Guided Bicycle Nature Tour of Albuquerque: Rio Grande, Old Town & Bosque Ride
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for people with basic cycling ability and general fitness; frequent stops keep exertion low
Overview
A two-hour, family-friendly bike tour that threads Old Town’s history with the Rio Grande’s riparian bosque. Ride paved trails, visit Tingley Beach and the Nature Center, and learn how culture and river shaped Albuquerque.
Guided Bicycle Nature Tour of Albuquerque: Rio Grande, Old Town & Bosque Ride
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You push off from a little storefront in Historic Old Town and the city loosens its edges. Adobe storefronts and gallery doors blur into cottonwood shade as the yellow-tired tour bikes fall into an easy rhythm. The Rio Grande—thick and patient—runs alongside, daring you to slow down and listen: birds call from the bosque, distant traffic fades, and for two hours you move through the human and natural storylines that built Albuquerque.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive early to size your bike
Tours depart at 1pm sharp; arrive 15 minutes early to choose and fit your bicycle so you don’t cut into riding time.
Sun protection is crucial
Even in spring and fall the high desert sun is strong—bring a brimmed hat under your helmet, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Hydrate and layer
Bottled water is provided, but bring an extra bottle or light hydration pack; mornings can be cool and afternoons warm—wear removable layers.
Mind the shared trail etiquette
Expect walkers and joggers on the Rio Grande Trail—announce passes and slow through narrow bosque sections.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Great blue heron
- Red-tailed hawk
History
Old Town Albuquerque dates to the Spanish plaza founded in 1706; acequia irrigation and the Rio Grande shaped settlement patterns and agriculture for centuries.
Conservation
The Bosque is a fragile riparian system—stay on trails, avoid disturbing nesting birds, and pack out any trash to help protect migrating species.
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Adventure Hotspots in Albuquerque
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sunscreen & sunglasses
Protects against strong high-desert UV and glare off the river.
summer specific
Closed-toe shoes
Stable pedals and short gravel spurs make closed-toe shoes safer and more comfortable.
Light hydration pack or extra water bottle
Tours include bottled water, but extra hydration keeps you comfortable in heat.
summer specific
Light wind layer
Spring and fall can be breezy along the river; a thin layer adds comfort.
spring specific