The Best of New Mexico
Top Places to visit in New Mexico
A scream came across the sky. She was an old woman who fished alone in a skiff in the Vermejo Stream and had gone thirty days now without taking a fish.
In our family, there was no clear line between humanity and fishing so there was no possibility of taking a walk that day.
We were somewhere around Vermejo river under the edge of the Mountain peaks when the rain began to take hold. The travel firm that organized our trip, EXP Journeys, calls this experience a way to hit the jackpot.
When I woke up the day we planned to see the best of New Mexico, I was really excited to start this journey as soon as possible. The night before that day passed in seconds as I spent the entire night dreaming and wandering around in the streets of Mexico.
The firm that organized our trip scheduled the trip in 10 days which was the happiest moment for all our family members.
Arrival to Albuquerque International Sun-port
Upon arrival into the Albuquerque International Sun-port, tears of joy were pouring down our eyes as the rain droplets sprinkled down the leaves of trees. From the paradise charm of Vermejo Park, to Taos Magical lagoon, the Mexico cenotes and four seasons resorts all came to mind as we moved to the south west of New Mexico.
Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe
Looking for the best hotels in New Mexico, a billboard said as our family passed by streets of south west Mexico but we were already heading towards one of the best in the business named, Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe.
It offers one of a kind luxury vacation in the center of New Mexico. As we entered the resort, the manager of the resort welcomed my family warmly. The waiters of the resort provided a booklet regarding the best and coolest places in New Mexico.
The sixty five casitas were designed in a traditional Santa Fe style, with gentle deep reds on the exteriors, glass doors, rectangular cut vaulted ceiling, a wooden stove, and a separate terrace. The magnificent Sunset Suite was a single-story rustic luxury suite with 1,100 square feet.
Each room was furnished with the greatest facilities and comforts and was designed with an authentic, subtle Southwestern flavor.
Our suite featured a king bed, a separate living space with a royal family guest bed, and a separate terrace, making it a perfect spot to rest and party. The inside and outdoor heaters provided a warm and inviting environment.
Bandelier Monument Exploration
I had the story of Bandelier Monument, bit by bit, from various people, and, as generally happens in such cases, each time it was a different story. This place amazed all of us as the monument showered the beauty of nature side by side with the historical background of that archeological site. The place encompasses a volcanic ash known as “tuff”.
After an hour, we enjoyed our packed lunch outside the Visitor Center under the cool Frijoles Creek cottonwood trees before continuing on to the next destination of our trip.
After lunch we went for a hike near this Bandelier Monument to explore the Frijoles Canyon. Continuing down the route we reached the cavate, which were cliff-walled dwellings with stone apartments erected in front of us known as Talus Houses.
The climb ended next to the long house where people erected multi-story homes along the cliff’s edge. There were engraved patterns on the walls of the houses that appealed to my family. We captured all the moments in our cameras and all enjoyed the stay here.
Georgia O’Keeffe Museum & Horseback Riding
Our next stop was the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. We slept the previous night very well due to a tiring experience at the Frijoles Canyon. The visit to Georgia O’Keeffe provided my family with an insight into her working and living surroundings.
The home sparked more than one dozen paintings, a door through the terrace wall drew her attention every day, prompting her to paint it more than twenty times.
The cottonwood trees that grew in the Chama River Valley below her studio were also the subject of almost two dozen paintings. After that we went through the Black Patio Door, which prompted O’Keeffe to paint it several times, and into the room where she assembled her canvases.
The Horse riding experience in New Mexico was one of the most memorable experiences for my family during this 10 day trip. The ride began with the low air supplement and flew from Georgia O’Keeffe Museum into the restricted area of Ghost Ranch and back for only $20.
The Piedra Lumber's gleaming red and yellow cliffs, the black tracks of waterfalls against canyon walls, and the cherished Pedernal Mountain, all intertwined with Georgia’s fifty years at Ghost Ranch.
Drive to Taos, New Mexico
Our tour guide had a shaved head, a sharp stare, and a bone-dry good sense of humor, which I had only encountered the night before. People who had never fast-roped from an airplane or eaten their food were taught survival techniques by him. He had spent many hours that morning teaching us the fundamentals of living alone in the woods.
