Central New Mexico Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Halfway between Albuquerque and Santa Fe on New Mexico’s Highway 25, hang a left (if you’re heading north) and be prepared for some unusual and magnificent rock formations courtesy of mother nature, the Bureau of Land Management, and the American Indian Pueblo de Cochiti.  

The Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rock National Monument owes its remarkable geology to layers of volcanic rock and ash deposited by pyroclastic flow 6 to 7 million years ago from a volcanic explosion within the Jemez Volcanic Field; and to the gentle hand of time as wind and water smoothed the pumice, ash and tuff deposits.  

Bring your hiking boots along with your camera and see the tent rocks up close and personal for a $5 fee (per vehicle) via two separate trails that offer superb views of this natural wonder.   Hike to the top of the Canyon Trail for magnificent views of central New Mexico only possible from almost 7,000 feet above sea level.  

See more pictures and commentary of our hike via my travel blog at http://www.aplacecalledroam.com/home/hiking-the-stunning-kasha-katuwe-tent-rocks-national-monument .
Halfway between Albuquerque and Santa Fe on New Mexico’s Highway 25, hang a left (if you’re heading north) and be prepared for some unusual and magnificent rock formations courtesy of mother nature, the Bureau of Land Management, and the American Indian Pueblo de Cochiti.  

The Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rock National Monument owes its remarkable geology to layers of volcanic rock and ash deposited by pyroclastic flow 6 to 7 million years ago from a volcanic explosion within the Jemez Volcanic Field; and to the gentle hand of time as wind and water smoothed the pumice, ash and tuff deposits.  

Bring your hiking boots along with your camera and see the tent rocks up close and personal for a $5 fee (per vehicle) via two separate trails that offer superb views of this natural wonder.   Hike to the top of the Canyon Trail for magnificent views of central New Mexico only possible from almost 7,000 feet above sea level.  

See more pictures and commentary of our hike via my travel blog at http://www.aplacecalledroam.com/home/hiking-the-stunning-kasha-katuwe-tent-rocks-national-monument .
The mass ascension ceremonies at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta!
Definitely worth the drive to get out here!
Very interesting rock formations!

Where to stay in Central New Mexico

New Mexico Museum of Art which includes a statue or sculpture and art

Downtown Santa Fe

5/5(5 area reviews)

Visitors to Downtown Santa Fe rave about its fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries. You might also want to make some time to see Santuario De Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe or Lensic Performing Arts Center while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Downtown Santa Fe
Dramatic, beautiful sunset casts purple and orange colors and hues on clouds and mountains over a neighborhood in Tesuque, near Santa Fe, New Mexico

Tesuque

Tesuque is noteworthy for its spas, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Shidoni Foundry and Glenn Green Galleries & Sculpture Garden.

Tesuque
Quick stop for refreshments at la cumbre brewing on girard off candelaria.

Northeast Heights

4/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in Northeast Heights, Cliff's Amusement Park and ABQ Uptown are top sights worth seeing.

Northeast Heights
San Felipe de Neri Parish Church in the old town of Albuquerque

Old Town Albuquerque

Unique features of Old Town Albuquerque include the historical sites and restaurants. Make a stop by Old Town Plaza or Albuquerque Museum while you're exploring the area.

Old Town Albuquerque
San Esteban Del Rey Mission in Acoma Pueblo

Historic Eastside

While visiting Historic Eastside, you might make a stop by sights like Canyon Road and ViVO Contemporary.

Historic Eastside
Downtown city skyline of Albuquerque at night, New Mexico, United States of America.

Downtown Albuquerque

4/5(4 area reviews)

Downtown Albuquerque is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Sunshine Theater and El Rey Theater while you're in town.

Downtown Albuquerque
La Fonda on the Plaza

La Fonda on the Plaza

4 out of 5
100 E San Francisco St Santa Fe NM
The price is AU$368 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
AU$368
8 Mar - 9 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this historic hotel in Santa Fe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,099 reviews)
Yea it was all clean and good. Thx

Reviewed on 6 Feb 2026

La Fonda on the Plaza
Sonesta ES Suites Albuquerque

Sonesta ES Suites Albuquerque

3 out of 5
3300 Prospect Ave Ne Albuquerque NM
The price is AU$143 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
AU$143
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,068 reviews)
The room was clean and even more spacious than we expected. The staff was friendly. And there were the makings of breakfast tacos as part of the complimentary breakfast!

Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026

Sonesta ES Suites Albuquerque
The Querque Hotel

The Querque Hotel

3 out of 5
1760 Menaul Rd NE Albuquerque NM
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,963 reviews)
Thank you everything was great staff was amazing

Reviewed on 3 Feb 2026

The Querque Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Visitors Love the Location,
 I Love the View!

Visitors Love the Location, I Love the View!

Santa Fe NM
Stay at this ski condo in Santa Fe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and ski-in/ski-out access. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (387 reviews)
Exceeded my expectations!

Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026

Visitors Love the Location, I Love the View!
Southwestern style home! We are your home away from home & close to everything.

Southwestern style home! We are your home away from home & close to everything.

Santa Fe NM
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Santa Fe. Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffee maker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Santa Fe Plaza ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (24 reviews)
The place was the cleanest I'd ever seen, and was like staying in a model home. It was close to everything we would ever want to see or do. The owner even had the house warmed up for us when we arrived. Would totally recommend.

Reviewed on 22 Jan 2026

Southwestern style home! We are your home away from home & close to everything.
Historic Downtown Adobe Apartment near everything you want

Historic Downtown Adobe Apartment near everything you want

Santa Fe NM
Stay at this apartment in Santa Fe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Santa Fe Plaza and Santa Fe River Park are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (155 reviews)
This was the perfect spot for my son and I to stay while in Santa Fe. Great location, comfortable bed, stocked kitchen, and fenced backyard for our dog.

Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026

Historic Downtown Adobe Apartment near everything you want
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near Central New Mexico

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