Sandia Peak TramwayThe perfect awe-inspiring overview of Albuquerque can be had from nearly one mile (2km) above the city on top of Sandia Crest, the windy mountaintop where the view is said to extend for over 1,000 miles (1,609km). Simply follow Tramway Boulevard for a few miles north of the city to board the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, the world's longest continuous jigback passenger tramway, which makes the ascent from the desert foothills to the summit in about 20 minutes. In winter skiers make use of the more than 30 trails descending
from the mountain crest, while in summer hikers and mountain bikers take the tramway up and enjoy nature on their way down. Pleasure seekers simply ride to the top to enjoy the view, which is particularly spectacular at sunset, and enjoy a meal at the High Finance Restaurant with its picture windows.
Phone Number: (505) 856 7325 (tramway), 242 9052 (ski area)
Email Address: info@sandiapeak.com
Website: www.sandiapeak.com
Hours: Daily 9am to 9pm (summer), 9am to 8pm in winter (from 5pm on Tuesdays); it does not operate on very windy days, and is closed for maintenance from 3-14 April and for two weeks in October and November
Admission: $15 (adults), $10 (children 5-12); concessions available. A one-way ticket is $8
Indian Pueblo Cultural CenterThe Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is designed to give an introduction to New Mexico's rich Native American cultural heritage and the 19 individual pueblo communities of the State. The Center is situated on 12th Street, about a mile northeast of the Old Town in Albuquerque, and is a recreation of Pueblo Bonito, a ruined Indian village in the Chaco Culture National Historic Park dating from the 9th century. The Center also features a museum displaying early photographs, artifacts and artworks. A restaurant serves traditional fare and traditional dances are performed by different tribal groups. Those interested in seeing the real thing can make an excursion to Pueblo Acoma, 60 miles (96km) west of Albuquerque, the oldest inhabited village in the United States, situated on a 367-foot high sandstone rock.
Address: 2401 12th Street NW
Phone Number: (505) 843 7270 (Pueblo Cultural Center); (505) 552 6604 (Pueblo Acoma)
Email Address: info@indianpueblo.org
Website: www.indianpueblo.org
Hours: Pueblo Cultural Center Museum: 9am to 4.30pm
Admission: $4 (adults), concessions available
Petroglyph National MonumentOne of Albuquerque's most enjoyable recreational attractions is the 17-mile-long (27km) stretch of escarpment of the West Mesa, entered from Unser Boulevard, that is a treasure-trove of more than 25,000 prehistoric and historic rock carvings or petroglyphs, some dating as far back as 2,000 years. Maps and information regarding the geology and history of the area are available from the Las Imágenes Visitor Center. Hikers can follow various trails to explore the Boca Negra Canyon, or join rangers on scheduled walks during the summer months. Picnic areas, drinking water and restroom facilities are provided.
Phone Number: (505) 899 0205
Website: www.nps.gov/petr
Hours: Las Imágenes Visitor Center and Boca Negra Canyon: daily 8am to 5pm
Admission: Boca Negra Canyon: $1 (weekdays), $2 (weekends). There is no charge for other areas within the Monument
American International Rattlesnake MuseumAlbuquerque's Rattlesnake Museum is an exciting and educational experience. Billed as an animal conservation museum the establishment is dedicated to displaying how rattlesnakes influence our lives. Exhibits include artifacts, memorabilia and the largest collection of live rattlesnakes in the world. The snakes, gathered from North, Central and South America, are kept in specially recreated habitats.
Address: 202 San Felipe NW
Phone Number: (505) 242 6569
Website: www.rattlesnakes.com
Hours: Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm, Sunday 12pm to 5pm
Admission: $3.50 (adults), $2.50 (children)
New Mexico Museum of Natural History and ScienceThe exciting Museum of Natural History takes visitors on a time trip through 12-billion years from the formation of the universe to the present day. From the earth's beginnings exhibits, displays and recreated scenes take you through an erupting volcano, an ice-age cave, an aquarium, the dinosaur age and a fossil center, giant-screen theater, planetarium and a naturalist center, to name just a few of the educational entertainments offered.
Address: 1801 Mountain Road NW
Phone Number: (505) 841 2800
Website: www.nmmnh-abq.mus.nm.us/nmmnh/nmmnh.html
Hours: Daily 9am to 5pm. Closed on Mondays (excluding holidays) during January and September
Admission: Museum, DynaTheater, Planetarium: $6 (adults), $3 (children)
Albuquerque MuseumThe Albuquerque Museum on the edge of the city's Old Town explores New Mexico's past, using the largest collection of Spanish colonial artifacts in the United States to do so. Exhibits like Spanish armour and swords mingle with a recreated 18th-century adobe house compound. The museum also pays homage to the Vaqueros, the original cowboys who rode the range in New Mexico in the 16th century. There are also hands-on experiences to try like spinning wool and a theater where films about the city are shown regularly. The museum provides a walking tour of the Old Town area departing at 11am each day except Monday during spring, summer and fall.
Address: 2000 Mountain Road NW
Phone Number: (505) 243 7255
Email Address: rbutler@albuquerquemuseum.com
Website: www.albuquerquemuseum.com
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9am to 5pm; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
Admission: $4 (adults), $1 (children 4-12). Free on the first Wednesday of every month
The Turquoise TrailTravelers who abandon the highway and opt for the scenic byways will be rewarded with The Turquoise Trail state-designated scenic and historic route, which runs from Albuquerque to Sante Fe through the majestic Sandia Mountains, passing through the revived 'ghost' towns of New Mexico's mining belt. The route begins on NM14 about 16 miles (26km) east of central Albuquerque, covering about 61 miles (98km) before reaching Sante Fe. En route is the Cibola National Forest, mining towns of Madrid, Golden and Cerrillos filled with art and craft practitioners, the Tinkertown Museum, Museum of Archaeology, Old Coal Mine Museum and the Turquoise Mining Museum.
Website: www.turquoisetrail.org
International UFO MuseumThe town of Roswell in south-east New Mexico has become the focus of UFO and alien hunters from all over the world every since the 'Roswell Incident' in 1947, when an alien craft purportedly crashed near the town leaving surviving extra-terrestrials. Conspiracy theorists believe government authorities deliberately covered up the crash. The incident, as well as a large collection of UFO-related material, is highlighted at the International UFO Museum and Research Center in Main Street, Roswell. The museum also features a worldwide UFO sighting map and a comprehensive library.
Address: 114 North Main Street, Roswell
Phone Number: (505) 625 9495
Website: www.iufomrc.com
Hours: Daily 9am to 5pm
Admission: $2 (adults), $1 (children)
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