RV Rental Albuquerque, NM

Albuquerque, New Mexico RV Rentals

Albuquerque is a city of contrasts. Founded in 1706 as a Spanish colony, New Mexico’s largest city sits high in the desert, whereas many cities in the region are situated in lower valleys. Old Town, with its historic adobe architecture and traditional shops selling Native American handcrafted goods, contrasts greatly with the city’s modern and funky downtown core. 

The city’s unique location and abundance of sunshine (over 310 days per year) make it possible to experience a wide variety of activities including skiing and golfing all in the same day. This might be one of the reasons that RV rentals in Albuquerque are steadily on the rise. That and the fact that so many people are realizing what a fun, comfortable, and economical way renting an RV is to see the sights and maximize your experience in this unique and historic region.

Popular RV Destinations in Albuquerque

Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway

The Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway is a breathtaking and awe-inspiring journey from the hustle and bustle of the city rising 10,378 feet to the crest of the Sandia Mountains in the Cibola National Forest. Enjoy an ever-widening view of the city and the surrounding 11,000 square mile panorama that will leave you speechless on a 15-minute leisurely ride. Watch as the sun and shadows create an ever-changing illustration of the vast and varied landscape.

At the top of the tram ride, you can wander among the aromatic and cool Aspen and fir forests, or you can take on a more aggressive hike among one of the 100 hiking trails situated throughout the top of the mountain. Enjoy a delicious meal with a stunning view at the restaurant, and be sure to check out the gift shop before you head back down. Just be sure to dress appropriately, as temps at the top of this high peak can be up to 20-30 degrees cooler than at the warm base of the mountain.

Mountain Biking and Skiing

Being perfectly situated at the base of the Sandia Mountains, Albuquerque has earned a great reputation for being a mountain biker’s paradise during the summer months and an ideal getaway for skiers during the winter months. The rolling terrain of the mountain foothills has a plethora of single tracks for biking, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and trail running. From easier, flatter trails to more challenging and technical trails with steep inclines and large boulders, there’s something for every skill level, including the Paseo del Bosque trail, which is a 16-mile loop along the forested area of the Rio Grande.

In the winter, Sandia Peak offers several high-quality and idyllic ski resorts and hills for the avid downhill skier. Select from the Taos Ski Valley, Angel Fire, and Red River, all of which are located within a 1-3 hour drive of Albuquerque. All of the ski areas in the region can easily accommodate a wide variety of skill sets, making it a great option for families with kids. In the summertime, many of these resorts open their slopes to daredevil mountain bikers.

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

It’s easy to get a feel for Albuquerque’s distinctive Pueblo Indian heritage and influence, but the best spot to immerse yourself in it is the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. It features several rotating and permanent interactive exhibits, artists that you can meet who are selling one-of-a-kind handcrafted works, and an extensive library and archives where you can conduct research. You can even experience the fun and traditional cultural dance program, schedule a frybread-making class, or an in-depth guided tour.

Examine original works of pottery, turquoise jewelry, textiles, books, and art at Shumakolowa Native Arts, which is owned and operated by the trusted and revered 19 Pueblos of New Mexico, which has been a source of authentic Native American art for over 40 years. Check out the Indian Pueblo Kitchen, an on-site full-service restaurant that is known for its extraordinary Native-sourced and regional Pueblo-inspired cuisine that uses as many ingredients as possible from the pueblos of New Mexico and other U.S. tribal communities.

Growers’ Markets

Stop by one or make a day of touring several of Albuquerque’s eclectic outdoor grower’s markets, which offer everything from local foods and produce, to handmade works of art and jewelry, as well as live music. It’s a great way to see the city throughout the summer months. Locally raised meats, eggs, honey, jams, baked goods, and flowers make great souvenirs as a reminder of your visit.

Check out the family-friendly Downtown Growers’ Market hosted on Saturday mornings at the historic Robinson Park. It’s one of the largest and longest-running markets in the state and offers music, yoga, food trucks, and much more. On Sunday, hit up the Rail Yards Market, which is located in one of Albuquerque’s most unique venues and celebrates all things local, including produce, food, healing vendors, artisans, and live music. Other markets to watch for are the Los Ranchos Growers’ Market, Corrales Growers’ Market, and the Friday Night 5th Street Market. 

ABQ BioPark

A mecca for family fun, the ABQ BioPark features four amazing area attractions all in one convenient and beautiful space. Choose from the BioPark Zoo, Botanic Garden, Aquarium, Tingley Beach, or visit all four if you’re energetic. The zoo was established in 1927, starting it all, and is now home to over 900 animals from all over the world, many of which are part of a very successful and well-constructed conservation and captive breeding plan.

The Botanic Garden and Aquarium were both opened in 1996 and are located conveniently next door to each other so that you and your family can explore 32 acres of lush and elaborate exhibits of flowers and plants from the American Southwest and all around the world. Then you can hop right over to see the kaleidoscope of vibrant and colorful fish, and other sea life that inhabits the massive 285,000-gallon ocean tank while you enjoy a yummy lunch and rest at the Shark Reef Cafe. Lastly, the serene Tingley Beach features three fishing ponds, a model boat pond, a mile-long walking trail, a bike path, and pedal boat rentals to round out your visit. 

