Bernalillo, New Mexico: 10 Unforgettable Short Road Trips Nearby

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10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips from Bernalillo, New Mexico

If you live in or near Bernalillo, New Mexico, you’re in a sweet spot for exploring the rest of the state. This small town in Sandoval County sits right off I‑25 and U.S. 550, which makes it a handy jumping-off point for some amazing New Mexico road trips. In this guide, we’ll look at 10 short out-of-county road trips to nearby places in:
  • Bernalillo County, NM
  • Cibola County, NM
  • Los Alamos County, NM
  • McKinley County, NM
  • Rio Arriba County, NM
  • San Juan County, NM
  • Santa Fe County, NM
Each trip is outside Sandoval County, but still close enough for a day trip or a relaxed overnight stay. So fill up your gas tank, grab some snacks, and let’s hit the road.

1. Explore Old Town Albuquerque (Bernalillo County)

Approx. drive from Bernalillo: about 25–30 minutes south Old Town Albuquerque is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Bernalillo. You just head down I‑25 toward Albuquerque and before you know it, you’re walking through a historic plaza lined with adobe buildings, art galleries, and local shops.
  • Stroll the plaza: Visit the 1700s-era San Felipe de Neri Church and wander the shady courtyards.
  • Shop local: You’ll find Native American jewelry, pottery, and handmade crafts—great for gifts.
  • Grab a bite: Try some classic New Mexican food smothered in red or green chile (or “Christmas” if you want both).
If you’re traveling with kids, stop by the ABQ BioPark (zoo, aquarium, and botanic garden) just a short drive away. It’s easy to stretch this into a full-day Albuquerque adventure.

2. Stand on Top of the World at Sandia Peak (Bernalillo County)

Approx. drive from Bernalillo: about 45–60 minutes Looking for big views without a long drive? Head toward the Sandia Mountains on the east side of Albuquerque. Depending on the season and what’s open, you can:
  • Take the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway up nearly 10,400 feet
  • Or drive the scenic road along the back side of the Sandias from Tijeras
At the top, you’ll get:
  • Panoramic views of Albuquerque and the Rio Grande Valley
  • Cooler temperatures—perfect in the summer
  • Hiking trails ranging from short walks to longer treks
On a clear day, you can see for miles. I still remember standing at the viewpoint, feeling the wind whip across the ridge, and thinking, “Wow, this really is the Land of Enchantment.”

3. Step Back in Time at Acoma Pueblo “Sky City” (Cibola County)

Approx. drive from Bernalillo: about 1.5 hours west If you’re curious about Native American history in New Mexico, a visit to Acoma Pueblo is unforgettable. Often called “Sky City,” it sits on top of a 367-foot sandstone mesa in Cibola County. What to expect:
  • Guided tours: Learn about Acoma culture, history, and traditions from local guides.
  • Stunning views: The mesa overlooks wide open desert and rugged cliffs.
  • Pottery and art: Acoma pottery is famous; you’ll see beautiful hand-painted pieces.
Be sure to check operating hours and tour times before you go, as access to the mesa is typically by guided tour only. This is a place where you’ll want to slow down, listen, and really take it all in.

4. Discover Ancient Petroglyphs in Grants Area (Cibola County)

Approx. drive from Bernalillo: about 1.5 hours west The town of Grants in Cibola County makes a good base for exploring nearby volcanic landscapes and prehistoric rock art. Highlights include:
  • El Malpais National Monument (east side access): Lava flows, sandstone bluffs, and unique rock formations.
  • El Malpais National Conservation Area: Hiking trails with views over the lava fields.
  • Local petroglyph sites: In the broader area you can find ancient rock carvings that whisper stories from centuries ago.
Wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water, and expect sun exposure. The terrain feels otherworldly—almost like walking on the surface of the moon.

5. Science and Scenery in Los Alamos (Los Alamos County)

Approx. drive from Bernalillo: about 1.5 hours north Los Alamos is an interesting mix of scientific history and mountain scenery. Perched on mesas surrounded by canyons and forests, it offers both culture and outdoor fun. What you can do:
  • Explore science museums: Learn about the Manhattan Project and the town’s role in World War II.
  • Walk historic districts: See where scientists and families lived during the early days of the lab.
  • Hit the trails: Nearby trails give you great views of the Jemez Mountains and the valleys below.
If you like mixing history, technology, and a good hike in the same day, this is a perfect road trip from Bernalillo.

