10 Easy Road Trips From Albuquerque, New Mexico (All Outside Bernalillo County)
If you live in Albuquerque, New Mexico, or you’re visiting and have a car, you’re in luck. You’re surrounded by amazing road trip spots in every direction. And the best part? You don’t have to drive all day to feel like you’re a world away.
In this guide, we’ll look at
10 short out-of-county road trips from Albuquerque that take you into the nearby counties of
Cibola, Sandoval, Santa Fe, Torrance, and Valencia. Every spot on this list is
outside Bernalillo County, so you’ll really get out of town and explore something new.
Let’s hit the road.
1. Sandia Crest via the Back Way (Sandoval County)
Most people reach Sandia Crest from the east side, but locals know another way. You can actually drive the
scenic back route through Sandoval County.
From Albuquerque, head north toward Placitas (which sits in Sandoval County) and take the winding mountain road up the back side of the Sandia Mountains. You’ll climb through shady forest, pass rocky overlooks, and pop out near the crest area.
What makes this drive special?
- Cooler temps: It can be 15–20 degrees cooler at the top.
- Short drive: Usually about 45–60 minutes from the north side of Albuquerque.
- Epic views: On a clear day, you can see for miles across central New Mexico.
If you’re craving a quick escape from city life, this is a perfect half-day
road trip from Albuquerque.
2. Jemez Springs & Jemez Mountains (Sandoval County)
If you only take one day trip from Albuquerque, make it this one.
Head northwest into
Sandoval County and drive up through the red-rock canyon of the Jemez Mountains. The road itself is worth the trip, but you’ll find plenty of stops along the way.
Highlights include:
- Jemez Historic Site: Ruins of a 17th-century Spanish mission and an ancient pueblo village.
- Soda Dam: A unique rock formation and small waterfall right by the highway.
- Hot springs: There are a few natural hot spring spots in the area (some require a short hike).
The small village of
Jemez Springs feels cozy and relaxed. Grab a coffee, soak in a spa, or just sit by the river. It’s about a 1.5-hour drive, but it flies by because the scenery constantly changes.
Have you ever driven a road where you just want to pull over every mile to take a picture? That’s this drive.
3. Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument Area (Sandoval County)
While access rules can change, the
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks area on the Cochiti Pueblo lands in Sandoval County is one of the most impressive landscapes near Albuquerque.
You’ll see strange cone-shaped rock formations that look like giant stone teepees rising from the desert floor. The narrow slot canyons and white cliffs make this one of the most photographed day trip spots in New Mexico.
Even if exact access is limited at times, the
surrounding Cochiti Lake and Pueblo area is still worth the drive:
- Beautiful desert and lake views
- Bird-watching and photography opportunities
- Peaceful, less crowded than many mass-tourism spots
From Albuquerque, it usually takes about an hour to get into this area of Sandoval County, making it an easy half-day or full-day escape.
4. Cochiti Lake (Sandoval County)
Just south of the Tent Rocks area,
Cochiti Lake offers a quiet place to relax by the water. It’s popular with locals but still feels calm compared to big tourist destinations.
Things you can do here:
- Paddle or kayak on the lake
- Walk the shoreline and enjoy the views of the surrounding mesas
- Picnic under a shaded ramada
The drive from Albuquerque is roughly an hour each way, mostly along open highway. If you like easygoing
New Mexico road trips with plenty of space and big skies, Cochiti Lake is a great pick.
5. Santa Fe Plaza & Canyon Road (Santa Fe County)
Looking for art, food, and history all in one place? Head to
Santa Fe in Santa Fe County, about an hour’s drive from Albuquerque.
Start at the
Santa Fe Plaza, where you can:
- Browse Native American jewelry and art under the portal at the Palace of the Governors
- Visit centuries-old churches and museums
- Sample green chile at one of the many restaurants around the square
Then stroll over to
Canyon Road, a famous stretch packed with art galleries, sculptures, and cozy courtyards. Even if you’re not a big art person, it’s fun just to wander and window-shop.
Santa Fe is one of the best-known
day trips from Albuquerque because it’s:
- Close enough for a spontaneous drive
- Walkable once you park
- Loaded with culture, food, and photo spots
6. Madrid & the Turquoise Trail (Santa Fe County)
If you like quirky small towns, put
Madrid (pronounced “MAD-rid”) on your list. This old coal mining town on the
Turquoise Trail Scenic Byway between Albuquerque and Santa Fe has turned into a funky artist community.
