There’s a reason that New Mexico is called “The Land of Enchantment”. From deep canyons, to towering peaks, to rivers near Santa Fe, the options for outdoor activity aren’t better anywhere else. But even with the plethora of activities available to any outdoor adventurers, it’s still important to know when and where to go. So [...]
There’s a reason that New Mexico is called “The Land of Enchantment”. From deep canyons, to towering peaks, to rivers near Santa Fe, the options for outdoor activity aren’t better anywhere else. But even with the plethora of activities available to any outdoor adventurers, it’s still important to know when and where to go. So whether you hail from Santa Fe, Taos, Albuquerque, or Silver City, there’s an outdoor adventure waiting nearby.
The Best Outdoor Activities in New Mexico
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Fishing
While fishing isn’t necessarily everyone’s forte, an experienced fisherman knows when they have good water. You can fish just about any body of water in New Mexico, but only a few areas provide the rare but plentiful stomping grounds that keep even locals coming back. Red River is a popular stocking location for trout, which ensures plentiful catches. The Cimarron River to the east and the Chama River to the west both provide excellent fly fishing. Some of the best trout fishing in the state is just a few miles above El Vado Dam near Chama, New Mexico. So whether you are catching just to catch, or hunting for the elusive smallmouth bass or rainbow trout, New Mexico has fishing for anybody and everybody.
Snow Sports
As winter falls upon New Mexico, it’s important to remember that even though the cold weather may trap some inside, it opens up a whole new world of fun for most. With snow on the peaks, ski resorts like Sipapu, Ski Santa Fe, Taos Ski Valley, and the Sandia Peak Ski Area are opening up to the public. Skiing and snowboarding at any of these locations offer visitors a unique experience, whether it be the amenities of Ski Santa Fe, or the steep badge of honor that comes with riding Taos Ski Valley.
PS: New Mexico is one of the only states in the country where you can ski and whitewater raft on the same day!
Bike Parks & Mountain Biking
Santa Fe has some of the best selections of mountain biking trails in the country. A bold claim, sure, but a true one. The area has a variety of terrain from dusty desert to forested peaks, and with year-round trails that will sometimes climb in and out of different climate zones, Santa Fe can make any trail a blast rides like the La Tierra trails can be friendly to any level biker, while other places like the Glorietta downhill trails are so good they have hosted national competitions. . .twice. So if mountain biking is your game, then Santa Fe is calling your name!
Hiking & Backpacking
Hiking and backpacking have to be the oldest outdoor tradition of them all. Walking not to a destination, but simply to enjoy and appreciate your surroundings. Hiking is also an outdoor activity that New Mexico is certainly not short of. From Pecos Wilderness to the Taos Mountains, hiking in New Mexico is a game of options. For real hardcore hikers, the Continental Divide trail snakes its way south-to-north through the state and onwards, and for more relaxed and scenic hikes, Bandelier National Monument provides short hikes with excellent views of pre-historic Native American settlements.
Whitewater Rafting
For those who aren’t necessarily fans of being in the water, New Mexico has plenty of places to be on the water too. Up and down the Rio Grande is top-class whitewater available for New Mexico river rafting, New Mexico kayaking, paddleboarding, and any paddlesport. With sections like the Rio Grande Racecourse, providing a fun yet safe experience for beginners, or sections like the Taos Box and the Razorblades for those looking for bigger water. And if it’s a longer river adventure you seek, the Rio Chama releases water for the Chama Canyon wilderness area during the summers, providing an excellent multiple-day boating trip. Out of all of these amazing outdoor activities in New Mexico, whitewater rafting has to be our favorite adventure.
What are you waiting for? Book your next adventure with New Mexico River Adventures today!
The history of the American southwest is one that predates our culture by thousands of years. Even before the English settled their first western colony, Santa Fe was an established and bustling Spanish capital city. With its unique and long history, it’s no surprise that the Santa Fe area has more than a few museums for travelers to visit, with everything from artifacts to art to show the diverse history of the area.
From folk art to Native American art, from the works of Georgia O’Keeffe to the history of the Southwest, Santa Fe’s museums offer something for everyone. Here are the top 5 best museums in Santa Fe that are a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the city’s rich cultural offerings:
Top 5 Best Museums in Santa Fe
- Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
- Museum of Indian Arts & Culture
- Loretto Chapel
- Museum of Spanish Colonial Art
- El Rancho de las Golondrinas
Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
Georgia O’Keeffe is an American artist who is famous for her renditions of various places in New Mexico, namely the Ghost Ranch and Abiquiú. Her museum in Santa Fe houses over 150 of her works, as well as over 700 sketches available for the public. From paintings of flowers and animal skulls, to landscape portraits of the southwest, her art showcases the best of New Mexico and the surrounding area, and shouldn’t be missed.
