New Mexico is full of crazy things. From alien sightings in Roswell, New Mexico, dinosaur footprints in Clayton Lake State Park, and a giant rattlesnake sculpture in Albuquerque, New Mexico, there is no shortage of adventures and things to explore. However, all of these are blown away by Shiprock. Just outside the city, Shiprock, New Mexico lies a giant rock called Shiprock, which gave the town its name. Shiprock is actually a monadnock, which is an isolated rock that rises abruptly from surrounding flatlands.
Shiprock rises out of the desert in Navajo Nation, towering more than 1,500 feet over the surrounding desert.
There are lots of fascinating things to see in the deserts of New Mexico. Because Shiprock is governed by The Navajo Nation, it is important to abide by their regulations for the rock itself and the surrounding areas. Remember, Shiprock is considered sacred to The Navajo Nation. If you are looking for an adventure and want to see something new in the New Mexico desert, head towards the four corners to see the beauty and wonder of Shiprock in Northwest New Mexico.
The Land of Enchantment is home to countless iconic views. From the stark white landscape of White Sands National Park to the otherworldly rock formations of the Bisti Badlands, it's both a photographer's and an explorer's dream come true! Another iconic view in New Mexico is Sandia Peak, and with a few ways to get to the summit, there's no excuse not to experience the views from the top yourself.
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The Sandia Peak Mountains are located within the Sandia Mountain Wilderness which is part of Cibola National Forest to the east of Albuquerque. Millions of people visit these mountains each year for its recreation and scenic vistas including Sandia Peak, otherwise known as Sandia Crest.
The Sandia Mountains east of Albuquerque, NM.
Sandia Crest happens to be one of the most iconic views in New Mexico. Not only is it awe-inspiring to view from afar but the views from the peak itself are among the best in the state.
One of the most popular ways to get to the summit is by the Sandia Peak Tramway, the longest aerial tram in the U.S. at 2.7 miles long. The tram travels at a speed of 12 miles per hour and the journey from the base to the top will take approximately 15 minutes, giving you spectacular views along the way. You'll have to see for yourself why this is among the most popular activities in the Albuquerque area!
Sandia Peak Tramway Near Albuquerque New Mexico
Another way to get to the top of Sandia Peak is to take a drive along the Sandia Crest National Scenic Byway. Best of all, there are places to stop along the way for a picnic with the views. This is also a great alternative for those who are afraid of heights and don't wish to take the tram or for those who are unable to hike a trail to the top. Speaking of...
View of Albuquerque right off the Tram at Sandia Mountain
As you can see, you have your choice of how you want to take in one of the most iconic views in the state, whether it's via trail, tram, or scenic drive. Which will you choose? Either way, you'll certainly be in awe of the scenery and the panoramic views from the top!
What's your favorite iconic view in New Mexico? Is it Sandia Peak or someplace else? Tell us in the comments. To learn more about the Sandia Mountains, visit the U.S. Forest Service website.
If you plan on hiking to Sandia Peak, download the AllTrails+ app for trails and trail information along with the ability to download maps offline.
While the mountains in the Land of Enchantment are a prime destination for powder-topped hills in the winter, we'll bet you didn't know that the summer is also the perfect time to hit the mountains. When you think of tubing in New Mexico, it's natural to imagine snow, but you'll find much more than that at this amazing spot! This ski hill transforms every summer into the perfect spot to go Red River summer tubing in New Mexico.
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Hit the tracks that have been laid out upon the gigantic mountain for an adventure unlike any other. Featuring the longest summer tubing lanes in the country, you know that you're in for a ride at this awesome mountain tubing hill in the Southwest's friendliest ski town, all at Red River Tubing.
Welcome to Red River Ski and Summer Area! This incredible ski hill in Taos County transforms into an adventurous land in the summer.
During the winter months, this is one of New Mexico's most popular ski hills, but the summer brings just as much fun. Red River is New Mexico's most friendly ski town, and the Red River Ski and Summer Area proves certainly proves that with amazing Red River summer tubing.
If you've never been summer mountain tubing before, you're in for a real adventure.
This version of tubing is full of thrills without any of the chills. RRSSA takes the ski hills and lays out tracks for you to take a tube on. It's just like winter tubing but without the snow!
There are three different tracks to choose from at this awesome ski hill.
For the little ones, the "Mini Lane" is an easy course that's free of charge. For everyone over 42", the Baby Blue Hill is serviced by a surface lift to go again and again.
The third hill is the monstrous "Gold Rush," which is 800 feet of track for pure fun.
The "Gold Rush" is the longest tubing lane for summer mountain tubing in the entire country. Unlike "Little Blue," this hill is serviced by the Gold Chairlift - so you know it's about to be a thrilling ride down from the top.
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Everyone loves tubing down a hill, but the cold can sometimes take the fun out of it. With summer mountain tubing, you truly get the best of both worlds.
It doesn't hurt that this ski area is also so beautiful with the luscious trees all the way down. This ski area is gorgeous all year long, but especially so in summer when most ski hills are the least used.
Red River Ski and Summer Area is open for summer mountain tubing seasonally.
Pricing for tubing depends on which hill you wish to take. Hours for summer mountain tubing can vary throughout the season depending on the day, so it's best to check out the Red River Summer Tubing website or Facebook page for specific hours of operation.
Whether it's just you, a handful of friends, or the whole family, summer mountain tubing is an absolute blast.
Tandem tubing is allowed at RRSSA, so get a friend and get out to the lanes!
If you're looking for a new and adventurous summer activity in the Land of Enchantment, this thrilling hill for mountain tubing in Red River needs to be at the top of your list. This is the perfect outdoor activity for everyone and anyone.
Check out this great video of patrons enjoying the summer mountain tubing experience at Red River:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzesI4PY1bA
Have you ever been summer tubing in New Mexico? Was it anything like tubing in the winter? We’d love to hear all about your experiences in the comments!
What are some of your favorite New Mexico tubing hills for winter or summer? Tell us about them on our nomination page, and you just might see your suggestion featured in an upcoming article.
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