Central New Mexico

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 .
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

4.5/5(14 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
Quick stop for refreshments at la cumbre brewing on girard off candelaria.

Northeast Heights

3.5/5(3 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Northeast Heights, ABQ Uptown and Coronado Center 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 American International Rattlesnake 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(3 area reviews)

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

Downtown Albuquerque
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
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 RM286 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
RM286
RM331 total
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,928 reviews)
Great room and amenities! The staff was friendly and breakfast selections were great!

Reviewed on 27 Feb 2026

Best Western Airport Albuquerque InnSuites Hotel & Suites
Sonesta ES Suites Albuquerque

Sonesta ES Suites Albuquerque

3 out of 5
3300 Prospect Ave Ne Albuquerque NM
The price is RM381 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
RM381
RM440 total
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! (1,070 reviews)
The check-in process was great. Friendly staff. Great room. Clean room

Reviewed on 26 Feb 2026

Sonesta ES Suites 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 RM731 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
RM731
RM842 total
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! (1,101 reviews)
Absolutely fabulous and Expedia saved a ton

Reviewed on 23 Feb 2026

La Fonda on the Plaza
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a business centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,224 reviews)
My family and I have stayed here many times. Always has parking available. Rooms are spotless, spacious, and property is quiet. Staff is extremely responsive to any needs. Kitchens are stocked with all that you could need for equipment. Property is well-maintained. Onsite laundry facilities for extended ...

Reviewed on 6 Feb 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
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Santa Fe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Santa Fe Plaza and Rockin' Rollers Event ...
10/10 Exceptional! (52 reviews)
Very friendly, did not have to coordinate barely any, and the space was beautiful. So cozy and would definitely return should we ever be in town again. Thank you, La Dea team

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2026

La Dea
Cielo Grande

Cielo Grande

3 out of 5
442 Greg Ave Santa Fe NM
Stay at this holiday home in Santa Fe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and patios. Popular attractions Santa Fe Plaza and Harrell House of Natural Oddities and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (20 reviews)
The house was super clean the beds were comfy and the decorations were beautiful.

Reviewed on 1 Jan 2026

Cielo Grande
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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