Attractions That Amaze and Inspire

Rio Rancho is home to a colorful tapestry of attractions, events, and day trips. Experience the culture of New Mexico's past, present and future at nearby Indian Pueblos. For sports enthusiasts and fans of the outdoors, Rio Rancho is the place to play. Need directions? Click here for a map of nearby attractions.

Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway

 

Things to do and see in and around Rio Rancho

ALBUQUERQUE BIOLOGICAL PARK, ZOO AND AQUARIUM
Sharks in the desert? This is one of the Southwest’s most amazing attractions, documenting the life of the seas. Don’t miss the Albuquerque Biopark zoo and neighboring greenhouse conservatory. 2601 Central Ave. NW (505) 764-6200.

BANDELIER NATIONAL MONUMENT
America’s most popular national monument, Bandelier is about an hour and a half drive north of Rio Rancho on the Jemez Mountain Trail. Park offers 12th century Indian pueblos and spectacular scenery. (505) 672-3861.

Casa San Ysidro in Corrales

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CASA SAN YSIDRO & SAN YSIDRO CHURCH
Casa San Ysidro is a beautifully restored Spanish Colonial rancho filled with rare Hispanic New Mexico artifacts located in the quaint rural Village of Corrales. Call for tour information, (505) 898-3915. Across the street is the adobe San Ysidro Church, dating from the 1800's. (505) 898-8220.

CORONADO STATE MONUMENT
Originally the site of a 14th century Tewa Indian pueblo, Coronado wintered here in 1540-1541. Experience a ceremonial Indian kiva; try on a suit of conquistador armor! The Coronado State Monument is just north of Rio Rancho. (505) 867-5351.

INDIAN GAMING
Try your luck! Area casinos include Santa Ana Star Casino (505) 867-0000, Casino Sandia (505) 897-2173 and San Felipe’s Casino Hollywood (505) 867-6700.

J&R VINTAGE AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM
This fine private museum contains exhibits of more than 60 restored vintage autos including Model T Fords, Packards and Mustangs! The J&R Vintage Auto Museum also has a book store and gift shop. 3650 Hwy. 528. (505) 867-2881.

J&R Vintage Auto Museum

JEMEZ MOUNTAIN TRAIL
This National Scenic Byway is considered by many to be the state’s most beautiful drive. The Trail takes you to LOS ALAMOS. Visit JEMEZ STATE MONUMENT along the way. Learn more about this scenic day trip.

KASHA-KATUWE
TENT ROCKS NATIONAL MONUMENT
Just 40 minutes from Rio Rancho, short trails wind through slot canyons and past giant cone-shaped formations of volcanic pumice. Incredible views from the top of the Tent Rocks trail. Take I-25 north to exit 259. Go to Cochiti Pueblo, then Forest Road 266. (505) 761-8700.

OLD ROUTE 66
Before 1938, old Route 66 passed through Sandoval County. Retrace this historic road through Algodones, Bernalillo and Sandia Pueblo to 4th Street in Albuquerque.

OLD TOWN ALBUQUERQUE
About 20 minutes from Rio Rancho, Old Town brings to life the colorful beginnings of the Albuquerque area. Historic San Felipe de Neri Catholic Church, plus dozens of specialty stores, galleries and trading posts.

Albuquerque Old Town

PETROGLYPH NATIONAL MONUMENT
Created in 1990 to protect 15,000 ancient petroglyphs and other archaeological sites, the Petroglyph National Monument is just west of Albuquerque. (505) 899-0205.

SANTA FE
“The City Different” is an hour’s drive north from Rio Rancho on I-25. Santa Fe is a family adventure of galleries, shopping and Native-American culture. (800) 777-2489.

SANDIA PEAK TRAMWAY AND SANDIA CREST
Ride the world’s longest aerial tramway to the top of Sandia Peak at nearly 11,000 feet! Spectacular views and sunsets; fine dining, too. (505) 856-7325.

To download a pdf file of attractions in and around Rio Rancho, click here.