Media Contact:
Brenna Moore/Visit Albuquerque
(505) 222-4349
Moore@VisitABQ.org
Visit Albuquerque Encourages Locals to Enjoy Diverse Outdoor Experiences
and Activities in Wake of Cibola National Forest Closures
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – June 22, 2018 – The National Forest Service recently issued a series of closures affecting the Mountainair, Sandia and Mount Taylor districts of Cibola National Forest—the mountains and forests adjacent to and surrounding the Albuquerque area. In an effort to keep the Sandia Mountains and surrounding areas safe and pristine, this closure includes all public access to campgrounds, picnic areas, trails, trailheads and some roads. These closures will remain in effect pending a significant amount of moisture and subsequent decreases in fire danger.
However, in the wake of these closures, Visit Albuquerque encourages the local community to experience the multitude of outdoor adventures in and around Albuquerque that remain open—such as the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, Petroglyph National Monument, Tingley Beach and the Jemez Mountains—all while keeping our state’s beautiful public lands safe.
Following are just a few ways locals can explore the diverse outdoor recreation and adventure that the Albuquerque area has to offer this summer:
Ride the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway: The 2.7-mile Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, the longest aerial tram in North America, starts in the desert and traverses four of the seven life zones in North America. In fifteen minutes, visitors go from desert to spruce-fir forest. From the viewing platform at the top, Albuquerque spreads across the Rio Grande Valley like pieces on a game board. In the tram terminal at the base of the mountains, Sandiago's Grill at the Tram serves a fresh lunch and dinner menu as well as tasty cocktail concoctions.
Spend the Day Fishing at Tingley Beach: With three fishing lakes, a model boating pond and train station with a gift shop and food service, 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. During the summer months, visitors can rent out pedal boats and bicycles. While at Tingley, don't miss the world's largest trout on display at the Tingley Train Station.
Explore the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park: The 170-acre park is part of the Rio Grande Valley 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, highlighted in National Geographic Adventure magazine, has seven access points—one of which being the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park—from the east bank of the river. Trails, interpretive exhibits, a native plant garden and programs begin at the center.
Hike the Trails of Petroglyph National Monument: 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. Visitors can enjoy hiking amongst the ancient rock carvings while immersing themselves in the beautiful high desert atmosphere.
Cool Off in the Rio Grande: To the north, the Rio Grande rushes through rapids, but through Albuquerque, it runs low and slow. Cool off on the waters right in the Duke City, learn how to paddle board, try out a kayaking adventure or take windsurfing lessons.
Bike the Tramway Boulevard Trail: Follow the 8.6 miles of paved bike trail along Tramway Boulevard on the east side of the city. Located at the bottom of the Sandia Mountains, the popular trail boasts scenic views from start to finish, and is accessible year-round for road cycling, hiking, walking and running.
Take a day trip to the Jemez Mountains: The Jemez Mountain National Scenic Byway connects living ancient cultures, spectacular scenery and outdoor recreation. Just a short drive from metropolitan Albuquerque, a day trip through the Jemez Mountains takes visitors into a reality where red cliffs rule the landscape, and multi-colored mesas frame the horizon and sheer cliffs cut into the blue sky. This is land with a legacy where sacred traditions still preserve a tribal way of life.
For more information and itinerary suggestions, go to VisitABQ.org.
About Visit Albuquerque
The mission of Visit Albuquerque is to stimulate economic growth by marketing Albuquerque as a visitor and convention destination. For more information, go to www.VisitABQ.org, www.Facebook.com/VisitABQ or www.Twitter.com/VisitABQ.