AFTER THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC, PARKS MIGHT HAVE SPECIAL SCHEDULES OR ARE CLOSED. EVENTS MIGHT BE CANCELLED OR POSTPONED.

AGRICULTURE 

USA National Parks

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The free park days apply to all 111 fee-charging National Parks in the United States including Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Crater Lake, and The Grand Canyon.

Entry fees typically range from $15 per car to $35 per car for most parks.

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Also look for Balloon Events.

Balloon Festival Tourist Tips:

Balloon festivals are usually free or very low cost; however, donations are generally accepted.

These events attract thousands of people (the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival attracts close to 80,000 a day) so expect traffic and delays getting into and out of the parking lots. Get there early – and the bigger the balloon festival, the earlier you should plan to arrive…. even as much as two hours early.

Dress appropriately. Remember that it is generally colder in the morning or evening and it will be even more chilly on an open field.

No Smoking.

No Drugs

No Knives

No Guns

No glass cups or bottle. Can drinks or paper cups is fine.

Proper Clothing for outdoor event, dress comfortably and casually as you wish. Head wear so you can protect yourself from the strong sun. Another reason is that you will be standing under the burners, which are about 6 feet from the floor of the basket.  Heat from the burners radiates down towards you, which means you might be uncomfortable without a hat.  A baseball cap is a good choice, as it won`t move around or fly off. Footwear sneakers or hiking shoes are the best option.

Most hot air balloon flights occur just after sunrise or just before sunset or both. In colder months or climates, you might also see hot air balloons flying in the daytime; however, you should refer to the hot air balloon festival’s schedule of events page on their website for specific times.

Balloon flights and activities are usually weather dependent. Ideal wind speeds are 3-5 mph and if winds increase beyond 8-10 mph, or if it is raining, it is unlikely that the balloons will be able to fly.

The festivals themselves usually do not schedule or book balloon rides. Many participating pilots and balloon operators book their rides independently. There is usually a list on the festival’s website so you can contact them and ask if they accept passengers. While prices vary, you should probably expect to pay $175-225 per person.

Beware of anyone trying to sell you gift certificates for hot air balloon companies. Always call the company directly to purchase a gift certificate.

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