First the bad news. The KOA on Skyline Drive is in far "Southeast" Albuquerque, just south of the Juan Tabo Blvd exit from I-40. The balloon park in far "north" Albuquerque, a mile west of Alameda Blvd & I-25. So, your campground (which is a nice one) will be a minimum 8-10 miles from the balloon park. It's easy access to I-40 however, does give you a quick trip across town, including major tourist areas such as Old Town, also about 10 miles west off I-40 at Rio Grande Blvd.

There will be a Mass Ascension on Wednesday morning, and two more (weather permitting) on the second Saturday and Sunday mornings that you could attend. Check the schedule at balloonfiesta.com (which I don't have at the moment) to see which of these three days have "glows" and fireworks shows in the evenings. Tickets to one event, cannot be transferred to another as far as I know. The exception is tickets on a day that is cancelled by weather, can be used again. A "raincheck," although it is usually excessive winds that cause cancellations.

You can get pretty good views of the fireworks and mass ascensions from the east side of I-25. Drive north on San Pedro Street from Alameda & San Pedro for about 2/3-1 mile...you will see hundreds of cars pulled off there. A warning: there is no parking allowed along the interstates' side roads, or beside any of the highways in the area. The police are very strict on this. Enjoy your visit, and (especially from your KOA) leave very early...by 5a.m. for mass ascensions which begin about 7a.m. There will be much to do, see, and my favorite...EAT, on the field when you arrive before dawn. It's an unforgetable experience, I assure you.

Your answers are along the lines of what I had anticipated. Thank you for the input. Though you did not spell it out, I assume from the way you responded, that seeing balloons aloft form our site would be serendipitous.

We are looking forward to this expeirence. Whaat are the temperatures generally like in the area at that time?

Do you really need to buy tickets in advance? Looking at the website, it appears that the only advance tickets you can get are the gondola club or 5 tickets for $25 ($5 discount). I would have assumed that the 5 pack would have allowed you to share them with a group.

If you've attended one mass ascension, then the view from your hotel would probably also be enjoyable. The winds are the fickle factor. They may blow the balloons right over your head, or in the opposite direction...or if too high, cancel the events entirely. That is why it is always a good idea to have a couple of "backup" days when coming to the fiesta.

Tickets for all events are available at the entrance gates into the Balloon Park, after being directed to the proper parking areas.

Temperatures can vary, but it can be freezing in the Rio Grande River Valley before sunrise at approximately 7am. Last year, it was relatively mild however. Always dress in layers, so you can add or subtract clothing as needed. The balloon fiesta is a great place to bring a backpack! Enjoy!

I have to admit one night I just wanted to watch the fireworks and the location on San Pedro just north of Alameda is a great location just proceed past the cemetery and park on the sode of the road. In case they cancel any events i say its easier just to pay at the door they never turn people away at the door due to capacity the balloon grounds are huge!