Q: I want to find places to walk in Albuquerque that are somewhat shaded. I love the weather but I need to limit my time in the sun...
A: Definitely understandable. Visit this link and scroll to the bottom where you will find a trail map of the Paseo del Bosque, which is a beautiful (and shaded) walking trail. 
Q: Is there any place to rent bikes near the Paseo del Bosque Trail in early October? It seems like every thing I read. only rents in the summer. We want to rent a bike on the trail or nearby.
A: I suggest calling High Desert Bicycles on Paseo and ask for Randy. He should be able to help point you in the right direction.  
Q: We have visited Albuquerque before and taken an ATV tour, but we would like to know where we can ride with our own ATV's. Are there ATV trail heads where we can park, and ride our own ATV's? Can you put me in touch with an ATV Club in your area?
A:
Unfortunately I'm not too familiar with ATV activities. I recommend you start by calling New Mexico Jeep Tours - they should be a good jumping off point and can probably point you in the right direction. Sorry I can't be of more help! Best of luck!
Q: Are there any creeks or rivers to swim in (not the Rio Grande) I heard of some place called jaimes pronounced "heymiss"
A:
I think you are referring to Jemez Springs. The Village of Jemez Springs is one of New Mexico's most enchanted destinations! Nestled between stunning red rock mesas (remnants of ancient lava flows over a million years old), the village is named for its famous mineral hot springs. While I'm not sure the hot springs qualify as a great swimming destination, they are a perfect place for a relaxing soak! While you are there, you might also check out Jemez Falls (an amazing spot where the river drops 70 feet through a series of falls).
Q: Art, I will be in ABQ for 1 day and would like to rent and ride a trail bike w/o getting hit by a car where is the most convenient place to do this? Bosque trail or sandia?
A: Both are relatively safe. If you mean the Sandia's, they are real trails (mountain biking). There is paved bike trail next to Tramway, adjacent to the Sandia's that has some has stop lights. The Bosque is a paved, flat trail with not cars and no lights. Check a few questions down for info on where to rent bikes. 
Q: I'd like information on ATV or Jeep tours or rafting, I see very limited information on these. Thank you.
A: For information on Jeep tours, I'd start here. Companies like New Mexico Jeep Tours have fantastic offerings that I highly recommend taking advantage of. Rafting is offered by several regional partners in Santa Fe & Taos- check here for some good information on rafting.  You also may want to look into a company called Sundance Aviation that charters flights on glider planes... it's a little bit removed from your question, but is very cool and worth pointing out.  
Q: Are zoo and aquar. good in Albuq? Do you need exact change on the buses? How much for seniors? Thanks.
A: Absolutely! The Albuquerque Zoo was rated one of America's 60 best zoos (according to The Intrepid Traveler) in July 2008. The Albuquerque Biological Park includes the Rio Grande Botanic Garden, the Rio Grande Zoo, the Albuquerque Aquarium and Tingley Beach. At the Albuquerque Zoo there are more than 250 species of exotic and native animals, including jaguars and Mexican wolves. At the Botanic Garden, you’ll see how the plants differ in the Chihuahua Desert, the Mojave Desert and in desert grasslands, like Albuquerque. The Albuquerque Aquarium contains spectacular exhibits with both native and tropical fish, including trout, jellyfish, sharks and stingrays. The eel tunnel is a must-see! Tingley Beach, just off the Rio Grande, offers fishing equipment, paddle boat and bicycle rentals in the summer.

You do need exact change to ride the bus. For seniors (65+ with ID) it costs 35 cents per trip.  
Q: I am looking to rent two bicycles for a few days in later March from alb...we want to do the Bosque trail and geocache...any suggestions as to who can help us?
A: I definitely recommend contacting Active Knowledge. They are fantastic and can help you customize a great outdoor experience. You can also contact Sport Systems and Sandia Peak to rent bikes for the day.
Q: I see limited oppurtunities to do some fishing and most of it appears to be fly fishing. Are there any lakes/rivers to just do some "lazy" fishing or just some casting?
A: Art here with regard to your 'lazy fishing' question. There are many places the cater to the spinning and/or bait fisherman. Two private places next to ABQ: Shady Lakes and Sandia. These have no state license required and charge by the inch. They are both great for kids. The Jemez (about an hour and a half from ABQ) has a large lake and many streams that are public waters that do require a fishing license.  
Q: We will be visiting family in Albuquerque. Our young children want to try horseback riding. Do you have suggestions on a stable we could call.
A: I recommend contacting the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa. The stables at Tamaya are a great option for families - they offer trail rides, hay wagon rides and children's pony rides. It is a beautiful location and should be a fantastic time for both you and the kids. Have fun! 
Q: What are the road cycling conditions like in Albuquerque?
A:
Road cycling in Albuquerque is one of my favorite things to do! We have unbeatable scenery and because of our high elevation, you’ll never be left un-challenged. If you decide to visit, be sure to take advantage of the city's network of bike lanes. Albuquerque cycling clubs make scheduled rides each week; for details, check out a local bike shop or visit the New Mexico Touring Society's website at www.nmts.org. The City of Albuquerque Bike Map, available for download at www.cabq.gov/bike, details bike-friendly routes and dedicated bike paths including the celebrated Bosque Trail along the river. 

