The inner tube can be used for year-round recreation in Albuquerque. Tubes provide an easy method of floating on local lakes and rivers during the summer months, and they are ideal for sledding in the winter months. The only time when tubing is less than ideal is during the spring melt. The rivers are moving too quickly and the snow is melting.
The Sandia Peak ski area is a popular place for winter recreation in Albuquerque. Although the majority of the ski area is dedicated to skiing and snowboarding, the Capulin area is designed specifically for sledding. Inner tubes are ideal for sledding down the groomed slopes, but any form of traditional or disc sled can be used. The Capulin area is located 1.5 miles past the resort and it is maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. There is a $3 charge per vehicle to help support the cost of maintaining the slope.
The Rio Grande flows through Albuquerque and provides a quick summer escape for tubers and rafters. Inner tubing on the river can be accomplished in the city. Tubers must avoid any heavy rapids and always check the flows to ensure that the river is safe. The city hosts an annual raft race on the river, and tubers are welcome to join. The race is a good opportunity to tube near individuals with experience on the river. This will increase the level of confidence as you become familiar with the river. The race uses the Tingley Beach launch site and the Rio Bravo bridge take-out.
Adventurous souls can follow Highway 40 east from Albuquerque and find numerous spots for inner tubing. The highway enters national forest lands at the city limits, and tubers can access slopes from the high turnouts. This is ideal for winter tubing without crowds. Tubers should always practice caution and hike away from the highway. Look for exposed slopes that are easy to access and free of obstacles. You can build ramps for small jumps and tube without any fees or crowds. The slopes are not smooth and groomed but are adequate with several feet of snow.
Ruidoso Winter Park is located three hours to the south at the Alto Ski Area. The park is worth the winter drive because it is dedicated to inner tubing. There are several fast-paced runs and the park provides inner tubes for single and multiple people. It has a magic carpet lift and uses a combination of natural and man-made snow to maintain the runs. Tubers will shoot down the slopes, slide through sharp turns and catch air on the bumps.
