Albuquerque From Above
Instead of riding an elevator to the top of a building for a bird’s eye view, ride a tram to the top of the Sandia Peak while surrounded by the natural beauty of New Mexico
Up close, Albuquerque's unique historic palette blends Native American culture with the history of Spanish conquistadors and padres. But seen from the air, it’s the southwestern landscape and vast desert valley that take top billing. Get up close and personal with New Mexico’s landscape in Albuquerque.
Up, Up and Away
Waft away in the wind, up into the blue Albuquerque skies in a hot air balloon. It’s the most serene way to take in unforgettable views of the awe-inspiring desert landscape, to the Rio Grande and beyond. When you propose this adventure to your family, mention that the town—with its clear blue skies, calm winds and mild temperatures—is the hot air ballooning capital of the world. Select among the local companies that offer a 60-minute balloon trip into the wild blue yonder. Head to Albuquerque in October and you can catch the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta—just prepare to wake up early as the balloons start firing up before dawn.
Not Your Average Tramway
Spectacular, awesome, unbelievable—it’s impossible to talk about the views from the Sandia Peak Tramway without leaning hard on superlatives. Climb aboard for a 15-minute ride that zips your family up some 10,000 feet from the desert below, through several eco-zones into a glorious new realm. Panoramic views unroll on every side of the city, the box canyons outside it and the long carpet of the Rio Grande Valley.
Close to Flying
Fly like a bird—or get as close as possible—on a glider tour above Albuquerque, riding the air currents with superb desert vistas spread out before you. The high-performance fiberglass glider is piloted by a pro, so sit back and enjoy the sweeping views. Decide how long you want your head in the clouds—rides range from 15 to 45 minutes—and don't forget camera and sunscreen.
A Park with a View
With a starting elevation of 6,500 feet, the views from Elena Gallegos Open Space just keep on going. The 640-acre park is the perfect spot for family hiking, biking or horseback riding, with killer views of the city below. Plan to picnic in the covered spaces with barbecue grills. The park is right on the edge of the spectacular Sandia Mountains, with Mount Taylor to the west and the Tijeras Arroyo to the south, which look close enough to touch.
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Albuquerque Restaurants
The Land of Enchantment is filled with creative cuisine and classic dishes.