Rio Grande Park - Albuquerque, NM
Rio Grande Park – Dog-Friendly Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Rio Grande Park is a popular spot for dog owners in Albuquerque, New Mexico, offering a spacious green area with plenty of shade from mature Siberian elms. Known for its large, open lawns and picturesque tree-lined setting, it’s a great destination for dog walking, picnics, and spending time in nature. While the park is named for the nearby river, most visitors will find the focus is on grassy lawns, playgrounds, and enjoyable walking areas rather than river views.
Dog owners will appreciate the ample space for leashed walks, pet-friendly trails, and the naturally shaded areas that make relaxing in the park easy, especially for breeds needing cooler environments. While there are amenities for families such as playgrounds and picnic tables, visitors should stay attentive as some have reported loose dogs in the area. The park is also attractive for those interested in fishing, with both catch-and-release and catch-and-keep ponds available. Free parking and abundant trees make Rio Grande Park a versatile place for gatherings, outdoor activity, or simply spending a peaceful afternoon with your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Dogs are generally expected to be leashed except in the designated dog park area.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? Yes, there is a designated dog park area that is fenced.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, there is plenty of shade provided by large, mature trees throughout the park.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, picnic tables and seating areas are available near the playground and within the park.
- Are restrooms available for owners? There is a porta potty onsite, though reviews note it may not be well maintained.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, there is a jungle gym/playground area at one end of the park.
- Is there parking available? Yes, free parking is available close to the park and trails.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the park connects to gravel and greenway trails for walking or biking.
- Are picnics or BBQs allowed? Yes, the park is a popular spot for picnics and gatherings, with tables available.
Reviews
Great place to park if you want to go for a gravel or greenway ride and Check out Old Town on bikes.
Great place to park if you want to go for a gravel or greenway ride and Check out Old Town on bikes.
Great place to park if you want to go for a gravel or greenway ride and Check out Old Town on bikes.
Really cool area with catch and release fishing. And a Big catch and keep pond with Trout. If you’re into fishing this is the place to go in the City! Tons of friendly people.
Really cool area with catch and release fishing. And a Big catch and keep pond with Trout. If you’re into fishing this is the place to go in the City! Tons of friendly people.
Really cool area with catch and release fishing. And a Big catch and keep pond with Trout. If you’re into fishing this is the place to go in the City! Tons of friendly people.
This park is very good example of the dichotomy of Albuquerque. It’s called Rio Grande Park, but it has no site of the river. In although it looks like Dave Gant Siberian elms at the end of their life, are growing their beautifully with a manicured lawn underneath of quite beautiful color, there’s a dog park on one end that is not respected as far as the rest of the park has loose dogs all the time and we have had our dog attack here, hence the three star rating. Also not from the area when you call the Rio Grande Park you expect to see something grand, and although the trees may have been there, there was no river worthy of mentioning.
Somebody was bringing a birthday cake out to a long table that they had paid somebody to set up next to the park. And obviously right next to the river because that’s what they had set it up but what they said was a table next to a chain-link fence that was rusted and , a about 30 feet wide version of the Rio Grande that had obvious 12 inch diameter tubing in multiple places running into it as street runoff I imagine. Not picturesque for your wedding day by any means.
I’m not trying to down the park. I’m just trying to show up for what it is. It’s so much better choice than Bel Air Park for a child but only if you’re going to watch your child the entire time I just like any other park and Albuquerque.
It is not very good for dogs unless you’re willing to pick up your dog at any point because we had a dog cross this park to get to ours puppy who is completely passive and terrified now after his run into Albuquerque
However, if you’re a couple walking your dog, this is one of the better places that you could do that with a brachycephalic, dog, such as a French bulldog or pug. Just for the shade benefit.
There are no restrooms to speak of, and I say that because I saw a porta potty, but I will not speak of it. I will tell you it smelled like you would not want to go in since 20 feet away. I was appalled by the nauseating aroma emanating from the area.
