Whenever I think of Albuquerque, I think of skies so blue they almost don’t look real, the Sandia Mountains glowing pink at sunset, and that magical mix of desert and greenery that you can only find in New Mexico. But as much as I adore exploring the city’s museums, historic Old Town, and green parks, what really made my last trip unforgettable were the day trips I took just outside Albuquerque.
In under an hour’s drive, you can go from desert mesa to pine forest, from ancient petroglyphs to bubbling hot springs. These short escapes gave me space to breathe, reconnect with nature, and discover why New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment.
I’ll walk you through three nature escapes I personally visited—with all the details about how I got there, what I did, what I loved, and even what I found less convenient. Then I’ll share four more day trips I recommend based on advice from locals and fellow travelers.
Whether you’re looking for hiking trails, wildlife, cultural history, or just a peaceful picnic spot, these trips from Albuquerque offer something magical for everyone.
🌄 My First Day Trip: Sandia Crest & Sandia Peak Byway
📍 Location: Sandia Mountains, about 40 minutes east of Albuquerque
🕘 Hours: Byway open year-round (weather permitting), crest area accessible 6 AM – 9 PM
🎟️ Fees: $3 day-use fee at most picnic sites; parking at the Crest $3
My Experience
Driving the Sandia Crest Scenic Byway felt like stepping into another world. Albuquerque sits at about 5,300 feet, but within 30 minutes I had climbed above 10,000 feet into alpine forest. My rental car struggled a little on the switchbacks, but the views more than made up for it.
At the Sandia Crest, I stepped out into cool mountain air, nearly 30 degrees cooler than in the city below. The panoramic view stretched over Albuquerque, the Rio Grande Valley, and even as far as Mount Taylor on a clear day. Standing there, I felt like I was on top of the world.
I spent about two hours wandering the short trails near the crest, including the Crest Trail, which offers dramatic cliffside views. The mix of pine, fir, and aspen trees was refreshing after days in the desert.
Services & Facilities
• Small gift shop at the Crest House.
• Pit toilets and picnic tables.
• Well-marked trailheads for longer hikes.
Pros & Cons
• Pros: Stunning views, refreshing alpine climate, easy drive from the city.
• Cons: Roads can be icy in winter; altitude can cause headaches if you’re not acclimated.
Getting There
From Albuquerque, I took I-40 east, then NM-14 north, and NM-536 west up to the Crest. The drive from downtown took about 45 minutes. No public transit serves the area, so a car is essential.
Activities I Recommend
• Bring a picnic to enjoy at one of the overlooks.
• Hike a section of the Crest Trail if you have time.
• Visit at sunset for breathtaking colors over the city.
My Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
🌊 My Second Day Trip: Jemez Springs & Soda Dam
📍 Location: About 55 minutes northwest of Albuquerque along NM-4
🕘 Hours: Village open year-round; Soda Dam accessible 24/7
🎟️ Fees: Free to visit Soda Dam; hot springs vary (some free, some charge $10–$15 per person)
My Experience
My second escape was into the Jemez Mountains, where geothermal wonders meet small-town charm. The drive itself was worth it—red rock cliffs, winding roads, and the scent of pine. My first stop was the Soda Dam, a natural formation where hot mineral water cascades over a massive rock arch into the Jemez River. Standing close, I could feel the mist on my face, and it smelled faintly of sulfur—a reminder of the Earth’s fiery core beneath.
Next, I wandered into the town of Jemez Springs. It felt like stepping back in time—quiet streets, adobe houses, and friendly locals. I treated myself to a soak at Jemez Hot Springs, where four crystal-clear pools offered temperatures ranging from 98 to 105°F. After days of hiking, the warm water was pure therapy.
Services & Facilities
• Several hot springs, both commercial (with showers and lockers) and natural (no facilities).
• Local cafés and art shops in Jemez Springs.
• Public restrooms in the village center.
Pros & Cons
• Pros: Beautiful scenery, relaxing hot springs, authentic small-town vibe.
• Cons: Cell service is spotty; weekends can get crowded.
Getting There
I drove NM-550 northwest out of Albuquerque, then cut onto NM-4 south into Jemez Springs. Total drive: about 55 minutes. Public transit doesn’t reach here, so driving is the only option.
Activities I Recommend
• Stop at Soda Dam for quick photos.
• Spend at least an hour soaking in hot springs.
• Browse the local galleries for handmade pottery.
My Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
🏜️ My Third Day Trip: Petroglyph National Monument
📍 Location: 6510 Western Trail NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120 (just 15 minutes from downtown)
🕘 Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM at Visitor Center; trails open sunrise to sunset
🎟️ Fees: Free for most trails; Volcanoes Day Use Area $1 weekdays, $2 weekends
My Experience
This trip barely counts as “leaving Albuquerque,” but the Petroglyph National Monument gave me one of the most memorable experiences of my stay.
I started at the Visitor Center, where a ranger explained that the park preserves over 24,000 petroglyphs carved into volcanic rock by Ancestral Pueblo peoples and early Spanish settlers. Walking the Boca Negra Canyon Trail, I spotted spirals, animals, and even human figures etched into black boulders. It felt humbling—like I was peeking into stories that were hundreds, even thousands, of years old.
The short hikes were dusty but manageable, and the desert landscape had its own stark beauty. By the time I finished, the sun was setting, casting golden light over the rocks. It was magical.
Services & Facilities
• Visitor Center with exhibits and restrooms.
• Trail maps provided free of charge.
• Basic picnic tables at some trailheads.
Pros & Cons
• Pros: Incredible cultural history, close to the city, minimal fees.
• Cons: No shade on trails; bring water and sunscreen.
Getting There
From downtown Albuquerque, I drove 15 minutes west on I-40, then followed signs. Parking was easy and inexpensive.
Activities I Recommend
• Walk Boca Negra for the densest concentration of carvings.
• Bring binoculars for spotting carvings from afar.
• Visit late afternoon for cooler temps and better light for photos.
My Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
🌵 Four More Day Trips I Recommend
- Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument (now known as Kasha-Katuwe)
• Location: 55 minutes southwest of Albuquerque near Cochiti Pueblo.
• Why Go: Surreal cone-shaped rock formations created by volcanic eruptions.
• Highlights: Slot canyon trail, panoramic views.
• Services: Parking, restrooms, picnic tables.
• Tip: Timed-entry reservations are sometimes required via recreation.gov. - Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge
• Location: About 1 hour south near Socorro.
• Why Go: Famous for thousands of migratory birds, especially cranes and snow geese in winter.
• Highlights: Scenic driving loops, photography opportunities.
• Services: Visitor Center, guided tours, restrooms.
• Tip: Best visited at sunrise or sunset for dramatic bird flights. - Cibola National Forest Trails
• Location: Various access points just east of Albuquerque.
• Why Go: Miles of hiking and biking trails, from easy to challenging.
• Highlights: Tree-shaded trails in summer, wildflowers in spring.
• Services: Trailheads with parking and basic facilities.
• Tip: Download offline maps; cell service is unreliable. - Tinkertown Museum & Sandia Park
• Location: About 35 minutes northeast of Albuquerque.
• Why Go: Quirky folk art museum paired with mountain views.
• Highlights: Miniature Western town dioramas, hand-carved displays.
• Services: Small gift shop, restrooms.
• Tip: Combine with a drive up the Turquoise Trail for a full day.
Getting There: Airport & Transit Info
• Albuquerque International Sunport: Most car rentals are on-site; daily rates average $35–$50.
• Alvarado Transportation Center: Serves Amtrak and Greyhound, but for day trips a rental car is essential. Public buses do not reach most nature escapes.
• Driving Tip: New Mexico roads can be long and empty—fuel up before you leave the city.
Booking Platforms & Discounts
• Recreation.gov: For Tent Rocks and other federal lands.
• New Mexico State Parks Website: For Bosque del Apache and Rio Grande area parks.
• Local Hot Springs: Many take walk-ins, but Jemez Hot Springs allows online reservations.
Why These Day Trips Changed My Albuquerque Experience
When I look back at my time in Albuquerque, it’s not just the city that shines in my memory—it’s these quick escapes into nature.
Standing on Sandia Crest, with the whole city spread beneath me, I felt both small and infinite. Soaking in Jemez Springs, I realized how healing travel can be when you slow down. And tracing the ancient petroglyphs made me feel connected to the people who walked these lands long before me.
The four additional recommendations—Tent Rocks, Bosque del Apache, Cibola Forest, and Tinkertown—are proof that within an hour, you can change your landscape, your pace, and your perspective.
If you’re planning a trip to Albuquerque, don’t just stick to city limits. Rent a car, pack some water, and head out. These day trips aren’t just detours—they’re the essence of New Mexico’s wild, resilient spirit. And trust me: once you’ve tasted it, you’ll dream of coming back.
