Summer is here, and my kid is out of school. I am looking forward to slowing down and taking some different fun adventures with him this summer! One of the things I like to do is to go for little walks and hikes out in nature. Seeing the natural spaces and the abundant wildlife is a great way to keep kids engaged as well as bring a bit of learning back into those long summer days.
We are really lucky here in Albuquerque and all around New Mexico. We have beautiful natural landscapes that are so close to home. From longer, strenuous hikes to more laid-back and relaxing strolls, there is a little something for everyone. We have compiled a list of five of the best walks and hikes near ABQ to see wildlife with your kids.
1. Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
7851 2nd St SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105
Open Tuesday – Saturday 9 am – 4 pm (FREE)
Tucked in the South Valley along the Rio Grande River, you will find the Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge is operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is free to the public to visit. There are five trails to choose from, ranging from a small quarter-mile loop up to a 2.5-mile round trip walk. This location is stroller, wheelchair, and dog friendly. I will note that parts of the trails have very little shade, so plan ahead and bring water, sunscreen, and hats.
2. Three Guns Spring Trailhead
19 Tres Pistolas Trail NE, Albuquerque, NM 87123
Open 7 days a week from sunrise to sunset (FREE)
Not far off I-40 in Carnuel, you will find the Three Guns Spring Trailhead. This is a great trail if you want to get out into the Cibola National Forest. This trail is over 4 miles long and connects to some other trails on the way. You are in for some beautiful views and some great local wildlife viewing, no matter how far you take the trail. Try to make it to the Three Guns Springs to see wildlife flocking to a natural water source. This trail is a bit steep and has no services, including bathrooms. I would not recommend anyone needing wheelchair accessibility or a stroller for this hike. When I went with my family, we ended up bringing a hiking backpack carrier for my kid. He walked part of the way and then got to sit in the carrier for the rest.
3. Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
2901 Candelaria Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107
Open 7 days a week from 8 am – 5 pm ($5 per vehicle)
In the heart of ABQ just west of the Los Griegos Neighborhood, you will find the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park. The Rio Grande Nature Center is a 38-acre urban wildlife preserve that has trails, an amazing visitor center, and many wildlife viewing spots. If you have younger kiddos who might have a hard time keeping up on the trails, I can not recommend this spot enough. The visitor center has an entire room full of hands-on learning and activities for kids of all ages. There are outdoor and indoor viewing areas to watch wildlife in their natural habitat.
The Rio Grande Nature Center State Park even hosts summer programs for kids as well as a really cool story time once a month called Stories Under the Cottonwood. The story time is held at 10:30 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month. You can find out more about story time and the different events going on here.
Hot tip: If you are already visiting Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, consider popping in next door to the Candelaria Nature Preserve. I wrote all about it here.
4. Willow Creek Trailhead and Open Space
2571 Willow Creek Rd NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144
Open 7 days a week from 6 am – 8 pm (FREE)
There are many locations along the Bosque where you can get great views of breathtaking scenery and a variety of wildlife. I personally prefer the Willow Creek Trailhead and Open Space. This trail is pretty far North in Rio Rancho, but very accessible from US 550 and US 528. There are two well-maintained flat loops at this open space that are easy to maneuver a stroller or wheelchair. These trails are also dog friendly, and my parents like to bring their large dog here when visiting. The trail brings you right up to the Rio Grande River and gives you ample opportunities to look for different types of wildlife.
5. UNM Duck Pond
1890 Roma Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106
Open 24/7 (FREE to visit, but likely need to pay for parking)
This one might be a little of a wildcard. When you think about walks and hikes that you can take to see wildlife, UNM might not be your first thought. But it actually can be a really great choice. The UNM campus is beautiful all throughout the year, but visiting a college campus over summer break is always so much fun. The Duck Pond on campus is home to, you guessed it, ducks! But you can often times see turtles as well. There are ample (paved) paths around the pond, so this location can be very easy for those in a wheelchair or who want to bring a stroller or do a shorter, easier walk.
If getting out and seeing some wildlife is calling your name this summer break, I hope this guide helps you decide on a cool new spot to check out! For even more info on hiking in New Mexico, check out an additional guide from our website here.
