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Exploring New Mexico, land of enchantment
- Thread starter jw5
- Start date
San Miguel Mission
Built in 1610, the San Miguel Mission in Sante Fe is the oldest church in the United States. What you see today is as a result of careful refurbishment over the centuries, with the foundations being the only part of the building from the early 17th century. Nonetheless, it's still a National Historic Landmark.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
A rewarding way to sightsee the region is as a passenger on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Steam Train. The heritage railroad runs between Chama, New Mexico, and Antonito, Colorado. The locomotive chugs over the Cumbres Pass at an elevation of 3,054 m (10,022 ft), affording breathtaking views of the mountainous landscape.
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
Silver City, once the haunt of Wild West outlaws Butch Cassidy and Billy the Kid, is where to head north from for the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. Set in the Gila Wilderness, designated the world's first wilderness area in June 1924, these rock-hewn residences were carved out the cliff face by Mogollon Native Americans around the year 1300.
The Very Large Array
The rather vague sounding Very Large Array refers to the Karl G Jansky Very Large Array (VLA)—a radio astronomy observatory located on the Plains of San Agustin. The VLA comprises 28 monumental telescopes used to observe black holes and other astronomical phenomena. Budding astronomers can follow a number of self-guided walking routes through the premises, but it's best to check ahead on the VLA website for times.
Billy the Kid Museum
Infamous Old West gunslinger Billy the Kid (1859–1881) was shot and killed in Fort Sumner by Sheriff Pat Garrett on July 14, 1881. The town, set on the eastern plains of New Mexico, has since become synonymous with the outlaw. There's even a museum dedicated to him, the exhibits of which include his rifle, horse-riding equipment, and an original "Wanted" poster.
Wheeler Peak Wilderness
New Mexico is one of the Mountain States of the southern Rocky Mountains. As such, it's a favored destination for hiking enthusiasts. The Wheeler Peak Wilderness is ideal walking territory, not least because it features the state's highest point, Wheeler Peak, which summits at 4,011 m (13,161 ft). Pictured is the mirror-like Williams Lake, a local beauty spot.
International UFO Museum and Research Center
Roswell is forever associated with the 1947 event known as the "Roswell incident," when the military supposedly recovered a crashed alien spacecraft. In fact, it was an errant weather balloon, but that hasn't stopped the destination cashing in on its reputation as an extraterrestrial hotspot. The International UFO Museum and Research Center helps dispel much of the myth surrounding the incident and instead focuses on genuine scientific research in the search for life beyond Earth. That said, the museum does play up to the supposed existence of little green men with exhibits like this, a captured "alien" preserved in a tank of liquid.
Albuquerque
New Mexico's largest city is Albuquerque. While not as picturesque as Santa Fe, Albuquerque has plenty going for it, including several excellent museums and a thriving live music scene. It's also the setting for one of the most spectacular outdoor extravaganzas on the planet.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Each autumn, Albuquerque hosts the world's largest hot air balloon festival. During the nine-day event, which attracts upwards of 80,000 people, over 500 colorful balloons take to the air, with the breathtaking "mass ascension" (pictured) being the main highlight.
Kimo Theatre
Albuquerque's Kimo Theatre on Central Avenue is a fantastic example of extravagant Art Deco-Pueblo Revival Style architecture. Opened in 1927, the venue overlooks the famous Route 66, the legendary "Mother Road" that arrows through the city on its way to the West Coast.
Sandia Peak Tramway
If hiking isn't your thing, no worries. Sandia Peak Tramway adjacent to Albuquerque stretches from the northeast edge of the city to Sandia Peak on the ridge line of the Sandia Mountains. This is one of the world's longest passenger aerial tramways, and the longest in the Americas.
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge
Covering the Rio Grande floodplain in southern New Mexico, the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is a birder's paradise. Over 374 different species have been recorded here, making it one of the state's most important wetlands. Nearby San Antonio serves as the gateway to this pristine and fragile habitat. Pictured is a huge flock of wintering snow geese taking flight over the water.
