Visit Albuquerque New Mexico

What is Albuquerque Known For? Albuquerque is known for its annual International Balloon Fiesta, stunning views of the Sandia Mountains, Petroglyph National Monument, heritage blending Native American and Hispanic influences. It’s also famous for being the filming location of Breaking Bad and for its vibrant New Mexican cuisine, especially its red and green chilies.

Albuquerque lies in the Rio Grande Valley and is surrounded by arid desert and highlands. The Rio Grande river flows through the middle of the Rio Grande Valley. The Rio Grande river is one of the longest rivers in North America, stretching from Colorado through New Mexico and down to the Gulf of Mexico.. The valley is characterized by its green belt of cottonwood trees and marshlands that have supported human habitation for thousands of years. Just to the east of Albuquerque are the Sandia Mountains which majestically rise up from the valley floor creating a wonderful backdrop for the city.

What is the elevation of Albuquerque? The elevation of Albuquerque varies due to its location in the Rio Grande Valley and the surrounding foothills, but the city's average elevation is about 5,312 feet (1,619 meters) above sea level. The lowest point is around 4,900 feet (1,494 meters) near the Rio Grande, while areas in the foothills to the east can reach 6,700 feet (2,042 meters). The nearby Sandia Mountains rise dramatically, with Sandia Peak reaching an elevation of 10,678 feet (3,255 meters).

Albuquerque's elevation, high desert landscape, and towering mountain peaks reminded us of Denver — though it's far less crowded.

How big is Albuquerque? Albuquerque spans approximately 189 square miles (490 square kilometers). Its population is around 560,000 as of recent estimates, making it the largest city in New Mexico.

Pre-Colonial Era

Long before European settlers arrived, the Albuquerque area was inhabited by Native American groups, particularly the Ancestral Puebloans. Evidence of these early civilizations can still be seen today in the form of ancient rock art at the Petroglyph National Monument and in nearby pueblos. For centuries, the Rio Grande Valley supported farming communities due to its fertile soil and access to water.

Spanish Colonization (1598-1700)

When was Albuquerque founded? Albuquerque was founded in 1706 as part of New Spain. It was established as a villa, or town, by Spanish settlers who named it after the Viceroy of New Spain, Francisco Fernández de la Cueva, the Duke of Alburquerque (the extra 'r' was later dropped). The Spanish built Old Town, centered around a plaza, following the traditional Spanish colonial model. The San Felipe de Neri Church, built in 1793, is one of the city’s oldest surviving structures and remains a prominent landmark in Old Town.

In 1680 the Pueblo Revolt forced the Europeans to leave New Mexico until 1692, when the Spanish reoccupied the middle Rio Grande Valley. The Pueblo Revolt is considered to be the only successful indigenous revolt in North American history. Led by a Tewa Tribe leader named Po’pay, the Pueblo peoples of present-day New Mexico successfully expelled the Spanish colonizers, who had imposed their rule, religion, and culture on the indigenous population since the late 1500s.

Mexican and Territorial Period (1821-1912)

In 1821, Mexico gained independence from Spain, and Albuquerque became part of the new Mexican Republic. However, this period was short-lived. After the Mexican-American War, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848 ceded New Mexico to the United States, making Albuquerque part of American territory.

During this period, Albuquerque began to develop as a frontier town. In 1880, the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway arrived, transforming the city from a small settlement into a key hub for trade and commerce. This ushered in what is known as "New Town" Albuquerque, located near the railroad tracks, while Old Town retained its historical and cultural significance.

Statehood and 20th Century Growth (1912-2000s)

New Mexico became a U.S. state in 1912. Albuquerque’s growth accelerated in the early 20th century due to its strategic location along Route 66, the iconic highway that connected Chicago to Los Angeles. The route brought travelers, businesses, and motels to the area, helping the city thrive.

The city’s landscape and climate made it a desirable location for military and scientific research, leading to the establishment of Kirtland Air Force Base and Sandia National Laboratories during and after World War II. Albuquerque became a center for nuclear research during the Manhattan Project.

Modern Albuquerque

Today, Albuquerque is known for its cultural diversity, with a strong presence of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo influences. The city has expanded significantly in the 21st century, becoming a hub for technology, aerospace, and renewable energy industries. It also continues to celebrate its heritage through events like the annual International Balloon Fiesta, and landmarks like the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.

Albuquerque’s airport can occasionally experience strong winds, especially during certain times of the year, due to Albuquerque's location near the Sandia Mountains. It can get windy here as the wind crests the mountains and then flows down to the valley floor which can make for a bumpy ride.

