ABQ Balloon Fiesta - What to do in the down time?
Sep 23rd, 2006, 04:54 PM
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ABQ Balloon Fiesta - What to do in the down time?
We are getting excited about going to Balloon Fiesta again! I'm trying to figure out what to do in the afternoon down time (besides the much needed nap!) on Saturday and Sunday.
Our trip is a short one - Friday lunch till Monday lunch. We will have a rental car for transportation.
I am looking for AFTERNOON activities as mornings and evening/night will already be booked with ballooning events or eating ourselves silly!
Things we've done / places we've visited in previous years:
Old Town ABQ
ABQ Zoo
Hiked Sandia
Acoma Pueblo
Turquoise Museum
Atomic Museum
Craft Show off Fiesta grounds
Artist shop hopping in Santa Fe
I'd love some new ideas!
Our trip is a short one - Friday lunch till Monday lunch. We will have a rental car for transportation.
I am looking for AFTERNOON activities as mornings and evening/night will already be booked with ballooning events or eating ourselves silly!
Things we've done / places we've visited in previous years:
Old Town ABQ
ABQ Zoo
Hiked Sandia
Acoma Pueblo
Turquoise Museum
Atomic Museum
Craft Show off Fiesta grounds
Artist shop hopping in Santa Fe
I'd love some new ideas!
Sep 23rd, 2006, 05:04 PM
#2
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A nap was the first thing that came to mind, but I see you have that covered already.
Have you been to Tinkertown? www.tinkertownmuseum.com, I think.
There is an Indian Market either on or near the balloon fiesta grounds, too. Sorry I can't be more specific - I just caught part of the ad today.
Lee Ann
Have you been to Tinkertown? www.tinkertownmuseum.com, I think.
There is an Indian Market either on or near the balloon fiesta grounds, too. Sorry I can't be more specific - I just caught part of the ad today.
Lee Ann
Sep 23rd, 2006, 05:07 PM
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There is usually an excellent Arts & Crafts Fair at the corner of Paseo del Norte and I 25. They have top quality items at great prices.
Also, do the Tent Rocks hike...it's amazing.
Drive the Turquoise Trail to Madrid -- a restored ghost town with some neat shops and a magical glass blower.
Hope this helps...
Debi
Also, do the Tent Rocks hike...it's amazing.
Drive the Turquoise Trail to Madrid -- a restored ghost town with some neat shops and a magical glass blower.
Hope this helps...
Debi
Sep 23rd, 2006, 05:16 PM
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Opps...just saw you've been to craft fair.
How about the ABQ Museum? It is really nice. OR the Biopark? the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center? Explora Science Center [more for kids but fun]; strolling on Central in Nob Hill; Natural History and Science Museum w/ Lode Star Astronomy Center.
I've done or been to all and recommend them!
Hope this helps...
Debi
How about the ABQ Museum? It is really nice. OR the Biopark? the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center? Explora Science Center [more for kids but fun]; strolling on Central in Nob Hill; Natural History and Science Museum w/ Lode Star Astronomy Center.
I've done or been to all and recommend them!
Hope this helps...
Debi
Sep 23rd, 2006, 05:18 PM
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It's hard to explain -- Tent Rocks involves hiking around and through sandstone pillars. They are truly unique to see and the hike is perfect for this time of year. This will help better than I can explain --
http://www.nm.blm.gov/recreation/alb...sha_katuwe.htm
Debi
http://www.nm.blm.gov/recreation/alb...sha_katuwe.htm
Debi
Sep 23rd, 2006, 05:20 PM
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I've been to the market at Paseo Del Norte @ 25 many times. I agree, great shopping!
One person travelling with us is working on her Master's - thus - college budget. I'm trying to keep this from being the shopping extravaganza that it has been in years past.
How much time does Tinkertown require? I just took a quick peek at the website. The correct address is www.tinkertown.com
One person travelling with us is working on her Master's - thus - college budget. I'm trying to keep this from being the shopping extravaganza that it has been in years past.
How much time does Tinkertown require? I just took a quick peek at the website. The correct address is www.tinkertown.com
Sep 23rd, 2006, 05:26 PM
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I was not in particularly good shape when I first did them and it was in the heat of the summer, but I did okay.
There is some challenge in a few spots, but overall it is okay if you take lots of water with you and take your time.
They are really amazing to see...unlike anything else around here.
Debi
There is some challenge in a few spots, but overall it is okay if you take lots of water with you and take your time.
