Albuquerque, New Mexico is renowned for its pleasant year-round climate. Although located at about the same latitude as Las Vegas, Albuquerque's 5000' high altitude results in mild, dry days & cool nights, making it an enjoyable place to bicycle during any season. Breath taking scenery (the city hugs the western side of 12000' high Sandia Peak), miles of paved, car-free bike trails (such as the Bosque along the Rio Grande River), genuine frontier appeal, a hip college vibe and great air connections all combine to make Albuquerque an excellent, affordable cycling destination.

Like New Orleans, Albuquerque is one of the few places where you can get off the plane, unfold your bike and start cycling right from the airport.

Cycling From The Airport
From the terminal, head down Sunport Blvd. and make a left on University Blvd. From there, a bike lane runs south (see the blue line on University Blvd. on Albuquerque's bicycle trail/route map). The lane only goes a few miles but there is very little traffic so the rest of the road is fairly safe to ride on. After University Blvd. passes below I-25, it becomes Rio Bravo Blvd. Continue west on Rio Bravo until the intersection of Broadway Blvd., then begin looking for the Rio Bravo Trail on your left.

Rio Bravo Trail, Albuquerque, New Mexico
The Rio Bravo is a loop trail and is less scenic than other trails like the Bosque. My suggestion is to continue west on the Rio Bravo Trail and use it as a connector to the Bosque Trail. When the Rio Bravo meets the Bosque, turn right and you will be heading north along Albuquerque's most popular trail.

For the rest of this profile on cycling in Albuquerque, and for profiles about bicycling in other cities, visit Great City Rides.

NOTE: Special thanks to Brian Fletcher for his blog and personal assistance writing this profile.