If you have some extra time in New Mexico, there are many unique geographical and cultural attractions within driving distance of Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Here are several popular options:
- Taos and Taos Pueblo
- Taos is a small village in northern New Mexico that is home to many artists, the world-famous Taos Ski Valley (which, unfortunately, won’t yet be open for ski season), and the Rio Grande Gorge. Taos is ~90 minutes north of Santa Fe.
- Taos Pueblo is a historic >1000 year old Native American community and an UNESCO World Heritage Landmark.
- Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
- The Tent Rocks are a unique geologic formation resulting from erosion of volcanic pyroclasts. There is as short hike through a slot canyon to view the formations. The tent rocks are located ~halfway between Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
- Petroglyph National Monument
- The petroglyphs are ancient designs and symbols carved into volcanic rock spanning 400 to 700 years in age. The Monument is on the western edge of Albuquerque.
- Santa Fe
- There are many art galleries, museums, and historic buildings and churches throughout Santa Fe, in addition to good hiking in the nearby Santa Fe National Forest.
- Sandia Peak
- One of the world’s longest trams takes visitors to the top of Sandia Peak, 3160 meters above sea level and 1600 meters above Albuquerque. There is also a road to top on the east side of the mountain. The tram is on the northeast corner of Albuquerque.
- National Radio Astronomy Observatory Very Large Array
- The Very Large Array is an array of 27 radio antennas south of Albuquerque. The VLA is ~2 hours south of Albuquerque.
- Bandelier National Monument
- Ancient cliff dwellings of Native Americans with a history of human activity going back 11000 years. Bandelier is ~45 minutes west of Santa Fe.
- El Malpais National Monument
- Volcanic lava flows (dormant!) in western New Mexico. El Malpais is ~90 minutes west of Albuquerque.
- Old Town Albuquerque
- The original, 300 year old, settlement of Albuquerque. Many shops and restaurants and several museums within walking distance.
- Chaco Culture National Historic Park
- Ancient Native American ruins that are more than 1000 years old. The road to this site is known to rough, so a high clearance vehicle may be desirable. The park is ~3 hours northwest of Albuquerque.