Boujee Budget Travel

Between bigger trips, I like to explore the local sites. On a recent Saturday, my bff suggested a day hike to Nambe Falls, a spot only about an hour and a half outside of Albuquerque. I’d been wanting to go for years and finally made the opportunity. Here’s how it went:

We carpooled up around 10am and brought snacks and water for the road, so travel expenses were about $30 r/t. There was a $20 per vehicle fee at the entrance, which was more than what the website said and they only appeared to accept cash. Sufficient parking once through the gate and even some shade, which is much needed in the NM summers. There are even covered tables/grills to rent if you wanted to plan a day by the river and there are vault toilets available.

The Ranger suggested we do the upper hike first then the lower one, which takes you through the river to the falls. So, up we went! It was a very short hike, although a bit steep. The view was beautiful.

Then we took the lower hike. To get to the falls you have to walk through the river at times. It’s very cold, but refreshing after hiking in the heat. Once we got to the falls, we hiked up to get a better view (a little too high, we ended up scaring ourselves!) then plunged into the pool at the bottom of the falls. It was active with visitors but not too crowded.

After getting our fill of the falls, we hiked back out to the car, put on some dry shoes, and decided to go eat in Santa Fe. We chose Boxcar because they’re right in the Old Town plaza and have good gluten free options. I got one large, loaded nachos (fed me 2 more times after that!) and a cocktail. After tip, it was $39.92. Pretty steep for one person but by that time I was starving and thirsty and everything was delish. And because I’m snacky, on the way back home, we stopped at Real Burger for some ribbon fries and a cherry shake, which cost $9.89 after tip. No regerts for this super fun, active, and yummy day trip with great company!

Abq-Nambe/SF: $15/pp

Park Entrance Fee:$10/pp

Food/Drink: $49.81/1 person

Total for a 1 day trip: $74.81