Wednesday, October 5

4:00 AM - Depart Santa Fe

Travel to Albuquerque - 1 hr

5:00 AM - Arrive at Balloon Fiesta Park

Experience the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta!

6:00 AM - Dawn Patrol

6:30 AM - Krispy Kreme Morning Glow

7:00 AM - Flight of the Nations Mass Ascension

7:30 AM - Remote Control Balloons Exhibition

Learn more

8:00 AM - Depart Balloon Fiesta Park

Travel to Jimmy's Cafe for Breakfast - 10 min

8:10 AM - Arrive at Jimmy's Cafe on Jefferson

Have a quick breakfast before heading out for the remainder of the day.

Jimmy's Cafe on Jefferson

Albuquerque, NM Breakfast/Brunch

Website

9:15 AM - Depart Jimmy's Cafe

Travel to Petroglyph National Monument - 10 min

9:25 AM - Arrive at Petroglyph National Monument - Piedras Marcadas Canyon

Walk the trails at Piedra Marcadas Canyon and view the many petroglyphs

Petroglyph National Monument -

Piedras Marcadas Canyon

Albuquerque, NM Elev. 5,312 ft

With more than 400 petroglyphs along its walls and the boulders in the valley, Piedra Marcadas Canyon is an outdoor work of art and culture. A series of trails, amounting to about 1.5 miles circle the canyon.

More info

10:10 AM - Depart Piedra Marcadas Canyon

Travel to Sandia Peak Tramway - 25 min

10:35 AM - Arrive at Sandia Peak Tramway

Ride to the crest of the Sandia Mountains and explore the summit

Sandia Peak Tramway

Albuquerque, NM Elev. 10,378 ft

Ascend 3,819 feet in a mere 15 minutes to the crest of the Sandia Mountains. On the way, take in the view of the vast Rio Grande Rift Valley as it expands out beneath you. The sharp and rugged incline of the Sandias provides a dramatic contrast against the otherwise vast open terrain. At the summit, spend some time exploring the dense conifer forests that dominate the crest and follow the rim trail for some fantastic views.

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1:30 PM - Depart Sandia Peak Tramway

Return to Santa Fe via the New Mexico Turquoise Trail - 5 hr

New Mexico Turquoise Trail

Tijeras, NM to Santa Fe, NM 54 miles

Take the scenic drive through the many small towns and scenic landscapes east of the Sandias. Explore the prehistoric pueblos, artists studios, and villages and take in the unique culture of New Mexico.