Living in Taos means I’m no stranger to extraordinary scenery, but nothing prepared me for the morning I climbed into a hot air balloon and drifted over the Rio Grande Gorge.
The adventure began before dawn, when the air was crisp and the mountains wore a soft pink glow. I watched as the crew unfurled a massive balloon across the desert floor and blasted bursts of fire into it. Slowly, the fabric rose, towering over us like a giant, colorful beast waking up from slumber.
And that’s when I had my first moment of doubt: I’m really about to climb into a wicker basket and let this thing carry me into the sky? It looked charming, sure—but sturdy? Let’s just say I decided not to overthink it.
As soon as the ground fell away beneath us, my nerves turned into sheer awe. Suddenly, Taos stretched out in every direction—rolling mesas, the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and below us, the Rio Grande Rift slicing deep into the earth. The gorge looked both fierce and serene, with the river glinting like a silver ribbon far below.
It wasn’t the adrenaline-jolt of an airplane takeoff. Ballooning is quieter, smoother, and strangely humbling. The only sounds were the occasional “whoosh” of the burner and a few nervous giggles (mine included). Then silence. The kind of silence that makes you realize how rare it is to truly float.
When it came time to descend, I braced myself for the “cow pasture scenario,” but our landing was smoother than any airplane I’ve ever been on. We glided down gently into the open desert, the balloon slowly folding in on itself like a tired giant taking a nap. I stepped out of the basket with wobbly knees and a grin that wouldn’t quit.
Balloon rides are funny that way—they fill you with both adrenaline and peace. It’s not just about the height or the thrill, it’s about seeing the world from a perspective that makes everything look both bigger and smaller at the same time.
’ve always loved living in Taos for its art, culture, and history—but floating above it gave me a new appreciation. From the sky, you see not just the land, but the story of the land: the ancient river carving its way through stone, the endless desert stretching toward the horizon, the timelessness of a place that has drawn dreamers and adventurers for centuries.
It reminded me why people fall in love with Taos—and why I did too.
If you’ve been looking for that once-in-a-lifetime experience, this is it. A hot air balloon ride over the Rio Grande Gorge is not just a bucket-list item—it’s an unforgettable way to connect with the spirit of Taos.
Book your adventure with Rio Grande Balloons by calling 575-208-1888 or visiting riograndeballoons.com. Whether you’re a visitor or lucky enough to live here like me, I promise you’ll never see Taos the same way again.
— Victoria Gunn
