A nature getaway

Rio Grande Nature Center State Park visitors Don and Sue Norton of Albuquerque pause at the window of the observation room, which overlooks the pond. (Jim Thompson/Albuquerque Journal.)

Some 270 acres of woods, meadows, native plants and animals that are either permanent residents or seasonal visitors, the bosque’s Rio Grande Nature Center State Park offers refuge from city life, just moments away from city life.

It’s reached by taking Candelaria NW west to the park, which opens daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s.

One way to enter or exit Rio Grande Nature Center State Park is through the tunnel entrance, which Liz Olsen and her children Cailyn, 11, and Laison, 7, are exiting Sunday. (Jim Thompson/Albuquerque Journal.)

— This article appeared on page A4 of the Albuquerque Journal