Gay-friendly Albuquerque is considered the hot-air ballooning capital of the world, and dozens of outfitters here (along with a few in other parts of New Mexico) offer early-morning (and sometimes sunset) rides of the stunning Rio Grande valley - the views of the city and the cloud-scraping Sandia Mountains are something else. The Duke City also hosts the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta each fall - it's one of New Mexico's biggest draws.
The fiesta takes place on the grounds of the state-of-the-art Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum. A few reputable companies worth contacting if you're looking for a hot-air balloon ride of the area include Enchanted Winds, Rainbow Ryders, and Above and Beyond Affordable Balloon Rides.