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The urban wasteland of the warehouse district may sprawl grossly to the east, but the Albuquerque Biological Park to the southwest and the Rio Grande Nature Center due west on Candelaria are the defining features of this particular section of Menaul Blvd. So close to the Rio Grande, the bosque (the Spanish word for woods) has full reign. Cottonwood and Russian olive trees dominate the landscape, shading the sidewalks and roadways. Various birds can be heard, and sometimes seen, in the foliage.
A variety of newer buildings line the street, mainly administrative offices for the Biopark as well as a few Park Service offices. The residences seem to be chiefly small, single-family adobe houses in tasteful terra-cotta tones, though a few four-unit apartment buildings can be seen on the north side of the street. There's a fair amount of traffic here as people head for the Biopark and the Nature Center, both of which are popular recreational destinations.
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- Albuquerque Biopark
- Only a stone's throw from the legendary Rio Grande and its cottonwood bosque, the Albuquerque Biological Park is a chance to explore the mystery and diversity of living organisms in a beautiful setting. Facilities include the Albuquerque Aquarium, the Rio Grande Botanic Garden, and the Rio Grande Zoo. The park is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
- Rio Grande Nature Center
- The Rio Grande Nature Center, the second most visited State Park in New Mexico, is a 166-acre preserve bordering the Rio Grande. Pleasant trails, instructive exhibits, and access to the river provide a restful break from the daily hassles of urban life, just a few miles from downtown Albuquerque.
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