They are really amazing to see...unlike anything else around here.
Debi
Sep 23rd, 2006, 05:46 PM
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Debi -
Forgive me for pestering you too much. I'm looking at Google Images to see some photos of Tent Rocks.
I'm not sure if the pictures were captured on the trail or not... but some of the photos look to be on a very narrow trail. Is that accurate of our hike or just the photos of a true adventurer?
Forgive me for pestering you too much. I'm looking at Google Images to see some photos of Tent Rocks.
I'm not sure if the pictures were captured on the trail or not... but some of the photos look to be on a very narrow trail. Is that accurate of our hike or just the photos of a true adventurer?
Sep 23rd, 2006, 06:32 PM
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Not sure what pictures you were looking at...the majority of the hike is wide paths.
Try this out...read the comments on the end...just one grumpy review
http://www.explorenm.com/hikes/TentRocks
Debi
Try this out...read the comments on the end...just one grumpy review
http://www.explorenm.com/hikes/TentRocks
Debi
Sep 24th, 2006, 05:45 PM
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We just returned from a trip during which we visited Tent Rocks and hiked to the top of the mesa, although unintentionally, as I'll explain. I will say the rocks and views from the mesa were fabulous.
Here is some information that might help you know what to expect.
The last few miles of the drive are over a gravel and dirt road. However, it was easily drivable, but our rental car got filthy.
When you get to the park, you will a pretty large lot. You will also discover that you are supposed to pay a $5.00 per car fee. However, you have to have the correct change, because the money goes in an envelope which goes in a metal container. There is a stub on the envelope to remove and place in your car window. I am mentioning this because if you don't have the correct change, you have to overpay, underpay or not pay at all, in which case you could be fined if caught.
Once there, you will find two trails. The basic one is a moderately hilly, relatively easy 1.2 mile loop. You do get some good views of the tent rocks.
Partway around the loop, there is a secondary trail that is 1.5 miles long (each way) up to the top of a mesa.
The trail is flat and easy at first, beginning with a series of canyons that eventually get quite narrow (slot canyons). The trail ends with a steep, pretty rugged (in my opinion) incline until you reach the top.
The views on the second trail are spectacular, so my suggestion is to try it and keep going until you find it too challenging, which may not happen.
There is a directional sign that is confusing, which is how we ended up on the second trail. We ran into several other groups who made the same mistake. However, we are really glad we goofed, because that trail was one of the highlights of our trip.
Have fun.
Here is some information that might help you know what to expect.
The last few miles of the drive are over a gravel and dirt road. However, it was easily drivable, but our rental car got filthy.
When you get to the park, you will a pretty large lot. You will also discover that you are supposed to pay a $5.00 per car fee. However, you have to have the correct change, because the money goes in an envelope which goes in a metal container. There is a stub on the envelope to remove and place in your car window. I am mentioning this because if you don't have the correct change, you have to overpay, underpay or not pay at all, in which case you could be fined if caught.
Once there, you will find two trails. The basic one is a moderately hilly, relatively easy 1.2 mile loop. You do get some good views of the tent rocks.
Partway around the loop, there is a secondary trail that is 1.5 miles long (each way) up to the top of a mesa.
The trail is flat and easy at first, beginning with a series of canyons that eventually get quite narrow (slot canyons). The trail ends with a steep, pretty rugged (in my opinion) incline until you reach the top.
The views on the second trail are spectacular, so my suggestion is to try it and keep going until you find it too challenging, which may not happen.
There is a directional sign that is confusing, which is how we ended up on the second trail. We ran into several other groups who made the same mistake. However, we are really glad we goofed, because that trail was one of the highlights of our trip.
Have fun.
Sep 24th, 2006, 05:50 PM
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Great detailed info! I forgot how dusty and rutted that road can be! And yes, you do need the $5 to park. Good call!
There should be a permanent map at the entrance indicating the 2 routes. The longer one [the better one] is an up and back...it is not a loop. The shorter one is a loop if memory serves.
Debi
There should be a permanent map at the entrance indicating the 2 routes. The longer one [the better one] is an up and back...it is not a loop. The shorter one is a loop if memory serves.
Debi
Sep 24th, 2006, 05:56 PM
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IF you are like me, you are not going to rush this...you will be looking up when in the slot canyons, snapping photos and just enjoying the site. I can't remember how long it takes to go the long route, but perhaps mscarls will have that answer...??
Debi
Debi
