Albuquerque Central KOA

Coronado State Monument

This impressive monument situated on the banks of the Rio Grande, boasts the well-preserved ruins of Kuaua Pueblo. An excellent interpretive trail leads to the Fourteenth Century ruins and a restored kiva (a sacred ceremonial chamber, traditionally off-limits to non-American Indians). A Visitors Center with original mural and displays reveals the story behind the tribes who settled in the great Rio Grande Valley.

Jemez State Monument

Stop by the Visitors Center to view fascinating artifacts and exhibits depicting the Jemez way of life. Then wander throughout the park and see long-abandoned ruins dating back to 1617. A trail leads to an impressive, well-preserved structure which was a one-time missions church.

Petroglyph State Park

Explore the park to view more than l5,000 petroglyphs which were chipped into rock by tribal hunting parties and preserved in the geology created by five volcanoes hundreds of years ago.

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

See the best arts and crafts of New Mexico’s nineteen Indian Pueblos, along with interpretive displays. The Center, echoing the design of Pueblo Bonito-high point of the Chaco culture architecture (1100 A.D.), houses a gift shop with art, jewelry and crafts.

Turquoise Trail

Back roads often lead to glorious scenery and great discovery. When travelers leave the freeway and venture onto the Turquoise Trail, the scenic and historical area that links Albuquerque and Santa Fe, they will see 15,000 square miles of central New Mexico with a bird’s eye view from atop Sandia Crest, the magnificent summit of the Sandia Mountains. They will drive back into history in the “ghost” mining towns of Golden, Madrid, and Cerrillos, which are now coming alive with art, crafts, theater, music, museums and restaurants.

Sandia Peak Ski Area

Four Chair lifts, two surface lifts and twenty-five miles of slopes and trails open up new paths for the beginner and offer hours of cruising terrain for intermediate or advanced skiers. During summer take a thrilling double chair lift ride over the lush forest and mountain terrain.

Sandia Crest

Sandia Crest is a mile above the surrounding countryside and two miles above sea level. The all-weather, paved highway is a National Scenic Byway, and is the highest scenic drive in the southwest. These mountains were created by an uplift, leaving the forested eastern slips you’ll drive up, and a craggy, cliff-like western face. The Sandias are home to Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, mule deer, black bear and many other mammals and birds--including the golden eagles you may see soaring at the Crest. We recommend an afternoon hike along the trails. Visit the gift shop and stay to enjoy the sunset. The night view of the city lights and starry skies is incredible!

Sandia Man Cave

As you head back down from the crest, an alternate side road (dirt) leads to a 22,000 year-old prehistoric cave.

Historic Santa Fe

Only an hour’s drive from Albuquerque, Santa Fe has captured the hearts and imaginations of many of the world’s artists, filmmakers, and writers. Attractions include historic sites such as Loretto Chapel, the Palace of the Governors, the Santuario de Guadalupe, Saint Francis Cathedral, and San Miguel Mission.