to see the morning mass ascension?
I don't have any recommendations on where to view the mass ascension outside of the park, but just wanted to say that getting in is not a problem in my experience, especially if you arrive early (and eat some yummy food with coffee or hot chocolate). Also the park and ride service works extremely well and is very convenient and pretty fast.
Heading east on Alameda turn left (north) on Jefferson. Drive a few blocks until you see a park on the right (Wildflower Park). Great views from that park which is basically behind the fiesta parking lot. Several balloons land there. There's also a way to access the park from the neighborhood just south of the park (at least there used to be). Here's a picture from that park (taken several years ago):
Hello,
Its my first time to the balloon fiesta since 1995 and I've heard getting in and our of the balloon fiesta is a zoo these days. So, can anyone recommend any good nearby locations to see the morning mass ascension?
There is no one spot which is good. It depends on the wind for that day. You really can't get very close to the park to watch. If you really want to see the mass ascension well and for sure, go to the park.
I've just been chasing them for the past few years and see what I can see. I use to be on a balloon crew...
As a recent transplant, this will be my first time. Is it better to go on the first day or wait until later? Also, when should I plan to arrive to the park so I don't miss anything?
Guitar,
Any day is fine to go. Although the later you wait to go, the fewer balloons there tend to be (this is based on my own perceptions). It seems like the last couple of days are somewhat sparse. I always try to go the first weekend for the full experience. And the art show nearby is always fun too.
Magarita,
According to the website, general admission is $6. Park and ride is $10 for adults and $5 for children, and that includes admission. I am not sure if the admission allows you to come and go throughout the entire day. I am also not sure how much they charge for parking, if anything.
As a recent transplant, this will be my first time. Is it better to go on the first day or wait until later? Also, when should I plan to arrive to the park so I don't miss anything?
There are different days with various events. Mass ascension (where a lot of balloons take off at once) Mass Ascension and special shapes tends to be popular as well as the Balloon Glow at night (These have been modified and called various things). I am told the fireworks are well done. I see them seven miles away, and they look like they would be good to see up close.
I can't really say how and what time to arrive, I was on a balloon crew for a few years, we use to get there at 05:30 am, and we had a separate gate...
We usually arrive around 6am for the mass ascension, which is at 7am. It's a bit on the early side, but we don't have to wait in long traffic lines. Plus, it's really beautiful to watch the sky brighten and the balloons go through the entire process of setting up, inflating, and launching.
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