Expansive views of this region are available from the top of the Sandia Mountains. The ambitious traveler may choose to hike to the top on any number of trails, but the less ambitious can either drive up on state roads 165 or 536 (from Bernalillo and I-40 east of Albuquerque, respectively -- both are winding and may intimidate the inexperienced) up to the Sandia Crest, where there's a marvelous overlook. Alternatively, you can ride the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, covered in the Albuquerque article. The Tramway, one of the world's longest and highest, is well worth doing, but the acrophobic may find it uncomfortable. Either way, try to be atop the Sandias after sundown at least once on your visit; the view of Albuquerque at night is marvelous.
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is just south of Cochiti Lake near Cochiti Pueblo west of I-25; follow NM SR 16 or SR 22 to the pueblo, then follow signs to the monument. This under appreciated little gem was one of several national monuments created in the waning days of the Clinton administration (2001) and doesn't appear on even some recent maps. Trails (hiking boots recommended despite their brevity) take the visitor on a 1.5-mile loop past some of the eponymous rock formations, and on a 1.3-mile (each way, some rough spots) trip to an overlook that includes a short but spectacular section of slot canyon. Day use only, with no camping; fee $5/vehicle, Park Pass does not apply since it's a BLM rather than NPS site (Golden Eagle pass does apply, however).
Abo Ruins, Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, +1 505 847-2585, occupies three separate sites (Abo, Gran Quivira and Quarai) in the general vicinity of the small town of Mountainair, on the east side of the Manzano Mountains. All preserve ruins of mission-era churches, along with Native American sites, some of them unexcavated. All three units of the monument can be visited in an afternoon from Mountainair, which also contains a small visitor center and administrative complex for the monument.
South of Socorro is the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. Vast flocks of sandhill cranes and various ducks and geese winter here and can be viewed from a driveable loop (small fee) or short trails. Socorro holds a fair called the "Festival of the Cranes" in mid-November to celebrate the return of the striking sandhills, with food stands, programs, mementos, etc. If you're a birdwatcher, the Bosque is a must-see.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Central New Mexico
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Central New Mexico - updated May 2024
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Central New Mexico Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.
