Not many people other than locals know this, but Albuquerque is home to three inactive volcanoes on the west edge of the city, and you can hike around them.
The volcanoes, known as the Three Sisters, sit within the boundaries of Petroglyph National Monument that includes one of the largest petroglyph sites in North American. They were carved by Native American and Spanish settlers centuries ago.
The volcanoes sit a few miles north of Route 66 off Nine Mile Hill, where a Route 66 Visitor Center is planned. It’s worth a side trip if you like hiking or mountain biking. It also allows pets if they’re on a leash.
The volcanoes last erupted about 150,000 to 250,000 years ago. However, the volcanic field remains active, and it’s projected another volcano will form south of the current site — probably around Route 66.
But don’t worry; scientists say that probably won’t happen for several more centuries.
We hiked around the three volcanoes a few weeks ago and enjoyed the experience. The loop around them is about three miles, and it’s light to moderate in difficulty. You probably will be sucking air on the ascent near the top of the third volcano.
It’s possible to the top of the volcanoes themselves, but the National Park Service states such acts are sacrilegious to Native American tribes in the region. Hiking to the top may also degrade the terrain there. So we declined from doing so.
There is another alternative to volcano hiking — Amboy Crater, near Amboy, California. But hot weather will prevent a lot of people from trying it.
(Image of the Three Sisters volcanoes near Albuquerque by Mike Tungate via Flickr)
Mountain bikes are not allowed. You need to edit this as not to encourage people to be biking there, it is illegal.