Stretch Your Legs On Route 66

Where to Get Outside in Albuquerque

Some people think the colors of Route 66 come from the candy-painted cars, pastel motels and vibrant neons. However, on Albuquerque’s Route 66, neon and nature collaborate to give drivers the perfect place to cruise. The cottonwoods along the Rio Grande transform from deep green to golden yellow each autumn; the sky turns from pink to blue at dawn; and the Sandia Mountains reflect the sunset’s rosy blush in the evening. You don’t have to venture far from Route 66 to experience Albuquerque’s scenic beauty. Here are some serene spots where you can enjoy the outdoors.

ABQ BIOPARK ZOO

903 10th St. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Just a 5-minute drive from Route 66 is the 64-acre ABQ BioPark Zoo. Here, you’ll be introduced to an array of creatures that includes polar bears, jaguars, Sumatran orangutans, hippos and more. At Penguin Chill habitat, visitors can watch gentoo, macaroni and king penguins waddle and swim. Be sure to check out the award-winning Asia Habitat exhibit and the new Australian Adventure exhibit. Gift shops, snack carts and a cafeteria-style restaurant are on the zoo grounds.

ABQ BIOPARK AQUARIUM

2601 Central Ave. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104

Right off Route 66, you can wander among stingrays, jellyfish and North American river otters at the ABQ BioPark Aquarium. See a variety of sharks and sea turtles in the 285,000-gallon saltwater tank, the largest in the state. View freshwater fish from the Rio Grande, the Gulf of Mexico and the open ocean, and learn about conservation efforts to preserve these aquatic species and their habitats. At the on-site Shark Reef Cafe, you can dine next to tanks filled with colorful tropical fish.

ABQ BIOPARK BOTANIC GARDEN

2601 Central Ave. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104

Explore over a dozen specialty gardens and conservatories at the 32-acre Botanic Garden, located next door to the Aquarium. The gardens showcase plants from the American Southwest and around the world. Kids will love the BUGarium, Children’s Fantasy Garden and butterfly aviary. Stroll through the serene Japanese garden or learn about agriculture and see animals at the Heritage Farm.

Petroglyph National Monument

Western Trail NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120

Just a quick 10-minute detour off Route 66, Petroglyph National Monument is home to over 25,000 rock carvings etched into volcanic rock by the ancestors of today’s Pueblo people and by early Spanish settlers. Hiking trails pass through ancient lava fields, allowing visitors to see the carvings up close.

Pat Hurley Park

5035 Bluewater Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87105

The park’s lower loop has tennis courts, playgrounds, benches and plenty of stairs so you can get your steps in. You can walk right up to the Rio Grande at the nearby Pat Baca Open Space. The upper loop has panoramic views of the Three Sisters volcanoes to the west and the Sandia Mountains to the east, making it an unbeatable spot to have lunch.

Tingley Beach

Western Trail NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120

Built into the banks of the Rio Grande, Tingley Beach is a popular spot for picnics and anglers of all ages. The fishing ponds are restocked regularly and free of charge to use, but you must have a New Mexico fishing license (which you can conveniently purchase online or at any Cabela’s or Big 5 Sporting Goods in Albuquerque). Bring your binoculars to catch a glimpse of the ducks, roadrunners, porcupines, rabbits and other creatures that make the area their home.

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