The playgrounds I did not get a good look out, but they did not look brand new. They did not look too old, but I would inspect anything in Albuquerque if you let your child play on it for needles and smoking paraphernalia as it exists everywhere and openly now and I don’t mean about cannabis.
This park is very good example of the dichotomy of Albuquerque. It’s called Rio Grande Park, but it has no site of the river. In although it looks like Dave Gant Siberian elms at the end of their life, are growing their beautifully with a manicured lawn underneath of quite beautiful color, there’s a dog park on one end that is not respected as far as the rest of the park has loose dogs all the time and we have had our dog attack here, hence the three star rating. Also not from the area when you call the Rio Grande Park you expect to see something grand, and although the trees may have been there, there was no river worthy of mentioning.
Somebody was bringing a birthday cake out to a long table that they had paid somebody to set up next to the park. And obviously right next to the river because that’s what they had set it up but what they said was a table next to a chain-link fence that was rusted and , a about 30 feet wide version of the Rio Grande that had obvious 12 inch diameter tubing in multiple places running into it as street runoff I imagine. Not picturesque for your wedding day by any means.
I’m not trying to down the park. I’m just trying to show up for what it is. It’s so much better choice than Bel Air Park for a child but only if you’re going to watch your child the entire time I just like any other park and Albuquerque.
It is not very good for dogs unless you’re willing to pick up your dog at any point because we had a dog cross this park to get to ours puppy who is completely passive and terrified now after his run into Albuquerque
However, if you’re a couple walking your dog, this is one of the better places that you could do that with a brachycephalic, dog, such as a French bulldog or pug. Just for the shade benefit.
There are no restrooms to speak of, and I say that because I saw a porta potty, but I will not speak of it. I will tell you it smelled like you would not want to go in since 20 feet away. I was appalled by the nauseating aroma emanating from the area.
The playgrounds I did not get a good look out, but they did not look brand new. They did not look too old, but I would inspect anything in Albuquerque if you let your child play on it for needles and smoking paraphernalia as it exists everywhere and openly now and I don’t mean about cannabis.
This park is very good example of the dichotomy of Albuquerque. It’s called Rio Grande Park, but it has no site of the river. In although it looks like Dave Gant Siberian elms at the end of their life, are growing their beautifully with a manicured lawn underneath of quite beautiful color, there’s a dog park on one end that is not respected as far as the rest of the park has loose dogs all the time and we have had our dog attack here, hence the three star rating. Also not from the area when you call the Rio Grande Park you expect to see something grand, and although the trees may have been there, there was no river worthy of mentioning.
Somebody was bringing a birthday cake out to a long table that they had paid somebody to set up next to the park. And obviously right next to the river because that’s what they had set it up but what they said was a table next to a chain-link fence that was rusted and , a about 30 feet wide version of the Rio Grande that had obvious 12 inch diameter tubing in multiple places running into it as street runoff I imagine. Not picturesque for your wedding day by any means.
I’m not trying to down the park. I’m just trying to show up for what it is. It’s so much better choice than Bel Air Park for a child but only if you’re going to watch your child the entire time I just like any other park and Albuquerque.
It is not very good for dogs unless you’re willing to pick up your dog at any point because we had a dog cross this park to get to ours puppy who is completely passive and terrified now after his run into Albuquerque
However, if you’re a couple walking your dog, this is one of the better places that you could do that with a brachycephalic, dog, such as a French bulldog or pug. Just for the shade benefit.
There are no restrooms to speak of, and I say that because I saw a porta potty, but I will not speak of it. I will tell you it smelled like you would not want to go in since 20 feet away. I was appalled by the nauseating aroma emanating from the area.
The playgrounds I did not get a good look out, but they did not look brand new. They did not look too old, but I would inspect anything in Albuquerque if you let your child play on it for needles and smoking paraphernalia as it exists everywhere and openly now and I don’t mean about cannabis.
Beautiful green and shady big park. There’s a playground and many picnic tables. We didn’t go by the river area. Next time when we’re in Albuquerque, we’ll go check that out.