Balloons transform Pahrump, Nevada, into a colorful spectacle in February.
Each winter, the Mojave Desert skies fill with a beautiful spectacle: the annual Pahrump Balloon Festival. Every February, more than 20 balloon teams will gracefully float above the landscape suspended in baskets beneath colorful, buoyant envelopes filled with heated air. The wonderful aerial extravaganza brings thousands of visitors for the family-friendly celebration.
With three days of lighter-than-air events — including lift-offs at dawn and evening glow shows where balloon pilots synchronize the illuminating blasts of their burners to songs — we’ve assembled some handy tips for making the most of your festival experience.
Photo: Town of Pahrump
Arrive Early
Make that very early! To watch teams set up and inflate their balloons, set your alarm clock and arrive at the park by 6:00 a.m. Pilots need very light winds to take to the air, and the window around dawn is frequently the calmest time of day. As a bonus, you’ll be able to watch the launching of an unmanned, helium-filled weather balloon into the Nevada sky. It tracks the direction and speed of prevailing winds and helps determine if conditions are safe for take-off.
Dress Warmly
Sure, there are stately palm trees in Pahrump and plenty of sunshine, but the desert can get downright chilly in winter, even more so in early mornings. A warm hat and pair of winter gloves are a must. Fingered gloves are best if you want to volunteer and hold the rope tethers that secure balloons to the ground pre-launch. Also, dressing in layers is a good idea, so you can shed insulation as the day heats up. Also, sunglasses are key, as you’ll be looking up into the brilliant sky most of the day.
Bring Gear
If you’re here just to watch, take in the surroundings from the comfort of camp chairs. This way, you can relax as the balloons inflate and ascend into the skies around 6:30 a.m. Of course, a camera is a must, too. You can use your smart phone to share the spectacle on social media as it happens, whether in photo or video.
Wells Fargo’s stagecoach-shaped balloon cuts a compelling figure above Pahrump. Photo: Town of Pahrump.
Join The Action
While many Pahrump Balloon Festival guests are happy with sitting back and watching the majestic aircraft float through the atmosphere, many also like to play a more hands-on role as a volunteer. When you sign up to participate, you’ll frequently help pilots and their crews fill the envelopes with heated air and set up the baskets and lines—all parts of going aloft. No experience is needed, though signing a release form is required.
The Pahrump Balloon Festival is a full-fledged experience, morning through night. Beyond dawn adventures and evening glow-o-ramas, guests can purchase tethered rides—they’re a perfect introduction to ballooning; you’re in the air, but not too far up. There’s also music, arts and crafts, food and drink, and a carnival.
For more information, visit visitpahrump.com/events/2020-hot-air-balloon-festival