Discover the Serenity of Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
Experience the natural beauty of Rio Grande Nature Center State Park in Albuquerque, NM—an ideal retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Nestled in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park offers tourists a perfect blend of nature trails, wildlife observation, and picturesque views of the Rio Grande River, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
A brief summary to Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
- 2901 Candelaria Rd NW, Albuquerque, Candelaria Farm, New Mexico, 87107, US
- +1505-344-7240
- Visit website
- Monday 8 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
- Thursday 8 am-5 pm
- Friday 8 am-5 pm
- Saturday 8 am-5 pm
- Sunday 8 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Bring binoculars for birdwatching; the park is a hotspot for various bird species.
- Check the park's website for any scheduled educational programs or guided tours during your visit.
- Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch in one of the scenic spots along the trails.
Getting There
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Bus
From Downtown Albuquerque, head to the nearest bus stop. You can catch the ABQ RIDE Route 66 bus towards 'San Mateo'. Board the bus and stay on it for approximately 20 minutes. Get off at the 'Candelaria & 4th St NW' stop. From there, it's about a 15-minute walk north on 4th St NW, then take a left onto Candelaria Rd NW. Continue walking until you reach the entrance of Rio Grande Nature Center State Park at 2901 Candelaria Rd NW.
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Bicycle
If you prefer biking, you can rent a bicycle from one of the local rental shops in Downtown Albuquerque. Start by heading west on Central Ave, then turn north on 4th St NW. Continue until you reach Candelaria Rd NW. Turn right and bike east until you arrive at the park entrance at 2901 Candelaria Rd NW. The bike ride will take around 20 minutes, depending on your pace.
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Walking
For those who enjoy walking, start from the heart of Downtown Albuquerque and head west on Central Ave. Continue until you reach 4th St NW. Turn north on 4th St NW and walk for about 1.5 miles. At Candelaria Rd NW, turn left and walk until you reach the entrance of Rio Grande Nature Center State Park at 2901 Candelaria Rd NW. This walk will take approximately 30-40 minutes.
Discover more about Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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