Enjoy my New Mexico roadtrip with me. When people ask me what my favourite state I have travelled through is, my answer is always New Mexico. My first time to this state was in 2009 during the separation from my 21 year marriage. That trip was healing for me which made New Mexico a place close to my heart.
My First New Mexico Roadtrip
Four Corners Monument
On that first New Mexico roadtrip I was travelling in early October and entered the state from the north west. This is where I first heard about The Four Corners. The states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah meet at this corner so the area was named The Four Corners region. A monument was erected as it is the only point in the USA where four states meet.
I stopped off to visit the Monument at sunset, which was stunning. My trip continued as I explored the northwestern area. I was inspired by the history, native cultures and of course the stunning scenery. Read more about some of my favourite spots on this trip.
Shiprock
Shiprock is a monadnock rising high above the desert and is named after Shiprock, a small town nearby. It is over 1500 feel above ground, which stands out in a desert. In the Navajo culture It is called “the rock with wings” and the myth states Shiprock was a piece of land that became a bird and carried Navajo ancestors on its back. I enjoyed learning about Native American history.
Angel’s Peak Scenic Area
Angel’s Peak is where I saw the biggest star filled sky in my life. There were millions of visible stars in that sky. Angel’s Peak Scenic Area is located about 30 miles southeast of Farmington and is known for its scenic and scientific wonders.
The main landmark is called Angel’s Peak and was formed from deposited sandstone from the San Jose Formation. The peak is 7,000-feet high and is visible for miles in any direction in this rugged terrain. To see the beautiful badlands colours and the rest of this stunning canyon you need to take a gravel road that travels along the rim for 6 miles (10 kms).
I actually came across this site by accident as I was looking for a campsite that would give me good cell service. I drove to my campsite in the dark so had a wonderful surprise the next morning when I woke to the stunning canyon view.
Chaco Culture National Park
Chaco Canyon was one of the sites on my “to see list” on my trip. I had read about the ancient Pueblo culture and wanted to learn more. The area is known for the distinctive and architectural design of the stone buildings that served as a hub for living, ceremony, and astronomy for the ancient Pueblo people.
The Park is located between Albuquerque and Farmington. To get to the remote canyon you have to travel 8 miles (13 kms) of paved roads then a 13 miles (21 kms) of rough dirt road. The last 5 miles (8 kms) is extremely rough going, so be prepared to have your rig bounce around a bit.
Once you are in the park there is a loop drive and trails to explore the historical buildings and history. I am so glad I went to this spiritual site. It had an energy that is hard to explain and I recommend everyone to check it out if you have the chance.
Acoma Sky City
When driving toward Arizona I saw the sign Acoma Sky City. I was intrigued so took a detour to explore and so happy I did. This national trust site is part of New Mexico’s cultural heritage and is the oldest continuous inhabited settlement in North America. About 50 people still live here year round.
Historical evidence suggests that the Acoma people were living in the desert surrounding this mesa in 1100 A.D. Then at some point perhaps for safety reasons they decided to scale the massive rock and move their village to the top. There was only one entrance to the top of this steep rock, a stairway of 200 hand built steps and then a stretch of a 100 more narrow steps to the top.
For over 2000 years this sky city has been a community. I took the tour bus up to explore the city’s narrow streets, adobe homes, shops and to see the expansive stunning views of the valley below. To get back to the parking lot I took the 300 steps down, that was an experience! I cannot even image bringing food, water and all necessities up those steps as the ancient Acoma people did. Another great sight to visit.
A Summer Roadtrip in New Mexico
On two other trips I travelled to New Mexico. One in May where I spent time in the New Mexico desert at a Shamanic retreat near Santa Fe. The second was in June where I spent time high in the mountains near Espanola at a Yoga Retreat.
During these trips I explored Taos, Santa Fe, Albuquerque and the areas around them. Both trips were again healing times for me and solidified my love of New Mexico.
Taos
Taos is a small town in northern New Mexico and is mostly known for it’s historic adobe buildings and scenic mountainous areas. I shopped in the artistic downtown shops, ate great tacos, toured Taos Pueblo and explored the surrounding area.
Taos Pueblo is an ancient pueblo of a Native American tribe of Pueblan people and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States. I was able to walk around the site, through some adobe buildings, visited great artists shops and bought a native drum that was signed by the man who made it! A stunning historical site.
Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
Just 10 miles (16 kms) north of Taos is the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. It is a steel arch bridge about 600 feet above the Rio Grande River. It is the tenth highest bridge in the United States. You can walk over the bridge to get some great pictures of the Rio Grande River.
Just beyond the Gorge Bridge is the Greater World Earthship Community. This is a 300 acre area with over 70 off-grid earth homes. An earthship home is made of natural and recycled materials such as old tires, bottle and recycled cans. They are built as a passive solar home with a smart design to meet all heating, cooling and power needs. I was able to tour several of these inventive, really cool looking homes. Another must see.
Ojo Caliente Hot Springs
This is one of the country’s oldest health spas. It was a place to soak my weary body, relax and to receive some healing. They provide four healing mineral baths, Arsenic, Lithia, Soda and Iron in natural sulfur free water. They are communal pools but you can also book private time if that is what you need. A lovely New Mexico roadtrip spot to stop and enjoy between Taos and Santa Fe.
Sante Fe
Sante Fe is the capital of New Mexico and is known for the art, museums and shopping. I spent time touring Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, and San Miguel Chapel.
My favourite spot however was the Santa Fe Plaza where artists from the surrounding areas bring their crafts, jewelry and art to display and sell from blankets on the old stone walkways. There are benches to sit and people watch, different community events and festivals are held here as well. It is a great area to explore.
Albuquerque
Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico. It is a modern city, however Old Town Albuquerque dates back to 1706 and is filled with historic adobe building, museums and shops. The old town is a great place to find handcrafted Native American art and jewelry.
I enjoyed the shopping, I have a soft spot for Native American turquoise jewelry. I toured the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and had a fabulous day at the zoo. One thing I still want to do is come to see the International Balloon Festival. Albuquerque is famous for this. It takes place the first two weeks of October so I am planning to be there on one of my trips.
I never tire of seeing the beautiful sites this state has to offer. I am planning another New Mexico roadtrip to the southern area of the state.
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