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Experiences|Attractions

The Affordable Hometown Theme Park In New Mexico That Will Bring Out The Kid In All Of Us

Cliff's Amusement Park in Albuquerque offers affordable, nostalgic fun with 23 rides and a waterpark.

Published Mar 2, 2019

Written by 

E Jamar

We can all remember a simpler time where all you had to worry about was having fun with friends and family. Although you may have grown up and life is a bit more stressful, this amusement park in Albuquerque is sure to bring out the kid in you once again. This amusement park isn't just the only amusement park in the city, it's also extremely affordable while still being jam-packed with activities for everyone from age one to 99. Get ready to feel nostalgic for the old days while you have a blast at this simple amusement park in Duke City.

Welcome to Cliff's Amusement Park! This amusement park is the only one in the city, and has been serving New Mexicans for over 55 years.

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Cliff's Amusement Park/Facebook

With 23 different rides to choose from, you'll be having fun all day long.

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Cliff's Amusement Park/Facebook

The New Mexico Rattler is one of the most popular roller coasters at Cliff's, and has been voted one of the top wooden roller coasters in the world. Get ready for a high-speed rush of adrenaline.

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Cliff's Amusement Park/Facebook

This amusement park also doubles as a waterpark in the summer. Cool down in the most exciting way at WaterMania.

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Cliff's Amusement Park/Facebook

The best part of this amusement park is by far how affordable it is. You just pay once, and you have access to everything Cliff's has to offer. You don't ever have to worry about hidden fees at this hometown park.

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Cliff's Amusement Park/Facebook

There are plenty of activities for the kids at Cliff's. Kiddyland is the perfect place to give the little ones the time of their life.

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Cliff's Amusement Park/Facebook

There are constantly deals going on to get the best price, and you can buy a season pass for the best deal. Cliff's season generally runs April through October.

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Cliff's Amusement Park/Facebook

If you're looking for a thrill, a fun time, or to feel like a kid again, Albuquerque's amusement park is the perfect way to spend the day.

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Cliff's Amusement Park/Facebook

Cliff's Amusement Park is located at 4800 Osuna RD. NE, Albuquerque, NM.

For more information, you can visit their website right here.

Have you ever spent the day at Cliff's Amusement Park? Did it remind you of your childhood? Let us hear about your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

For another activity that will have you feeling like a kid again, check out this historic toy train depot in Alamogordo.

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Experiences|Attractions

This Chairlift Is the Best Way to See New Mexico’s Fall Foliage

Angel Fire Resort may be a popular place to go skiing and snowboarding come wintertime but it's also a great place to visit in the fall.

Published Sep 13, 2024

Written by 

Melissa Mahoney

Fall is nearly upon us and plans are already underway for pumpkin and apple picking, fall festivals, Oktoberfest, and leaf peeping. Yes, we can certainly find yellow and gold fall foliage hues in many parts of the state, and there are several ways to see it as well. How about a scenic drive or a hike? Better yet, how about a chairlift ride to see fall foliage in New Mexico? I think that may be the best idea yet!

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Angel Fire Resort may be a popular place to go skiing and snowboarding come wintertime but it's also a great place to visit year-round. Not only are there hiking trails galore but a bike park, a zipline tour, boating, tennis, pickleball, disc golf, and golf. This resort is certainly an outdoor playground!

A scenic view of a mountainous landscape with vibrant autumn foliage and a small town nestled in the valley below.
Kevin Weatherford/AllTrails

But if you really want a bird's-eye view of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the foliage in the fall, taking a chairlift ride is the way to go. Between the spring starting in mid-May through the end of October, Angel Fire Resort offers scenic chairlift rides. During September and October, the rides are offered only Friday through Sunday.

On the chairlift, marvel at the views of the mountains, Moreno Valley, and the golden leaves of fall as you're taken to the summit at 10,677 feet in elevation. The scenery is unreal on the ascent. Once you're at the top, you can enjoy further panoramic views and even stop for a bite to eat at the Summit Haus.

You also have the option of taking the chairlift back down or taking a trail back. I don't know about you but I certainly prefer the chairlift option so I can look around and take photos of the fall foliage.

A scenic view of mountains and valleys, with autumn foliage in the foreground and cloudy skies above.
David Rapp/AllTrails

If you opt to take a chairlift ride to see New Mexico's fall foliage this year, I suggest you head to Angel Fire Resort. The chairlift is open for scenic fall foliage rides Friday through Sunday between Sept. 6 and Oct. 27, 2024. Chairlift tickets can be purchased at the mountain's ticket office or over the phone by calling 575-377-4499. You can visit the official Angel Fire Resort website for exact dates and follow the resort's Facebook page for updates.

If you prefer to go for a fall hike in Angel Fire, New Mexico this fall, check out your options on AllTrails. You should also download the incredibly helpful AllTrails+ app for additional trail information as well as the ability to download maps offline.

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Experiences|Attractions

The Completely Free Attraction Hiding in a Small New Mexico Town Is a Must-Visit

Published Sep 2, 2024

Written by 

Melissa Mahoney

The Land of Enchantment is home to numerous natural wonders, roadside attractions, and endless adventures, some of which cost money. But luckily, not everything has a price tag attached. In fact, there's one free attraction in New Mexico that's hiding in a small town that I think everyone should visit at least once. Honoring war veterans, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Angel Fire is worth a visit.

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Dedicated in 1971, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Angel Fire, NM, was built to honor the memories of 17 men who died near Con Thien in South Vietnam on May 22, 1968. It was built by Dr. Victor and Jeanne Westphall whose son, First Lietenant Victor David Westphall III of the U.S. Marine Corps who was one of the 17 who died.

A striking white architectural structure with sharp angles, set against a cloudy sky and green landscape.
Barbara Chase/Stockbyte via Getty Images

This memorial's striking appearance makes it a work of art, albeit a somber one. It was originally called the Vietnam Veterans Peace and Brotherhood Chapel. Its dedication date on May 22, 1971 marked the third anniversary of First Lietenant Westphall's death.

Eventually, on Veterans Day in 2005, the memorial was taken over by the New Mexico State Parks and was renamed the Vietman Veterans Memorial. Improvements and additions were made since that time including an amphitheater and a Visitors Center/Vietnam War Museum. There's also the original chapel along with a cemetery you can visit while you're here.

A modern white structure curves against a blue sky, surrounded by green grass and distant mountains.
Diann Bayes/Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

Visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial gives great insight as to the sacrifices troops made during the Vietnam War. It's an important part of history that we should all visit. While the memorial is free to visit, donations are accepted. You can also show your support by making a purchase in the gift shop.

A curved hallway with textured walls, featuring portraits, an American flag, and a podium.
Ed Schipul/Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

As this was the first Vietnam Memorial of its kind, Washington D.C. took note of it and built its own.

Have you ever visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, a free attraction in New Mexico? What was the experience like? Tell us about it in the comments. For location, hours, and information on ways to give, visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial website.

If you plan on exploring more of what the town of Angel Fire has to offer and looking for accommodations, make a reservation at the highly-rated condo known as Mountain Spirits on VRBO. And if you're taking a road trip to Angel Fire, make sure you take a look at our Ultimate Road Trip Essentials Packing List for everything you

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