6th annual MV Balloon Event set to begin Dec. 11
OLJATO-MONUMENT VALLEY, Utah
Dozens of colorful hot-air balloons of all shapes and sizes from across the region will be lifting off next weekend for the start of the 6th annual Monument Valley Balloon Event.
The three-day event – one of the most photographed events – will begin Friday, Dec. 11 before the sun rises as the balloon pilots will be released into the wilds of Tsébii’ndzisgaii.
One of the big draws of the event is the ability of spectators to view Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, a mega scenery of colossal shafts and buttes of rock, and to watch the morning mass ascension.
Watching hot-air balloons soar over Rain God Mesa and over Mittens, two of the red sandstone formations on the quintessential landscape, is quite a sight to behold.
For balloonists and their passengers (a privileged few), more than 1,000 feet in the air, they are able to watch the early morning light turn the desert floor into bands of red and blue.
Though individuals can find a spot around John Ford’s Point to set up folding chairs in the nearly arctic weather, but it’s more exciting to stand next to the balloon inflation fans as it fills a balloon with air and to be next to the gondola (basket) as the propane burners ignite.
Because ballooning is not an individual sport, hanging out there during assembly could get one recruited as a member of the balloon crew.
According to a press release from the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation, balloon launches will take place from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. with evening glows at the Welcome Center on Friday and in Kayenta on Saturday.
Information: navajonationparks.org
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Highway 264,
I-40, WB @ Winslow