Discover Bernalillo
38 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (seasonal)
A vibrant event featuring hundreds of hot air balloons, offering unique aerial photography opportunities.

Sandia Peak Tramway
Rising 10,378 feet above sea level, the tramway offers panoramic views of Albuquerque and the surrounding desert and forest. It's best visited near sunset for spectacular colors.

Sandia Peak
Offers breathtaking views of Albuquerque and the surrounding landscape, especially during sunset.

Sandia Park Tramway
The Sandia Peak Tramway offers stunning views of Albuquerque and the surrounding mountains, making it an excellent spot for landscape and aerial photography.

Cibola National Forest
A vast forest area offering diverse landscapes, from mountains to forests, making it perfect for nature and wildlife photography. It's ideal for capturing the natural beauty of New Mexico.

Elena Gallegos Open Space
Located at the foot of the Sandia Mountains, this area offers stunning desert landscapes and mountain views. Ideal for capturing wide-open spaces and golden hour.

Sandia Peak via Tramway
Offers breathtaking views of Albuquerque and the surrounding mountains. Ideal for both landscape and cityscape photography.

Sandia Crest Trail
A point-to-point hike offering extensive views of the Sandia Mountains and surrounding landscapes.

Hawk Watch Trail
Located in the Sandia Mountains near Cedar Crest, this trail offers panoramic views, especially during raptor migration seasons.

Doc Long Picnic Area
Located at the base of the Sandia Mountains, offering towering pines, rustic pathways, and bridges, ideal for capturing winter snow and summer landscapes.
Coronado Historic Site
A historic site preserving the remnants of Kuaua Pueblo, offering insight into New Mexico's rich cultural heritage. The location provides opportunities for historical and architectural photography.

Corrales Bosque Preserve
A protected nature preserve with a cottonwood forest and riparian habitats, ideal for capturing wildlife and natural landscapes. It is particularly noted for being an Important Bird Area.

Coronado State Monument
A historical site with unique adobe architecture and scenic views of the Rio Grande Valley.

Turquoise Trail (NM-14)
A scenic route offering stunning views of the East Mountains and surrounding landscapes.

Elena Gallegos Open Space (Foothills)
Located near the Sandia Mountains, this open space offers great trails and breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscape. It's ideal for landscape and sunset photography.

John A. Milne and Gutierrez Canyon Open Space
A scenic area with trails suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Offers stunning views and diverse landscapes.

Rio Puerco Bridge
An old abandoned bridge with a rustic charm, located just west of Albuquerque. It's a unique spot for capturing a weathered, vintage atmosphere, especially during morning or evening.

Isleta Pueblo
A historic pueblo offering unique cultural and architectural photography opportunities.

Sandia Crest
Known for its stunning views of Albuquerque and the surrounding mountains, Sandia Crest offers excellent opportunities for landscape and sunset photography.
Sulphur Canyon #281 and Cienega Horse Bypass #266 Loop
A scenic loop trail offering insights into local flora and fauna, with opportunities for wildlife photography.

Manzano Mountains
These mountains offer great opportunities for nature and landscape photography, with picturesque views and scenic trails.

Tijeras Creek Open Space
An area with trails and scenic views, offering opportunities for landscape and wildlife photography.

Carlito Springs
A scenic spot with natural springs, offering serene landscapes and potential for wildlife photography.

Ojito de San Antonio
An open space area with diverse landscapes and potential for capturing unique wildlife and flora.

Sandia Park
Located at the base of the Sandia Mountains, this area offers panoramic views of Albuquerque and the surrounding landscape. It's a great spot for capturing the city skyline and mountain vistas.

Atrisco Park
A large park with green spaces and walking trails, offering a variety of photography opportunities for outdoor and family sessions.

Tijeras Pueblo
This historic site offers a glimpse into the past, with opportunities for capturing cultural and historical photography.

Valle Del Bosque Park
A scenic park offering beautiful river views with a mix of natural open spaces and cultural art. It's a hidden gem for capturing serene landscapes and local sculptures.

Los Padillas Plaza
A vibrant community plaza with a mix of old and new architecture, perfect for street and cultural photography.

BackRoads Home Decor
A shop featuring antique furniture and country decor, offering a unique setting for still-life photography.

West Side Community Center
Located in the South Valley area, this community center offers insights into local culture and architecture.

Acorn Flowers and Gifts
This shop offers a variety of colorful flowers and local gifts, providing a vibrant setting for still-life photography.

Tom & Jerry Plaza
A small plaza behind which many adventures begin, offering a mix of local culture and scenic backdrops.

Cabra Coffee
A cozy coffee shop with a charming atmosphere. Ideal for capturing candid moments or interior photography.

Kirtland Air Force Base Photo Studio
While not a traditional photography location, the Kirtland Air Force Base Photo Studio offers indoor photography services, which can be useful for portrait or formal photography needs. It is located within the base and provides a controlled environment for capturing professional portraits.
Valle Vista Park
A community park with playgrounds and open spaces, offering opportunities for family and lifestyle photography.

Cedar Crest Post Office
Located at the heart of Cedar Crest, this post office can offer a charming backdrop for photographs, especially with its integration into the local scenery.

Burger Boy
A family-owned restaurant offering a classic American dining experience. Great for capturing family moments or nostalgic scenes.