Activities


     

     

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Activities

Suburban Extended Stay Albuquerque

There are a variety of things to do in Albuquerque. Whether you're visiting one of our 14 beautiful golf courses, taking a hot-air balloon flight over the scenic Rio Grande Valley, mountain biking in the Sandia Mountains, hiking among dormant volcanoes, horseback riding along the river or strolling through Old Town, you'll find Albuquerque offers a real breath of fresh air. Don't miss the stunning views of the city from Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, as it slowly climbs the 10,378-foot peak of the mountains that form Albuquerque's eastern border.

Ballon Rides

Above and Beyond Affordable Balloon Rides

5601 Eagle Rock Ave. N.E. / Albuquerque, NM 87113
(505) 293-0000 / Toll Free: (800) 725-2477

Your Hot Air Balloon specialists, Above & Beyond offers hot air balloon rides over the Rio Grande River in beautiful Albuquerque, New Mexico. Balloon rides are year-round weather permitting!

We also offer Gift Certificates, Weddings, Anniversaries and all special occasion balloon flights. We also specialize in hot air balloon rides for large groups such as conventions, reunions, tourists and visitors and offer special group rates.

We have an impeccable safety record, the newest, top of the line commercial ballooning equipment, and our pilots have thousands of hours of flight experience.

The Albuquerque local pros with 27 years of experience. Call to reserve the Experience of a Lifetime, Happening Right Now!

Above It All Balloon Rides of Albuquerque

308 San Felipe N.W. / Albuquerque, NM 87104
(505) 861-3386

While you are in New Mexico don't miss this wonderful opportunity to take a hot air balloon ride which includes free photographs of your balloon flight and Free Souvenir wine glass.

"WE ARE" one of Albuquerque, New Mexico's safest tour operators and specialize in the more personal balloon flights. Our pilots love what they do and it shows in the way they conduct their tours. We fly 365 days of the year for your convenience.

We have something for everyone including horseback riding, hot air balloon rides, Jeep & ATV tours.

Discover Balloons

205 San Felipe St. N.W. / Albuquerque, NM 87104
(505) 842-1111 / Toll Free: (888) 842-1118

Located in Old Town ABQ, we carry the largest collection of Hot Air Balloon gift items available in the world.

Everything from hot air balloon outdoor spinners to Christmas ornaments, wind chimes, t-shirts, jewelry & much more, all in the hot air balloon theme. We also have hot air balloon decorations for themed parties including hanging balloons and centerpiece tabletop hot air balloons.

Hot air balloon rides along the Rio Grande River are also booked & flown by the owners that have been flying since 1978. Come join us for an ABQ ballooning experience, even if only to admire all the balloons in our store!

Enchanted Winds Hot Air Balloon Company

5601 Eagle Rock Ave. N.E. / Albuquerque, NM 87113
(505) 843-6888 / Toll Free: (800) 725-2477

Now part of the Rainbow Ryders' ™ family with 25 years of flight experience!

Fly year-round with ABQ's largest, friendliest & most experienced balloon company. Share the "experience of a lifetime" with the local pros. When was the LAST TIME you did something for the FIRST TIME IN YOUR LIFE!

Private Balloon Flights

8311 Golf Course Rd. N.W. / Albuquerque, NM 87120
(505) 550-2677 / Toll Free: (888) 550-2677

Enchant your friends and loved ones with an unforgettable and breathtaking aerial adventure in the Southwestern sky. Sunrise in the Rocky Mountains is unforgettable!

Imagine floating above the Rio Grande River, looking down on the birds in flight or skimming about the flora and fauna of the high desert. We fly at varying altitudes to ensure the best possible flight and view. You will see sights that can only be seen from a hot air balloon!

Experience the quiet magic of ballooning by watching the changing vistas below you. We fly just above the surface to pick leaves from the tree tops, and at 1,000 feet or more for a panoramic view of the entire valley. All this is without any sense of height or movement!

You'll ride in perfect safety and comfort in our professionally piloted and FAA certified hot air balloons which are the finest examples of modern technology available. Private Balloon Flights features only Cameron Balloons. Cameron Balloons is the first and only company in the world to build balloons that have gone all the way around the world! Your comfort and safety are assured.

We'll entertain you with interesting sights and informative stories about the Southwest by our highly experienced and professional FAA certified commercial pilots. You'll be amazed by the control and the ability of these talented and colorful pilots as they expertly maneuver the seven story tall balloons over the changing landscape.

While you're aloft, you ground crew is in radio communication with your pilot, and is constantly tracking your flight. When we approach our designated landing area, the ground crew is there to assist you with your gentle arrival back to the Earth!

We conclude your flight with a continental brunch, traditional toast of champagne and fruit juices, a story about the history of ballooning, a custom made first flight certificate, FULL COLOR company T-shirts, AND Embroidered Baseball caps, Souvenir crystal champagne flutes, balloon pins, and balloon cards!!

