Top Day Trips Near Albuquerque for Adventurers

Albuquerque day trips can be as short or long as you prefer. These excursions from Albuquerque take approximately one or two hours by car and offer a diverse array of experiences, including historical explorations, quaint small-town visits, scenic nature interactions, and captivating pueblo experiences. Journey to Jemez Springs for hiking or winter snow activities, or explore the artistic town of Madrid, where melodramas, art galleries, and a historic bar await. Whatever your interest, each of these day trips promises a delightful experience and fresh perspectives on New Mexico.

Acoma Pueblo

Acoma Pueblo, popularly known as Sky City, stands atop a mesa nearly 400 feet high, representing the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in North America. Located about 50 minutes west of Albuquerque along I-40, it offers visitors a unique glimpse into ancient cultures.

Acoma’s Sky City Cultural Center features educational tours, a museum, and exhibits showcasing the rich culture and art of the pueblo.

Jemez Springs

Known for its hot springs, Jemez Springs offers exhilarating hiking trails alongside stunning red rock formations. This destination is ideal for short getaways, weekend retreats, or longer stays. In the quaint town, you can explore local shops, galleries, and restaurants while soaking up the area’s natural beauty.

To reach Jemez Springs from Albuquerque via Highway 550, simply turn north at San Ysidro. The drive typically takes about an hour and a half.

Salinas Pueblo Missions

The Salinas Pueblo Missions encompass three significant sites, easily accessible for a day trip. The Quarai, Abo, and Gran Quivira ruins, managed by the National Park Service, reveal the intricate history of American Indian communities visited by Franciscan missionaries in the 17th century.

To visit Salinas, you can take I-25 south from Albuquerque to Belen, then switch to 47 toward US 60, heading east to Mountainair. Alternatively, utilize I-40 east to NM 337 and drive south to Mountainair.

Madrid

Once a mining town, Madrid has transformed into an artistic enclave, featuring charming cottages that now serve as galleries, eateries, and homes. This vibrant community is located on the scenic high road to Santa Fe. Spend a delightful day exploring the town or stop by en route to the state’s capital. While visiting, tour the Coal Mine Museum, enjoy a melodrama, and unwind at the Mine Shaft Tavern. With various events throughout the year, Madrid offers a memorable experience for families and individuals.

To reach Madrid, take I-40 east from Albuquerque, then head north at Tijeras. Route 14 leads directly through Madrid and continues to Santa Fe.

Valles Caldera National Preserve

The Valles Caldera is a towering 13-mile-wide volcanic caldera located in the Jemez Mountains. Encompassing over 900,000 acres of natural preserve, it offers year-round recreational opportunities, including hiking trails, snowshoeing, fly fishing, and cross-country skiing. This stunning preserve is also ideal for bird watching and serves as a scenic stop on your journey to Los Alamos.