Adventure Travel Photography Blog
During my three-week jaunt around New Mexico, I tended to circle back toward Sandia Park one day of the weekend to visit my friend Tina. Of course, this visit also included using the washer and dryer and taking a long shower. I must have driven through Madrid, a cute town between Sandia Park (Albuquerque) and Santa Fe, three times and never stopped. As a result, I insisted we do hike nearby and go for lunch. In so doing, we visited Cerillos Hills State Park.
EXPLORE!
Taos is located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in north-central New Mexico. The artsy town is home to a world-class ski resort and features many outdoor activity options. As a hiking enthusiast, I checked out three trails while visiting this fall.
HAPPY HIKING!
When in the ski town Ruidoso, New Mexico, consider taking a side trip to Fort Stanton State Monument. Fort Stanton is located off Bill the Kid Scenic Byway less than 30 minutes northeast of Ruidoso. It is situated in the Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area which features camping and 100 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails.
EXPLORE!
Alamogordo, the county seat of Otero, is located in the Tularosa Basin of the Chihuahuan Desert in southern New Mexico.
Alamogordo was founded in 1898 when the El Paso and Northeastern Railroad came to the area. It was designed as a company town to persist after construction of the railway, for which Alamogordo supplied timber for the railroad ties.
With the establishment of the White Sands National Monument in 1934, Alamogordo’s economy became more reliant on tourism until the Alamogordo Army Air Field (present-day Holloman Air Force Base) was constructed in 1942.
While the White Sands National Monument is still one of the largest attraction in the Alamogordo, the Air Force Base on the city’s western flank also has a significant presence.
When visiting the area, you will see how space oriented the area is. Some things to do in Alamogordo including the following:
EXPLORE!
The site was selected in 1947 after World War II as “Solar Weather” interfered with radio and radar communications during the war. The premier solar observatory at the time was located near Climax, Colorado at 11,000 feet. During winter months it could not be reached, and it was frequently cloudy.
As a result, scientist Jack Evans who worked at the High Altitude Observatory in Climax along with two others was tasked with finding a new site which would be funded by the newly formed United State Air Force.
The site, which overlooks the Tularosa Basin and White Sands Missile Range, is isolated from major air pollution and enjoys many sunny days in the dry, arid climate. Consequently, it is an excellent place to observe solar flares.
SEE THE SUN!
So, one of the things I love to do is take tours of factories, farms, and the like. I always find it interesting to see how things are grown and processed and what machines are used in the process. Today, I visited PistachioLand near Alamorgordo, New Mexico.
It is easily located on US 70 with the world’s largest 35-foot pistachio nut that stands out front. The tour guide claimed it wasn’t for attracting people, but simply a son’s way of honoring his father who used to take him on road trips to see large attractions as a kid.
Of course, however, it attracts many including Larry the Cable Guy, Al Roker, and the Ozzy Osbourne family who have all filmed there.
TAKE A TASTE!
For my third full day in Chaco Culture National Historical Park I hiked to Peñasco Blanco. The trailhead to Peñasco Blanco is located at the Pueblo del Arroyo parking lot, and the 7.2-mile hike is the longest in Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Aside from the length, this dog friendly hike is very easy.
EXPLORE!
Twin Lakes was settled in 1865 and was then called Dayton. It became an important transportation town between Leadville and Aspen, where silver and gold were discovered, and a rough toll road was established over Independence Pass.
Additionally, a hotel was constructed on the south shores of the natural Twin Lakes, now dammed to augment its water storage. The hotel only lasted 25 years, but at the time Interlaken was known for its deluxe accommodations and Twin Lakes was described as the most charming summer mountain resort in Colorado.
EXPLORE!
Leadville was once a silver mining town with a population only second to Denver in the 19th Century! It was laden with mines and smelters. When the USA turned to gold as its standard, however, Leadville’s economy faultered.
Today, Leadville, situated between San Isabel National Forest, the Mount Massive Wilderness, the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness, and Collegiate Peaks Wilderness is a gateway to Colorado’s outdoor recreation.
Perched at 10,152 feet, Leadville is the highest city in the United States. While its population has dwindled to 2,742 from its height during the silver rush, this historic city offers many things to do for both outdoor enthusiasts and visitors in general.
EXPLORE MORE!
Leadville is a historic mining town surrounded by national forest. It is a hiking mecca and attracts many to the Colorado Trail and surrounding 14ers. There are also many other hikes in Leadville, that don’t require as big a commitment. If you like wildflowers and lakes, see the list below:
HAPPY HIKING!