Albuquerque is a vibrant city that houses a diversity of cultures, traditions, and cuisines. The city’s history dates back more than 10,000 years ago when it was occupied by various Native American groups. These groups include the Paleo-Indians and the Tiwa people. After the expeditions of Francisco Vázquez de Coronado in 1540 and Juan de Oñate in 1598, Spanish settlers began migrating to the area. In 1680, the colonists were driven away from the land by the Pueblo Revolt. The settlers returned to the land just 12 years later and re-settled their deserted stock farms. Albuquerque was officially named and royally chartered in 1706 by Governor Francisco Cuervo y Valdés. When Mexico was freed from Spanish control in 1821, they retained ownership of the town. Albuquerque was then passed to the United States in 1846. The town eventually received its city charter in April of 1891. The city experienced rapid growth during the early 20th century. By the mid-1920s, the city had become home to a large sawmill, a busy streetcar line, specialized hospital facilities, and a skyscraper. Today, Albuquerque is New Mexico’s largest city, boasting a population of over 560,000 residents.
Check out one of the city’s interesting museums. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center preserves the history, art, and culture of the Pueblo People. Learn about the history of the Middle Rio Grande Valley at the Albuquerque Museum. The museum showcases over 30,000 historical items. If you happen to be a nuclear science buff, you will enjoy spending time at the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History. The museum’s artifacts collection includes a Norden bombsight, modern nuclear weapons, historic aircraft, and full-size bomb replicas.
Pay a visit to the ABQ BioPark Zoo. This 64-acre facility features more than 200 animal species, including wolves, elephants, burrowing owls, and polar bears. The nearby ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden houses native plants from several countries, including South Africa, Spain, Chile, Turkey, and the United States.
If you get hungry during your trip, Albuquerque provides a host of attractive food options. High Noon Restaurant & Saloon offers a cozy dining experience and a variety of seasonal steak entrees. For a Native American-inspired dish, stop by the Indian Pueblo Kitchen. Menu items include everything from Monte Cristo sandwiches and Tewa tacos to elk chili and green chile pork stew.
Campgrounds Near Albuquerque, New Mexico
Located within the Sandia Mountain range, Balloon View RV Park offers gorgeous scenic views, breathtaking sunsets, and quick access to Downtown Albuquerque. This pet-friendly site provides full hookups, shower facilities, a swimming pool, and a covered pavilion.
El Rancho RV Park is conveniently located near Old Town Albuquerque and the New Mexico State Fairground. There is also a variety of nearby shops and restaurants for your convenience. Amenities include Wi-Fi access, full hookups, hot showers, and back-in sites. Military discounts are available.
Albuquerque Central KOA is a family-friendly campground located near the Sandia Mountains. Available amenities include full hookups, shower facilities, and a swimming pool.
Situated near the Route 66 Casino, the Route 66 RV Resort is the perfect spot for casino lovers. With a recreation room, a swimming pool, and planned activities, the campground is also suitable for families. Other amenities include full hookups, Wi-Fi access, shower facilities, and pull-through sites.
State Parks Near Albuquerque, New Mexico
Established in 1938, Hyde Memorial State Park spans 340 acres. The land that now makes up the park was originally owned by businessman Benjamin Talbot Hyde. In 1934, Hyde and his family generously donated the land to the state of New Mexico. Nestled within the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the park features rock formations, lush evergreen forests, and cascading waterfalls. This scenic park is filled with a diversity of wildlife, including foxes, coyotes, butterflies, and porcupines. Recreational opportunities include hiking, tubing, camping, and cross-country skiing.
Located along the Pecos River, Villanueva State Park is the perfect hideaway. This 1,600-acre park, which was founded in 1967, features beautiful cottonwood trees, red sandstone cliffs, yellow sandstone cliffs, native plants, and a variety of animal species. Uniquely positioned within a canyon, the park is an ideal destination for photographers. Visitors are welcome to participate in a wide range of activities, including backpacking, hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, and fishing. Due to the park’s proximity to the village of Villanueva, you will have easy access to a well-stocked store that offers food items and cleaning supplies for your RV.
Heron Lake State Park is located in the northern region of New Mexico. The park encompasses the picturesque Heron Lake, hiking trails, stunning scenic views, and a host of interesting wildlife. During your visit, you may spot mountain lions, bald eagles, elk, and the fish-eating osprey. Available recreational activities include hiking, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and mountain biking. With a lake stocked with plenty of salmon and trout, fishing is another popular activity in the park.
National Sites in and Near Albuquerque, New Mexico
Petroglyph National Monument is located within the West Mesa, an elevated landmass that includes 30 home subdivisions. The monument itself consists of 17 miles of sacred ancestral symbols that were left by both Native Puebloans and Spanish settlers. The drawings showcase images of animals, people, and spiritual symbols. Along with these important historic petroglyphs, the site offers nearby access to the Rinconada Canyon, Piedras Marcadas Canyon, the Boca Negra Canyon, and much more. This 7,500-acre site even provides hiking and biking trails.
The 1,600-mile El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail was once traveled by Spanish conquistadors during the late 1500s. The trail wanders through two countries, beginning in Mexico City, Mexico. The United States portion of the trail stretches from Ohkay Owingeh, New Mexico all the way to El Paso, Texas. As you walk along the trail, you will have the opportunity to view historic ruins, traditional Spanish architecture, and a living history museum. The trail also offers hiking activities and cultural demonstrations.
Measuring over 33,000 acres in size, the Bandelier National Monument is a great place for history lovers. The monument preserves the homes and history of the Native Puebloans. The site includes canyons and more than 50 miles of trails. You can even view petroglyph images and historic farmlands.
National Forests Near Albuquerque, New Mexico
Santa Fe National Forest is a picturesque paradise. The forest features beautiful peaks, scenic byways, a dormant volcano crater, trails, and meadows. Here, you can enjoy rock climbing, hiking, and mountain biking.
Carson National Forest is home to New Mexico’s highest point of elevation. Recreational activities include cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing in the winter and hunting and hiking during the summer months.
Located near the Mexican border, Lincoln National Forest features forested mountain areas and rocky canyons. Mountain bikers, hikers, and bird-watchers will enjoy spending time in this lovely forest. The park also provides opportunities for geocaching and stargazing.
