Hi all! I (along with my high school friend) am planning a trip to Albuquerque/Santa Fe for the end of September. We will base ourselves in Albuquerque and will have about 5.5 days to explore. We would of course love to hit some of the national parks. For those that may have traveled to that area, what would you be your recommendations?

Thanks!!

I didn't really hit any national parks when I was in that area. Basically, I visited Santa Fe a couple days (you can easily do this as a day trip). I spent one day in Albuquerque itself seeing itl's old town and some museums. I did go to the Aztec National Monument up in Four Corners, but that's more like 3 hrs from Albuquerque, I was returning from a stay in Durango when I did that.

The national parks, either in the SE corner of the state or Mesa Verde in Colorado, are at least 4 hours away.

Petroglyphs National Monument is just west of town, I like this northern unit, wear boots it’s dusty.

Petroglyph National Monument, Piedras Marcadas Canyon Trailhead

I like the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History on the SE edge of town, this is in the vicinity of sketchy areas of town.

Everyone Should try local food, either Sadie’s, Garcia’s, or Monroe’s.

The central part of Santa Fe and the art museums could consume several days.

Tent Rocks NM is worth seeing

https://www.blm.gov/visit/kktr

The drive up the back of the Sandias to the lookout (allow plenty of time) is good.

I’m curious why you’ve decided to stay in Albuquerque? I find Santa Fe infinitely more entertaining, even just walking around. You’d also be better positioned for Taos & environs, Pecos National Historic Park & maybe Las Vegas NM, a very pleasant town.

Thanks all for the responses. Great information. MmePerdu we do not need to stay in Albuquerque and will certainly take your advice into account when we discuss the trip. I was told that Albuquerque is a little cheaper in terms of lodging.

I travel on a very modest budget. In this case my choice would be a simple accommodation in Santa Fe rather than a more upscale one in Albuquerque. To put it bluntly, unless there was a particular reason, I've stayed in Albuquerque with family for instance, Santa Fe would always be my choice. It's a beautiful, walkable, historic town while Albuquerque is ordinary.

I don’t disagree with this assessment, but the setting is dramatic and there’s a lot of (unfulfilled) potential. And it’s a pretty good place to buy cowboy boots.

We will re-evaluate our decision based on your comments - thank you!

Order a free visitors guide to Santa Fe here: https://www.santafe.org/ Try to find lodging within walking distance of The Plaza. For many this ancient Spanish Colonial town is magical with its historic plaza containing the Palace of the Governors (1610) and the nearby oldest house (1646) and church (1610) in America. The narrow streets are lined with sleepy adobe homes squatting behind hand-carved wooden gates. It has many cultures including that of those descended from the original Spanish colonists, Native American, New Age, artistic, and more. Be sure to eat traditional New Mexican food which differs from Tex-Mex. Other places to see are the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, Museum of International Folk Art and Palace of the Governors. Be sure to visit an Indian Pueblo such as the Taos Pueblo or Acoma Sky City Pueblo. Check out Bandelier National Monument with its ancient cliff-dwelling ruins.

Less than an hour from Santa Fe is Bandelir National Monument. Ancient dwellings to explore.

Thank you - I just downloaded the digital guide!

I hesitate to make your planning more complicated but we found we enjoyed Taos even more than Santa Fe. You may be able to find more reasonable places to stay and the Taos Pueblo was fascinating,

Not more complicated - more interesting! I have a list of everything everyone suggested and I will add Taos to that list. We are getting together next week to discuss and make the final decisions.

Thank you to everyone with your suggestions - greatly appreciated!