Along the main street in Madrid, you’ll find:
- Colorful galleries and studios
- Roadside cafes and biker bars
- Fun, offbeat shops with local crafts
The drive itself along the Turquoise Trail is the real star—rolling hills, wide-open views, and old mining remnants scattered along the way. From Albuquerque, it’s about a 50-minute drive to Madrid, but it feels a world away.
If you want a relaxed
New Mexico road trip with character, this is it.
7. Acoma Pueblo “Sky City” (Cibola County)
West of Albuquerque in
Cibola County, you’ll find one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States:
Acoma Pueblo, often called “Sky City.”
The pueblo sits high on a mesa, giving it dramatic 360-degree views of the desert below. Guided tours (check ahead for hours and rules) share the history, traditions, and stories of the Acoma people.
What makes this road trip special?
- Deep history: People have lived here for many centuries.
- Architecture: Adobe homes perched on a mesa top.
- Cultural respect: You’ll learn a lot if you go with an open mind and follow the guidelines.
It’s roughly a 1–1.5 hour drive from Albuquerque, mostly on I-40. This is a powerful place to visit if you’re interested in Native American culture and history.
8. El Malpais National Monument & Grants Area (Cibola County)
If you’re into unique landscapes, drive west into
Cibola County to explore
El Malpais National Monument near the town of Grants.
“Malpais” means “badlands” in Spanish, but don’t let the name fool you—this place is beautiful in a rugged, otherworldly way.
Around El Malpais you’ll find:
- Lava flows that stretch for miles
- Sandstone bluffs with grand overlooks
- Caves and lava tubes (some areas may require permits or guided access)
There are different viewpoints and trailheads along the highway, so you can make this a quick scenic stop or a full hiking day. From Albuquerque, it’s usually about a 1.5–2 hour drive.
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to walk on a frozen black sea of rock, this is your chance.
9. Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument (Torrance County)
East and a bit south of Albuquerque lies
Torrance County, home to the three sites of
Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument:
Quarai, Abó, and Gran Quivira.
Each site has:
- Ruins of massive Spanish mission churches
- Remains of earlier Native American pueblo settlements
- Peaceful, open high-desert surroundings
These places are quiet, often with very few visitors, which makes them perfect if you want a reflective and less crowded road trip near Albuquerque.
You can visit one site in a half day, or plan a full day to see all three. Driving times from Albuquerque vary, but Quarai is often just over an hour away, depending on your route.
10. Los Lunas, Belen & the Rio Grande Valley (Valencia County)
To the south of Albuquerque is
Valencia County, home to the communities of
Los Lunas and
Belen. These towns may not get the same attention as Santa Fe, but they offer a more down-to-earth view of life along the Rio Grande.
In this area you can:
- Drive quiet farm roads near the Rio Grande
- Check out small local diners and bakeries
- Visit local parks and riverbanks for a relaxed walk
There’s also a strong railroad history in Belen, giving train fans something to enjoy.
The drive from Albuquerque to Los Lunas is around 25–30 minutes, and to Belen around 45 minutes, making Valencia County perfect for a short afternoon trip when you don’t want to be in the car too long.
Tips for Easy Road Trips from Albuquerque
To make these
short road trips near Albuquerque more enjoyable, keep a few simple tips in mind:
- Check the weather: Mountain and desert weather can change fast.
- Bring water and snacks: Some areas are remote with few stores.
- Respect local rules: Especially on pueblo lands and protected sites.
- Fill up on gas: Don’t assume there will be a station in the next town.
A small cooler, a light jacket, and a charged phone or camera go a long way. You never know when you’ll want to pull over for a great photo.
Final Thoughts: Your Next Road Trip from Albuquerque
Living in or visiting Albuquerque means you’re surrounded by incredible destinations in every direction. From
lava fields in Cibola County to
art galleries in Santa Fe County,
mountain drives in Sandoval County,
quiet ruins in Torrance County, and
small-town charm in Valencia County, you don’t have to travel far to find something memorable.
Which of these out-of-county road trips are you thinking about trying first?
I’d love to hear about your favorite day trips from Albuquerque.
- Have you driven the Turquoise Trail?
- Visited Acoma “Sky City”?
- Found a hidden gem in Valencia or Torrance County?
Share your experiences and tips in the comments, and feel free to pass this guide along to friends or family planning a New Mexico adventure. The more we share our road trip ideas, the easier it is for everyone to get out and explore.
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