Sports and Recreation

Albuquerque [1] is a perfect city for outdoor enthusiasts, with several distinct ecosystems and plenty of trails running through them. Late spring and summer are the best times to head to the higher elevations on the Sandia Mountains; once the cool fall weather sets in, the scrub-covered foothills and the bare, rocky West Mesa are more hospitable. The Rio Grande Valley, running through the center of the city, is remarkably pleasant year-round: mild in winter and cool and shady in summer. As everywhere in the desert, always pack extra layers of clothing and plenty of water before you set out, and don’t go charging up to Sandia Peak (10,678 feet above sea level) your first day off the plane.