Albuquerque Leisure

Albuquerque isn’t exactly a mecca for outdoor recreation or spectator sports, but there are a few things you can do to get a bit of exercise and fresh air. The Sandia Mountains, which are just minutes from the city, offer hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. If you want to watch a sport, the University of New Mexico is the only source of competitive sports. During the respective seasons, the university teams play football, basketball and baseball games on campus. 

Hiking

Sandia Peak lies within the vastly expansive Cibola National Forest, where you can find countless hiking opportunities. The park is so close to the city that you can get on a trail directly from some of the main roads. The best city hike is the Embudito Trail, which winds its way up into the foothills, offering spectacular views across Albuquerque. The premier Sandia Peak hike is the La Luz Trail, a strenuous full-day excursion from the foothills to the very crest of Sandia Peak. The views from the peak are outstanding, especially on a clear autumn day. You can take the Sandia Tram up or down, saving you about half of the hiking distance.

Skiing

When the winter comes, it snows a fair bit up on Sandia Peak, with the snow generally sticking around for the season. The Sandia Peak Ski Area is a good place for families, beginners and intermediate skiers. The terrain isn’t especially challenging, so if you need more excitement, head north to Taos or Santa Fe. Sandia Peak has two chairlifts which access the summit at 10,360 feet and offer 1,700 feet of vertical drop. The ski area’s 30 runs are open from December to March.

Ballooning

For a very special experience, take a hot air balloon ride over the Rio Grande Valley. There are several operators in the city who offer a number of different rides. The best time to go up is at sunrise, when the air is crisp and clear, and the light is absolutely stunning. Balloon Fiesta, the world’s largest hot air balloon festival, sees the city’s skies fill with hot air balloons for one week in October.

Horseracing

Horseracing has a decent following in Albuquerque and takes place at the Downs at Albuquerque Racetrack (tel: +1 505 266 5555). Racing and betting on thoroughbreds and quarter horses takes place at weekends from April to July and during the State Fair in September. Admission is free, and you can call the track to check on race times.

Shopping

For many, shopping qualifies as a sport, and Albuquerque offers some of the best shopping in the southwest. Being the biggest city in New Mexico, there are plenty of massive shopping malls, but if you want to find the best local products such as Native American jewellery and handicrafts, you need to stay away from the malls.

Old Town is the best single location to browse among the 150 shops, most of which specialise in Native American items. Nob Hill is the place to go for quirky boutique shops, and if you want something more adventurous, visit the flea market held at the fairgrounds on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year.