Albuquerque Visitor Itinerary for the Outdoor Adventurer

Part desert, part mountain, part river, all under endless blue skies, Albuquerque offers exhilaration you can’t find anywhere else. Imagine the perfect day hiking, biking, kayaking, bouldering and even hot air ballooning, while soaking in the natural beauty of the Southwest. With 310+ days of annual sunshine, sweeping blue skies and an abundance of open space, Albuquerque’s backyard is a natural playground for adventurers of all types.

Bike Ride Bosque Trail, Routes Bike Tours

A woman walking along a path at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden

One-Day Visit

Begin the day on two wheels and head to Bike In Coffee for a breakfast burrito or crepe and enjoy in a picturesque farm setting
Join Routes Bicycle Tours & Rentals’ ABQ Historic River Bike Tour
Round out the morning with a hike at Elena Gallegos Open Space
Ride the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway and enjoy lunch at TEN 3, taking in the breathtaking views alongside creative cuisine
After descending the mountain, head to the top-rated ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden to take in the beautiful sights and smells
Cross historic Route 66 to the El Vado Motel (directly across the street from the gardens) for a light dinner and a local beer from the on-site El Vado Taproom
Just as the sun is setting, head west to Petroglyph National Monument for a light hike and gorgeous views of the entire city
- Don’t miss Boca Negra Canyon, where you can see more than 100 petroglyphs in less than an hour

If You Have More Time

Soar high above the city in the Hot Air Ballooning Capital of the World—a variety of local outfitters provide unsurpassed views of Albuquerque year-round
- Go to VisitABQ.org/ballooning for a full list of providers
Join a guided tour to explore by jeep, trolley, paddleboard, bike or on foot
Golf in an area that combines unique scenery with affordability, at several courses that have been ranked among the best in the country
Head northwest to the Valles Caldera National Preserve to see a 13-mile wide supervolcano, or hike, rock climb or fish within the Jemez Mountains