Hiking in Albuquerque
 

Anyone done any hiking here? Looking for something not too strenuous, but pretty. Was wondering if it would be worth it to go on the "sky tram"?? Only going to be in town a couple days, never been..Will take any advice on anything exciting to do. Then off to Sedona, AZ where I went about 5 years ago. Did many beautiful hiking trails there. Any comparison? Thanks!

Bandlier is awesome. I think it's outside Alb. a little way, but definitely worth it. There's the main part (guided and maintained- picnic areas, etc) and a back part that's less traveled. I remember caves and chalk walls to climb during the hike. The scenery is beautiful as well!

I did the skytram a long time ago, and thought it was interesting. But it might not be so interesting for someone who skies a lot. It was very pretty, lots of evergreens, a vertical climb up a mountainside. There's a lodge for hot chocolate at the top. And you can look out over Albuquerque and see the sprawling city -- and I do mean sprawling. A city gone wild with sprawl.

As for hikes, I don't know what's up at the sky tram area but I would think it would be nice if you can find a hike there.

How about a hike through the U of New Mexico? I hear it's a nice campus. Also, there is an old town in Albuquerque. Maybe you could take a hike there.

I know these aren't the best recommendations but they're the best I could come up with based on what I remember from years back.

About 40 odd miles north of Albq on I25 is the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument where you can take a 1-3 hour easy hike among the rocks. Photos here:

http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Go...ent-rocks.html

Apache Tears are bits of polished volcanic glass which you can pick out of the sand. Great souvenir of the hike.

The tram is a hoot and good for a view but not much for hiking.

Tandoori_Girl, I agree with you about the sprawl in Albq. I love that place but it's infected with the same development fever that so many communities have.

Also agree that Bandlier is great.

If you're into a bit of shopping, galleries and restaurants, the Nob Hill section of Albuq. is adjacent to the University.