Taos, as many people didn’t know, is a high desert in the north of New Mexico surrounded by Mountains of Sangre de Cristo. Our family packed their backpacks with everything we thought we might need, adhering to the guide’s stringent guidelines: no matches, no tent, and no phone.
Clothes, a compass, two GPS trackers, spare batteries, notepads and pencils, a large knife, a sleeping bag, flashlights, fire-lighting equipment, dried food, a few energy-rich snacks, three liters of water, a mosquito shelter, a roll mat, and a tarpaulin were all in our packs. I also had an old I-phone with the sim card removed, which I used to snap photos. Our bags, according to the guide, weighed forty pounds.
After a day at Taos Desert, we went to the El Monte Sagrado, Autograph Collection redefined luxury in Taos, New Mexico, by working in conjunction with its natural surroundings. The hotel provided eco-friendly, resort-style living with beautiful rooms that reflect the city’s own creative character.
With rare original artwork and rustic accents throughout, all of the rooms and suites were created to be an expression of the beauty all around us. Luxury amenities like whirlpool baths, fireplaces, and luxurious beds compliment these distinctive architectural aspects.
Ancient Pueblo Tour
A trip to Pueblo added a unique flavor in our entire journey as it added a blessing in our memories. After that last day visit to Taos, we went on an instructive guided tour of the Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument.
With petroglyphs, prehistoric habitation sites, and other archeological findings, this terrain demonstrated the ancient people’s regional presence, and so foreshadowed Taos Pueblo’s deep ancestral connection to the land.
The strong Rio Grande River ripped through the heart of the monument, carving out the steep, spectacular several feet deep drop across the midst of the Taos Plateau by the thick lava flows of the Rio Grande Rift Valley. The trailhead was at such a height as we were talking to the angels wandering around in the clouds.
Beside that, the 2.5-mile La Vista Verde Trail offered stunning views. Views of the Taos Box, a 20-mile stretch of 900-foot cliffs and massive rapids that ended at the historic Taos Junction Bridge, also added a groove on our faces.
Then it’s on to Taos Pueblo, a United Nations World Heritage Site whose multi-story adobe houses were an artistic piece for almost 1,000 years, making it one of the United States oldest inhabited towns.
Finally, we stopped into Al’Thloo’s Cafe for a typical Puebloan meal. In Tiwa, Al’Thloo means grandmother, which represents the home-cooked delights like chicken packed fried bread and pion coffee.
Drive to Raton, New Mexico
My father offered me some advice when I was younger and more vulnerable, and I’ve been thinking about it ever since. It was raining in Raton that day.
The cars were splashing mud and water over us as they rushed over the road. There was a hand in the darkness, and it held a sword. But when we came near the hand, the kids were playing and fighting with swords.
A thrilling weekend getaway to a private ranch, a thrilling horse farm vacation, or an engaging corporate retreat, whatever our reason for visiting the property, Vermejo Park Ranch promised an outstanding guest service equaled only by the magnificent setting, spectacular wildlife, and exceptional cuisine.
When we reached Vermejo Park Ranch, a cab pulled up to the curb, and the driver got out. He lifted our luggage and said, “Sir, I’m just going to put your stuff in the boot.” I didn’t know what he meant until I saw him open the car’s trunk.
Then I realized the boot means car trunk. We got in the cab, wandering how many other words would be different in Raton.
A kitchenette and a wide side yard with magnificent views of the land were included in the three-bedroom Maxwell Cottage in Raton Ranch. Near the window, the dog howled in pain and limped along the side of the road. His leg was cut and blood streamed down his leg.
My family members helped the poor dog and gave him first aid. After a full night’s sleep at Vermejo Park Ranch, we went for a view of exceptional wildlife wandering there.
Hiking & Fishing
We have our very own sun that accompanies us wherever we go, The billboard said as we passed by the fishing area. To all those planning a trip for fishing in this place, our condolences. Because along with your boat may be as many as 20 to 30 other ships and boats.
