Albuquerque, New Mexico — Overview
Albuquerque, New Mexico's largest city, is rich in history and natural beauty, from its majestic mountains to its vast desert mesas. And with an elevation of 1,615m (5,300ft), it ranks among the highest metro areas in the nation. Take a tram to the top of the 3,050m (10,000ft) Sandia Mountains, and you can look out over nearly 40,000 sq km (15,000 sq miles) of spectacular scenery. Albuquerque enjoys dry, clear skies and averages more than 310 days of sunshine a year, making it a popular destination with artists and photographers, as well as outdoor enthusiasts. Hot-air ballooning, biking, hiking and golf are favorite activities. Albuquerque has rich Native American cultural ties, which are honored here through museums, restaurants, shops and festivals. Most of the state's 19 pueblos are within a two-hour drive of Albuquerque, as are a number of small villages where Spanish heritage is vibrantly celebrated.
