I live in Albuquerque, so I don't really do many touristy things around here (haven't been to the balloon fiesta in probably 6 or 7 years). If you want to do some nice hiking in Albuquerque itself, head out to Elena Gallegos Picnic Area, they call it a picnic area but there is some pretty easy hiking there, and it's not bad scenery either, especially if you go at sunrise or sunset.
For some day trips, you could go to Tent Rocks, which is a really nice place for hiking, about an hour or two drive away from Abq., I would say.
Or, if you want an easy way to get up to Sandia Peak, then take the tram (or hike. I prefer hiking myself, although it's quite a difficult hike). It's the longest tramway in the US. (one of few things that NM has to brag about, in my opinion.)
Or, for some other scenery-ish things, you could go to Abiquiu. It's very secluded and about a 2 to 3-hour drive from Abq. Georgia O'Keefe, a famous painter, used to live around there. There are some really nice landscapes if you go around there, and/or a bit further up north to Ghost Ranch.
Anyway, those are the recommendations from an Abq. dweller, if you enjoy landscapes more than city life or historical sites, then I would say go hiking in the Sandias or head up north because there can be some nice scenery. I guess I would appreciate it more if I didn't live here. 
