NATURALLY ALBUQUERQUE

With 310 days of sunshine a year and a climate that lets you play golf and ski on the same day, Albuquerque offers abundant year-round activities suited for every age, interest and fitness level. The BioPark with zoo, aquarium, and botanical gardens, the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, Bosque hike-and-bike trail system, Sandia Crest and Aerial Tramway, and mountain and wilderness trails in Cibola National Forest let you get as close to the outdoors, or as far from civilization as you want, and all within a short drive from downtown.

ABQ BioPark

The ABQ BioPark is made up of the Aquarium, Botanic Garden, Zoo and Tingley Beach.  Each component of the park works to provide recreational opportunities for the residents and visitors of Albuquerque.

Zoo

With more than 250 species, the 64-acre Rio Grande Zoo displays animals from around the world in open-air habitats. Spot herds of elephants and giraffes as they meander through their habitat, while treetop walkways showcase gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans and other primates. The zoo harbors endangered Mexican wolves, big cats, polar bears, and walk-in aviaries.

Tingley Beach

With three fishing lakes and a model boating pond, Tingley Beach offers year-round entertainment for visitors.  Open every day from sunrise to sunset, the beach is free and open to the general public. Explore some of the nearby trails that take you into the bosque and along the Rio Grande.

Aquarium and Botanic Garden

Depicting the Rio Grande from Albuquerque to the Gulf of Mexico, the Aquarium displays fish from the river, estuaries, surf zone, coral reefs and ocean. Sharks circle a 285,000-gallon tank along with reef fish, eels and turtles. Other tanks showcase seahorses, luminous jellies and deep ocean species.

At the adjacent Botanic Garden, shady paths wind through themed gardens, around a lake and into glass conservatories with orchids, tropical plants and cacti. Kids love the Heritage Farm with horses, cows, sheep and pigs as well as the Butterfly Pavilion (summer). The Sasebo Japanese Garden offers a peaceful respite with flowing streams, waterfalls and meditation gardens.  

Rio Grande Nature Center State Park

Photo Credit: Karen Herzenberg

The 170-acre park is part of the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, which borders both sides of the river for 25 miles through Albuquerque from the Isleta to Sandia Pueblos. The 16-mile, paved Paseo del Bosque hike/bike trail has seven access points from the east bank of the river. In the winter, the ponds at the Nature Center attract Sandhill Cranes and waterfowl, visible from a glass-fronted observation room overlooking a pond. Trails, interpretive exhibits, a native plant garden and programs begin at the center.

Petroglyph National Monument

Located on the Westside of the city, Petroglyph National Monument is alive with the sights and sounds of the high desert- a hawk spirals down from the mesa top, a roadrunner dashes into fragrant sage, a desert millipede traces waves in the sand. Visitors to the Monument can explore an estimated 20,000 ancient rock carvings against the backdrop of the glittering city skyline. Many of the petroglyph images are recognizable as animals, people, brands and crosses; others are more complex. Don’t miss a hike amongst the ancient rock carvings while immersing yourself in the beautiful high desert atmosphere.

Open Space Visitor Center

The Open Space Visitor Center serves as a gateway to the Rio Grande and the bosque.  It features an art gallery, interpretive displays, bosque access and wildlife viewing.  

Sandia Foothills Trail System

For 1,000 years, residents of the Rio Grande Valley have stared up at the Sandia Mountains with awe. The towering mountains remain the magnificent crown of modern Albuquerque. On the eastern edge of the city, the Foothills Hike/Bike Trail off Tramway Boulevard leads into Bear Canyon, and trails in the Elena Gallegos Picnic Area climb into the Cibola National Forest. The Tramway Trail, from the Aerial Tramway station, connects with trails that ascend to the Crest.

Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway

The 2.7-mile Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, one of the longest aerial tram in the world, starts in the desert and traverses four of the seven life zones in North America. In 15 minutes, you go from desert to spruce-fir forest. From the viewing platform at TEN 3 at the top, Albuquerque spreads across the Rio Grande Valley like pieces on a game board. Mt. Taylor dots the horizon 65 miles distant. A 3.8-mile trail with stunning views loops below the rim to the Crest House and returns through spruce-aspen forest. In the tram terminal at the base of the mountains, Homestead Cafe serves cafe bites and deli selections.

Sandia Ski Area

Two chair lifts midway up the mountain on NM 536 offer 25 miles of downhill and cross-country ski trails in the winter. Bring your own equipment and you can ski right off the tram.  In the summer, hikers and bikers can use the lift to access hiking trails and the 30-mile Mountain Bike Trail System. The chair lift goes from the base station at 8,678 feet to the Crest tram station and TEN 3. Bring your own mountain bike to hit the trails.

Sandia Mountains and Cibola National Forest trails

To reach the Sandia Crest by car, take I-40 for 17 miles east to Tijeras, then north on NM 14 through Cedar Crest, and west on NM 536. Dozens of trailheads and 14 campgrounds branch off the Scenic Byway as it climbs from piñon-juniper to spruce-fir forest. At the Sandia Crest House at 10,678 feet, the view encompasses 11,000 square miles of rugged landscape. Pause and let your mind attempt to grasp the horizon-to-horizon expanse—it’s one of Albuquerque’s signature experiences.