Central New Mexico, NM

Travel Guide

Halfway between Albuquerque and Santa Fe on New Mexico’s Highway 25, hang a left (if you’re heading north) and be prepared for some unusual and magnificent rock formations courtesy of mother nature, the Bureau of Land Management, and the American Indian Pueblo de Cochiti.  

The Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rock National Monument owes its remarkable geology to layers of volcanic rock and ash deposited by pyroclastic flow 6 to 7 million years ago from a volcanic explosion within the Jemez Volcanic Field; and to the gentle hand of time as wind and water smoothed the pumice, ash and tuff deposits.  

Bring your hiking boots along with your camera and see the tent rocks up close and personal for a $5 fee (per vehicle) via two separate trails that offer superb views of this natural wonder.   Hike to the top of the Canyon Trail for magnificent views of central New Mexico only possible from almost 7,000 feet above sea level.  

See more pictures and commentary of our hike via my travel blog at http://www.aplacecalledroam.com/home/hiking-the-stunning-kasha-katuwe-tent-rocks-national-monument .
Halfway between Albuquerque and Santa Fe on New Mexico’s Highway 25, hang a left (if you’re heading north) and be prepared for some unusual and magnificent rock formations courtesy of mother nature, the Bureau of Land Management, and the American Indian Pueblo de Cochiti.  

The Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rock National Monument owes its remarkable geology to layers of volcanic rock and ash deposited by pyroclastic flow 6 to 7 million years ago from a volcanic explosion within the Jemez Volcanic Field; and to the gentle hand of time as wind and water smoothed the pumice, ash and tuff deposits.  

Bring your hiking boots along with your camera and see the tent rocks up close and personal for a $5 fee (per vehicle) via two separate trails that offer superb views of this natural wonder.   Hike to the top of the Canyon Trail for magnificent views of central New Mexico only possible from almost 7,000 feet above sea level.  

See more pictures and commentary of our hike via my travel blog at http://www.aplacecalledroam.com/home/hiking-the-stunning-kasha-katuwe-tent-rocks-national-monument .
The mass ascension ceremonies at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta!
Definitely worth the drive to get out here!
Very interesting rock formations!

Where to stay in Central New Mexico

New Mexico Museum of Art which includes a statue or sculpture and art

Downtown Santa Fe

4.5/5(1,990 area reviews)

Visitors to Downtown Santa Fe rave about its fascinating museums, popular shops, and acclaimed art galleries. You might also want to make some time to see Lensic Performing Arts Center or Georgia O'Keefe Museum while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Downtown Santa Fe
Quick stop for refreshments at la cumbre brewing on girard off candelaria.

Northeast Heights

3.5/5(1,327 area reviews)

While visiting Northeast Heights, you might make a stop by sights like Cliff's Amusement Park and ABQ Uptown.

Northeast Heights
San Felipe de Neri Parish Church in the old town of Albuquerque

Old Town Albuquerque

Explore historic adobe buildings, dine at numerous restaurants, and shop at various stores in this popular tourist destination. Don't miss the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, and the nearby New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.

Old Town Albuquerque
San Esteban Del Rey Mission in Acoma Pueblo

Historic Eastside

4.5/5(54 area reviews)

While visiting Historic Eastside, you might make a stop by sights like Canyon Road and Edition ONE Gallery.

Historic Eastside
Downtown city skyline of Albuquerque at night, New Mexico, United States of America.

Downtown Albuquerque

3.5/5(704 area reviews)

Central business district with highrise buildings, Downtown Albuquerque offers shopping, dining, and nightlife along Central and Gold Avenues. Explore landmarks like KiMo Theater and enjoy convenient public transit options.

Downtown Albuquerque
Dramatic, beautiful sunset casts purple and orange colors and hues on clouds and mountains over a neighborhood in Tesuque, near Santa Fe, New Mexico

Tesuque

Tesuque is noteworthy for its spas, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Shidoni Foundry and Glenn Green Galleries & Sculpture Garden.

Tesuque
Best Western Airport Albuquerque InnSuites Hotel & Suites

Best Western Airport Albuquerque InnSuites Hotel & Suites

3.5 out of 5
2400 Yale Blvd Se Albuquerque NM
The price is ¥12,732 per night from Mar 8 to Mar 9
¥12,732
¥14,722 total
Mar 8 - Mar 9
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,935 reviews)
Great staff, rooms and convenient!

Reviewed on Mar 2, 2026

Best Western Airport Albuquerque InnSuites Hotel & Suites
Sonesta ES Suites Albuquerque

Sonesta ES Suites Albuquerque

3 out of 5
3300 Prospect Ave Ne Albuquerque NM
The price is ¥15,995 per night from Mar 12 to Mar 13
¥15,995
¥18,495 total
Mar 12 - Mar 13
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,075 reviews)
The floor was not clean, stove all eyes didn’t work chair with a missing piece if I had set in it could have injured myself. The front desk as me did I won’t it fix or when I leave

Reviewed on Mar 1, 2026

Sonesta ES Suites Albuquerque
La Fonda on the Plaza

La Fonda on the Plaza

4 out of 5
100 E San Francisco St Santa Fe NM
The price is ¥29,353 per night from Mar 8 to Mar 9
¥29,353
¥33,811 total
Mar 8 - Mar 9
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this historic hotel in Santa Fe. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,102 reviews)
Absolutely fabulous and Expedia saved a ton

Reviewed on Feb 23, 2026

La Fonda on the Plaza
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Romantic Pied-à-Terre

Romantic Pied-à-Terre

Santa Fe NM
Stay at this vacation home in Santa Fe. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Santa Fe Plaza and Santa Fe Climbing Gym are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (209 reviews)
Beautiful peaceful stay! Linen sheets on the most coziest bed EVER xoWonderful gourmet kitchen. Amazing shower! Sophie was great!

Reviewed on Feb 28, 2026

Romantic Pied-à-Terre
Southwestern style home! We are your home away from home & close to everything.

Southwestern style home! We are your home away from home & close to everything.

Santa Fe NM
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Santa Fe. Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Santa ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (24 reviews)
The place was the cleanest I'd ever seen, and was like staying in a model home. It was close to everything we would ever want to see or do. The owner even had the house warmed up for us when we arrived. Would totally recommend.

Reviewed on Jan 22, 2026

Southwestern style home! We are your home away from home & close to everything.
Casa de Kokopelli - Get a sense of the "New Mexico True" feel!

Casa de Kokopelli - Get a sense of the "New Mexico True" feel!

Albuquerque NM
Stay at this vacation home in Albuquerque. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions ABQ Uptown and New Mexico Museum of Natural History ...
10/10 Exceptional! (54 reviews)
The host was friendly and had great communication! The location was perfect and we especially appreciated the child amenities like high chair and playpen that were available. It made for a great experience!

Reviewed on Feb 22, 2026

Casa de Kokopelli - Get a sense of the "New Mexico True" feel!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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