Santa Rosa NM to Albuquerque drive: Distance, time & best stops
The best road trip stops on the Santa Rosa NM to Albuquerque drive are Moriarty NM, the Wildlife West Nature Park and Tijeras NM. The distance from Santa Rosa NM to Albuquerque is 118 miles, with a 1h49m driving time.
Finding the best things to do between Santa Rosa NM and Albuquerque
The Santa Rosa NM to Albuquerque drive is a leg on the New Mexico section of Route 66.
Santa Rosa NM bills itself as the Scuba diving capital of the Southwest, largely thanks to the Blue Hole. This 81ft deep pool, fed by an artesian spring, is naturally heated to 62 degrees year-round. Divers need a permit, swimmers don’t.
Another alternative for swimming is Park Lake, which is patrolled by lifeguards in summer and has an inflatable obstacle course that’s very popular with children.
Car-lovers, meanwhile, can enjoy the Route 66 Auto Museum.
If stopping for the night, accommodation in Santa Rosa is all motel chains.
Fabulous Albuquerque experiences include a sunrise hot air balloon flight, old town ghost walks, nature tours by bike and guided hops between craft breweries . You can also pay a visit to the castle-like Turquoise Museum and old town food tours focusing on New Mexican flavours.
Great Albuquerque accommodation choices include the historic, adobe-style Casas de Suenos and the old town’s art-filled Hotel Chaco.
Santa Rosa to Albuquerque distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Santa Rosa NM to Albuquerque is 118 miles. You can expect a driving time of around one hour and 49 minutes. The quickest route is along the I-40.
The best stops to add to a Santa Rosa NM to Albuquerque road trip are Moriarty NM, the Wildlife West Nature Park and Tijeras NM.
Best stops between Santa Rosa NM and Albuquerque: Moriarty NM
Moriarty NM is home to the US Southwest Soaring Museum, which is dedicated to the art of gliding. Visitors can see various aircraft, learn the history of gliding and discover the part soaring plays in the western US.
After a long day’s driving, you may be more interested in the Sierra Blanca Brewing Company. There’s a big craft beer menu to taste, and a handy beer garden.
Santa Rosa to Albuquerque road trip stops: Wildlife West Nature Park
The Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood NM acts as a sanctuary for animals that have been injured in accidents and wouldn’t survive in the wild. Purpose-built habitats have been built for them, and visitors can see them at this self-styled ‘enhanced zoo’. Animals housed include black bears, vultures and cougars.
Santa Rosa NM to Albuquerque drive: Tijeras NM
Tijeras NM is sandwiched between the Sandia Mountains and Manzano Mountains. There are several hiking trailheads around the village. For a relatively easy leg-stretch, the one mile return walk to Travertine Falls is best tackled in spring when the water is flowing. The trail to Carlito Springs is another option that won’t eat much of the day.
For cultural attractions, take a walk through the ruins of the Tijeras Pueblo Architectural Site or the Museum of the American Military Family.
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