Galloping Goat Pumpkin Patch
Pumpkin patch · New Mexico
The Galloping Goat sets up its pumpkin patch on Rio Rancho's civic plaza from late September through Halloween, with a giant corn pit standing in for a maze, duck races, mini golf, and even axe throwing between rounds of pumpkin picking. It is the closest full pumpkin-patch outing to Albuquerque, ten minutes over the river from the city.
Don’t miss
Plan your visit
Open Sept 26-27, then daily Oct 1-31, 2026
Dates from the official announcement — always confirm before you go.
Color nearby peaks: October 20–October 24
Color builds from October 7 · mostly bare by November 15
Method: daily ERA5 temperatures drive a photoperiod + chilling phenology model, sampled at Galloping Goat Pumpkin Patch’s own coordinates and elevation (1718 m) rather than a regional average. Estimates, not promises — check locally before you plan a trip around it.
Galloping Goat Pumpkin Patch on the map
More things to do in New Mexico
Aspen Vista Trail
TrailPeak October 11
A wide, gently graded old logging road climbs six miles above Santa Fe through what may be the largest aspen grove in New Mexico, gaining nearly 2,000 feet to a ridge over the Rio Grande Valley, 13 miles up Hyde Park Road from downtown.
Don’t miss: Largest aspen grove in New Mexico · Gentle old logging-road grade
Sandia Crest
ViewpointPeak October 17
A scenic byway switchbacks to Albuquerque's 10,678-foot skyline ridge, where aspen groves color the upper slopes and the summit deck looks west over the entire Rio Grande Valley. The Sandia Peak Tramway reaches the same summit from the city below.
Don’t miss: 10,678-foot summit · Sandia Peak Tramway option
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Fall festivalColor nearby peaks October 23
Hundreds of hot-air balloons fill the sky over Balloon Fiesta Park each early October in the world's largest ballooning event, with mass ascensions and the Special Shape Rodeo drawing crowds to New Mexico's signature fall spectacle, running since 1972.
Don’t miss: Mass ascension at dawn · Special Shape Rodeo
McCall's Pumpkin Patch
Pumpkin patchColor nearby peaks October 21
In its 29th season on the Estancia Valley plains east of Albuquerque, McCall's runs a daytime pumpkin patch with hay rides, a corn maze and a castle experience, then flips after dark into the McCall's Haunted Farm on Friday and Saturday nights.
Don’t miss: 29 seasons of harvesting fun · Corn maze and castle experience · Haunted Farm after dark
Plan from a city
Frequently asked
- When is Galloping Goat Pumpkin Patch open in 2026?
- The 2026 season runs Sep 26 – Oct 31. Open Sept 26-27, then daily Oct 1-31, 2026. Dates can shift, so check the official site before you go.
- When does Galloping Goat Pumpkin Patch peak in 2026?
- Peak color is predicted for October 20–October 24 (best estimate October 22). Color starts around October 7 and is mostly bare by November 15.
- What is Galloping Goat Pumpkin Patch best for?
- Albuquerque-area families wanting a quick pumpkin-patch trip.
- How do I get to Galloping Goat Pumpkin Patch?
- The closest city is Albuquerque, about 16 mi away (it's right in town). It's part of New Mexico's fall lineup.
Own or manage Galloping Goat Pumpkin Patch? Update your listing or get in touch.