"New Mexico, Earth, But Out of this World" Top 5 Page for this destination New Mexico by AlbuqRay

New Mexico Travel Guide: 4,046 reviews and 9,789 photos

High Plains and Mesas

New Mexico, Earth is an especially nice place to live and/or visit. There are many interesting things to do and see but you must be willing to drive long distances. My general tips include suggested itineraries from forum replies. See also my Albuquerque tips and travelogues for western and southern New Mexico, as well as trips from Albuquerque to Arizona, Colorado and Nevada. Although one might consider all of New Mexico "off-the-beaten-path," I have included some of my favorite places in those tips.

Craggy Mountains

Sandia Mountains

These mountains to the east of Albuquerque are named "sandia" after the watermelon color they show at sunset. This is the west side (facing Albuquerque). The east side has evergreen forests. Much of New Mexico is like this, i.e., when you gain a little altitude, you get cooler weather and trees.

Maybe Short Gray Beings

Roswell UFO Museum

Most people hear about New Mexico via Santa Fe or the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. However, Roswell is also famous in its own way. See my off the beaten path tips below for more details about Roswell.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Many natural wonders and historical sites
Cons:Big state - it's a long way between things
In a nutshell:The blending of three cultures in people, landscape and history are enchanting

Last visit to New Mexico: Jan 2010
Intro Updated Mar 7, 2012
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Reviews (50)

Bisti Stone Wings from the West - New Mexico

Bisti Wilderness Off The Beaten Path (17)

On 16 Oct 2012 I made a day trip to find the stone wings in the Bisti (pronounced "Bis-tah" in Navajo) Wilderness. I had... more travel advice

Spectacular Rock Formation at Public Land Boundary - New Mexico

Ojito Wilderness and Nearby Public Lands Off The Beaten Path (17)

The Ojito Wilderness is a relatively new (2005), small wilderness area of ~11,000 acres west of San Ysidro, New Mexico.... more travel advice

La Casa Vieja (Old Fort) at Suenos Encantados B&B - New Mexico

Definitely Enchanted Dreams Hotels (4)

Suenos encantados means "enchanted dreams" and the name definitely fits. It is a lovely, quiet location with wild elk... more travel advice

Stone House Lodge Cafe and General Store - New Mexico

A Place to Fish, Relax and Eat Well Hotels (4)

After retiring, a friend from work bought the Stone House Lodge (SHL) on El Vado Lake. In Oct 2011, I decided to visit.... more travel advice

Favorites (3)
See All 2012 Jujube Workshop & Road Trip...
Transportation (3)
See All Shuttles to ABQ Airport from Northern NM
Local Customs (3)
See All Options for Anthropology in New Mexico

Restaurants (6)
See All "Watering Hole" for Politicians
Shopping (3)
See All Not Utility and Not a Shack
Things to Do (11)
See All Taos - From Fortified Plaza to Artists'...

Travelogues (1)

Written Dec 11, 2006

8 photos

Jemez Farolito Tour

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Comments (10)

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AngMimi Mar 7, 2012 at 7:12 AM

NM should be a nice place to visit and stay. Beautiful mountains, landscapes, historical sites, etc..Lovely. Thanks for sharing, Ray ;-))
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painterdave Oct 26, 2011 at 7:55 AM

My high school was Sandia H.S. nice to see a mention of the mountain. You have done a bang up job on these pages. I am impressed.
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AnnaMaria_365 Dec 12, 2006 at 10:53 AM

Norma Jean Ortiz is such a talented women. When I get the time I come on the internet and look her up Norma Jean is my aunt, her brother Roland Ortiz is my dad. I have some of her pottery in my house.
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kymbanm Nov 3, 2006 at 8:57 PM

The ghosts at Burton park seem to be :)
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Pawtuxet Oct 14, 2006 at 4:26 PM

Shrines remind me of the ones in Poland. Love those southwest skies!! phenomenol. Sorry the radio towers had to ruin the view. Wish I could get back to visit the Turquoise Trail again.
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Wann Feb 22, 2005 at 11:11 AM

Nice to know New Mexico through your page .. Thanks
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aussiedoug Oct 27, 2004 at 5:15 AM

Nice VLA of tips on NM Ray, but think the train ride got me in most. Also, that sunset photo is just gorgeous too. Beaut photos really highlight your tips.
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catalysta Mar 21, 2004 at 1:09 PM

Thanks for the great overal view of NM, Ray! I'll likely be driving to AZ via !-40 after the Albuq visit, so will have to stop in at the El Rancho for sure - cat
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andal13 Jan 31, 2004 at 6:27 AM

Wow... what an impressive landscape! Those little towns in the middle of that arid place are really charming.
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Bwana_Brown Aug 10, 2003 at 3:09 PM

Beautiful photos on your page and very helpful tips! NM definitely has lots of attractions worth visiting!