A flat, one-mile-long walking trail, petroglyphs on a hill and museums about railroad history: Valencia offers several reasons to include nature and culture in your stay plans. First, decide which themes you want to shape your visit. Then you can take activities, opening hours and possible event dates into account more deliberately.
Observe Nature and Explore on Foot
Birdwatching and wildlife observation are possible at the Whitfield Wildlife Conservation Area. The area and its visitor and education center are open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Since opening hours may change, it’s a good idea to check the latest information before your visit. The one-mile trail is flat and unpaved—a specific distance for a short walk, but no walking time is provided.
Tomé Hill offers a different focus: it’s a year-round destination for short day hikes and meditation at the hilltop. Its petroglyph-covered slopes connect the site to multicultural spirituality from pre-contact times to the present day. Tomé Hill is also the site of a Good Friday pilgrimage tradition. Visitors interested in landscape, history and spiritual significance will find several points of interest in one place; public access conditions may change.
Marked trails and viewpoints are the focus at the El Cerro de Los Lunas Preserve. The preserve provides habitat for native plants and wildlife. The annual King of the Hill Race is also held there. Nature watching, hiking and a race are different reasons to explore the preserve; check event information if you plan to visit on a specific date.
Museums and Regional History
The Los Lunas Museum of Heritage & Arts preserves the history of Valencia County. The Harvey House Museum in Belen has a different focus: it is dedicated to the history of the Harvey Houses, the railroad and the Southwest. Its extensive collection includes historic railroad and Belen artifacts, as well as information about these subjects. Visitors interested in transportation history can compare the collection with the museum’s broader historical focus; the two institutions offer different perspectives on the past and regional culture.
The Valencia County Fair is also a recurring reason to plan your stay around an event date. Valencia County supports the annual fair at the Valencia County Fairgrounds in Belen. Since the annual tradition does not specify a particular day to visit, check the dates for your desired travel year. The same applies to the King of the Hill Race if an event is the deciding factor in your plans.
Wine and Planning Your Stay
Camino Real Winery and Taproom offers an opportunity to learn about history and sample wines. The winery features twelve different grape varieties. Since it’s a good idea to check that it’s operating and confirm its current offerings before your trip, get in touch in advance if you want the visit to be a fixed part of your plans. Wine adds another option alongside nature and cultural attractions, without implying a particular itinerary for your stay.
Two transportation details are useful for getting around and should be considered separately. Los Lunas Rail Runner Station is located in the Los Lunas Transportation Center. Rio Metro Route 208 runs between Belen, Los Lunas, Pueblo of Isleta and Downtown Albuquerque. Schedules and routes may change, so check the latest information before planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Los Lunas, Belen, De Baca County, Quay, Rio Arriba County, Guadalupe County, Sierra County, Roosevelt.
For the broader travel overview: New Mexico.
