Great Reno Balloon Race Pictures

The Great Reno Balloon Race is a spectacle to behold. Each morning, over 100 hot air balloons rise in mass ascension from Rancho San Rafael Park, filling the sky with blobs of color in the dawn light. Numerous specialty balloons in a variety of shapes (such as the American Bald Eagle, Wally the Clown Fish, and Smokey Bear) punctuate the dozens of traditional hot air balloons, all floating lazily over northwest Reno. The Great Reno Balloon Race is a delight for photographers and spectators, but you have to get up before the sun for the Glow Show and Dawn Patrol.

This is a very family friendly event and it's free. To really get into it, register for the World's Largest Pajama Party and the Bed-Head Competition. Having some fun will make it easier to beat the birds out of bed.