If you have never been to the Great Southwest, this is an excellent place to start. Northern New Mexico is vastly different from the picture most people have in their heads. The high desert and mountains are not your typical arid desert clime and are more than worth the trip.
As we made our way north from Santa Fe to Espanola, we passed the "Camel Rock" which is a natural stone formation shaped like the head and body of a camel. You can see it quite clearly from the highway and there is an area to get out of your car and take a closer look. Our trip took us by the Santa Fe Opera house and Flea Market. (A worthwhile weekend stop.)
In Espanola, we elected the scenic route and headed
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If you have never been to the Great Southwest, this is an excellent place to start. Northern New Mexico is vastly different from the picture most people have in their heads. The high desert and mountains are not your typical arid desert clime and are more than worth the trip.
As we made our way north from Santa Fe to Espanola, we passed the "Camel Rock" which is a natural stone formation shaped like the head and body of a camel. You can see it quite clearly from the highway and there is an area to get out of your car and take a closer look. Our trip took us by the Santa Fe Opera house and Flea Market. (A worthwhile weekend stop.)
In Espanola, we elected the scenic route and headed northwest on highway 84. We passed the town of Abiquiu and the famous "Ghost Ranch" where Georgia O'Keeffe painted some of her most beautiful works. It is easy to see how this icon of the art world was enchanted so quickly by the "Land of Enchantment." Not far up the road from Ghost Ranch is the awe inspiring Echo Amphitheater. A natural bandshell carved by the elements inside a rock face. Get out and stand in front of this awesome structure, it's easy to see how it got its name. We kept going north all the way to Tierra Amarilla, close to El Vado and Heron Lakes, and then head east on 64 toward Taos.
The Earthship community springing up along the highway is fascinating. These homes are built in fanciful form, half underground, and running on solar, wind, and other green energies. They have a visitor center so you can learn more about these homes are made. You can even rent them for a night or two, even the one still under construction, and get a real feel for what it takes to build something so unusual. And just beyond this, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge.
Quick Tips:
If you've got the time, don't be afraid to go the "long way around." We did and happened upon some of the most beautiful scenery in the state. Make sure you have snacks and water in your car. And be prepared for the weather to fluctuate as you head into higher elevation. Our final destination of Red River is 8750 feet above sea level. The summer average temperatures fluctuate from a low of 38 to a high of 78. As you go up some of the jeep trails to Greenie and Wheeler peaks, it gets even cooler. Be prepared for rain, (yes in the desert) as the mountains see a lot of it during the monsoon season. Wear comfortable shoes with a good sole so that you can be confident walking over uneven ground. There are lots of places you will want to get out and walk around. And be sure to bring an extra memory card or film for your camera. The landscape cries out for photography. Best Way To Get Around:
The drive in is pretty easy, and once you hit Red River, park somewhere central along Main Street and walk. The entire town is one and a half miles long and a quarter mile wide. If you don't want to walk, rent a surrey covered bicycle, a moped, or a scoot car. Mike's Fun place has wheels for your rental convenience and they charge by the hour. Read Less