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 Santuario De Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe or Lensic Performing Arts Center while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Downtown Santa Fe
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
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 ABQ Uptown and Coronado Center.

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 ViVO Contemporary.

Historic Eastside
A peak inside Meow Wolf. Love this place!

Southside

4/5(1,497 area reviews)

Southside is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Meow Wolf and International Museum of Collage, Assemblage & Construction, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Santa Fe.

Southside
The Querque Hotel

The Querque Hotel

3 out of 5
1760 Menaul Rd NE Albuquerque NM
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,960 reviews)
Front desk is always welcoming. Room was spotless

Reviewed on 2026/2/2

The Querque Hotel
Sonesta ES Suites Albuquerque

Sonesta ES Suites Albuquerque

3 out of 5
3300 Prospect Ave Ne Albuquerque NM
The price is NT$2,737 per night from Feb 22 to Feb 23
NT$2,737
NT$3,165 total
Feb 22 - Feb 23
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! (1,061 reviews)
Room was nice, staff was very helpful.

Reviewed on 2026/1/29

Sonesta ES Suites Albuquerque
Isleta Resort and Casino

Isleta Resort and Casino

4 out of 5
11000 Broadway Blvd SE Albuquerque NM
The price is NT$3,370 per night from Feb 8 to Feb 9
NT$3,370
NT$3,781 total
Feb 8 - Feb 9
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa resort in Albuquerque. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,742 reviews)
The room was nice and clean and we loved the balcony. We also loved the pool and the food at Embers Steakhouse was awesome. The staff all around was really friendly and helpful.

Reviewed on 2026/1/30

Isleta Resort and Casino
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.
Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging

Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging

3 out of 5
321 Kearney Ave Santa Fe NM
Stay at this aparthotel in Santa Fe. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,214 reviews)
Booked for the Santa Fe Wine and Chile Festival. Great location!

Reviewed on 2025/12/4

Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging
La Dea

La Dea

4.5 out of 5
2861 Agua Fria St Santa Fe NM
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Santa Fe. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Santa Fe Plaza and Rockin' Rollers ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (51 reviews)
My second time to stay at La Dea- great location if you want to catch a show at the brewery nearby! Clean, spacious, thoughtful decorations and touches. Would 100% recommend and definitely plan to stay here again.

Reviewed on 2026/1/30

La Dea
Cielo Grande

Cielo Grande

3 out of 5
442 Greg Ave Santa Fe NM
Stay at this vacation home in Santa Fe. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and patios. Popular attractions Santa Fe Plaza and Harrell House of Natural Oddities and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (20 reviews)
The house was super clean the beds were comfy and the decorations were beautiful.

Reviewed on 2026/1/1

Cielo Grande
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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Central New Mexico

Explore a world of travel with Expedia