If you’re traveling to Albuquerque, make sure you check out its famous 50-Mile Activity Loop. Circling the city, this multi-purpose trail attracts many walkers, runners, cyclists, and nature lovers, and offers incredible views of the Rio Grande Valley, Sandia Mountains, and residential neighborhoods. It begins and ends in Albuquerque’s historic downtown and passes through many interesting places along the way. Visit these three attractions while you’re on the 50-Mile Activity Loop. 
Petroglyph National Monument
Albuquerque’s West Mesa is known for its distinctive geology and topography, as well as rich cultural past. This elevated landmass was formed as a result of a series of eruptions that occurred over 100,000 years ago, and it now consists of a 17-mile basalt escarpment and five dormant volcanic cones. The basalt boulders that fell to the edge of the escarpment provided the Pueblo Indians and early Spanish settlers an ideal material for creating petroglyphs.
Encompassing an area of 7,244 acres, the Petroglyph National Monument was founded in 1990 to protect the almost 20,000 petroglyphs found on West Mesa. You can start your exploration of the national monument by visiting the Las Imagines Visitor Center, where you can obtain all the information you need about West Mesa. Then, take the well-maintained trails in the Boca Negra Canyon and the Piedras Marcadas Canyon to view the ancient petroglyphs and the remnants of the five dormant volcanoes. The Petroglyph National Monument is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. year-round.
Balloon Fiesta Park
Soon after the Petroglyph National Monument, the 50-Mile Activity Loop bends eastward and heads toward the Sandia Mountains. Along this stretch, you’ll come across the Balloon Fiesta Park.
This park is a popular recreational spot that offers a wide variety of activities, including picnicking, jogging, cycling, golf and other sports, model aircraft flying, and ballooning. It’s also home to the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, which features exhibits related to the history, art, and science of ballooning and other forms of flight. Depending on the time of your visit, you may be able to catch one of the many annual events that take place in the park, such as the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway
Situated at the end of Tramway Road in the Sandia Foothills, the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway offers one of the best ways to experience the dramatic natural beauty of the Albuquerque area. This 2.7-mile aerial tram ride transports you above deep canyons and spectacular terrain, ending at the observation deck atop the imposing Sandia Peak in the Cibola National Forest. From there, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the Land of Enchantment and the Rio Grande Valley. The tram ride lasts about 15 minutes, and it’s available every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, shopaholic, nature lover, or history or culture buff, you’ll find something that interests you on Albuquerque’s 50-Mile Activity Loop. Considering that there are so many things to do on this trail, you’ll probably need more than one day to fully explore it.
Image via Flickr by markbyzewski used under CC BY
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