6. Walk Among Ancient Homes at Bandelier National Monument (Los Alamos County)

Approx. drive from Bernalillo: about 1.5–2 hours north Just outside Los Alamos lies Bandelier National Monument, one of the most memorable things to do near Bernalillo if you’re willing to drive a bit. Here, you’ll find:
  • Cliff dwellings: Climb ladders into reconstructed rooms carved into the soft rock.
  • Petroglyphs: Rock carvings that offer a glimpse into Ancestral Puebloan life.
  • Easy canyon hikes: The main loop trail is family-friendly and packed with views.
If you’ve got kids, they’ll love the ladders and the sense of “exploring caves,” while adults can enjoy the rich history and beautiful canyon scenery.

7. Immerse Yourself in Art and Culture in Santa Fe (Santa Fe County)

Approx. drive from Bernalillo: about 1 hour north No list of New Mexico road trips is complete without Santa Fe. From Bernalillo, it’s an easy drive up I‑25, but the shift in atmosphere is huge—suddenly you’re in a city known for art, food, and centuries-old architecture. Don’t miss:
  • The historic Plaza: Shops, galleries, and street vendors selling jewelry under the portales.
  • Museums: Choose from art, history, or Native culture museums depending on your interests.
  • Gallery hopping on Canyon Road: Dozens of art galleries in a walkable stretch.
If you’re a foodie, Santa Fe is a dream. From casual chile-smothered plates to fine dining, it’s easy to turn this into a “drive, eat, wander, repeat” kind of day.

8. Follow the River Through Española and Northern Villages (Rio Arriba County)

Approx. drive from Bernalillo: about 1.5 hours north Head past Santa Fe and you’ll reach Española in Rio Arriba County, a gateway to northern New Mexico’s river valleys and old villages. Ideas for this drive:
  • Rio Grande views: Follow the river and watch the landscape shift from wide valleys to rugged canyon walls.
  • Local eats: Small, family-run restaurants serving hearty New Mexican plates.
  • Side trips: From here, you can explore nearby villages and scenic byways deeper into Rio Arriba County.
This is a good choice when you want a relaxed drive, local flavor, and a taste of everyday life outside the big tourist centers.

9. Red Rocks and Culture in Gallup (McKinley County)

Approx. drive from Bernalillo: about 2.5 hours west If you don’t mind a longer day, Gallup in McKinley County makes a fantastic road trip focused on Southwest culture and high desert scenery. What to look for:
  • Red rock cliffs: The scenery around Gallup is full of dramatic rock formations.
  • Native American arts: Gallup is known for jewelry, rugs, and other traditional crafts.
  • Historic Route 66 flavor: Old neon signs and classic roadside stops add to the charm.
For many people, this trip feels like stepping into an old Western movie—just with better snacks and modern car air conditioning.

10. Big Skies and Desert Vibes in Farmington (San Juan County)

Approx. drive from Bernalillo: about 3 hours northwest Want to really stretch your legs and see a different corner of the state? Head up to Farmington in San Juan County. It’s a bit farther, but still doable as a long day trip or an easy overnight from Bernalillo. Around Farmington you’ll find:
  • Wide open views: Classic high desert skies that seem to go on forever.
  • Access to rivers and canyons: The broader region is rich with outdoor recreation areas.
  • Gateway to Four Corners country: From here, you’re closer to the broader Four Corners landscape.
If you’re craving a change of scenery beyond central New Mexico, this northwestern route gives you exactly that.

Tips for Road Trips from Bernalillo, New Mexico

Before you head out from Bernalillo on any of these New Mexico day trips, keep a few things in mind:
  • Pack water: The air is dry, and it’s easy to get dehydrated, even on short hikes.
  • Use sun protection: Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses—especially at higher elevations.
  • Check hours: Sites like pueblos, monuments, and museums can have seasonal hours or special closures.
  • Watch the weather: Summer storms and winter snow can change driving conditions quickly.
One nice thing about starting from Bernalillo is how simple the routes are—most of these trips are straight shots on main highways like I‑25 or I‑40.

Ready to Plan Your Next Road Trip from Bernalillo?

From historic plazas in Albuquerque and Santa Fe to ancient cliff dwellings in Los Alamos County and dramatic desert in Cibola and McKinley counties, you’ve got a lot of options within just a few hours of Bernalillo. Which of these 10 out-of-county road trips would you try first? The art scene in Santa Fe? The views from Sandia Peak? Or maybe the deep history at Acoma Pueblo or Bandelier? I’d love to hear about your favorite road trips from Bernalillo.
  • Have you done any of these drives?
  • Do you have a hidden gem in one of these counties that others should know about?
Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us what you’d add to this list. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family planning a visit to New Mexico—your share might inspire someone’s next great adventure on the open road.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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