Albuquerque's roads lead to some of the most breathtaking scenery and attractions in New Mexico. The towering Sandia Mountains are a dramatic backdrop for Petroglyph National Monument and Coronado State Monument on the west side.
DonΓÇÖt miss:
Getting back to nature and walking along the cottonwood-lined river at the Rio Grande Nature Center, or taking a drive along the Sandia Crest National Scenic Byway to the summit of the Sandia Mountains.
Petroglyph Park is on Atrisco (Unser) Boulevard NW, at the foot of the lava escarpment. From Petroglyph Park, go through the farming community of Corrales to Coronado State Monument. The Monument preserves the ruins of Kuaua Pueblo, where the Spanish explorer Coronado is thought to have spent the winter of 1540-41 looking for the fabled "Seven Cities of Gold."
From the grand portal of the visitor center, the majestic Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande offer their best profiles to photographers.
Return to Albuquerque along the Camino Real (Royal Road), which linked the pueblos and their attendant Spanish settlements to Chihuahua in Old Mexico. The route leads through some of the loveliest parts of the Rio Grande Valley, beneath which some 15 Indian pueblos lie unexcavated.
Back in Albuquerque, visit the striking Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, which echoes the design of Pueblo Bonito, the high point of Chaco Culture architecture (1100 A.D.). The best of arts and crafts from all of New Mexico's 19 pueblos can be seen here, as well as interpretive displays
Isleta Pueblo. To visit a living Indian pueblo, take I-25 south to Isleta Pueblo. Isleta has one of the oldest mission churches in the Southwest, the church of San Augustine (1613-1630 A.D.). Picture-taking is restricted to buildings (not people) in the plaza area.
Acoma Pueblo. An hour west of Albuquerque on I-40 is the exit to "Sky City," or Acoma Pueblo. One of the state's most dramatic landscapes, Acoma sits on top of a steep mesa overlooking the desert.
The beauty of the Jemez Red Rocks picturesque scenery where unique rock formations contrast the blue New Mexico skies. Enjoy traditional Jemez foods, and arts and crafts which can be purchased at roadside stands in the beautiful Red Rocks area. Jemez Pueblo has recreation areas where visitors can picnic, fish and enjoy the great outdoors.
