10 Memorable Day Trips Anyone Can Take From Albuquerque
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Juliet White
Author
Most of us don’t get as much vacation time as we’d like, but anyone can take a day trip. All you need is some money for gas and food and a day off. These excursions vary in cost but you can reach each destination within 90 minutes (three hours round trip). So, the next time you want a mini escape, hit the road and try one of the best day trips from Albuquerque. (Prices are listed when applicable, but are subject to change.)
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 1001 NM-1, San Antonio, NM 87832, USA
Although Bosque del Apache is most impressive when blanketed by flocks of waterfowl, it’s a great spot to view wildlife any time of year. In addition to birds, creatures as diverse as bobcats and peccaries have been spotted here. Just bear in mind that, during the summer months, birds and animals are most active in the mornings and evenings. The drive time from Albuquerque is roughly 75 minutes each way. Visit the FWS website for more information.
Acoma Pueblo, NM 87034, USA
Approximately 75 minutes away on one of the best day trips from Albuquerque is the Acoma Sky City. The Acoma have been living in this spot, on top of a mesa, for at least 800 years and visitors can embark on a 90-minute guided walking tour of the pueblo. Visit the Acoma Sky City website for more information. (This was one of my favorite places to visit the first time I went to New Mexico.)
Take a look at this video by @NewMexicoTrue:
Take a look at this video by @NewMexicoTrue:
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Jemez Springs, NM 87025, USA
From the town of Jemez Springs, you can hike to the primitive San Antonio Hot Springs, soak at the historic Jemez Springs Bath House, or relax at Giggling Springs Hot Springs. If you're in Albuquerque and search online for the "best day trips near me," this is a good one to take. The drive time is about 80 minutes in each direction. You can learn more on the Jemez Hot Springs website.
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Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, 0 NM-22, Cochiti Pueblo, NM 87072, USA
Editor's Note: Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is currently closed to the public. Check the BLM website for updates on reopening.
For a unique hike that culminates in mind-blowing views, try the slot canyon trail at Tent Rocks – a spur of the cave loop trail. Visit the BLM website for more information on one of the best day trips in New Mexico.
Take a look at this video by @milosh9k:
For a unique hike that culminates in mind-blowing views, try the slot canyon trail at Tent Rocks – a spur of the cave loop trail. Visit the BLM website for more information on one of the best day trips in New Mexico.
Take a look at this video by @milosh9k:
Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument Quarai Unit, 122 Manzano Quarai Rd, Mountainair, NM 87036, USA
This area was once one of the most populated regions in the Southwest. In the 17th century, Franciscan missionaries converged on the pueblos here and orchestrated the construction of large churches. The ruins of the one at Quarai are fairly well preserved. There is no cost to visit these ruins which take approximately 90 minutes to drive to from Albuquerque. And here's a tip -- if you don’t mind driving a little further, there are two other missions that make up this monument: Abó and Gran Quivira. Visit the NPS website to learn more.
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Wildlife West Nature Park, 87 N Frontage Rd, Edgewood, NM 87015, USA
If you're searching for "spontaneous day trips near me" from Albuquerque, Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood is only 30 minutes away. This nature park is big enough to satisfy your desire to see wildlife, but small enough to be manageable. All of the animals and birds here are rescued and, for one reason or another, cannot be returned to the wild. Visit the Wildlife West Nature Park website to learn more.
Santa Fe, NM, USA
Just 60 minutes away is the city of Santa Fe which boasts wonderful galleries, churches, restaurants, a botanical garden, and even a bug museum! Whatever your interests, there’s something in New Mexico’s capital city to entertain you. Visit the Santa Fe website to learn more.
Take a look at this video by @travelooo:
Take a look at this video by @travelooo:
Manzano Mountain Wilderness, Los Lunas, NM 87031, USA
The Manzano Mountains are often overlooked in favor of the Sandia Mountains. Mix things up by heading southeast of Albuquerque to explore this 36,664-acre wilderness area, which offers 64 miles of trails. Amenities are sketchy, so bring supplies along with you. The drive time from Albuquerque depends on which portion you visit. It’s 66 minutes each way to the trailheads at the Fourth of July Campsite and 77 minutes in either direction to Manzano itself. This is one of the best day trips in New Mexico.
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Harvey House Museum, 104 N 1st St, Belen, NM 87002, USA
Just over 45 minutes away from Albuquerque, the Harvey House was the name of a chain of restaurants and hotels situated next to railroads – this was actually the first restaurant chain in the nation. Today, you can tour the Harvey House in Belen, constructed in 1910, which now contains information about the company and the heyday of the railroads. While you’re in Belen, grab a bite to eat at Montano’s or the Rio Grande Diner. Visit the Harvey House Museum website for more information.
Turquoise Trail, New Mexico 87047, USA
The Turquoise Trail is an excellent day trip for anyone who loves ghost towns, mining history, charming galleries, or small New Mexico towns. Highlights include expansive scenery, the town of Madrid, and a visit to Cerrillos Hills State Park. Drive time is about 69 minutes each way and it's sure to be one of the most memorable day trips from Albuquerque. Visit the Turquoise Trail website for more information.
Which of these places have you been to? What other ideas do you think belong on a list of the best day trips from Albuquerque? Let us know! Here are some great ideas for trips all across New Mexico.
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More to Explore
Best Day Trips From Albuquerque
What are the most unique things to do in New Mexico?
Some of the most unique things to do in New Mexico include:
- Meow Wolf, located in Santa Fe: It's an interactive art experience that will take you through the House of Eternal Return. The place is full of unusual and quirky things and a story you'll follow - all in an old bowling alley.
Which hidden gems in New Mexico should I visit?
You should visit the following hidden gems in New Mexico:
- Known as "the most authentic old west town remaining in the United States." Lincoln, New Mexico is seemingly stuck in the past and you can visit it for yourself to get a real sense of the old West.
What are the coolest attractions in New Mexico?
Some of the coolest attractions in New Mexico include the following:
- The Earthships near Taos would be one of them. The eco-architecture that was created with things like recycled materials is unusual yet beautiful. They were made in the 1970s and still attract many visitors to this day.
- The Rio Grande Gorge is a must-visit attraction in New Mexico that you can experience by walking over a bridge. The gorge is beautiful and easily worthy of being on your bucket list.
- For some other-worldly fun, try visiting Roswell, famous for its UFO sightings. Today, the town is full of quirky alien imagery, shops, museums, and more.