Albuquerque is an outdoor lover’s paradise. It’s full of many natural places to hike, bike, golf, and more. If you’re visiting Albuquerque for the first time or are a native looking for something new to try, here are three outdoor activities to do. 
- Hike at Petroglyph National Monument
Run by the National Park Service, Petroglyph National Monument is one of the largest examples of historical rock drawings and designs in the country. It’s also a great place to go hiking. There are four different areas to choose from. At the Volcanoes Day Use Area, you can take a two-mile hike from the Albuquerque Overlook to the parking lot. It takes you over some of the volcanoes in the area.
For a more scenic route, you can take the JA Volcano and Albuquerque Overlook for a mile. It gives you views of the Rio Grande Valley and the Sandia Mountains. Those who want to explore the petroglyphs can take the Rinconada Canyon trail. This gives you a wonderful view of many of the rock carvings and the general area. You’ll see the remains of a 200,000-year-old volcanic eruption as you walk. The trail is just under 3.5 miles so bring plenty of water and your hiking boots.
- Bike in the Sandia Mountain Foothills
If you have a passion for mountain biking, head to the Sandia Mountain foothills. Here there are a few different options for biking tracks. Depending on the type of terrain you like, you can choose from the high-desert or a steep incline. Go over large boulders or dry washes. Access these trails via the Elena Gallegos Open Space located on the northeastern edge of Albuquerque. For an all-terrain trail, head over to the Embudo Canyon Open Space. It includes a progressive jump series as well as a BMX-only trail if you feel so inclined.
- Go Golfing at an Albuquerque Golf Course
Albuquerque is a great place for golfers. Clubs like Paa-Ko Ridge Golf Club has a five-star rating from Golf Digest. Located on the east side of the Sandia mountains, it has some of the most challenging courses around in a gorgeous natural setting. The courses sit at between 6,500 and 7,000 feet elevation.
Santa Ana Golf Club is a 27-hole course. For those that like link golf, Santa Ana is the place for you. It has eight lovely lakes and native grasses throughout the course. It sits along the Rio Grande and you can take in the natural sights as you golf.
Isleta Eagle Golf Course also has some beautiful natural settings to take in while you golf. It’s set between a dormant volcano and the Rio Grande Valley with three different nine-hole courses that integrate the topography of the high desert.
Finding outdoor activities to enjoy in Albuquerque isn’t difficult. The city has activities for everyone, whether they like to walk in nature, golf, or hike in historical places. The next time you want to explore the city, do it using one of these activities.
Image via Flickr by dwhartwig used under CC By
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