Albuquerque Makes Great Cycling Year-Round

By Larry Lagarde
Originally published August 12, 2005
Archive presentation reviewed July 24, 2026

Original article, published August 12, 2005

Albuquerque, New Mexico is renowned for its pleasant year-round climate. Although located at about the same latitude as Las Vegas, Albuquerque's 5,000′ high altitude results in mild, dry days and cool nights, making it an enjoyable place to bicycle during any season. Breathtaking scenery (the city hugs the western side of 12,000′ 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.

2026 update and planning context

Albuquerque remains a substantial cycling city. In 2026, the City reported more than 400 miles of on-street bicycle facilities and multi-use trails. The paved Paseo del Bosque Trail remains a central attraction along the Rio Grande.

The original article described Sandia Peak as approximately 12,000 feet high. The U.S. Forest Service identifies Sandia Crest at 10,678 feet. This correction belongs here, outside the preserved story.

The City describes the Paseo del Bosque as 16 miles of paved multi-use trail uninterrupted by roadways, with access to Tingley Beach, the Albuquerque BioPark, the Rio Grande Nature Center, and the National Hispanic Cultural Center.

Do not rely on the 2005 airport directions as a current route recommendation. Streets, bike facilities, construction, traffic, transit service, and trail rules can change. Review the current City bike map and independently evaluate conditions before riding from Albuquerque International Sunport.

For e-bike riders, Albuquerque's 2024 ordinance allows all e-bike classes on paved multi-use and open-space trails except where an underlying landowner has not approved access or the City has closed a trail to e-bikes. The City sets a 20 mph maximum on its trails unless a lower limit is posted. Check current signs and City guidance before riding.