Local Attractions
Carlito Springs
Carlito Springs is located on the southeast face of the Sandia Mountains near the village of Tijeras. It encompasses 179 acres and ranges in elevation from 6,300 feet to 7,000 feet.
Carlito Springs is named for the spring that flows from exposed bedrock in the north-central portion of the property. This spring once provided water to a residence and several cabins and continues to feed several ponds and a lush riparian environment that nourishes ornamental gardens and an orchard. This spring water also provide critical habitat for many species of birds and animals, including black bear, mountain lion, badger and mule deer. The property has many beautiful springs to admire as you explore the walking trails.
Address:
82 Carlito Springs Rd, Cedar Crest, NM 87008
Operating Hours:
April-October: Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
November-March: Open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone number:
(505) 314-0400
Email:
openspace@bernco.gov
Sandia Peak
Tramway Ride
Rising from the hustle and bustle of Albuquerque, you ascend one of America’s most stunning urban peaks,
reaching the 10,378-foot crest of the Sandia Mountains where an 11,000 square mile panoramic view awaits.
It’s an elevation of the body, mind, and soul in a mere 15 minutes.
But like any meaningful journey, immerse yourself in the experience. Linger a bit to watch the sun and shadows play
in the boulders as the city scape begins to twinkle below. Stroll through serene and aromatic fir and aspen forests.
Clink glasses as you unwind with warm conversation and a taste of something New Mexico true.
Enjoy the view, hiking trails, the dining experience at the Sandia Peak restaurant TEN 3, or get a keepsake to remember your experience at the gift shop.
Please purchase your Tram tickets online before arriving. The Tram is open Wed - Mon, 9am till 8pm. The TEN 3 Restaurant is open Wed - Mon; visit ten3tram.com for hours additional info. If you have fine dining reservations at TEN 3, please arrive to the Tram 45 minutes to 1 hour before your DINING reservation. Be prepared as weather can change quickly on the mountain.
Address:
30 Tramway Rd. Albuquerque, NM 87122
Phone Number:
505-856-1532
For more information or to purchase tickets please visit the site here.
Cedar Crest
Farmers Market
Each year the market will begin on Wednesday, June 27th and run every Wednesday from 3-6 pm until early to mid October. Visit us in the East Mountains outside of Albuquerque and find bountiful fresh produce, locally made goat cheese, baked goods, cut flowers, fresh eggs, goat's milk soap and more. Do be aware, however, that the growing season is a little later in the East Mountains than it is in Albuquerque; the peak of our season tends to be August and September.
Located 3 miles north of 1-40 on N Hwy 14--the Turquoise Trail, an American Scenic Byway.
Address:
12183 NM Hwy 14
Winter Market - 12128 N14
Cedar Crest, New Mexico, 87008
Schedule:
2024: Wednesdays 3 - 6 PM
May 15 - October 16
Closed In Winter
Contact:
Petewithers@swcp.com
Manager: Peter Withers
International
Balloon Fiesta
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a world-renowned attraction and destination for kids of all ages. For more than four decades, the first week in October brings the smell of roasting chiles and the beautiful, magical moving picture show of hot air balloons sailing silently through the crisp fall air.
Guests from all over the world come to Albuquerque to celebrate ballooning. Literally, hundreds of balloons will be taking flight this year from the Balloon Fiesta Park October 5-13, 2024.
From its modest beginnings in 1972 with 13 balloons launching from a shopping mall parking lot, the Balloon Fiesta has grown to a 9-day event launching from the custom-designed, 365-acre Balloon Fiesta Park. With over 500 balloons, is the largest ballooning event on earth, the most photographed event on earth, and the largest annual international event held in the United States.
Balloon Fiesta takes place at Balloon Fiesta Park, which is located north of Alameda Boulevard, one mile west of I-25.
Address:
5000 Balloon Fiesta Pkwy NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113
Phone number:
Local: (505) 821-1000
Toll-free: 1-888-422-7277
Email:
To view the itinerary for 2024, purchase tickets, or for any other information please visit the official Balloon Fiesta website here.
Art Town of Madrid
Madrid has established itself as an eccentric art scene. The once mostly abandoned Main Street is now lined with 40 galleries, owned by local artists and artisans who have transformed the former ghost town into one of the don’t-miss art experiences of New Mexico. In early March, Madrid’s draw was on full display as hundreds of visitors strolled past pottery galleries, vintage stores, and handcrafted jewelry shops, all located within walking distance of one another. Madrid has an aesthetic unique to northern New Mexico. Instead of the traditional adobe architecture of Taos, Santa Fe, and nearby Cerrillos, it’s composed of colorful old wooden row houses, a vestige of mining times.
Here are several places to eat or drink.
The Hollar
Elevated Southern comfort food with a great outdoor space that has recently started serving brunch, in addition to lunch and dinner. Try a side of the fried green tomatoes to go along with the crispy chicken and grits. There is also a Howler Menu with cheap canine treats. (Your animal is most welcome in Madrid.)
Java Junction
A small-town coffee shop with an outdoor patio and locally baked goods. Grab one of their bad coffee sucks shirts or any of the other playful merchandise found at the shop.
Mineshaft Tavern
A historic roadhouse that boasts live music, a full bar and restaurant, and seating for more than 150 people. Try the Mad Chile Burger, a former winner of Santa Fe’s Green Chile Cheeseburger Smackdown competition, topped with both fresh and fried Hatch green chiles, aged cheddar cheese, and chipotle Dijonnaise.
For more information on Madrid and the events hosted there throughout the year please visit their website here.
Ten Thousand Waves Japanese Spa
The tradition of bathing in hot water goes back millennia due to the abundance of thermal waters in Japan. The Japanese learned early on about the powerful healing and release gained by sitting in hot water surrounded by the beauty of nature. Ten Thousand Waves has taken this model and transplanted it to New Mexico, where nature looks very different but is no less beautiful. We offer a unique 'Japanese-adobe' esthetic, combining the traditional with state-of-the-art technology. Along with this incredible spa experience we also offer amazing food and lodging.
Our beautiful izanami restaurant serves izakaya-style small plates with exceptional sake in a casual atmosphere. Fourteen lodging rooms, each one unique, complete the sense of remove from the real world. As in Japan, wearing yukata (casual kimono) around the property and to the restaurant is part of the experience. Often guests store their street clothes when they arrive, and never put them on again until they leave days later.
Address:
21 Ten Thousand Waves Way, Santa Fe NM 87501
Phone number:
505-982-9304
Hours:
Spa
9:00 am -9:00 pm daily
Lodging
check-in 4:00 pm, check-out 12:00 pm
Izanami Restaurant
lunch 12:00 pm - 4:30 pm Wednesday - Monday
dinner 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm every day
happy hour 3:00 pm - last order 4:45 pm, except Tuesday
For additional information please visit their website here.
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