Elephant Butte Balloon Regatta is an annual hot-air balloon festival in Elephant Butte, New Mexico. The event gathers thousands of people, offering a captivating spectacle of hot-air balloons for enthusiasts of all ages. Besides the gorgeous Southwestern views, there are many activities to engage in at the fest. Taking place at Lions Beach from 7 am to 9:30 am over three days, this event provides an opportunity to get acquainted with how the balloons work, go on tethered rides in one of them, have fun with the loved ones, and possibly even watch the nighttime Balloon Glow (subject to weather conditions).
Admission
Admission to the festival is free, although visitors are required to pay the state park entrance fee. The fees are structured to accommodate various modes of transportation and entry methods. Day-use passes for vehicles, valid from 6 am to 9 pm, can be acquired for $5 either at the park entrance, online, or through phone reservation. It's worth noting that purchasing passes online incurs a convenience fee of $0.35.
Alternatively, visitors arriving on foot or bicycle enjoy complimentary entry. For larger groups arriving by bus or tour vehicle, the fee is set at $15. Moreover, those seeking an unforgettable experience can enjoy the tethered balloon rides at an additional cost of $20 for children and $25 for adults.
Elephant Butte Lake
New Mexico's largest body of water, nestled within Elephant Butte Lake State Park's 40,000 acres, boasts an impressive array of fish species, including record-breaking crappie, bluegill, black, white, and striped bass. Miles of scenic trails and sandy beaches spanning its 43-mile (70 km) length offer the visitors diverse recreational activities, such as camping under the stars, embarking on a leisurely kayak paddle, or simply soaking in the natural beauty. From vibrant summer days filled with jet skis and powerboats to tranquil sailboat excursions and birdwatching during migration seasons, Elephant Butte Lake remains a year-round destination.
Trails
For those eager to see more of the area's natural beauty, a network of trails awaits exploration. The West Lakeshore Trail stretches for 10 miles (16 km), treating hikers to sweeping vistas of the lake and its surroundings, easily accessible from multiple trailhead parking areas along the route. For a shorter jaunt through the sand dunes, the 1.5-mile (2.4 km) Luchini Trail meanders between the visitor center and campgrounds.
Birding enthusiasts will find solace along the Paseo del Rio Trail, a ¾-mile (0.4 km) path tracing the Rio Grande's edge below the dam, adorned with interpretive signage detailing the area's rich history. Meanwhile, the tranquil Dirt Dam Trail offers a leisurely 1.5-mile (2.4 km) paved route leading to the Elephant Butte Dam, where a deluxe pocket trail guide, complete with detailed maps, awaits eager adventurers at the visitor center.
History
Over 100 million years ago, the region was submerged under a vast ocean before becoming the favored hunting grounds of the mighty tyrannosaurus rex dinosaur as the waters receded. Evidence of these ancient giants, along with other dinosaur species, has been unearthed in the area's rock formations. Despite the discovery of Stegomastodon fossils nearby, the name "Elephant Butte" doesn't owe its origin to these prehistoric creatures. Instead, it stems from the eroded core of an ancient volcano, resembling the silhouette of an elephant, which now stands as an island within the reservoir.
