Albuquerque should have the nickname “The Mile High City”, not Denver. Instead we are called The Duke City, and people are as confused about that as they are about the Big Apple. Things that make you go “huh?” So soon I digress. Now, back to the elevation of Albuquerque.
The elevation in the north valley at our Albuquerque bed and breakfast is 4,969′ above sea level, with the north valley being the lowest part of Albuquerque. In the foothills of our Sandia Mountains the elevations hover around 6,000′. At the top of our mountain, at the Sandia Peak Gift Shop, the elevation is 10,678′. I am pretty sure that the radio towers sit 100 or so feet higher, but I can’t get anyone to verify that.
In the center of town at Central Ave., (Route 66), and San Pedro Dr. NE there is a US Geological Survey brass cap that states that point is 5,280′ – one mile high.
What goes along with being a mile high city in the arid southwestern United States? Plenty that you should be aware of. First of all, the air is much thinner and people who live at sea level can often feel light headed until they have a chance to acclimate, which takes 24 to 48 hours. This is altitude sickness and it means you should NOT plan a trip up the Sandia Tram, or head right up to the Sandia Peak Ski Area right after landing if you travel here by plane. Even people in perfect health can be affected, so don’t chance ruining a good time by heading right for the hills.
The thin, dry air in NM is also a prescription for dehydration, so be sure to drink lots of water. Many of us don’t ever leave the house without a bottle of water. The elevation and lack of atmosphere is also a recipe for sunburn year round. Bring your sunscreen.
We are considered to be the high desert, and with that comes big temperature swings every day. It is not unusual for the high and low in a 24 hour period to stretch 30 to 40 degrees at any time of the year. This is especially nice in the summer, when we always experience a cool off after dark. I can’t tell you how many people think the weather in Albuquerque will be like in Phoenix. They are low desert and have humidity. We are high desert and don’t.
Be sure to check the weather forecast before you come to Albuquerque, as we have had guests show up here totally unprepared for our climate. It can get very cold here in the winter, but we can also have a week in the mild 50′s (F), so the best thing to do is plan to dress in layers. In the summer we sometimes have a few days over 100ºF, but is not the norm, and remember, the temperature will drop in the evening. All in all, I find the climate here to be nearly perfect, with a definite change of seasons, but nothing too extreme. I could do with a tiny bit more humidity too. Bring your moisturizer! You’ll need to lotion up.
Keeping all the safety recommendations mentioned here in mind, you will have an excellent time in Albuquerque. Have you planned your trip yet?
Next – I will tell you why we are called The Duke City!
I know the best things to do in Albuquerque!
Sarah Dolk, Adobe Nido Bed & Breakfast
Expert on Destination Albuquerque and Central New Mexico!
Tags: Climate, elevation, Route 66, Sandia Mountains, Sandia Peak, Sandia Tram
Addenudum to post 5/12/13 regarding relocation to Albuquerque….by environment I meant elevation.
I have beginning stages of CHF and want to relocate to Albuquerque Is one with that diagnosis able to live in that environment?
Boy, I’m not a doctor and have no idea! I’m not familiar with CHF either. Sorry!
I lived in Albq. for a year in 1997-1998 and traveled frequently to Santa Fe. I lived in the NE Heights and it was fantastic with a great view of the tram and Sandia Peak. Me recolection is that the peak is something like 11,500′ and read someone say the gift shop is at 10,700′. I imagine that is somewhere down the mountain from the peak. Just curious. Anyway, it’s great place with some of the best weather in the 48 contiguous states. I am thinking to possibly relocate there (again) perhaps this year. I drove through and stayed over about a year and a half ago and people are pretty nice. I’m in So. Cal. now and it’s getting weirder.
Hey thanks for the great info I have a boxing match there I will be fight in the Albuquerque New Mexico but I will only be there 2days before the is that enough time to get acclimated is there something I can do to speed my acclimation please let me know asap I leave in 2more days
Mary…all I can suggest is come sooner and give yourself at least 24 hours to acclimate.
Mary! Oh…two days is fine…just don’t be unhappy with yourself the first day of practice here…and drink lots of water. This climate will suck it out of you!
I suspect Denver got the Mile High nickname because the city was the first to proclaim it. Also, perhaps, it is because the brass survey plaque is mounted on the steps of the capitol building, which is often considered the center of a city for statistical purposes. When a map service tells you it is “X” miles from one city to another, it is from city center to city center.
Hey there,
Nice to come across your blog. I just came this week to Albuquerque on a new job assignment. I could feel the effects of high altitude exactly as you have explained. I had few questions –
1. I want to bring my parents from India to Albuquerque. My father (age: 75 yrs had a pneumonia attack last year but by God’s grace has been recovering well. Besides that attack, he is fine and has no asthma or breathing issue. Do you think it will be advisable to bring him here. I am a bit nervous because I do not want him to be sick again. Any precautions that I need to take?
2. Also, I am looking for an apartment at a relatively lower elevation again because of my parents. Any areas you would recommend?
Thanks for this informative blog.
Cheers,
Saurabh
FYI – The highest radio tower on Sandia peak is 850 feet tall.
Just wanted to let you know that you put 5,280″ instead of 5,280′
Thanks!!
Sarah,
We are going there around Oct. 8 for several nights for a quick “get out of town” without the kids… We are in Chicago, and personally we hate the deep cold of Chicago. I think the city is amazing, the food/restaurants are amazing, lake Michigan looks like an ocean, the museums are wonderful, the activities are endless… but the COLD is awful! It stays and stays… anyway, I have been online looking at the weather there in New Mexico and you seem to have a rather mild winter… have you lived there your entire life or did you move there? I am curious about the entire season… please let me know what you think about the food, climate, activities…
Thanks for your help,
Jim King
I am looking to move somewhere in the future to a better climate…
Hi Jim. Thanks for reading my blog. I am emailing you to answer some of your questions.