It's expensive (about $160), but one of those once in a lifetime experiences. You can go up in a balloon and cruise around for awhile. If you're nervous about it you can take a shorter, or not so high ride, and otherwise you just go where the wind takes you, uh, literally. The Albuquerque desert offers amazing views, from the purple Sandia mountains to the volcanoes on the west mesa to the Rio Grande valley in between.
Things to do
This bike trail, which follows the Rio Grande through a beautiful Cottonwood Bosque is great for bicyclists of all levels, equestrians and pedestrians. Even on the hottest days there is a good amount of shade (be sure to take some water with you). And it's great way to get from one side of the city to the other. Especially recommending during fall when the leaves are changing colors - add the always impressive New Mexican sunset to the mix and you've got an unforgettable walk or ride.
Here's another good way to get to the top of Sandia Peak to take advantage of the amazing views or go for a hike. In the winter there are also ski trails that depart from the top of the tram route. The tram itself is a little metal car that dangles on a wire high above the foothills.
It's kind of terrifying.
$17.50 for a round trip ticket.
Dinosaurs! I'm kind of a geek about natural history museums, that much I will admit. The one in NY is amazing and is probably one of the best in the world when it comes to the contemporary animal world, but as far as dinosaurs go this museum in NM is really killer.
The NM desert was overrun with these beasts back when it wasn't a desert.
They've got everything from big reconstructed dinosaur skeletons to volcano rooms to an IMAX theatre.
$7 entry for adults
They've got freaky midnight movies on Friday and Saturday nights, and otherwise a great and strange collection of films you'd be hard pressed to find. Seats are $7 for an adult or $5 for a matinee.
(505) 255-1848
