-
Thunderbird Harley-Davidson5000 Alameda Blvd Ne, 87113 AlbuquerqueView map
Albuquerque spreads across the Rio Grande high plateau, at about 1,600 m of altitude, at the foot of the Sandia Mountains. The sky is bright and the roads divide between Route 66, adobe villages, Native American pueblos and mountain tracks. At our partner EagleRider, you will find Harley-Davidson, BMW, Indian, Triumph or Yamaha motorcycles, from roadsters to touring bikes.
Pick-up is at Thunderbird Harley-Davidson, 5000 Alameda Blvd NE, a dealership partnered with EagleRider. It is about a dozen kilometres north-east of the centre as the crow flies, near Interstate 25: from there, Santa Fe, Taos and the Jemez Mountains are close by.
Our partners
Where to pick up your vehicle to Albuquerque?
Road trip ideas
Road trips from Albuquerque
1 Turquoise Trail to Santa Fe
- Albuquerque
- Sandia Park
- Golden
- Madrid
- Cerrillos
- Santa Fe
- Albuquerque
Leave via Tijeras and Sandia Park pass, then follow Route 14, the Turquoise Trail. It passes through Golden, Madrid, a former mining village turned artists' haunt, and Cerrillos, a western film set. The road is winding, but traffic stays light.
Santa Fe comes next: the plaza, galleries and adobe architecture deserve a break. Return via Interstate 25, or via the Pecos road for variety. This loop fits into one easygoing day.
- Distance
- about 230 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Roadster or cruiser, pleasant on steady curves
2 Taos and the Enchanted Circle
- Albuquerque
- Santa Fe
- Chimayó
- Truchas
- Taos
- Red River
- Eagle Nest
- Angel Fire
- Española
- Albuquerque
From Santa Fe, take the High Road, via Chimayó and Truchas: small villages, adobe churches and a view of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. In Taos, the pueblo and the artists' town deserve a stop. The Rio Grande Gorge bridge, above a narrow canyon, is close by.
The Enchanted Circle then links Red River, Eagle Nest and Angel Fire over passes above 2,700 m. Return along the Rio Grande road, at the bottom of the valley. The circuit takes two to three days.
- Distance
- about 600 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Light touring bike, adventure bike or cruiser, with a warm layer for the passes
3 Jemez Mountains and Valles Caldera
- Albuquerque
- Bernalillo
- Jemez Springs
- Valles Caldera
- Los Alamos
- Santa Fe
- Albuquerque
To the north-west, Route 4 follows the Jemez River between red cliffs and pueblos, to Jemez Springs and its hot springs. Higher up, the Valles Caldera opens onto the immense crater of an ancient volcano, covered in high-altitude meadows and herds of elk.
Continue to Los Alamos, city of the Manhattan Project, then rejoin Santa Fe. The whole makes a varied mountain loop, less busy than Taos, and pleasant even in hot weather.
- Distance
- about 330 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Adventure bike or comfortable touring bike, depending on your taste for small roads
4 Route 66 heading west: Acoma and Gallup
- Albuquerque
- Acoma Sky City
- Grants
- El Malpais
- Gallup
- Albuquerque
Cross Albuquerque on Central Avenue, the old Route 66, with its neon signs and period motels. Beyond, Interstate 40 largely follows the historic route. A detour leads to Acoma Sky City, a pueblo village perched on its mesa.
Grants, with the lava flows of El Malpais, then Gallup and its turquoise jewellery shops mark the stage. Return the same way, or in two days by spending the night in Gallup.
- Distance
- about 450 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Big touring bike or cruiser, suited to long straight lines
Weather and seasons
When to go to Albuquerque?
Best time
April, May, September and October
April to May, September to October
highs 22 to 29 °C, lows 7 to 15.5 °C
The best months for riding: an average high of 22.2 °C in April, 27 °C in May, 29 °C in September and 22 °C in October. Rain is light, between 16 and 27 mm a month. Early October is also the time of the great balloon fiesta: hotels fill up quickly, so book early.
High season
June to August
June to August
highs 32.4 to 34 °C, lows 18 to 20.6 °C
Summer is hot: a 32.8 °C high in June, 34 °C in July, with a 20.6 °C low. Rainy days rise to 4.4 in July, generally as brief storms. The Sandia, Jemez and Taos passes stay cool, and that is where to ride in the afternoon.
Winter
November to March
November to March
highs 7.7 to 17 °C, lows -3.1 to 2.9 °C
Days stay clear: a 7.7 °C high in January but 17 °C in March, with 8.7 to 10.6 hours of sun. Mornings are cold and frosty. The Taos and Valles Caldera roads are often snowy, while Route 66 and the Turquoise Trail can be ridden in the early afternoon.
