Albuquerque Sidetrips

Old Jun 19th, 2007, 01:27 PM
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Albuquerque Sidetrips

As a follow up to my prior post, I thought I'd post a question about what I am trying to plan.

My boyfriend and I are planning to visit with his aunt who lives near Albuquerque, but we don't want to overstay our welcome, so I am trying to figure out something else for us to do for about 3-4 days that is with a few hour range of ABQ. Basically, we'll stay with her a few days and see the sights of Albuquerque (looks like Sante Fe would be a daytrip from there). Then we'll leave her house behind and go out on our own. That is why I asked about Durango in my prior post, but I think a four hour drive may be a bit too much if we can just go for a few days before we have to fly home.

Also want to avoid white knuckle driving as much as possible so that BF and I can come home as a couple and not an ex-couple. Any ideas?
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Old Jun 19th, 2007, 02:12 PM
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Cadgirl, you are just one hour away from Santa Fe and additional hour 15 or so from SF to Taos. You have soooo many options.

Run a search with "Taos" "Santa Fe" and see if any of the many posts offer anything you are interested in.

For that short 3-4 days I would have to limit my stay to Albuquerque/Santa Fe/Taos. (unless there is something/someone you were trying to see/meet in Durango).

I would stay over in Santa Fe if you can for a couple of days. Then take the high road to Taos (very scenic with lots of little villages along the way). Hang out in Taos, visit the Taos Pueblo, take a view from the Gorge Bridge (if your DB can handle that!) Overnight in Taos. If you want to drive a little more, then take the Enchanted Trail to see some of the Northern New Mexico terrain. Very pretty.

Also, if you want to see Georgia O'Keefe country in Abiquiu you can take the long way from Taos OR take a day trip from Santa Fe. There is a tour of her home which is interesting even if you are not a fan, drive up another 5 miles and visit Ghost Ranch. Stunning scenery that was Georgia's inspiration for so many of her famous paintings. You can also go for a hike or two there if you wish. Basic lodging is available there as well.

You could drive all the way to Durango your first free day and head to Mesa Verde Nat'l Park. Its absolutely stunning and a must-see if you are in the area. Allow an entire day for that visit. From there you could stop in Durango down to Chama and on to Taos and Santa Fe. Of all of those I would choose Santa Fe and Mesa Verde.

Chaco Canyon is also a must see but I don't know that I would take away from Santa Fe/Taos/Turquoise Trail/Enchanted Trail itinerary. That's always great to add on when you have more days.

I know that's a mouthful but hope it gets you started. Like I mentioned above, search some of the other posts as they have lots of information that would be helpful for this trip.

Sheila
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Old Jun 19th, 2007, 02:30 PM
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I agree with what Sheila said. I'd plan on a trip to Santa Fe or Taos instead of driving all the way to Durango. I could spend a month in either of those places and still not do everything I wanted to do, so there will be plenty to entertain you.

Some things nearby ABQ you may want to consider are taking the Jemez Trail (http://www.jemezmountaintrail.org/) all the way around, and make a stop at Bandelier National Monument (http://www.nps.gov/band/).

When you leave there, stop at the White Rock Overlook area, and then drive back through Santa Fe (or stay there) on 1-25 on your way back to ABQ.

Another interesting place close to ABQ is the Tent Rocks (http://tinyurl.com/yl7pse). They are located off the Cochiti exit on I-25, about halfway between Santa Fe & ABQ.

Enjoy your visit!
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Old Jun 19th, 2007, 02:32 PM
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PS - Sheila, I read that you're going in two weeks and I'm jealous! I have to wait all the way until September to go back.

Have fun!
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Old Aug 11th, 2007, 01:49 PM
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bookmarking for a trip coming up!
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Old Aug 11th, 2007, 02:55 PM
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I wouldn't miss Acoma Pueblo about 1 hour west of Albuquerque. There are guided tours of the site which date back 600 years. Read about it here;

http://gocalifornia.about.com/od/new...nu/a/acoma.htm
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Old Aug 13th, 2007, 10:26 AM
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We just did the Tent Rocks hike and the entire family absolutely loved it!! Beautiful views and we really had the park all to ourselves.
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Old Aug 13th, 2007, 01:44 PM
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For more info about Tent Rocks

http://www.nm.blm.gov/recreation/alb...sha_katuwe.htm

Go early in the day as it can get hot. Also, the road in is dirt and can be very "washboard - y" so be careful.

Debi
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Old Aug 17th, 2007, 01:02 PM
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Thanks everyone for your responses. What we have decided to do is fly to ABQ and stay there for a few days and then fly to Las Vegas (Vegas virgin!!) for the remainder of the week before flying back to Chicago on Sunday.

Looking forward to it.....
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Old Aug 17th, 2007, 01:37 PM
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No Santa Fe????
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Old Aug 17th, 2007, 02:01 PM
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Acoma pueblo, Zuni pueblo (shop jewelry!), bandelier national monument, sante fe, taos

tons to do much closer than durango!
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Old Aug 17th, 2007, 04:03 PM
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Well yeah we'll do Santa Fe as a daytrip.
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Old Aug 20th, 2007, 05:54 AM
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bookmarking
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