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Volcano Sunset

Volcano Sunset | Albuquerque, New Mexico

This past weekend Kevin and I spent four fantastic, festive, and peaceful days in gorgeous Albuquerque, New Mexico. A few weeks ago we were so humbled and thrilled to have the Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau extend us a gracious invitation to experience the adventure, culture, beauty and magic of Albuquerque for the holidays. I could not imagine a more perfect weekend than how ours turned out. When we got home on Sunday night, Kev and I eagerly went through our photos and he insisted I share these with you first, and I have to agree. I’ve been to Albuquerque once before, so I knew it’d be beautiful, but I don’t think I realized just how stunning and breathtaking it’d turn out to be.

Volcano Sunset | Albuquerque, New Mexico

On Saturday afternoon we made our way to the Petroglyph National Monument Volcano area. We were up for a tranquil hike and were told this would be a beautiful spot to watch the sun set.

Volcano Sunset | Albuquerque, New Mexico

Here’s the first little volcano we hiked up! It’s not that tall, but at the time it felt a lot bigger than it looks. :)

Volcano Sunset | Albuquerque, New Mexico

We scrambled up the rocks and were rewarded with this gorgeous, expansive view of the city.

Volcano Sunset | Albuquerque, New Mexico

Kev’s perched precariously at the top of the volcano, taking photos of our view. He played around with a new Samsung point and shoot this weekend, the SH100. He loves it because it’s got WiFi built right in and he can upload pictures to Facebook and email straight from the camera. It’s pretty neat. I thought he got some great pictures, check out the two he took below.

Volcano Sunset | Albuquerque, New MexicoPhoto via Kevin

Here’s his first shot of the magnificent Sandia mountains overlooking Albuquerque.

Volcano Sunset | Albuquerque, New MexicoPhoto via Kevin

See the tiny hot air balloon he caught here? :)

Volcano Sunset | Albuquerque, New Mexico

I got one too. :) Did you know Albuquerque’s famous for their hot air balloon festival in October? They have a showcase of all kinds of themed and character balloons, like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. :)

Volcano Sunset | Albuquerque, New Mexico

How fun would that be to watch up here, as the whole city is filled with balloons?

Volcano Sunset | Albuquerque, New Mexico

To our left was another volcano, and just before sunset we made our way down and back up over to the large plateau at the top of this volcano.

Volcano Sunset | Albuquerque, New Mexico

I didn’t get a chance to do Christmas cards this year, but I think if I did, this photo would have made it on the card.

Volcano Sunset | Albuquerque, New Mexico

Behind us were the beautiful Sandia mountains bathed in warm sunlight, and in front of us was this.

Volcano Sunset | Albuquerque, New Mexico

Which quickly turned to this.

Volcano Sunset | Albuquerque, New Mexico

Sandia means watermelon in Spanish, and is a reference to the vibrant pink hue the mountains radiate at sunset.

Volcano Sunset | Albuquerque, New Mexico

They weren’t kidding.

Volcano Sunset | Albuquerque, New Mexico

We kept alternating between watching the sunset in front of us and mountains turn pink with intensity behind us as the sun went down.

Volcano Sunset | Albuquerque, New Mexico

To the north was another volcano, the tallest of the three, and we contemplated hiking over there for one final view of the city.

Volcano Sunset | Albuquerque, New Mexico

But as sunset was quickly approaching, we decided to stay put and grab a few more photos right where we were. :)

Volcano Sunset | Albuquerque, New Mexico

I have on about 27 layers of jackets here. Oh! We brought our tripod along for the hike. Thanks babe for carrying that thing!

Volcano Sunset | Albuquerque, New Mexico

Southwest sunset.

Volcano Sunset | Albuquerque, New Mexico

 

Volcano Sunset | Albuquerque, New Mexico

 

Volcano Sunset | Albuquerque, New Mexico

As we made our way back down the volcano, brightly colored street lamps and signs were just starting to illuminate the city.

Here’s a Google map to the Petroglyphs National Monument Volcanoes parking area. The gate locks at 5pm, so if you plan to watch the sunset, park in the parking area outside of the gate, and walk up the street to the trailheads and restrooms.

Stayed tuned for more fun things we found in Albuquerque, I can’t wait to share the ranch where we stayed with you! Thanks so much for looking, hope you have a beautiful rest of your day!

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60 Responses
  1. Julie

    Thank you for sharing you beautiful pictures. We recently moved from Albuquerque, so am still feeling the pangs of leaving such a wonderful enchanting city. We lived fairly close to the volcanos that you were hiking….we called them the “Three Sisters.” They like to show off in most of our Albuquerque sunset pictures!

  2. Erica Marbury

    I am from New Mexico, lived there 20 years, before I moved to Virginia. Your photos made my heart sing. Beautiful! I miss those mountains and sunsets. We’ll be moving back later this year and I am looking forward to the chile, coffee shops, and tea rooms (many of which I see visited).

  3. Cheryl Valadez

    I just finished reading your series of posts on Albuquerque (yep, I read them out of order, lol)! They are absolutely wonderful and showcase our fair city perfectly. So many times, when it comes to people visiting from out of town, we sit in the shadow of our neighboring city to the North, Santa Fe, and while I love SF, Albuquerque is a treasure trove of beautiful sights, excellent cuisine, and unique destinations that are not to be overlooked. Thank you, thank you, thank you for documenting your Albuquerque experience with so many lush details and incredible photos!

  4. Cory

    I am so glad you enjoyed your trip to Albuquerque. I love where I live, and am happy to see others who truly enjoy what this place has to offer. Love the blogs and photos. I can’t believe we get to see those amazing sunsets every day!