Climate to Albuquerque, month by month
Most pleasant months: March to May, September to October.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8 °C | -3 °C | 19 mm | 9 h/day |
| Feb | 12 °C | -1 °C | 18 mm | 10 h/day |
| Mar | 17 °C | 3 °C | 21 mm | 11 h/day |
| Apr | 22 °C | 7 °C | 17 mm | 12 h/day |
| May | 27 °C | 12 °C | 16 mm | 13 h/day |
| Jun | 33 °C | 18 °C | 17 mm | 13 h/day |
| Jul | 34 °C | 21 °C | 16 mm | 13 h/day |
| Aug | 32 °C | 19 °C | 18 mm | 12 h/day |
| Sep | 29 °C | 16 °C | 23 mm | 11 h/day |
| Oct | 22 °C | 9 °C | 27 mm | 10 h/day |
| Nov | 15 °C | 2 °C | 24 mm | 9 h/day |
| Dec | 10 °C | -1 °C | 19 mm | 9 h/day |
Averages 2016–2025 computed from Open-Meteo data (ERA5 reanalysis).
Practical tips
Everything to know before hitting the road
Sandia Crest and altitude
The Sandia Crest road climbs to more than 3,200 m from the city. The temperature difference with the plain is large, and snow can return early or late in the year. Take a windbreaker even in fine weather.
Spring wind
The plateau is often windy in late winter and spring, especially on Interstate 40 and the long straight stretches. Grip the handlebars, avoid unstable fairings and anticipate overtaking trucks.
Summer storms
From July to August, local storms break in the late afternoon over the mountains. Roads suddenly become slippery. Set off early and check the sky before the Jemez or Taos passes.
Helmets and local rules
Rules on helmets and passengers depend on age, and those on lane filtering change from state to state. Ask the branch, and wear a helmet in all circumstances.
Gas stations and distances
Between Grants and Gallup, or in the Jemez Mountains, gas stations are scarce. Fill up in Albuquerque, Santa Fe or Taos before climbing, and always keep a reserve of water.
What travellers ask
Your questions about a road trip to Albuquerque
Where do I pick up the motorcycle in Albuquerque?
At Thunderbird Harley-Davidson, 5000 Alameda Blvd NE, a dealership partnered with EagleRider. It is about 12 km north-east of the centre as the crow flies; the key handover time is given in your confirmation.
Which motorcycle for New Mexico?
The EagleRider fleet includes Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail or Street Glide for the open roads, BMW GS and Yamaha Ténéré for the climbs, and Triumphs for small loops. These models depend on the branch and your dates.
How many days for Taos and Santa Fe?
Two to three days for Santa Fe, Taos and the Enchanted Circle without hurrying. In a single day, choose between the Turquoise Trail to Santa Fe or the Jemez Mountains.
Can I follow Route 66 by motorcycle?
Yes, Central Avenue in Albuquerque keeps its signs, and an old alignment runs west toward Grants and Gallup. A good part of the route merges with Interstate 40, but the period stretches are signposted.
Can I return the motorcycle at another branch?
Depending on the rental company and the dates, a one-way return in another city may exist. EagleRider is present in Denver, Grand Junction and Arizona; the search shows you what is possible for your booking.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ — Motorcycle rental in Albuquerque
What licence do I need to rent in New Mexico?
You need a valid motorcycle licence, category A for a European licence, and sometimes an international permit. The rental company sets the minimum age and licence seniority, which vary with the chosen motorcycle.
Can I take a passenger?
Yes, on touring bikes and adventure bikes with a dual seat, with a backrest. The passenger must wear suitable equipment, helmet included. Small roadsters are not always suitable for two.
What should I put in the saddlebags?
A rain jacket, a warm sweater and water. Between the plain at 34 °C and a pass at 2,700 m, it can be ten to fifteen degrees cooler. Leave the big suitcases at the hotel.
Do I have to pay for parks and sites?
Some sites charge an entry fee, such as Valles Caldera, El Malpais or Acoma Sky City, which requires its own guided tour. Find out about conditions and fees before leaving.
When should I book my motorcycle in Albuquerque?
Book well ahead for October, with the balloon fiesta, and for summer. Enter your dates in the search to see the motorcycles offered.
About us
Why ride out of Albuquerque by motorcycle
New Mexico offers what few states combine: sun almost all year, deserted mountain roads, ancient pueblos and Route 66 right in town. From Albuquerque, one day loop leads to Santa Fe, another to the Jemez Mountains, and a weekend is enough for Taos.
The branch on Alameda Boulevard, north of the city, avoids the centre and opens straight onto Interstate 25. The seasons are mild, rain is rare, and altitude keeps summers bearable in the heights.
Other departure cities
Rent elsewhere in the United States
Route 66 · Chicago → Los Angeles
Return to another city