Rainbow Ryders Inc - Hot Air Balloon Company

5601 Eagle Rock Ave. N.E. / Albuquerque, NM 87113
(505) 823-1111 / Toll Free: (800) 725-2477

Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Company has been in business for 28 years under the same ownership. We offer balloon rides every morning at sunrise year-round, weather permitting. Sunset flights are offered in the winter months. Our flight package includes approximately a one hour flight, traditional champagne ceremony, flight certificate, and balloon pin.

We fly the finest commercial equipment and our safety record reflects excellent piloting and decision making. Rainbow Ryders is fully licensed and insured, and has a combined flight time of over 23,000 hours and have flown over 120,000 passengers.

Call to reserve your seat to unknown destinations, fun, and excitement!

Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway

30 Tramway Road N.E. / Albuquerque, NM 87122
(505) 856-7325

Experience the rugged rock escarpment and deep canyons of the Sandia Mountains. See nature's beauty unfold as you ascend 2.7 miles to 10,378 feet for an 11,000 square mile view of New Mexico.

Skyspan Adventures

6345B 2nd St. N.W. / Albuquerque, NM 87107
(505) 293-6800 / Toll Free: (877) SKY-SPAN

Skyspan Adventures offers scenic hot air balloon rides over Albuquerque , New Mexico, which is a short distance from Santa Fe and Taos. The Rio Grande Valley has ideal balloon flying conditions year-round. The city of Albuquerque has the distinction of being “The Balloon Capital of the World” because of the beautiful flying conditions, being home to over 300 balloon pilots, and hosting the largest balloon event anywhere. Every October, for nine days, over 800 balloons fill the sky during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

If your travel plans include Albuquerque, a hot air balloon ride is a must. Missing a balloon flight in Albuquerque would be like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower. With all of the ballooning activity in Albuquerque you have several balloon ride companies to choose from, and you should go with whichever company makes you feel most at ease. We think our record will put you at ease.

All Albuquerque balloon ride companies have F.A.A. certified pilots, but equal ratings don't mean equal flying skills. Millions of people can play golf, but Tiger Woods can really play golf. Our pleasant staff, state-of-the-art equipment, and exceptional flying skills are what will make your balloon adventure a memorable, safe experience.

All Hot Air Balloon Rides include: An approximately 1 hour Hot Air Balloon Ride of the type you select for the number of people you select. A post flight ceremony and toast at a local park accompanied by a light continental breakfast. A commemorative flight certificate and lapel pin. Oh, and we almost forgot to add, the Memories and Experiences are yours forever!

We know you can always find someone out there cheaper, especially on-line, but you will not find a company more focused on your safety and the quality of your Hot Air Ballooning Experience than Skyspan Adventures!

World Balloon

6345B 2nd St., N.W. / Albuquerque, NM 87107
(505) 293-6800 / Toll Free: (800) 351-9588

Experience ABQ from a new perspective. Ride along with one of World Balloon's experienced pilots for a fun & unique flight. World Balloon is fully licensed & insured & has been operating for over 34 years.

Its founder started what is now the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Enjoy a sunrise hot air balloon ride that you will remember for a lifetime. Year-round flights for all occasions.

Bike, Hike and Outdoors

With the Sandia Mountains in our backyard and an outstanding year-round climate , it's no wonder that Albuquerque is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.

Hiking

On our New Mexico hiking trails you'll find breathtaking views and fascinating geological formations. You may also discover fossils, petroglyphs, petrified wood or ancient ruins. With abundant New Mexico wildlife in the area, chances are that you'll see roadrunners, deer, hawks or other woodland critters.

Hiking Resources:

Biking

Albuquerque Cycling

Albuquerque has earned numerous rankings as a great city for cycling including "Third-best place to bike in the U.S. " by Bicycling Magazine in 2006. Cyclists love the city for its extensive network of flat trails winding through the city, intense New Mexico mountain biking trails within minutes of downtown and road routes throughout the area. The Paseo del Bosque trail runs a 15-mile route through the center of the city, set in the bosque, or forested area along the Rio Grande. In 2008, Sunset magazine ranked the Paseo del Bosque trail No. 1 for Top City Bike Rides.

Albuquerque, New Mexico Mountain Biking

Mountain bikers love the rolling terrain of the Sandia Mountain foothills, which have plenty of single track for biking, trail running and hiking. Several trails challenge mountain bikers with steep inclines and unique high desert terrain, including large boulders and arroyos (dry washes). These trails are accessible via Elena Gallegos Open Space on the northeast edge of the city. The foothills also offer an all-terrain park located in the Embudo Canyon Open Space, east of Tramway Boulevard on Indian School Road . The park includes a progression of jumps with varying degrees of difficulty and a BMX-only line.

