Experience The Magic Over White Sands
There's nothing quite like seeing massive hot air balloons rising up with the sun over the desert. Since 1992 Alamogordo has played host to the annual White Sands Balloon Invitational, with this year's dates set for September 19 & 20. https://www.whitesandsballoons.com/
Two Launch Sites
With two launch sites on two separate days, it affords you the opportunity to witness this event from different vantage points. On September 19th, activities will be at White Sands National Park. September 20th will be at Ed Brabson Balloon Park on LaVelle Road. The crowd is typically a little lighter on Sunday, which is something else to consider. Lift off is tentatively scheduled on both days between 7:30am-8am, but since hot air balloons are so heavily dependent on the weather, these times are always subject to change depending on the day's conditions. Keep this in mind and be flexible. It's common for spectators to start arriving around 6am, so plan to arrive early to get a good spot for viewing. Admission to White Sands National Park is $25 per vehicle. Admission at Ed Brabson Balloon Park is free.
Be Prepared
Being prepared for any outing always makes it more enjoyable for everyone. So what should you do? Dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes. It's likely to be a little chilly in the early morning hours, but the temps will quickly heat up as the day comes alive. The sun can be pretty intense in the southwest--especially in the park. Sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water are essential for a safe and enjoyable experience. And since there won't be any food vendors at this event, you might want to bring along some snacks if you plan to stay for a while. You'll also want to bring along a lightweight camp chair so you can sit back and enjoy the show in comfort. Drones are strictly prohibited inside White Sands National Park since it's within restricted Military space, but you're always welcome to take personal photos with your phone or camera. It's a good idea to check the website at White Sands National Park before you go to be aware of any restrictions they have.
https://www.nps.gov/whsa/index.htm
Awesome Spectacle
There are typically anywhere from 20-60 vibrant balloons that participate each year, depending on the weather and various other factors, and all of us here at Self Storage New Mexico always look forward to welcoming the pilots, balloon enthusiasts, and tourists to Alamogordo from all across the country for this amazing experience. There are several lodging options here in town within a short drive of both launch sites, ranging from hotels, vacation rentals, and RV sites. These usually fill up well in advance though, so make your reservations ahead of time. You might want to sign up for the Balloon Invitational e-newsletter thru their website so you'll receive important updates and notifications, such as schedule changes, weather alerts, planned activities, and more.
With the breathtaking background of White Sands National Park and the mystery and intrigue of the desert, you won't want to miss this year's White Sands Balloon Invitational. Come experience the magic for yourself.










