Albuquerque National and State Parks
Albuquerque Biological Park
 Animal
fans, marine enthusiasts, and plant lovers all congregate at the
Albuquerque Biological Park, a sprawling oasis between Interstates
40 and 125. It is the site of three attractions - the Albuquerque
Aquarium, Rio Grande Botanic Gardens, and Rio Grande Zoo. The zoo
features an array of animals, including polar bears, seals, and
wolves. The Albuquerque Biological Park opens from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. From June
through August, park hours change from to 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays
and Sundays. Adult visitors may pay $10 and visit all three parks
in one day, or $7 per attraction; it is $5 or $3 for senior citizens
and children ages 3 through 12.
Balloon Fiesta Park
 This
large field on Albuquerque's northern edge hosts the world's largest
hot air balloon event - the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
It is estimated that the specially designed park, which is off of
Interstate 25 and Alameda Boulevard, attracts about 1 million spectators
and over 1,000 balloon pilots the first week of every October. The
world-renown event kicks off the first Saturday of the month. The
event sent approximately 1,019 balloons aloft in 2001, setting a
Guinness world record for the largest balloon launch. Call Balloon
Fiesta organizers at (888) 422-7277 Ext. 303 for ticket information.
Los Altos Skate Park
The Los Altos Skate Park, at 10140 Lomas Blvd. N.E., is a 35,000-square-foot,
concrete recreational area. Skaters swerve, twirl, glide, and leap
on the pavement of this 3-acre park. It is a popular attraction
for in-line skaters, skateboarders, and even BMX bicyclists. The
park is lit at night, at least until closing time. Los Altos is
open to the public from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the summer; winter time
hours are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Petroglyph National Monument Park
 Visitors
of this park have an opportunity to skim over authentic rock drawings
of ancient Indians. The Petroglyph National Monument Park extends
17 miles beside a long, volcanic cliff called the West Mesa. The
park's Visitor Center is located on Unser Boulevard, about three
miles north of Interstate 40. The center is open from 8 a.m. to
5 p.m. every day except on the following holidays: Thanksgiving,
Christmas, and New Year's Day.
Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
 The
Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, located at 2901 Candelaria
Road N.W., is a safe haven for many varieties of birds, frogs, turtles,
and other animals. Sandhill cranes even winter here. Outdoorsmen
frequent the park to enjoy open-air activities, such as hiking,
biking, and walking. This state landmark is open daily from 10 a.m.
to 5 p.m. Admission is $1.
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