Our flight to Albuquerque was quite a ride, with some intense turbulence as we neared landing. On a United Airlines flight from Richmond via Houston, we switched to a United Express Embraer 175LR aircraft. During our landing approach, the wind conditions were challenging, causing the pilot to abort the landing because a tailwind of about 30 knots came up when we were just 800 ft above ground. The landing speed is very important to avoid disaster, and the additional 30 knots of tail-wind speed was over the landing speed limit for that aircraft

The pilot initiated a "go-around" and we went up and to the west of Albuquerque and came back to land the plane from that direction. He was able to land it the second time, thank goodness, but it was one of the bumpiest flights we’ve ever had. It took a few hours for our stomachs to settle back down.

Sandia Peak is one of the top things to do in Albuquerque since it opened to the public on May 7, 1966. It is located in the Sandia Mountains, just east of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The peak rises to an elevation of 10,378 feet (3,163 meters) and is part of the Cibola National Forest. The Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway is 2.7 miles long and provides access from the base near Albuquerque to the summit in about 15 minutes. It is a popular destination for both locals and visitors. In fact, it attracts approximately 200,000 to 300,000 visitors each year.

Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a fascinating destination that offers a unique glimpse into the ancient past. Spanning over 7,200 acres, it protects one of the largest collections of petroglyphs in North America, with over 24,000 images carved into volcanic rock by Native Americans and early Spanish settlers. These petroglyphs, some of which are more than 700 years old, provide insight into the cultural and spiritual lives of the people who created them.

The monument offers several hiking trails that wind through the desert landscape, allowing visitors to explore the petroglyphs up close while enjoying scenic views of Albuquerque and the surrounding mountains. The hikes vary in difficulty, making it accessible to all ages and fitness levels. Interpretive signs along the trails help visitors understand the significance of the rock art and the history of the area.

In addition to its historical significance, Petroglyph National Monument is a great place for nature lovers, with opportunities to see desert wildlife and native plants. It’s a peaceful escape from the city, offering a blend of cultural history, outdoor recreation, and natural beauty that makes it a rewarding place to visit for history buffs, hikers, and families alike.

Old Town Albuquerque is a historic district located in the heart of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Founded in 1706 by Spanish settlers, it retains much of its colonial charm and is known for its adobe-style architecture and narrow streets. At the center of Old Town is the iconic San Felipe de Neri Church, the oldest surviving building in the city, surrounded by a picturesque plaza that serves as the social and cultural hub.

Visitors can explore a variety of local shops, art galleries, and museums that showcase Southwestern art, Native American crafts, and New Mexican culture. Popular spots include the Albuquerque Museum, Explora Science Center, and The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science. The area also features restaurants offering authentic New Mexican cuisine, including green chile specialties. Old Town also hosts regular cultural events, live music, and seasonal festivals, making it a lively destination for both tourists and locals.

• Albuquerque Wikipedia Article
• Get Your Guide Albuquerque Guided Family Walking Tour
• Albuquerque Google Images Set
• Google Reviews for Albuquerque
• Visit Albuquerque on the "Visit Albuquerque" Website
• Google Search Results list for "restaurants in Albuquerque"
• Google Search Results list for "accommodations in Albuquerque"
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In the trip menu list below, a "dark filled circle" represents a destination where we stayed, and the "dark filled arrow" items below that circle location, represent the destinations we visited while in that city or location.

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 Trip Overview Page

 Albuquerque, NM

• Sandia Peak Tramway
• Petroglyph National Monument
• Old-Town Albuquerque
• National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

 Alamogordo, NM

• McGinn's PistachioLand Farm
• White Sands National Park

 Carlsbad, NM

• Tunnel Vista Observation Site
• Trestle Depot Recreation Area
• Carlsbad Caverns National Park

 Roswell, NM

• International UFO Museum

 Santa Fe, NM

• Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, NM
• Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, NM
• Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort, NM
• Bradbury Science Museum - Los Alamos, NM
• Los Alamos, NM
• Bandelier National Monument, NM
• Nambé Falls, NM
• Meow Wolf, NM

 Chaco Culture National Historical Park, NM

 Bisti Badlands, NM

 Monument Valley

 Grand Canyon, AZ

• Planning Your Grand Canyon Visit
• Grand Canyon South Rim Top Sites and Itineraries
• Grand Canyon El Tovar Hotel

 Sedona, AZ