Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
If you come through/near Ruidoso you could stop at the Hubbard Museum of the American West. It's one of only two museums in NM that are affiliated with the Smithsonian (the other is the Nuclear Science and History Museum in ABQ).
In addition to its excellent standing exhibits, the Hubbard is hosting a special exhibit through August 29 on the Colvis sound. Don't know if you have heard about this, but Buddy Holly and others got their first big break in a studio in Clovis, NM; interesting exhibit. See Current Exhibits | Hubbard Museum of the American West | Ruidoso Downs, NM.
If at all possible do this trip with a convertible car or a motorcycle. The huge vistas include the magnificent sky that is blocked by the roof of a closed car. I did a motorcycle trip many years ago and the view was awesome.
I agree with Poncho_NM about driving the Turquoise Trail (2 nice ghost towns along the way, Madrid and Cerrillos, the natural scenary is more dramatic and diverse along the Jemez Trail from ABQ to Santa Fe. Also, if you are going to Carlsbad, a stop in White Sands would be quite nice. I also recommend Taos, New Mexico, historic and beautiful with majestic scenery. New Mexico is a great state to get lost in! Enjoy the trip!
Wild Horses, The Turquoise Trail
http://stylepeterson.com/new-mexico/albuquerque-1.jpg (broken link)
Jemez Pueblo red rock, Jemez Mountain Trail (between Albq. & Santa Fe)
http://stylepeterson.com/new-mexico/jemez-1.jpg (broken link)
Art Gallery, Taos, New Mexico
http://stylepeterson.com/new-mexico/taos-1.jpg (broken link)
thanks for the suggestions, i'm leaving in a few days and i've written a lot of them down. trying to do the turquoise trail esspecially, that whole area sounds awesome. before i go on thursday, i know there are a lot of hot springs all throughout NM. Are there any ones that you'd suggest that are not in the far Southwest or Northwest corners of the state? We are willing to go anywhere else but may not have enough time to go to those far corners. So, any good Hot Springs!?
I try to avoid hot springs in the summer months (hot water + hot sun = ) but there are some good options around the town of Jemez Springs, including McCauley Warm Springs, where you can camp as well. It's fairly shady there and the water isn't too warm. Pack plenty of drinking water and avoid getting the spring water in your nose. There may be an amoeba that can enter your system that way. And watch out for the poison ivy!!!
By the way, beware of bears this time of year. There have been attacks on campers this year in NM (maybe you've checked out the related thread). Do not keep any food in your tent.
I hope you have a great trip... report back when you can!
i know there are a lot of hot springs all throughout NM. Are there any ones that you'd suggest that are not in the far Southwest or Northwest corners of the state?
Quote:
Originally Posted by aries63
but there are some good options around the town of Jemez Springs, including McCauley Warm Springs, where you can camp as well.
Yes, the Jemez area like already mentioned, is also a nice day trip through the mountains, get a bite to eat etc.
Rich
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
) but there are some good options around the town of Jemez Springs, including 
