Route 66 in Albuquerque is synonymous with roadside diners, where you’ll find milk shakes, green chile cheeseburgers and plenty of other delectable dishes. But if you’re looking to move more than your mouth, Albuquerque offers another compelling reason to cruise by: easy access to some of the Southwest’s most rewarding outdoor adventures. Whether you’re looking for scenic hiking trails, riverside adventures or breathtaking desert views, Albuquerque’s unforgettable natural landscapes provide another great way to experience the Mother Road.
Hikers looking out at Albuquerque from Sandia Peak. Photo courtesy: NMTD.
One of the most popular outdoor destinations near Route 66 is the Sandia Mountains, which rise dramatically above Albuquerque’s eastern skyline. Just minutes from Central Avenue, you can explore miles of hiking and mountain biking trails that guide you through piñon-juniper woodlands and rugged granite formations. The South Foothills Trail system offers routes for hikers of varying skill levels, while the nearby Sandia Peak Tramway provides a spectacular ride to the summit, where panoramic views stretch across the Rio Grande Valley and beyond. This summer, participate in the Tram’s Route 66 Scavenger Hunt for a chance to win special prizes.
People looking out at the Rio Grande from a viewing area in the Bosque. Photo courtesy: NMTD.
For travelers who prefer a gentler pace, the Rio Grande Bosque offers a peaceful escape in the heart of the city. Head to this lush cottonwood forest for a shady respite from the summer heat. Visit Bachechi Open Space and the Valle del Bosque Open Space, or head to the Paseo del Bosque Trail, a 16-mile, multi-use paved path, which is ideal for walking, jogging, cycling and birdwatching. Tingley Beach, located just off Route 66, provides access to fishing ponds, picnic areas and additional riverside trails, making it a favorite stop for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Tingley Beach at ABQ BioPark. Photo courtesy: Dirt Road Travels.
If you feel like going back even further in time to celebrate mobility and transportation, how about a horseback ride? Enchanted Equine Adventures, Running Horse Ranch, and Stribling Farms all offer horseback riding not far from Route 66. “Horses have always been woven into New Mexico’s history and culture, and we're honored to keep that legacy alive through riding lessons, camps and more,” says Hayley Jones, executive assistant at Stribling. “We're happy to welcome everybody, no matter what their riding level is. We have 3-year-olds all the way up to 80-year-olds.”
Horseback riding near the Sandia Mountains. Photo courtesy: NMTD.
History and nature come together in a different way at Petroglyph National Monument, also located only a short drive from Route 66. The monument preserves more than 25,000 ancient rock carvings created by Indigenous peoples and early Spanish settlers. Several hiking trails wind through volcanic escarpments where these remarkable petroglyphs remain visible today.
Rock carvings at Petroglyph National Monument. Photo courtesy: Verna Wood.
For explorers following Route 66, Albuquerque’s accessibility to outdoor fun proves that the journey isn’t only about the road — it’s also about discovering the remarkable natural beauty and excitement waiting just beyond it.
