Day Trips from Albuquerque

New Mexico's most populous city is only a day trip away from some of the state's most interesting sites. Pursue adventures on foot or from the seat of a car, atop a mountain bike or inside a genuine steam train. Take a day trip to meet your loved ones; choosing to go to your people is as easy as shifting into drive and picking one of these popular destinations outside of Albuquerque.

1. Petroglyph National Monument

Explore one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America just 20 minutes west of downtown. A chain of dormant volcanoes, Petroglyph National Monument is a fascinating destination. Marvel at images that were etched into boulders more than 700 years ago by Pueblo, Apache and Navajo people. With a full day, you’ll have time to explore all three of the viewing trails that lead to several hundred petroglyphs. Listen to park ranger audio tours via cell phone to learn more about these ancient motifs.

2. Jemez Mountains

Drive 1.5 hours north of Albuquerque to the Jemez Mountain range and its dramatic centerpiece, the Valles Caldera National Preserve. Explore the 13.7-mile-wide collapsed volcanic crater, wildlife-rich conifer forests and the trout-filled Jemez River. Put on your hiking boots and take off on one of the trails—you just might catch a glimpse of the elk, black bears, prairie dogs and golden eagles that reside there. If you prefer group activities, take a ranger-led wildlife-viewing tour, or look into a fly-fishing class. During winter, the landscape is usually covered in snow, but don’t let that stop you. Don snowshoes and tramp along the icy trails—no experience necessary. Or, go on a cross-country skiing adventure. There are no goods or services available in the preserve, so bring whatever you need.

3. Historic Santa Fe

If you have an interest in the heritage of the Southwest, the 80-minute train ride from Albuquerque to Santa Fe is a must. The nation’s oldest capital city, Santa Fe earned Travel + Leisure magazine’s No. 1 rating for cultural getaways. Walk pathways once frequented by the Spanish empire’s elite as you tour the early 17th century Palace of Governors, a National Historic Landmark that’s part of the New Mexico History Museum. Your image of New Mexico may well have been shaped by the art of Georgia O’Keeffe, so pay homage to the famed Santa Fe resident with a visit to her museum. If your appetite for art is not satiated, you can also see works by Southwestern and Native American artists at the New Mexico Museum of Art and numerous galleries around Santa Fe Plaza.

4. Taos Pueblo

Get an early start for your 2.5-hour drive to the still-thriving, 1,000-year-old native community of Taos Pueblo. It's one of only 10 U.S. cultural sites on UNESCO's World Heritage list and the oldest continuously occupied place in North America. Take a tour to learn about the historic architecture and culture of the trading post (like the fact that the pueblo still eschews running water and electricity). Call ahead before visiting in late winter or early spring, when the Pueblo closes to visitors for 10 weeks.

5. Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railway

All aboard for the trip to Chama, where you can ride the rails between the New Mexican town and Antonito, Colorado. This preserved section of track, built in 1880, is a National Historic Landmark. As the steam locomotive chugs along, look out of the window at scenic aspen forests, the 10,015-foot Cumbres Pass, dramatic gorges and rock formations and views over the whole Chama Valley. When the train reaches the summit of the track—the highest point by rail in the country—you'll see alpine meadows often sprinkled with snow even into the summer months. If you have younger kids, consider the Cinder Bear Experience, designed just for them. Plan to get up early for the trip to Chama; it's a three-hour drive from Albuquerque.

6. White Sands National Monument

For something a bit different, head 90 minutes south of Albuquerque to White Sands National Monument. At 275 square miles, this natural wonder is the largest gypsum dune field in the world. Walk the trails marked by posts jutting up from the stark white sand, or escape the heat by taking in the scenery along the 8-mile Dunes Drive. Keep the kids (and yourself) entertained by sliding down the faces of steep dunes on plastic sleds. Rangers lead tours of the dry lake bed where the sands formed while detailing the 44 hardy mammal species that live amid the constantly moving sands. Insider tip: Call in advance to check on closures due to testing at the adjacent White Sands Missile Range.

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