Rio Rancho, New Mexico has been called the “city of vision.” Its mile-high elevation, climate, and proximity to Albuquerque and Santa Fe has made it not just a top vacation spot in New Mexico, but also a fast-growing city. Started in the 1960s on 55,000 acres of land just outside of Albuquerque, Rio Rancho now boasts a year-round population of 75,000, making it the most rapidly growing city in New Mexico.
Lying in the beautiful Sandia Mountains, Rio Rancho offers a host of activities of its own for visitors. Mountain biking in the Sandia Mountains is a popular recreation. Hikers can marvel at the dormant volcanoes. Those who prefer seeing the sights on horseback can saunter along the Rio Grande river. The Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway in nearby Albuquerque takes visitors to the highest peak in the Sandia Mountains, at 10,350 feet.
One can also take a hot air balloon ride to view the spectacular sights. The Rio Rancho Convention and Visitors Bureau offers a list of nine companies with FAA-certified pilots in the area who can take interested visitors on an adventure up, up, and away. Most trips occur at sunrise or sunset, for two to three hours. More information can be obtained by calling (888) 746-7262. Albuquerque also hosts its annual Balloon Festival each October, with over 700 hot air balloons taking flight during the first week of the month.
Fourteen golf courses can be found in the Rio Rancho/Albuquerque area. Some of the most popular include the Sandia Golf Club (http://www.sandiagolf.com/sites/courses/layout9.asp?id=282&page=5745),Desert Greens Golf Course (http://www.desertgreensgolf.com), and the Santa Ana Golf Club (http://www.mynewmexicogolf.com/golf/proto/mynewmexicogolf/).
Affordable, comfortable lodging is available in Rio Rancho. At the Inn at Rio Rancho (http://riorancho-inn.com) , rooms range from $69 to $99 per night. The Sandia Resort & Casino (http://www.sandiacasino.com) charges approximately $180 per night. Other local hotels include Extended Stay America Rio Rancho on American Rd. (http://www.extendedstayhotels.com) at about $55 per night; Comfort Inn Rio Rancho on High Resort Blvd (http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel-rio_rancho-new_mexico-NM144?amp;promo=gglocal) for about $67 per night, and Days Inn Rio Rancho on Crestview Drive SE (http://www.daysinn.com/DaysInn/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=05917&brandInfo=DI) for about $54 per night.
There is a myriad of dining choices in Rio Rancho for travelers as well. Joe''s Pasta House at 3201 Southern Blvd SE (505- 892-3333) offers excellent Italian food and family-style dining at mid to upscale prices. O''Hare''s Grill & Pub at 4100 Southern Blvd SE (505-896-0123) serves good, pub style food at reasonable prices. Of course, many Mexican restaurants can be found in Rio Rancho. One of the most highly recommended is Cazuela''s Mexican Grill, at 1600 Sara Rd.(505-994-9364). Diners there particularly recommend the shrimp and fish tacos, with an average entree price of $20.
If you''re looking for clean air, a temperate climate, breathtaking views, and plenty of outdoor activities, Rio Rancho is the destination for you.
