Ruins Albuquerque is surrounded by ruins of old missions and ancient civilizations. The Sandia ski area and crest are just 30-45 minutes away. Take I-40 east through the pass, then take the crest road. Beautiful drive, picnic areas, good cross-country and downhill skiing in winter. In good weather hike the La Luz trail up the west side.
Unwise hikers die up there every year.
An hour to the north on I-25. The capital of New Mexico, an important town in the early west. Special festivals are interesting, like the annual burning of Zozobra. Each year the Market includes 1,200 artists from about 100 tribes who show their work in over 600 booths. The event attracts an estimated 100,000 visitors to Santa Fe from all over the world.