One of the best parts about going to college in Albuquerque is that you’re never far from a wilderness adventure. There are many trails, open spaces and campsites to explore less than an hour away from campus. Whether it be a day trip or an overnighter, you can find the perfect places to escape the city with your fellow Lobos. 

Cedar Crest, New Mexico, is about a 25-minute drive from UNM’s Main Campus.  Just hop on I-40 East and you’ll find yourself in a cute mountain town that blends the vibe of a getaway with the feeling of reconnecting with nature. 

Here’s what we found to be a great day trip: 

First Stop: Breakfast at Cabra Coffee

Cabra Coffee 12216 HWY 14 N Cedar Crest NM 87008

Just off the main road, you’ll find Cabra Coffee, a local business that has many caffeination options as well as choices for a bite to eat. From matcha to coffee, pastries to burritos, this coffee shop is the perfect start to your day. You can take your drinks and food on the go, but if you choose to sit and stay a while, they have plenty of seating indoors, or on the cutesy patio with mountain views, perfect for a nice spring or summer day. 

Cabra Coffee Hours

Monday – Friday 6:30 am – 4 pm

Saturday – Sunday 7 am – 5 pm

A Taste of Nature: Carlito Springs

82 Carlito Springs Rd, Cedar Crest, NM 87008

Carlito Springs is the perfect trail for any level hiker. Located on the southeast face of the Sandia Mountains, it is a favorite in the spring and summer when the flora is at its most lush. The top of the trail leads you to historical structures and a series of lagoon-like pools. Here, you can walk around and enjoy the expansive views as well as access well-maintained restrooms. 

A bite of history:

“Carlito Springs is named for the spring that flows from exposed bedrock in the north-central portion of the property. This spring once provided water to a residence and several cabins and continues to feed several ponds and a lush riparian environment that nourishes ornamental gardens and an orchard. This spring water also provides critical habitat for many species of birds and animals, including black bear, mountain lion, badger and mule deer.”

-Bernalillo County

Get Thrifty: Talking Talons and Hey Mavis!

Talking Talons 12159 Highway North 14 Cedar Crest, NM 87008

Hey Mavis! 12150 NM-14 Scenic, Cedar Crest, NM 87008

Mountain town thrift stores may have some of the best finds—and prices! Both located off the main road, Talking Talons and Hey Mavis! thrift stores are sure to have some hidden treasure. 

Talking Talons is a self-sustaining store, with 100% of their proceeds going to youth programs. They’ve got everything from clothes to books to furniture. 

Talking Talons Hours:

Wed – Sun 12 pm – 5 pm

Hey Mavis! has plenty of second-hand goods but also features some handcrafted jewelry, and an entire wall of plants! 

Hey Mavis! Hours:

Mon – Sun 10 am – 5 pm

Thrift stores are a great way to scratch that shopping itch while supporting local businesses and not breaking the bank.

Refuel: Trail Rider Pizza

12165 NM-14 B1, Cedar Crest, NM 87008

All this hiking and thrifting can work up an appetite, and the solution is just right down the road. At Trail Rider Pizza, you can find New Mexican themed pizzas such as Tijeras, Santa Fe, Cedar Crest and Taos (hello green Chile). But the menu doesn’t stop at specialty pizzas, they feature an extensive and mouthwatering menu of pasta, salads, burgers, subs and even breakfast! If the good food and drinks aren’t entertaining enough, Trail Rider has arcade and board games that you can play while you wait for your freshly cooked pizza. 

Beyond serving their community food, they serve their community by sponsoring groups and events such as the East Mountain Little League, the Upward Youth Basketball program, the annual Sandia Mountain Snowshoe Race and Santuario De Karuna, the local animal sanctuary.

Trail Rider Pizza Hours:

Mon-Sun 8 am – 8:30 pm

A Summer Day in Cedar Crest, New Mexico