Marvel at the sight of colorful balloons painting the skies of Steamboat Springs. Become a sponsor and get to meet the pilots, learn about the art of hot air ballooning, and enjoy the beauty of Colorado from a unique perspective.
NEW THIS YEAR!
Don't miss the watch party in the Meadows parking lot. There will be food, merch and parking Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: July 26-28
Location: Bald Eagle Lake, 35565 South Highway 40
Friday - Media Day: Balloons launch between 6:30 am and 7:15 am
Saturday and Sunday - General Launch: All balloons launch between 6:30 am and 7:15 am
NO SPECTATORS will be allowed on the launch field, as directed by the land owner.
EXPERIENCE THE EXCITEMENT
35 PILOTS FROM ALL OVER THE COUNTY
Dive into the heart of an exhilarating experience as we proudly welcome an impressive assembly of 35 elite pilots from across the nation, each contributing their exceptional skills and vast experience.
BENEFITING STARS ADAPTIVE RECREATION SPORTS
All proceeds from this event will directly support STARS Adaptive Recreation Sports, helping to fund and expand their invaluable programs that empower individuals with disabilities through adaptive sports and recreation. Your participation not only promises a memorable experience but also contributes to a noble cause, making a lasting difference in the lives of many.
For Sponsorship information, click here.
EVENT HISTORY
The history of the Hot Air Balloon Rodeo in Steamboat Springs is a colorful and evolving story that has spanned over four decades. The event, which started in 1981, was originally organized by a group of local balloon enthusiasts and pilots, including René Lipps, Mike Bauman, and Joe August. It was part of The Way It Wuz Days, an effort by the owners of the Sheraton Hotel to attract visitors to Steamboat Springs during the summer.
For many years, the Steamboat Springs Chamber was responsible for organizing the event. However, in 2019, the Chamber handed over the reins to the Steamboat Pilot & Today newspaper. The newspaper's publisher, Logan Molen, expressed excitement about adding new elements to the already successful event, while the Chamber shifted its focus to acting as an event liaison and concentrating on the business and economic health of the community.
In 2022, the event faced a challenge when the Steamboat Pilot & Today announced that it could no longer organize the balloon rodeo due to limited resources. This led to the cancellation of the event that year. However, the community's love for the balloon rodeo was undeterred, and efforts were made to bring it back.
In 2023, the event returned with a new name, the Yampa Valley Balloon Rodeo, and new organizers. Karen Beauvais, along with Scott Flower, took the lead in organizing the event, aiming to include a broader cross-section of the region and make everyone feel involved, from ranchers to visitors. The event, which typically takes place in late July, features mass ascensions of hot air balloons over the Yampa Valley, with the launches taking place at Bald Eagle Lake.
The Yampa Valley Balloon Rodeo has become an iconic part of Steamboat Springs' summer events, attracting balloon pilots and enthusiasts from across the country. It's a testament to the community's commitment to preserving and celebrating this vibrant tradition