If you’re looking to take your leisure time to new heights, or maybe just rise above it all for a few days, then Albuquerque, New Mexico is your perfect destination. At an altitude of 5312 feet above sea level, this urban oasis is not only the highest metropolitan city in the United States, but also offers some of the best opportunities to gain a unique perspective of the diversity and beauty of the Land of Enchantment. And no matter what your energy level on any given day in Albuquerque, you can always find a way to get to the top of the world here.
For the laid-back, I-just-want-to-relax-and-enjoy mood, the aerial tramway just five miles northeast of the city offers the perfect chance to sit back as you are carried for almost 3 miles up to the summit of Sandia Crest, where you will be rewarded with a sweeping view of 11,000 square miles of geographical wonder from a 10,378 foot-high vantage point. If you are feeling more energetic, you can reach the same scenic point by lacing up your hiking boots for the 7-mile trek on the east side of the mountain. And for the best of both worlds in the winter, Sandia Peak Ski Area offers a ride up part of the mountain on its 7500-foot-long chairlift, where it meets up with the aerial tramway to take you to the western slopes of the mountain. Once you get a taste of the beauty that surrounds you from the top of the Sandia Mountains, you may find yourself hungry for even more. You would not be alone in that desire to reach even greater elevations, as evidenced by Albuquerque’s history of producing adventurers in flight. For not only did the three pilots of the world-famous "Double Eagle II,” the first manned balloon to cross the Atlantic Ocean, hail from this city, but Albuquerque is now known as the Hot Air Balloon Capital of the world. Every year in October, hot air balloon enthusiasts from all over the world gather here, with at least 400 hot air balloons providing rides and competing in various events. But no need to wait until October to ascend into the blue skies, as Albuquerque has a variety of hot air balloon ride operators to choose from for your altitude adventure! Of course, you can experience altitude with your feet on the ground here too. Just an hour’s drive west of Albuquerque you will find “Sky City,” the oldest continuously inhabited community in North America. Home to the Acoma Pueblo Indians, this marvel of ancient architecture and traditional ways is located at the top of a 357-foot sandstone bluff, surrounded by picturesque valleys, mesas, and arroyos. Tours are offered year-round most days, and provide a unique and fascinating view into native life in the Southwest. So when you are feeling the need to gain a different perspective on life, come and visit Albuquerque. And make sure to book your stay at the Mauger Estate Bed & Breakfast, the perfect accommodations for all your travel needs in the Land of Enchantment!
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AuthorThe Mauger Estate Bed and Breakfast is a classically-restored Queen Anne style residence situated in the heart of Albuquerque. Archives
April 2017
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