Schmap Albuquerque New Mexico Nature Trail

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Albuquerque - New Mexico Nature Trail
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Albuquerque Home
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The Rio Grande Nature Center is one of the most visited parks in the state of New Mexico. Located at the west end of Candelaria just past Rio Grande Boulevard, this 270-acre park is a back-to-nature retreat right in the heart of the city. Outside, you can hike the trails and enjoy the river, woods and wildlife. In the visitor center you can enjoy the self-guided exhibits, bask in the beauty of the duck pond overlook, or visit the gift shop.

At the other end of town is La Luz Trail. The trailhead is located off Tramway on Forest Service Road 333A. It rises 3,700 feet and is difficult to traverse, but it is well worth the climb. On the way up, you will see dense forests, rugged canyons, sheer granite walls and views of the valley below. From its base to the upper tramway terminal, the trail is about eight miles long. You can hike one way and make arrangements to be picked up at Sandia Crest, or you can ride the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway back down. If you are feeling particularly rugged, you can hike both ways.

Sunrise in Albuquerque is a magical moment. As the sun rises over the Sandia Mountains, their shadows creep across the valley floor. Do not let the sheer ruggedness of these mountains fool you. A paved road winds all the way to their 10,600-foot summit. On the way up, you might want to stop in at the Tinkertown Museum, a wonderful place that will inspire the child in anyone. Once you reach the top, the overlook offers over 100-mile visibility on clear days. To reach this vantage point, head east out of the city on Interstate-40. Once you pass through Tijeras Canyon, take New Mexico 14 north and follow the signs to Sandia Peak Ski Area. Drive past the ski area and continue up six miles of switchbacks to the summit.

On the west side of town, beyond the tree-lined river valley, a black escarpment juts from the sagebrush-covered mesa. This is Petroglyph National Monument, where thousands of prehistoric examples of rock art have been preserved through the centuries for all to see. Guided and unguided hikes are offered through the monument's visitor center. You can hike any number of trails, but motorized vehicles are allowed access to the trailheads. The most popular route is the Boca Negra Trail. Visible from this trail are fine examples of the ancient artwork sprinkled across the mesa. A word of warning to the traveler: do not wander off the trails or endanger the artwork.

Copyright 1999-2005 Wcities, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Contact Wcities

La Luz Trail

Challenging hike to Sandia Crest

2113 Osuna Road Northeast
Suite A, Cibola National Forest
Albuquerque, NM 87113
United States
+1 505 346 3900
http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/cibola/

If you are up to the challenge of a hike through four life zones, that climbs from 7,080 feet to 10,280 in just under eight miles, La Luz Trail offers you an alpine escape from the concrete jungle. On weekends, the trail is crowded with day hikers, joggers and their pets. The trail switchbacks upward among granite spires, ponderosa pines, and quaking aspens. Near the top, the trail forks. The right fork takes you to Sandia Crest; the left fork terminates at the Sandia Peak Tramway. Take along plenty of water.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Petroglyph National Monument

Hike historical grounds 6001 Unser Blvd Northwest
Albuquerque, NM 87120
United States
+1 505 899 0205
http://www.cabq.gov/openspace/... Take a historical hike among 15,000, ancient rock drawings which date back thousands of years (just remember to bring a camera, some comfortable walking shoes and a hat). The 7,100-acre monument contains some of the nation's largest natural displays of prehistoric artwork. Anasazi nomadic hunters etched various drawings and messages onto the black basalt boulders of the escarpment just west of the Rio Grande. This is an adventurous, educational experience. Visitors can take a ranger-guided tour that can last up to two hours or explore various trails on their own.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Rio Grande Nature Center

Nature walks 2901 Candelaria Road Northwest
Albuquerque, NM 87107
United States
+1 505 344 7240
http://www.cabq.gov/aes/s1rgnc... A long, underground culvert leads you to the visitor's center where exhibits explain the geology, wildlife and plant life of the area. Rio Grande Nature Center is a beautiful place to visit with its walking bridge and cottonwood shaded walkways. This wildlife refuge is situated along the Rio Grande and is a great way to learn about the ecosystem of the Bosque. Take a leisurely stroll, a bike ride or an invigorating hike on one of the walking trails.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Sandia Peak Ski Area

Alpine skiing with tram access #10 Tramway Loop Northeast
Albuquerque, NM 87122
United States
+1 505 242 9133
http://www.sandiapeak.com Just 17 minutes from Albuquerque via the Sandia Peak Tramway, this popular full-service alpine ski area boasts 30 trails. Ski season begins on Thanksgiving weekend and usually ends the first of April. The ski area is ideal for the mid-level skier. Sandia welcomes snowboarders and telemark skiers and boasts competitive rates. Ski classes are available as well as ski equipment rentals and demos.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Sandia Peak Tramway

Worlds longest aerial tramway 10 Tramway Loop Northeast
Albuquerque, NM 87122
United States
+1 505 856 7325
http://www.sandiapeak.com/tram... This tramway lifts you from the Sandia foothills through five natural life zones to the top of the Sandia Mountains, more than 10,000 feet above sea level. Time and terrain seem to move in harmony as passengers scout the rugged canyons and lush forests for bighorn sheep and deer. The tram docks alongside the High Finance Restaurant. This is a must see. With 2.7 miles of sky-view travel, be sure to visit this spot while in Albuquerque.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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