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9 things to do during Balloon Fiesta

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San Felipe de Neri Church in Old Town.

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You’ve woken up before the early bird, watched “The Greatest Show Off Earth,” and now you might be wondering, what else can I do today? Good news, Albuquerque and New Mexico offer many unique activities to partake in, whether you’re waiting for the Balloon Glow to start, or just want to explore some of the Land of Enchantment.

Here are nine things to do, in honor of the nine days of Balloon Fiesta.

Sandia Peak Tramway

Take a ride on the longest aerial tram in the Americas. The trip starts at the base of the Sandia Mountains and climbs to 10,378 feet at the crest, over 2.7 miles. Catch views of Albuquerque and beyond, or catch a bite at TEN 3.

sandiapeak.com

Petroglyph National Monument

Albuquerque is home to one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America. Walk through time and learn more about the Native American symbols carved into volcanic rocks.

nps.gov/petr

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

Learn about pueblo culture from the 19 pueblos of New Mexico.

Enjoy Native American dance, art, music and more, as the center hosts 10 days of special events during Balloon Fiesta.

indianpueblo.org

Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad

Traveling between Chama and Antonito, Colorado, the Cumbres and Toltec offers spectacular fall views and Rocky Mountain scenery, all on board a narrow gauge steam locomotive.

cumbrestoltec.com

Chaco Canyon National Historical Park

An International Dark Sky Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chaco Canyon contains the archaeological sites of the Ancestral Puebloan people. Learn about the people who built these massive buildings and their impact on the Southwest.

nps.gov/chcu

Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument

Three distinct sites make up this monument, located just outside Mountainair. Quarai, Abó and Gran Quivira are the reminders of the Spanish and Pueblo peoples’ early encounters, and each site is home to the remains of Native American structures and early Spanish missions.

nps.gov/sapu

National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

If you’ve seen “Oppenheimer” and want to learn more about the story of the Atomic Age, this is the place. Visitors can explore nuclear science through exhibits, the Heritage Park and more.

nuclearmuseum.org

Old Town

Albuquerque was founded in 1706 and Old Town has been a part of its history since then. With shops, restaurants, San Felipe de Neri church, along with several museums nearby, there is plenty to do.

albuquerqueoldtown.com

New Mexico Rail Runner Express

If you’ve decided to take a trek to Santa Fe, consider riding the Rail Runner to the City Different. Enjoy the scenery and leave the driving to the engineer.

riometro.org

9 things to do during Balloon Fiesta

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San Felipe de Neri Church in Old Town.
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The National Museum of Nuclear Science and History.
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The Quarai mission church is one of three Salinas Mission Ruins, which are fairly close to each other and make a nice day trip.
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Casa Rinconada is the largest of the great kivas found in Chaco Canyon.
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Indian Pueblo Cultural Center will host 10 days of special events during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
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The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railway carries passengers through golden aspens to the top of La Cumbres Pass.
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People board the southbound Rail Runner trains at the Santa Fe Depot.
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Advocates of a national monument designation for Mimbres Peaks National Monument encompasses the Cooke’s Range, the Florida Mountains, the Good Sight Mountains, and the Tres Hermanas mountains
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The Sandia Peak Tramway nears the top of Sandia Crest.
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