Albuquerque CVB Guide - (Page 37) OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASM ALBUQUERQUE’S ENVIRONMENTAL HERITAGE T he environmental heritage of Albuquerque’s natural landscape is marked by striking variations in terrain at elevations ranging from one mile in the Rio Grande Valley to 10,678 feet at Sandia Peak. The energizing blue of high desert skies, open spaces, and a warming sunshine, offer predictable conditions for contemplative walks and reflection, hiking and wildlife taxonomy, road cycling, running, mountain biking and hang-gliding. Close proximity to the Sandia Mountain range and Sandia Ski Area offers visitors easy access to trails for both downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and sledding. Local road cyclists admire the unique combination of visual stimulation and physical training opportunities the 16 - mile Bosque Trail affords any two-wheeled athlete. From casual cyclists to Olympic athletes who have selected the Duke City for high-elevation training, there is a generous sense of in-transit community and camaraderie, as cyclists nod to each other along the trail passing in opposite directions. Juxtaposed between the eastern mountain range, and the expanding western horizon, the Bosque Trail, meanders through the valley from south to north with multiple entrance points for further diversions and excursions along the way. Visitors can walk, run or spin along a flat ribbon of trail, admiring the mountains, without experiencing their fatigue. To the west of the trail careful observers of the natural world are joined by road runners, hawks, migrating birds, jack rabbits and lizards in a cottonwood canopy. Breathe mountain air, piñon and juniper, and feel the scope of Albuquerque’s eastern mountain ranges for a more rigorous workout with an accessible and speedy journey up 5,000 feet in elevation in only 20-30 minutes. The western foothills of the Sandia Mountains offer multiple open space parks with single tracks for hiking, cross-country running and mountain biking. Starting at 6,000 feet and climbing, the foothill open space parks offer a wide range of choices in terrain and trail options to meet the needs of visitors seeking light exercise and escape with a view, or high elevation endurance training. Some favorites for locals are: the Elena Gallegos Open Space Park, Embudo Canyon, Embudito Canyon and La Luz Trailhead. For wooded hikes among coniferous trees, or a scenic drive, take I-40 to the eastern side of the Sandias, where extreme cyclists will climb the mountain on two wheels, tracking back and forth to the top of the crest, only to race back down. Climbers are also fond of the eastern side of the Sandias for a full range of climbing experiences from boldering to higher level climbs, and hang-gliding. Because of the high altitude, all visitors should take precautions to wear sunblock, stay wellhydrated and pace outdoor activities. 37 Courtesy of Sandia Peak Ski Area WINTER SPORTS Albuquerque’s diverse climate makes winter a great place for snowbound enthusiasts. Ski at the Sandia Peak Ski Area on the Crest Scenic Byway with a season that lasts from December to mid-March. If skiing is not your thing, there are plenty of trails for snowboarding and snowshoeing. There is quick access to the Sandia Crest via the Tramway, which offers stunning views from a gondola. PETROGLYPH NATIONAL MONUMENT The 12,000-year-old pictorial canvas, basalt etchings carved between 1300 and 1680 by Pueblo Indians offers important archaeological evidence of prehistoric culture and doubles as a great place for yearround hiking. www.itsatrip.org http://www.itsatrip.org
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