On the other side of town, Petroglyph National Monument on the city's west mesa offers a moderately difficult ride with great views of the city below. The unpaved route loops around the inactive volcanoes; it is open daily from 9am to 5pm.

During the summer months Sandia Peak Ski Area offers 30 miles of downhill mountain trails. Take your bike up a scenic ride on the chair lift and choose from every level of trail, novice to pro. Sandia Peak has rental bikes and equipment available on weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day. For more information, visit Sandia Peak online at www.sandiapeak.com .

For details on trailheads, parking locations and other mountain biking information in and around Albuquerque , check with the City of Albuquerque Open Space Division: www.cabq.gov/openspace/BikePathsinOpenSpace.html .

Road Cycling in Albuquerque

Challenging elevation changes plus dramatic scenic vistas make New Mexico a haven for road cycling. Professional cycling teams (Navigators Insurance team, TEAm Lipton and Astana Cycling) have come to Albuquerque for altitude training, while local road cyclists take advantage of the city's network of bike lanes. Albuquerque cycling clubs make scheduled rides each week; for details, check out a local bike shop or visit the New Mexico Touring Society's website at www.nmts.org . The City of Albuquerque Bike Map , available for download at www.cabq.gov/bike , details bike-friendly routes and dedicated bike paths including the celebrated Bosque Trail.

A newcomer to the Albuquerque cycling scene is Albuquerque Veloport. The facility includes the world's largest covered BMX racing track, and is open to the public. It is used for training and competition at the novice and professional levels.

Here are a few basic guidelines for cyclists visiting New Mexico:

  • Cycling on highways in New Mexico is legal, but be cautious and always ride with traffic. Watch for debris on the shoulders and be prepared for road conditions to change. Many of the rural roadways are in great condition, but other older two-lane roads may have crumbling edges and very little shoulder.
  • Be prepared for goatheads, extremely sharp stickers (seeds, actually) that are found everywhere in New Mexico : on the side of roads, city trails and mountain biking trails. These will puncture heavy duty tubes, even with tire liners, so the best precaution is to use self-sealing tubes filled with a product like Slime.
  • Some rural areas may have very few convenience stores or facilities available so bring plenty of food and water with you.
  • Cycling can be a year-round sport in the Albuquerque area. The average January temperature is 47 degrees Fahrenheit, which can feel quite pleasant under our direct sun. But drastic weather changes may occur throughout the day any time of year. During the summer months, start early in the morning for a cool, peaceful ride; the summer sun is hot and intense in the afternoons. Brief afternoon rains are common in late summer, so bring your rain gear. Springtime often brings afternoon winds, especially in Tijeras Canyon.
  • Sunscreen is recommended for any ride because of the high elevation and intense sunshine. Also, be sure to bring more water than you think you will need.
  • Albuquerque Area Cycling Events

    February: Mount Taylor Quadrathlon

    May: Santa Fe Century

    June: Albuquerque Century

    August: Tour of the Nations ; New Mexico MS Tour

    September: Santa Fe Trail Bicycle Trek

    October: Day of the Tread

    Biking Resources

  • City of Albuquerque Bike Map: www.cabq.gov/bike
  • New Mexico Touring Society: www.nmts.org
  • New Mexico Cycling: www.nmcycling.org
  • Albuquerque VeloPort: www.dukecitybmx.org
  • BikeABQ: http://bikeabq.org
  • City of Albuquerque Open Space Division: www.cabq.gov/openspace/BikePathsinOpenSpace.html
  • Whether you are interested in birdwatching , geocaching , rock climbing , or exploring the back roads with a guided hiking or jeep tour , there are plenty of ways to experience Albuquerque's 310 days of sunshine by getting outdoors during your stay.

    Rafting & Canoeing

    Quiet Waters Paddling Adventures

    105-D Pleasant View Dr. / Bernalillo, NM 87004
    (505) 771-1234 / Toll Free: (877) 45-FLOAT

    Come join us as we float the historic and scenic Rio Grande Bosque, which opens regularly to spectacular views of the Sandia Mountains - all just minutes from downtown Albuquerque!

    While the upper Rio Grande is renowned for the wild whitewater rushing through the canyons of northern New Mexico, the middle Rio Grande provides a much gentler, family-friendly experience. Quiet Waters Paddling Adventures provides guided tours of the Rio Grande Bosque, as well as canoe & kayak rentals for those who would prefer to embark on their own adventure. Please call or check our website for our current schedule!

    Horseback Riding

    Bosque Circle Ranch

    10113 Bosque Circle N.W. / Albuquerque, NM 87114
    (505) 620-6888

    Horseback riding near the Rio Grande. The best ride in Albuquerque.