  5. Willie

    Your photos are truly amazing Amanda. Love checking out where you’ve travelled. I will keep this email to look back on in case we ever get to go to New Mexico.

  6. edyB

    Thanks for showing off the beauty of our state. We live in that valley and have a wonderful view of the mountains every day. There is nothing like the BIG sky and beautiful sunsets. The Balloon Festival is wonderful and we often have balloons landing and lauching from our property. FUN!!!
    Come back in October …
    PS… I grew up in AL ~ very near where you live!

  7. Jessica Lynn

    I just commented on your most recent post, but now I’m definitely in tears. You captured Albuquerque’s stunning and vibrant colors perfectly. Thank you for sharing a piece of home with me!

  8. Emily @ Finding My Aloha

    What a fantastic opportunity! I love Albuquerque! We got to spend 2 months living there while my husband attending a Safety Officer training. They have the BEST food! I hope you got ot enjoy some of that delicious tex-mex! I’m salivating just thinking of blue corn tortillas, red Hatch sauce, and anejo margs!

  9. Sara

    How fun! I just can’t imagine that NM would be cold enough to warrant 27 layers! It is hotter than snot there! Did anyone take you guys snipe hunting?

  10. Megan

    WOW, these photos are amazing! we’re travelling to the states next year and hadn’t planned on visiting New Mexico…I think we should reconsider! :)

  11. Naomi A. Of CO

    These pictures make me miss home…! My husband is native to Albuquerque and I am from a small town east of there about 3 hours away named Tucumcari. new Mexico is a beautiful tranquil place and I do have to say what I miss the most are the beautiful color the Sandias absorb at sunset. There is nothing like it!

  12. Kathy

    Had an opportunity to go to the Balloon Fiesta a few years ago.. Sunrise with the balloons was beautiful but not anywhere near as awesome as these pics.

  13. Melanie

    I’ve lived in ABQ almost 1 1/2 years. You’re lucky you came when you did. You missed a big snow storm after you left. Although its beautiful when the Sandia’s covered with snow. If you come again you’ll need to take the Tram up the Sandia mountain and look over ABQ. Its amazing. And yes there is nothing like the Balloon Fiesta they have here.

  14. Charlie

    As a resident of New Mexico I appreciate you sharing the beauty of our state. It is rarely on the list of people but it truely is an amazing place. The Balloon Fiesta is so worth the journey!

  15. Carrie F

    As an Albuquerque native, it makes me miss being there so much. I don’t see many sunset in Brooklyn. Hope you got to enjoy some great food while you were there!

  16. Suzanne Shepherd

    Love, love, love New Mexico! Hope you got to leave for home before the bad weather got there. Merry Christmas, Kevin & Amanda.

  17. Bethany

    My husband is from New Mexico and we go visit at least twice a year. The balloon fiesta is my favorite event there! Beautiful pictures!

  18. PATRICIA JAMO

    Roi and I are glad you found the volcanoes! It’s our favorite spot to watch the sunset in Albuquerque. It was nice meeting you guys. Good luck with your website. We will most definitely check out the Saint James Tea Room–Patty and Roi (your tablemates at the no tamale dinner). P.S.–There was a good amount of snowfall here yesterday. You missed out:)

  19. Jessica

    Stunning photos. Thanks for sharing! My sister recently moved to Albuquerque and has been harassing me to come visit; the balloon festival is one of their favorite events. Happy Holidays to you and yours. :-)

  20. Courtney @ Cookin Up Life

    How beautiful! The photos are all card worthy for sure… looks like a blast :) I think this will go on my vacation list now!

  21. Teresa

    Just discovered your blog, and I’m so glad I did. Gorgeous photos. Thanks for taking us along on your trip to New Mexico. Definitely putting it on my “must-see” travel destination list.

  22. Anne

    Your pictures are absolutely beautiful. I would give anything to live in a mountainous state (or at least visit more often) I think it’s so beautiful!

  23. Kelly

    Stunning photos! I love Albuquerque and I think the sunsets there just might be the best ever. Hope you have more to show us of your trip!

  24. Stephanie Long

    I’m glad you loved it down there, we lived there for 2 years & still miss it. If you have a chance you should got to the balloon fiesta, it is amazing!

  25. Bernadette

    Simply gorgeous! Keep the beautiful pictures, scrumptious recipes and “oh how I wish I could win” contests coming. Thanks, Amanda.

  26. Sheri

    Thank you for sharing these. We moved from Albuquerque to the East Coast six years ago and these photos brought me home. Oh, how I miss my mountains and their glow.

  27. The Mrs @ Success Along the Weigh

    Absolutely stunning! But your pictures always are. I’m going to go check out the P&S because ours, quite frankly, stinks!

  28. Beverly McCormick

    Great photo’s. Great views. Beautiful scenery. Reminds me of when I traveled the Grand Canyon and it’s beauty. Thanks for sharing the photo’s.

  29. Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga

    When I saw a teaser pic on IG, I knew we were in for a treat.

    These are spectacular and thanks for sharing all of them!

  30. Ava-J

    Awesome photos Amanda and Kevin! :) Lugging your tripod was totally worth the self-portraits and amazing landscape shots you got! :)

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Meet Kevin & Amanda

Kevin and Amanda

We love to travel and to eat! Here we share our favorite quick and easy recipes, plus travel tips and guides for our favorite places around the world. If you have any questions about what camera I use or how I edit my photos, check out my photography tutorials.

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