New Mexico is a state. It’s not new and it’s not part of Mexico. I was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico many many years ago, so you know why I have a love for this state. I have lived here all of my life except for a few years in Arizona and Oklahoma. But I always come back home. After reading this you will understand why.
New Mexico is the 5th largest state in the Union after, Alaska, Texas, Montana, and California however the population ranks 36th in the United States. We don’t have a lot here so far as entertainment, however, as the title suggests, The Land of Enchantment means we have a lot to see.
Skiing & Snowboarding in New Mexico
If you like to Ski, We have 5 ski and snowboarding areas that you can have lots of fun at.
- Ski Santa Fe – 86 trails
- Taos Ski Valley – 127 Trails up to double black diamond
- Pajarito Mountian Ski Area – 44 ski trails
- Red River Ski – 36 trails
- Sandia Peak – Get there by Tram from Albuquerque or drive up the back side of the Mountian.
These are the major ski areas in the state, however, there are other areas where you can ski slope and cross country. Los Alamos, Cloudcroft, Ruidoso among others.
Skiing is not the only thing.
If you like exploring this is the place for you.
New Mexico has many National Monuments and Parks that you can visit almost all year round.
- Aztec Ruins National Monument – 900 year old pueblo ruins with over 400 rooms.
- Bandelier National Monument – 33,000 acres of a beautiful canyon with human presence over 11,000 years
- Capulin Volcano National Monument – an acient cinder cone volcano
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park – A deep dark large cave system, with over 400,000 bats living there
- Chaco Culture National Historical Park – Massive dwellings of pueblo people dating back to the year 850
- El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historical Trail – A historical trail from Santa Fe to El Paso
- El Malpais National Monument – Ancient volcanic landscape
- El Morro National Monument – Inscription rock with some signatures of some very old famous people.
- Fort Union National Monument – Largest 19th century military fort in New Mexico
- Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument – Cliff Dwellings of the Mogollon Culture dating back to the 1200’s
- Manhatten Project National Historical Park – A place that changed the world forever.
- Old Spanish National Historical Trail – A historic trail between Santa Fe and Los Angeles
- Pecos National Historical Park – The remains of a anciet pueblo not far from Santa Fe
- Petroglyph National Monument – A landscape of sacred symbols right in Albuquerque
- Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument – 3 different publoian sites to visit
- Santa Fe National Historical Trail – The famous trail between Kansas City and Santa Fe
- Valles Caldera National Preserve – A 13 mile wide volcanic depression. Think Longmire
- White Sands National Park – 275 Square miles of white gypsum sand
What else to do in New Mexico
The largest photographed event in the world, The Albuquerque International Hotair Balloon Fiesta is held every year In Albuquerque. In the neighborhood of 700 ballons in the air at one time, you can see why so many pictures are taken. It is held in October and if you would like to come and see it book your rooms at least 1 year in advance, or you can park your motorhome on the fiesta grounds.
Sandia Peak Tramway. Ride the Tram to the top of the 10,378 ft peak of the Sandia Mountains. From the top, you can see an 11,000 square mile panoramic view. The sight is spectacular at night. Have dinner at the Ten3 Restaurant while you are at the top of the world. You might have a Miso Honey Glazed Tiger shrimp and Flight 13 to wash it down.
What looks like snow but it isn’t snow. Sand. And we have 275 square miles of it. Bring your snowboard or sand sled so you can ride the dunes. It gets cold in the winter so dress accordingly. In the Summer it gets hot (100°+) therefore, be sure to use sunscreen or you will get burned, and bring plenty of water with you. White Sands National Park is all on a Military Reservation and could be closed due to testing. Call in advance to make sure it is open.
New Mexico has 3 World Heritage Sites. More than any other state in the U.S.
First, We have Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Located in Northwestern New Mexico between Albuquerque and Farmington. This is a must-see if you are into Native Culture. Our trip to Chaco Canyon was a real eye-opener to see how Native peoples lived 12,000 years ago.
Second, is Taos Pueblo. About 1 mile north of the modern city of Taos, New Mexico. It is considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited community in the USA. It was here before Columbus arrived. Taos Pueblo has an oral history of how old it is but is not divulged due to religious privacy.
Third, is Carlsbad Caverns National Park. It has over 120 caves in the system. Our trip to the caverns started with a 110° day outside, and it was about 56° in the caves. So you might want to take a light sweater if you go. If you do go take a camera as there are so many magnificent sights to see.
