New Mexico is a beautiful state in it’s own right. It’s truly the land of the Natives and unmistakable history everywhere! With a particularly dry climate New Mexico is filled with desert lands, canyons and some of the most unique National Monuments in the world.
See The Kasha – Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
There are so many great trails to be hiked and stunning views to be seen at the Katuwe Tent Rocks National Park! Hike the Canyon Trail and admire the view from the top. The area owes its remarkable geology to layers of volcanic rock and ash deposited by volcanic lava flow from an explosion within the Jemez Volcanic Field. This is believed to have occurred 6 to 7 million years ago. Over time, weathering and erosion of these layers has created this beautiful canyon and the tent rocks that we admire today.
Sled Down The White Sands At White Sands National Monument
The White Sands National Monument is a beautiful enchanting place – almost like a beach without an ocean. Come see the beautiful desert flowers and catch a glimpse of a brown ear-less lizard that call this extremely unique place home. If you’re driving from Albuquerque like I did, be prepared for a long drive through ghost towns, desert lands and stop for the giant Pistachio when you see it! Once you get to the National Monument you’re going to be amazed and there is also a nice gift shop where they sell and rent sleds to slide down the dunes. So much fun!
See the Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque
A unique must do in Albuquerque! The Petroglyph National Monument is the largest collection site of petroglyph’s in North America. The petroglyphs (for anyone who may not know) are designs and symbols carved onto volcanic rocks by Native Americans and Spanish settlers 400 to 700 years ago. The petroglyphs give us an idea of cultural expression and they also hold spiritual significance of our natives and early settlers.
Ride The Sandia Peak Tramway
A great way to get a birds eye view of Sandia Peak! A serious incentive is the PRICE – It is only $1 to park and gain access to the facility. The tramway is relatively cheap too – only $20 per adult for a great tramway experience up and down the mountain. The guide also gives great commentary while showing the sights! It stretches from the northeast edge of the city to the crestline of the Sandia Mountains and has the world’s third longest single span. It is the longest aerial tram in the Americas .Enjoy the breeze way up high and look down on all the beautiful scenery around you!
Walk Through The Aztec Ruins National Monument
The park rangers have done an excellent job preserving these ruins and this place is rumored to be one of the best preserved Native American ruins In the US! Walk through a 900-year old ancestral Pueblo Great House featuring over 400 masonry rooms – you also want to make sure you see the reconstructed Great Kiva.
Climb Down Into Carlsbad Caverns National Park
High ancient sea ledges, deep rocky canyons, flowering cactus, and desert wildlife—treasures above the ground in the Chihuahuan Desert. Hidden beneath the surface are more than 119 caves—formed when sulfuric acid dissolved limestone leaving behind caverns of all sizes. The Natural Entrance is a path into the namesake Carlsbad Cavern. Come explore and witness the tremendous stalactites that cling to the roof of the Big Room, a huge underground chamber in the cavern.
Stay The Night In Kokopelli’s Cave
This cave house is built into the vertical cliffs of Tertiary Ojo Alamo sandstone and overlooks the beautiful La Plata river valley some 300 feet below! The cave itself is 70’ below the surface. This is truly living like like the Flintstones – but very romantic at the same time.
Take A Hot Air Balloon Ride Over The Rio Grande At Sunset
How Romantic. We definitely recommend calling the Pueblo Balloon Company to schedule a trip over the Rio Grande it’s a sweet way to end the day.
