From the Guide Book to Highway 66

Albuquerque (Pop. 35,449; alt. 4,953'; radio stations KGGM - 1260 kc., KOB - 770 kc.; plenty of garage, hotels, courts, and all types of tourist accomodations.)

US 66 goes through the heart of Albuquerque, but the city is not so large as to present a traffic problem to the traveler. You will find plenty of tourist courts on US 66 both east and west of the city, with a few near the center of town. Courts on the east side include: Pinon Lodge, Lo-La-Mi, Urban Motor Lodge, El Dorado, Tracy's, Rodeo Court, Guest Court, Fair Grounds Court, El Rey, Carrico, De Anza Motor Lodge, Marten's, El Oriente, Coronado, Zia Lodge, Aztec Court. In town is King's Court. There are several good hotels, including the Franciscan, Hilton, El Fidel, and Alvarado, as well as some smaller ones, including: Combs, Sturges, Elms, Savoy; garages include Galles Motor Co. and Oden Motor Co.

Albuquerque has a population of 65,000 in its Metropolitan area, and is New Mexico's largest city. It is the business center of the state and the home of many regional Government offices. The University of New Mexico is located here, as well as a large Indian school and a U.S. Veterans' Facility.

The town depends greatly on its tourist trade, and there are many fine shops selling authenic Indian craft goods. Large numbers of health seekers come here because of the fine climate. The principal industries of the region include cattle raising, wool growing, mining, timber, and farming.

Within the city limits are many attractions, and the local Chamber of Commerce at 319 N. Fourth St. (three blocks off US 66) will supply folders to guide you. There is the historic "old town," founded in 1705; a municipal bathing beach; zoo; missions; and similar sights. On the streets you will see Indians in their native costumes. Don't fail to visit the fine exhibit of Indian antiques assembled by Fred Harvey, in a building adjoining the Santa Fe station.

In the vicinity of Albuquerque there are many natural and historical attractions. The Sandia Mountain playground area is a short drive away, offering a 70 mile scenic drive, a road to an 11,000 foot crest, picnic grounds, and - in winter - skiing. North of Albuquerque is ancient Santa Fe, the historic state capitol, and Taos, the famous art and literary colony.

South of Albuquerque about 12 miles is Isleta Pueblo, one of the largest in the state. It has an old mission built in 1621, and the Indians today live much as they did in the days when Coronado and other Spanish Conquistadores came here.

Eighteen miles north of the city is the Coronado State Monument, including the excavated ruins of an ancient pueblo. (Small admission charge.)

The various Indian pueblos in the region hold regular dances, which are chiefly religious ceremonies and which draw many tourists. If any of these are in progress during the dates you pass through the region, it is a memorable event worth stopping to see. Incidentally, photography is often prohibited at these dances, but in many case the local "Governor" of the pueblo will issue a permit for a small fee. It is advisable to take a lunch along.

Following are some of the approximate dates of pueblo dances. Get definite date and directions from the Chamber of Commerce in Albuquerque. Feb. 2 - Buffalo Dance at San Felipe Pueblo, 6 1/2 mi.; June 13, San Antonio Day at Sandia Pueblo, 13 mi.; July 26, Green Corn Dance at old Santa Ana pueblo, 23 mi.; Aug. 15, Green Corn Dance at Zia Pueblo, 35 mi.; Sept. 4, Harvest Dance at Isleta Pueblo, 12 mi. Many other dances are held at distances of 50 miles or more from Albuquerque.

Books About Albuquerque

A City at the End of the World, V. B. Price, Kirk Gittings (Photographer), Univ. New Mexico Press.
Fighting Sprawl and City Hall: Resistance to Urban Growth in the Southwest,: Michael F. Logan, Univ. Arizona Press. (Hardcover)
Albuquerque: Where the World Celebrates Ballooning, Amer. World Geographic Pub.
City-Smart Guidebook Albuquerque: Includes Santa Fe, Brendan Doherty, John Muir Pub.
The Insider's Guide to Santa Fe, Taos, and Albuquerque,: Bill Jamison, Harvard Common Press.
Frommer's Santa Fe, Taos & Albuquerque, Lesley S. King, IDG Books.
Fodor's 1998 Santa Fe, Taos, Albuqerque, Alison B. Stern (Editor), Fodor's Travel Pub.
Access Santa Fe/Taos/Albuquerque, Access Press.
Old Town Albuquerque, Peter Hertzog, James C. Smith (Editor) Sunstone Press.
Mountain Biking Albuquerque,: Nicole Blouin, Falcon Pub.
Alburquerque, Rudolfo A. Anaya, Warner Books.
Zia Summer, Rudolfo A. Anaya, Warner Books.
Rio Grande Fall, Rudolfo A. Anaya, Warner Books.
Shaman Winter, Rudolfo A. Anaya, Warner Books.

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