The high point of the month-long Riverton Rendezvous festival is the colorful and dramatic hot-air balloon rally. The height of the hot-air balloon rally actually occurs on the ground: the balloon glow.

As the night of Saturday, July 15, grows darker, the balloons will stand up in the soccer fields and their burners lit. They will grow brighter and brighter on the ground as the sky sinks into darkness. The glow will start at 8:30 p.m at the Central Wyoming College soccer fields, the same location as the rest of the Riverton Rendezvous Balloon Rally.

During the days of July 14–16, the CWC soccer field will be covered with 21 colorful and fun-shaped hot air balloons for the 37th Riverton Rendezvous Balloon Rally. One balloon will be in the field giving free tethered rides to the public.

“Whether you are on the ground or in a balloon, the sight of balloons inflating and launching is always amazing and beautiful! Every balloon has such dramatic colors and designs that it makes a photographer’s dream come true to see these majestic aerostats take flight,” said Riverton balloon pilot Pat Newlin.

The event starts at 6 a.m. each day, but you won’t regret heeding the alarm.

“It definitely is worth getting up early to see the magic unfolding on the launch field,” promised Newlin.

The Riverton Balloon Rally is part of the larger Riverton Rendezvous month. The city-wide celebrations include a model airplane fly-in, Rails to Trails river walk with music, a sidewalk art contest, a celebrity speaker, pancake breakfasts, car and bike shows, fireworks and a balloon rally. Review the full schedule of events here, then meet us in Riverton for the annual Riverton Rendezvous.

Follow the Moments That Make Wind River Country


See Wind River Country as it happens, on the trail, in town and out on the land. Follow along for real moments from real people, and share your own journey by tagging @windrivercountry.

Mountain biking, road biking, fishing and hiking. Wind River Country is an outdoor lover's paradise.

Start planning your trip at the link in our bio. 

Photo: Bob Wick 

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The perfect Wyoming day: hiking and viewing petroglyphs. 

Photo: Helen Wilson/Wind River Country 

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Welcome to Wyoming, a place where badlands and mountains collide. 

Photo: @nataliekovarik 

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Road trips like these are worth every mile. ❤️

Footage: @bradytildeath 

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Make plans to attend the Ethete Celebration Powwow, happening this week, July 9–12 at the Ethete Powwow Grounds. Experience the vibrant traditions, incredible dancing, drumming and welcoming community that make this annual celebration so special. 

Schedule:
Thursday -7 p.m. warm up night, royalty contest and youth powwow
Friday -7 p.m. grand entry
Saturday - 1 p.m. grand entry
Saturday - 7 p.m. grand entry
Sunday - 10 a.m. parade
Sunday - 2 p.m. grand entry

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Happy Independence Day from Wind River Country!

Photo: Wind River Country/Brad Christensen

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Soaking in the beauty of Jade Lake, one perfect view at a time.

📸: @jakeysforkphoto 

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📍South Pass City, Wyoming 

While you can visit this historic gold mining town from the end of May - mid October, save the date for Gold Rush Days - July 11 & 12.

Photo: Wind River Country

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There's no place quite like old Wyo'. 

Photo: Journal of Lost Time

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When the mountains call, there’s only one thing to do. Go. 

Photo: Journal of Lost Time 

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