Green With Outdoor Opportunity
Published Feb 05, 2010
Outside Magazine and Sunset Magazine have both recognized Central New Mexico for its recreation opportunities. Outside and sunset – yep, that seems perfect.
Central New Mexico is lucky to have miles and miles of open space that are conducive for recreational activities such as rock climbing, hiking, biking, skiing, golfing and even hot-air ballooning. All of those fresh air options are also good recruiting tools for businesses attracted to clean air and nature.
“The sun is an economic development attraction for us,” says Terri Cole, president and CEO of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce. “It shines 300 days a year and the temperate climate makes our community ideal for businesses looking to relocate here with their families.”
Trails for walking, biking and horseback riding are abundant throughout Central New Mexico, with one of the most popular being Paseo del Bosque Trail. The expanse stretches 16 miles along the Rio Grande River and parallels the Rio Grande’s cottonwood bosque, or forest.
There are a number of side trails that connect to Paseo del Bosque, and beavers, coyotes, roadrunners, migrating ducks and geese can often be spotted. The trail is for people of all ability levels because it is paved in asphalt and has few ups and downs – it’s even ADA-accessible for people with disabilities.
Meanwhile, outdoor enthusiasts are also privy to the Santa Fe National Forest located north and northeast of Albuquerque, as well as Bandelier National Monument near Los Alamos. In addition, the Taos area just north of the region is great for kayaking and rafting, while some of the best peaks in the world for snow skiing and snowboarding are the Sandia Mountains.
For golf fans, Central New Mexico is home to more than a dozen public and private layouts, including the University of New Mexico’s Championship Golf Course that dates back to 1889. The region also has Paa-Ko Ridge Golf Club, which Golf Digest rated the Best New Course in America when it first opened in 2000.
And for avid bicycling enthusiasts, some of the best biking opportunities exist along the Sandia and Manzano foothills. The city of Albuquerque also has a trail system where bicyclists can ride all over town and never actually be on the road with vehicles.
“Bike riders in Central New Mexico can enjoy their sport every day of the year, compared to people in the wintery north or rainy spots like Seattle who only can get outdoors one out of every 10 days or so,” says Duane Kinsley, owner of Albuquerque-based Sport Systems, a high-end retailer of skiing, snowboarding, running and biking equipment.
Kinsley adds that whatever the sport, Central New Mexico has plenty of natural terrain.
“We have the mountains, desert areas and waterways, and all outdoor sports are year round,” he says. “Outdoor sports year round – not many parts of the United States can boast that, but Central New Mexico can.”
Story by Kevin Litwin
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