I really liked Albuquerque when I stayed there four days in 2004. There are three national park sites in the northeastern corner of the state. I decided to visit them on my route home after spending a nite in a very nice hotel in Albuquerque -- Homewood Journal Center.

Pecos National Historic Park - I arrived early assuming that, although the visitor center would not yet have opened for the day, that I could walk out to see the ruins. However, when I got to the gate, the park was locked. Being near only a very small town, I had nothing to do for 75 minutes. So I took a couple of photos and left. Perhaps another day.

Fort Union National Monument - this was impressive. Largest fort I have ever seen. Only pieces of walls left on most of the original buildings. However, a couple still seem mostly whole, at least from the outside. A few fun familiar items there too: cannon, horse-drawn wagon, an army tent. The visitor center itself was only a gift shop.

Capulin Volcano National Monument - what incredible views from near the top of the mountain. The narrow-and-on-the-edge-of-a-dropoff drive to the upper parking lot was dramatic. Unfortunately, a chunk had fallen off and when I later talked to the ranger, he said that happened two years ago and there has been no budget money to fix it. He went on to mention that he had previously worked for three years at Yellowstone and it had $4 million in repairs waiting for funds for them.
Once parked at the near-top, several walking trails go either up or down. It was fortunate to be such a clear day to offer the amazing views from up there.