Destination Spotlight: Outdoor Activities in New Mexico

Explore outdoor activities in New Mexico with Gifted Healthcare Education on your next travel assignment. Gifted has school-based opportunities statewide, so you can explore the state while you work in the classroom.

This blog will share all there is to do in the outdoors of Albuquerque and Santa Fe, two of the state’s largest cities that are connected via the Turquoise Trail.

Adventure Around Albuquerque

Albuquerque, or ABQ, as the locals call it, is a sprawling, 300-year-old city known for its mix of modern and old-world architectural elements. This is the largest city in the state of New Mexico, and it has a romantic desert culture that is home to Spanish and Native American history.

If exploring nature is a part of your travel agenda, Albuquerque is surrounded by natural canyons and wondrous sights to take in. Check out some of these must-stop locations:

Petroglyph National Monument

Put the Petroglyph National Monument at the top of your list! This land protects one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America, with sacred symbols carved onto volcanic rocks by Native Americans and Spanish settlers from 400 to 700 years ago. The volcanic structures are fun to explore and there are many picturesque views.

La Luz Trail

Hike the La Luz Trail! On this hike, you can ascend to the 10,378-foot crest of the Sandia Mountains for a panoramic view of the city. If hiking isn’t a part of your dream day trip, you can drive to the bottom of the cable car station for a ride up to the stunning sunset-worthy view of the city.

ABQ BioPark

The ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden is among the top-rated botanic gardens in the country. More than 1.5 miles of paths lead through vibrant desert gardens that will ignite your senses, and double as a beautiful backdrop for pictures. This experience is whimsical and one of a kind.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

If you are in New Mexico during the month of October, take advantage of your timing and visit the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta! This enchanting event only happens in October each year, but it fills the sky with hot air balloons and creates “balloon glows and rodeos.” Covering 54 football fields worth of balloons, this event is truly magical.

Travel to Santa Fe

Between ABQ and Santa Fe is the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway. For a straight shot, you would travel 54 miles on New Mexico State Road 14, but if you venture off the freeway, you have 15,000 square miles of history to explore.

Santa Fe is a high-desert city standing in the backdrop of the famed Sangre de Cristo Mountains, so once in Santa Fe, here are some sites to take in:

Sandia Crest

Enjoy a breathtaking view from atop Sandia Crest. Then drive back into history through the mining towns of Golden, Madrid, and Cerrillos. These towns are alive with art, crafts, theater, music, museums, and restaurants.

Pecos National Historic Park

The unique Pecos National Historic Park sits in the middle of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The park is about 30 minutes from Santa Fe. This mountain pass through is rich with history in which hunters, traders, conquerors, immigrants, ranchers, and tourists traveled through for centuries.  These rustic-colored remains of Indian Pueblos are nothing short of stunning both on and off camera.

Bandelier National Monument

Bandelier National Monument will allow you to experience Petroglyphs. These ancient ruins and cave dwellings and volcanic mountains are in over 33,000 acres of rugged canyon land. This gem is about a 50-minute drive from Santa Fe.

Randall Davey Audubon Center and Sanctuary

Randall Davey Audubon Center and Sanctuary is home to 135 acres of nature and wildlife. Tourists visit for the birds and to experience the peaceful garden ambiance.

Travel with Gifted Education

New Mexico is an incredible travel opportunity that will allow you to explore so much of the outdoors. Take your next school-based assignment in New Mexico with Gifted Healthcare Education and experience all it has to offer!