The Red Rock Balloon Rally is an invitation only event. Each year we send out invitations to the previous years pilots. New pilots may apply to attend, but the decision to allow a new pilot to fly is made by the Red Rock Balloon Rally Association.
Pilot applications are sent via email. The deadline for returning the hard copy of the application is October 15, 2021.
If you do not receive your application as a returning pilot, please contact the Red Rock Balloon Rally Association at:
pilotinfo@redrockballoonrally.com
Please include "Returning pilot application" in the subject line
If you are a pilot that would like to receive an application:
pilotinfo@redrockballoonrally.com
Please include "New pilot" in the subject line
Note that receiving an application does not guarantee your entry until reviewed by the Red Rock Balloon Rally Association. It must include references from currently licensed pilots, your number of hours, and a picture of your balloon.
May the winds welcome you with softness.
May the sun bless you with its warm hands.
May you fly so high and so well that God
joins you in laughter and sets you gently
back into the loving arms of Mother Earth.
~Author Unknown
This year marks the 41st anniversary of the Red Rock Balloon Rally. What began as a small but earnest effort by four individuals to share the unique flying challenge offered in the incredible red rock formations east of Gallup, New Mexico has grown into one of the largest ballooning events in the world.
The Red Rock Balloon Rally Association, which hosts the balloon rally, has been uplifting the Gallup community since 1981, partnering with many non-profit groups and contributing tens of thousands of dollars to their fund raising efforts. The Association is run by an all volunteer committee and has never had a paid staff which speaks loudly to the dedication of its members.