Hard Rock Casino
Most of the American Indian pueblos of this region welcome visitors, and several have taken advantage of changes in New Mexico and federal law to open large, glitzy casinos the Hard Rock Casino just off I-25 south of Albuquerque near Isleta Pueblo, Sandia Casino off I-25 between Albuquerque and Bernalillo, San Felipe's Casino Hollywood on I-25 between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, and Santa Ana Star Casino near Bernalillo. More traditionally, several are good for Native American arts and crafts, notably Santo Domingo and Cochiti Pueblos. Collectors of folk art may find a visit to these sites rewarding. Note that photography, sketching, etc., will generally be restricted.
Sandia Mountains
Outdoor recreation in this area is not as spectacular or as diverse as in the north central region, but the Sandia Mountains offer hiking, mountain biking, skiing, etc. There is also hiking in the lower Manzano Mountains a southward extension of the Sandias and the Gallinas and Magdalena Mountains near Socorro. Cochiti Lake, on the northern edge of the region, offers some water sports, including the curious opportunity to take a canoe or other boat directly to the base of a rock-climbing cliff and climb from the boat.