For information on the conditions go to: www.itsatrip.org/albuquerque/golf-bike-ski-spa/bike

Q: My wife and I will be in ABQ this fall. We are avid cyclists – both road cycling and mountain biking – can you give us some tips on what to expect when we come to Albuquerque? What’s the variety like? What kinds of conditions should we plan for?
A: Aahh, a couple after my own heart! I’m so glad to hear you’ll be visiting us in the fall—you couldn’t have chosen a better time of year to experience Albuquerque’s outdoors. Cycling in Albuquerque offers a vast array of different trails and experiences for every level rider.  Because of the diversity here, I recommend checking out: http://www.itsatrip.org/albuquerque/golf-bike-ski-spa/bike for detailed information on trails, conditions and what you’ll need to plan for.  
Q: Does Albuquerque offer any good RV camping locations?
A: You betcha! Albuquerque is a great place to RV, because you’ll find a ton of RV parks as well as RV rental options. While I don’t personally have an RV, I have family members who bring their RVs when they visit, and they always just rave about the ease of Albuquerque’s RV scene.  I recommend visiting this page where you’ll find links and information about campgrounds and RV parks to find the perfect park for you.  You’ll also find maps, wireless internet locations in Albuquerque, information on tours and day trips to take while you are here, and an easy-to-print, downloadable PDF of The Albuquerque RV Guide. 
Q: My buddy and I are coming into town and are really into the outdoors. We’d like to take advantage of the weather out there, but don’t want to haul our gear with us on the plane. Are there any one-stop-shops we can go to rent all of our stuff?
A:
I certainly don’t blame you for not wanting to haul all of your gear cross-country.  What a pain! I think you’ll find that Albuquerque definitely has some great resources to fit your needs. I think your best bet is a company called Active Knowledge - it’s an all inclusive active adventure company.  Active Knowledge will provide all of the gear, logistical planning and transportation.  Your specific experience can be tailored to your age, time, fitness level and needs. This is a particularly good option if it’s just you and your buddy—the guides at Active Knowledge are fun and flexible and will allow time in your schedule to stop at a pub for a pint of beer after along day of activity.  
Below are some other Albuquerque resources you might find handy:
  • Santa Fe Mountain Adventures (www.santafemountainadventures.com) offers customized outdoor vacation experiences.  They lead journeys unique to northern New Mexico—hiking, geocaching, whitewater rafting, golfing, horseback riding, mountain biking, fly-fishing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and a variety of other outdoor and fitness opportunities. 
  • Suntoucher Mountain Guides (www.suntoucher.com) offers mountaineering trips, guide services, and rock climbing lessons. 
  • The Bike Coop (www.bikecoop.com) is a great little shop that sells bikes and bike-related equipment.  They also do bike servicing. 
  • Sport Systems (www.nmsportsystems.com) is a comprehensive outdoor store that offers retail and rental goods for just about everything. 

Q: Can you recommend some good hiking trails in or near Albuquerque?
A: Oh, there are just so many great trails here, it’s hard to choose. Albuquerque and the surrounding mountainous terrain is a paradise for hikers. Varying levels of trails crisscross the Sandia and Manzano Mountains for Albuquerque hiking (http://www.sandiahiking.com).  If you’re not into heights, check out the interconnected trail system throughout the city. The Paseo del Bosque Trail is an easily accessible 15-mile route enjoyed by walkers, runners, cyclists, inline skaters and even horseback riders. Walkers and hikers can also take a historic hike through Petroglyph National Monument on the west side of the city. Go to here for more detailed information.  
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