Travel & Lodging

Everything you need to get to Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

Getting Here

Flying In

The nearest airport is Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), approximately 25 minutes from Rio Rancho. Major airlines including Southwest, United, American, and Delta serve ABQ. Book early — July is peak season in New Mexico.

Driving

Rio Rancho is easily accessible via I-25 North from Albuquerque. The Dorsey Casa is located at 5532 Laredo Blvd NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144. Ample parking is available.

Getting Around

We recommend renting a car for the most flexibility. Rideshare services (Uber and Lyft) are available in the Albuquerque/Rio Rancho area. Events are spread across Rio Rancho and Albuquerque, so having a vehicle is helpful.

Hotel Recommendations

Rates are approximate. Contact hotels directly to book and ask about availability for July 10–12, 2026.

Hilton Garden Inn logo

Hilton Garden Inn

$148/night

(505) 822-0048

1771 Rio Rancho Blvd SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124
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Extended Stay America logo

Extended Stay America

$110/night

(505) 792-1338

2300 Ridgecrest Dr SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124
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Quality Inn Rio Rancho logo

Quality Inn Rio Rancho

$100.49/night

(505) 384-8935

1465 Rio Rancho Blvd SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124
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Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel logo

Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel

$200/night

(505) 867-0000

54 Jemez Canyon Dam Rd, Bernalillo, NM 87004
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Holiday Inn Express logo

Holiday Inn Express

$100/night

(505) 496-1633

2500 Ridgecrest Dr SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124
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Motel 6 logo

Motel 6

$68/night

(505) 771-9500

2600 Ridgecrest Dr SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124
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Super 8 Wyndham Bernalillo logo

Super 8 Wyndham Bernalillo

$106.00/night

(505) 738-4167

264 NM-44, Bernalillo, NM 87004
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Airbnb logo

Airbnb

Varies
Near 5532 Laredo Rd. NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144

Search near the Dorsey Casa for options close to the main venue.

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Local Restaurant Recommendations

$ = Under $15$$ = $15–$30$$$ = $30–$60$$$$ = $60+
Taco Cabana

Taco Cabana

$

Mexican Fast Food

2041 Unser Blvd SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124
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Tap N' Taco

Tap N' Taco

$

Mexican

1120 Pat D'Arco Highway, Rio Rancho, NM 87124
Dion's Pizza

Dion's Pizza

$

Pizza & Subs

4320 Crestview Dr NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124
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Applebee's Grill + Bar

Applebee's Grill + Bar

$$

American Grill

3451 NM-528, Rio Rancho, NM 87144
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Chili's Grill & Bar

Chili's Grill & Bar

$$

American

1950 Rio Rancho Blvd SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124
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Elephant Bar Restaurant

Elephant Bar Restaurant

$$

American / Global

4200 Crestview Dr NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124
Casa De Benavidez

Casa De Benavidez

$$

New Mexican

8032 4th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114
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Sadies of New Mexico

Sadies of New Mexico

$$

New Mexican

6230 4th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107
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Tucanos Brazilian Grill

Tucanos Brazilian Grill

$$$

Brazilian Steakhouse

110 Central Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
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Hannah & Nate's

Hannah & Nate's

$$

American / Brunch

4512 Corrales Rd, Corrales, NM 87048
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Brekki Brekkí

Brekki Brekkí

$

Breakfast & Smoothie Bowls

3451 NM-528 NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144
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Joe's Pasta House

Joe's Pasta House

$$

Italian

3201 Southern Blvd SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124
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Hyatt Regency Tamaya – Corn Maiden

Hyatt Regency Tamaya – Corn Maiden

$$$$

Fine Dining / Southwestern

1300 Tuyuna Trail, Santa Ana Pueblo, NM 87004
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About Rio Rancho, NM

Rio Rancho is a beautiful city in Sandoval County, just northwest of Albuquerque. Known for its stunning high-desert landscape, blue skies, and warm summer evenings, it's the perfect backdrop for a family reunion.

July temperatures average 90°F during the day and cool down to the mid-60s at night. Sunscreen, water, and light layers for evenings are recommended. And as the organizers say — "Love you all and look forward to seeing you in sunny New Mexico! It's the IUS and you do not need a passport!"