7 Places to Explore Nature in Albuquerque
With an average of 300 sunny days a year, it’s no wonder Albuquerque is a great place to be to explore the outdoors. Even with so many sunny days, the city sees all four seasons, with warm summer days and snow in the winter. The surrounding mountains give hikers, bikers and skiers a chance to get out and do what they do best. Even within the city, there are many great places to explore nature.
Getting out in nature is a great thing for everyone and doesn’t have to be strenuous or extreme. Just taking a picnic at the park is a great way to get outside and see some local nature. Many people find nature peaceful and calming, and it’s been shown that spending time outside boosts your immunity levels. It can also be educational, with kids and adults both learning something new when they head outside.
Here are 7 places around Albuquerque that you can explore nature.
La Luz Trail
This trail may be a bit more complicated, but it provides spectacular panoramic views of Albuquerque. Bring some water and snacks and head out in the spring or fall to check out the views of the city.
ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden
If you’re looking for a more educational stroll, the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden is for you. Get outside and explore this garden’s 1.5 miles of paths to learn about plants and insects at exhibits like the Japanese Garden or the Heritage Farm.
Elena Gallegos Park
Have a picnic, go for a hike or bring your bikes out to visit the Sandia Mountain Wilderness area at Elena Gallegos Park. If you’re out there at sunset, you’ll be able to see where the mountains got their name -- they’ll look pink at sunset (sandia means watermelon in Spanish).
Cibola National Forest
Take a camping trip or a day trip out to Cibola National Forest. With 1.6 million acres in New Mexico, you’ll be able to find a spot that gives you a chance to explore nature while you hike, fish, or relax around a campfire.
Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
Located right on the Rio Grande, explore the trails, ponds and indoor or outdoor wildlife viewing areas. Learn about the local birds, take a hike along the river or ask questions to the park rangers to learn more about the nature in your area.
Petroglyph National Monument
At Petroglyph National Monument, you’ll be able to learn about Native Americans and settlers hundreds of years ago. This park offers a combination of history, archeology and nature to visitors who want to learn something new about the area’s past.
Tiguex Park
This city park offers two walking loops, basketball courts, play areas for the kids and open grass fields all within the city. Take a break for your busy life to check out Tiguex Park and get some fresh air in an open space without having to travel too far.
If any of these places inspired you to create your own beautiful nature exhibit in your backyard, learn about our Albuquerque lawn services to see how we can help.