Going to The Telluride Balloon Fest- As a Lifelong Attendee

Jaiden Martinez, author, with Pilot and Mom Mar Myers

There’s something magical about the San Juan Mountains.

In the winter, they’re rugged, wild, and draped in snow—beautiful in a way that makes you catch your breath. But come summer, the snow still clings to the highest peaks while the valleys below burst into vibrant green. It’s early summer in Telluride, Colorado—where mule deer roam, Rocky Mountain elk graze peacefully, and nature puts on a show of its own.

But for one weekend in early June, something even more magical happens…

The skies come alive with hot air balloons.

That’s right—if you find yourself in Southwest Colorado around the first weekend of June, Telluride is the place to be. Not just for the views, the wildlife, or the peaceful mountain air—but for a celebration that lifts spirits and balloons alike: the Telluride Balloon Rally.

Picture this: snow-capped peaks, lush green meadows, and a rainbow of hot air balloons rising with the morning sun. It’s a sight that stops you in your tracks—and lucky for me, it’s a tradition that runs deep in my family. My grandparents and parents have been part of the balloon rally for years, and I’ve been coming since before I could even walk.

We’ve always called ourselves “ballooning babies” because—well—we’ve been ballooning since we were babies! Telluride isn’t just an event for us—it’s a feeling. A kickoff to summer. A place where I used to happily skip the last two days of school just to be part of something truly special.

Whether you’re a seasoned pilot, a die-hard crew member, a wide-eyed local, or a first-time visitor—Telluride has a place for you. The Balloon Rally is more than just a spectacle—it’s a community, a tradition, and a little slice of high-altitude heaven.

Hope to see y’all there!

Jaiden and Julian Martinez, brothers loading the balloon into its bag.