Central New Mexico, NM

Travel 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 .
The mass ascension ceremonies at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta!
Definitely worth the drive to get out here!
Very interesting rock formations!
The American Indian ruins here are very hands-on, it's fun to climb and walk through the structures.

Where to stay in Central New Mexico

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

Downtown Santa Fe

4.5/5(1,995 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 Lensic Performing Arts Center or Georgia O'Keefe Museum while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Downtown Santa Fe
Quick stop for refreshments at la cumbre brewing on girard off candelaria.

Northeast Heights

3.5/5(1,342 area reviews)

While visiting Northeast Heights, you might make a stop by sights like Cliff's Amusement Park and ABQ Uptown.

Northeast Heights
Downtown city skyline of Albuquerque at night, New Mexico, United States of America.

Downtown Albuquerque

3.5/5(704 area reviews)

Central business district with highrise buildings, Downtown Albuquerque offers shopping, dining, and nightlife along Central and Gold Avenues. Explore landmarks like KiMo Theater and enjoy convenient public transit options.

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

Old Town Albuquerque

Explore historic adobe buildings, dine at numerous restaurants, and shop at various stores in this popular tourist destination. Don't miss the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, and the nearby New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.

Old Town Albuquerque
San Esteban Del Rey Mission in Acoma Pueblo

Historic Eastside

4.5/5(54 area reviews)

While visiting Historic Eastside, you might make a stop by sights like Canyon Road and Edition ONE Gallery.

Historic Eastside
Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA.

Southside

4/5(1,504 area reviews)

Southside is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Meow Wolf and International Museum of Collage, Assemblage & Construction, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Santa Fe.

Southside
Best Western Airport Albuquerque InnSuites Hotel & Suites

Best Western Airport Albuquerque InnSuites Hotel & Suites

3.5 out of 5
2400 Yale Blvd Se Albuquerque NM
The price is ₩135,332 per night from Mar 29 to Mar 30
₩135,332
₩156,478 total
Mar 29 - Mar 30
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,930 reviews)
Clean

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2026

Best Western Airport Albuquerque InnSuites Hotel & Suites
Nativo Lodge Hotel Albuquerque

Nativo Lodge Hotel Albuquerque

3 out of 5
6000 Pan American Fwy NE Albuquerque NM
The price is ₩121,731 per night from Mar 25 to Mar 26
₩121,731
₩170,527 total
Mar 25 - Mar 26
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and a 24-hour business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,394 reviews)
This place is beautiful and very well taken care off front desk was awesome the whole stay was perfect

Reviewed on Mar 22, 2026

Nativo Lodge Hotel Albuquerque
Sandia Resort And Casino

Sandia Resort And Casino

4 out of 5
30 Rainbow Rd Ne Albuquerque NM
The price is ₩393,764 per night from Mar 25 to Mar 26
₩393,764
₩419,112 total
Mar 25 - Mar 26
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa resort in Albuquerque. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,474 reviews)
The rooms a clean bed was very comfortable if you want to use the spa for sure call and make a reservation with time

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2026

Sandia Resort And Casino
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.
Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging

Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging

3 out of 5
321 Kearney Ave Santa Fe NM
Stay at this aparthotel in Santa Fe. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,227 reviews)
This was a real nice place. Really close to everything in the historic and arts district. Plenty of parking and very cozy. Hope to stay here again. The host was in touch to make sure everything was good for us.

Reviewed on Mar 16, 2026

Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging
La Dea

La Dea

4.5 out of 5
2861 Agua Fria St Santa Fe NM
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Santa Fe. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Meow Wolf and Loretto Chapel are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (53 reviews)
Perfect place! Pet friendly and very inviting for the fur babies! All the amenities needed with the perfect touch of NM

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2026

La Dea
Cielo Grande by Kokopelli Property Management

Cielo Grande by Kokopelli Property Management

3 out of 5
442 Greg Ave Santa Fe NM
Stay at this vacation home in Santa Fe. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and patios. Popular attractions Loretto Chapel and Santa Fe Plaza are located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (20 reviews)
The house was super clean the beds were comfy and the decorations were beautiful.

Reviewed on Jan 1, 2026

Cielo Grande by Kokopelli Property Management
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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Central New Mexico