Events and Entertainment in Albuquerque

NM Renaissance Celtic Festival

Few places in the U.S. offer a Renaissance Festival the caliber of the NM Renaissance Celtic Festival that is held each March at the New Mexico State Fairgrounds. This whimsical and eclectic festival blends fantasy with the rich tradition and history of the Celtic culture. It draws over 100 merchants and a multitude of performers together from across the nation for a 3-day non-stop celebration.

Enjoy watching the feats of strength that are showcased in the annual Highland Games competition. Step back in time and experience what life was like in the time of clansmen and knights. There’s tons of entertainment, including a knighting ceremony, fire whips, ale brewing, a real-life joust, street entertainers, and more.

ABQ Blues and Brews

This event is held over Memorial Day Weekend each year at the Sandia Resort & Casino. It’s part of the 10-day ABQ Beer Week and features gourmet beer tasting, live performances by talented local blues bands, and the opportunity to enjoy unlimited samples from over 60 breweries that attend. You can learn all about the art of homebrew, play games, and win prizes.

The proceeds from this fun event all go to a selection of deserving New Mexico charities. Not a beer drinker? Not to worry, the local distilleries compete in the cocktail challenge to showcase their talents and passion for unique and artfully prepared cocktails. 

New Mexico State Fair

Held for 10 days each September, Albuquerque is home to the New Mexico State Fair that takes place across 236 acres of the EXPO New Mexico multi-use events center. Like many other state fairs, it plays host to a wide range of livestock exhibits, competitions, rodeos, concerts, carnival rides and games, agriculture and art shows, and much more.

The entire town gets in on the action and excitement with specially themed “Main Street Days”, which include Firefighter Day, College & Career Day, Smokey Bear Day, car shows, and more. Be sure to check out the always popular cheeseburger competition, in which local restaurants vie for the prestigious title of “green chile cheeseburger champion”. Other fun competitions include cake and cookie decorating, fresh and dried flower arranging, sidewalk chalk art, photography, poster design, quilting, and others that round out one of the most fun times of the year.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

For nine days each October, Albuquerque paints the skies with over 500 hot air balloons that launch from the aptly named Balloon Fiesta Park. The Albuquerque International Balloon Festivalis the world’s largest and most visually stunning hot air balloon festival that draws tens of thousands of visitors from all over the world. The unique and otherworldly “Dawn Patrol” is a breathtaking two-wave mass ascension of all the participating balloons that takes place each Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday of the event. 

In addition to that beautifully choreographed event, other launches include special shape rodeos, where fun and whimsically shaped balloons take flight. There’s also the signature “Balloon Glow” where the balloons all stay grounded and are lighted from within to produce a romantic and otherworldly glow to the festival grounds. Other events throughout the week include concerts and numerous other activities to entertain everyone. 

Southwest Chocolate and Coffee Fest

Who doesn’t love a festival that honors chocolate and even better, one that celebrates coffee as well? Held in November, the Southwest Chocolate and Coffee Fest is thought to be the biggest consumer show for coffee, chocolate, and gourmet foods in America. It draws upwards of 20,000 discerning and hungry visitors to the New Mexico Fairgrounds each year to sample some of the most delectable offerings from some of the nation’s top suppliers.

You can also enjoy plenty of entertainment from numerous cooking demonstrations, live music, baking contests, cake decorating classes, and much more. Held over two days, this event has been steadily growing since its inception in 2009, and now attracts purveyors of artisan bread, gourmet cheeses, baked goods, and unique dips and sauces, making this one of the tastiest festivals you’ll ever attend.

FAQs

Q: What are RV rentals?

RV rentals work much like any other vehicle rentals. You pay a daily or weekly rate. You can expect these rates to fluctuate based on the time of year and the geographic location that you're renting. Naturally, rates tend to increase during peak season. You can get an RV for a certain period and enjoy all its benefits while traveling without the hassles and large cost of owning your RV. It’s also a great way to try out some different RV models if you’re considering purchasing your own.

Q: How much are RV rentals?

RV rentals in Albuquerque can range between $75 and $150 per night for most small to moderately sized trailers and campervans. Larger RVs and travel trailers can cost from $100 to $250 per night, depending on the season and the RV’s year, make, and model. Some companies offer a discount if you rent for longer than a week.

Q: Do I need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Albuquerque?

While most states require you to be at least 25 years old to rent an RV, New Mexico’s legal age to rent one is 21. This may not be the policy of your RV rental agency, however. Most companies require you to be at least 25 to rent.

Q: Do I need insurance when I rent an RV?

Yes, you'll need insurance to rent an RV in Albuquerque. It's meant to cover the vehicle in case of an accident and is mandatory in most states. Most rental companies will have RV-specific insurance that you can purchase.

Q: Do I need to return my rental RV with a full tank?

This policy varies among rental agencies, but most RV rental facilities in Albuquerque will expect you to return the vehicle with a full tank of gas. At the very least, the fuel should be at the same level as when you picked up the vehicle. 

Q: Are RVs pet-friendly in Albuquerque?

Many RV and camper rentals in Albuquerque are pet-friendly, and there are even vehicles specially designed for accommodating animals. Still, it’s important to double-check the policy with your chosen rental agency before renting a particular vehicle.