And along with those ships will be other visitors. Thousands of them. Which brought us to the nearby hiking place to explore the coolest places of New Mexico after that perfect sleep at Vermejo Park Ranch.
Radio Tower is one of the top places for hiking and fishing. This place is considered as the best place to visit in New Mexico in September. It is one of the most beautiful views in the vicinity of Headquarters.
We got a bird’s eye perspective of the Lodge and its surroundings, as well as the purple mountains that define Vermejo’s limits in the distance.
We took one of two routes via Reed Canyon, which is somewhat shorter than Fossil Canyon, which is significantly longer. A quicker option was just to appreciate the canyon’s numerous wonders while picking our own turn-around spot.
Along the journey, we also looked for old marine creatures and plant fossils, as well as animals or lost antlers.
To be honest, Vermejo is a world-class fishing location and Orvis-endorsed fly fishing resort with 19 fishable lakes and over 30 miles of pristine stream, where fishermen were really skillful and professional.
We preferred flowing water, our guide led us to the river’s edge and taught us how to sight-cast for Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout, which were nearly extinct until the Vermejo restoration effort.
From the flowing waters of the High Country to the renowned setting of the Vermejo River, their streams provided a casting experience over a variety of landscapes. While fishing and taking in the breathtaking views of the Vermejo mountain peaks, we saw bison, bears, and bald eagles.
The tranquility of crystal lake called us and our guide gave us a boat to cast into the lakes stocked with rainbow trout’s, brown trout’s and brook trout’s. In short, Vermejo offered us a plethora of fishing opportunities.
Bison Expedition & Horseback Riding
From the ship, we saw a Bison expedition display. And at each place with no packing or unpacking to do, we were free to wander the majestic canyons, lush tropical woods, and dazzling palm beaches of this wonderland. After this we took an excursion for horse riding.
The Bison grass was so lavishing and full of beauty that one would feel like standing in the soft woolen or silk cloth. The breeze was like a breath of fresh air.
We walked down to the activity barn to meet our wrangler and a horse that is suitable for our riding style and ability. With a view from between the ears of our superb trail horse, we spent two hours exploring some of the magnificent pathways around headquarters.
Mountain Biking & Rifle Shooting
Yes, your mental calculations are right. Nineteen people showed there, which is a new high for the Mountain Biking Section. Two people were talking as my family passed by the biking area. Because of the amount of shock you’ll face as you move over the trails, downhill mountain riding differs from cross-country mountain biking.
This was our first experience of mountain biking. I was partly asleep when bright beams and the sound of crunching rocks shocked me awake. Two men with spotlights were rushing at me and shouting out something.
One of the males drew my eye, his face half hidden by a scarf. I zipped up the shelter, fumbled for my torch, laced on my boots, and frantically attempted to recall where I had stood for the last thirty minutes.
It was the best place to visit in New Mexico if someone wanted to learn some genuine rifle shooting in real life. Practicing our aiming is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon in the Old West manner.
Vermejo’s long-range has reactive rifle targets up to 450 yards away, as well as a pistol range.
Beginners and experienced alike will enjoy this game. Vermejo’s tiny caliber rifles, pistols, and reactive targets provided us with one of the most exhilarating shooting experiences.
We spent a few hours with an expert who taught us correct procedures for handling various types of weapons in a safe manner.
Depart for Home
The evening was ending, but the night had not yet come. The time for our way home has come but nobody wanted to go home from this wonderful place. The airport was open to all of us.
Nobody appeared to worry that I was as dirty as a chimney sweep. About fifty men sat in the shelter next to a single-story mud home, some of them dressed in formal attire.
We couldn’t see any ladies outside, but we did hear a bunch of women singing to the newlyweds inside. We were asked to remove our shoes and take a seat in the shade. With our backs on a chilly wall, Me and my friend sat. Everyone seemed delighted to see us. A group of children approached to have a better look at the foreigners who had just emerged from the mountains.
They laughed when I made funny expressions at them. Suddenly, someone shook me and my family screamed at me. You are a dreaming man. Oh, I said and everyone laughed as we were in the airplane and were heading to our home in just 10 minutes.