Museum of Indian Arts & Culture
Another museum important to the area’s history is the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture. Even before the Spanish arrived here, the indigenous Pueblo and Navajo people dominated the area we now know as Santa Fe. The museum of Indian Arts & Culture includes more than 80,000 different archeological and fine art artifacts from these societies. The museum also does a great job of interpreting the history and contemporary life of indigenous people today, as well as telling their history of yesterday.
Loretto Chapel
In 1878, the Archbishop brought in two french designers to build a chapel in Santa Fe. Those designers brought Santa Fe the Loretto Chapel, which stands as the highlight of the city’s historical district today. Aside from standing tall and beautiful downtown, the Chapel also operates as a wedding venue, and museum for the supposedly ‘miraculous’ spiral staircase leading to the upper levels, which is suspended without a center column for support.
Museum of Spanish Colonial Art
Santa Fe is a town bursting with Hispanic influence, and no other museum provides as valuable insight into that cultural history as the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art. The museum shows artifacts from New Mexico and southern Colorado with other contemporary art and devotional pieces from around the Spanish colonial area. The museum also regularly hosts educational programs and art-making workshops, for those who like a hands-on approach to their experience.
El Rancho de las Golondrinas
Spanish for ‘the ranch of the swallows’, this historic ranch was a stopping point along the royal road to Santa Fe-the camino royale-and provides visitors with a look into the frontier past of Santa Fe. Opened in 1972, the ranch hosts 10 annual festivals, and its irrigation system is a part of the National Register of Historic places. Visitors can meet guides dressed in period-accurate clothing, who show them many skills those on the frontier would have used, from blacksmithing to hide tanning to weaving. This experience is very in-depth, and for lovers of the frontier, it is the place to see in Santa Fe.
Looking for an adventure?
Looking for an adventure after exploring the many museums in Santa Fe? Consider an epic whitewater rafting trip! Here at New Mexico River Adventures, we’re proud to offer five-star guided rafting trips on the Rio Grande and the Rio Chama. These rivers wind through beautiful canyons and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rafter, there are trips available for all skill levels. Along with the thrill of the rapids, you’ll have the opportunity to spot wildlife, learn about the area’s history, and take in the beauty of this iconic area. So, if you’re up for a little adventure, consider adding a Santa Fe white water rafting trip to your itinerary!
The history of the American southwest is one that predates our culture by thousands of years. Even before the English settled their first western colony, Santa Fe was an established and bustling Spanish capital city. With its unique and long history, it’s no surprise that the Santa Fe area has more than a few museums [...]
New Mexico offers some of the most beautiful ski destinations in the United States. With its diverse terrain, ranging from wide-open slopes to challenging steeps, there is something for every skier and snowboarder. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, the mountains in New Mexico have something to offer. These ski resorts are known for their exceptional skiing conditions and breathtaking views. So, if you’re planning a ski trip to New Mexico, be sure to check out these top-notch places to ski:
- Taos Ski Valley
- Ski Santa Fe
- Red River Ski Area
- Angel Fire Resort
Top 4 New Mexico Ski Areas
1. Taos Ski Valley
Within the Sangre de Cristo Mountain range rests over 1,200 acres of world-class intermediate to expert terrain that is Taos Ski Valley. The ski area boasts some of the best uninterrupted fall-line skiing in the country. They don’t call Taos a 4-letter word for steep for nothing! From Freeride competitions to hosting the World Pro Ski Tour Championship, there’s more than one reason people keep coming back for more! Not only does Taos bring the goods in the form of ski terrain, but they also embrace the mix of Puebloan and European cultures that define Taos, New Mexico. From the spiritual performances by the Taos Pueblo that kick off the season to enjoying the famous ski-in ski-out restaurant, the Bavarian, you won’t be short on the full Taos Ski Valley experience!
Fun Fact: Did you know that Taos Ski Valley is the world’s first ski area to be a certified B-Corporation?
2. Ski Santa Fe
With the town of Santa Fe only 16 miles from the ski area’s base, you won’t have to travel far for some of the best gladed tree-skiing in the state, we suggest Tequila Trees! Did you know Ski Santa Fe is one of the highest ski areas in the country? With a base elevation of 10,350ft and the summit at 12,075ft, you won’t be short on incredible views! Before you hit the top, make sure to check out the on-mountain restaurant, Totemoffs Bar and Grill for live music and great signature cocktails!
Fun Fact: A moose has taken up residence near the ski area!
3. Red River Ski Area
Nestled within the Enchanted Circle, amongst one of the most picturesque mountain towns in New Mexico, is Red River Ski Area. With over 67 runs of beginner to advanced terrain, this mountain is perfect for the whole family! Red River now offers the state’s only RFID Technology, allowing for fast and easy access to the chairlifts and even their snow tubing facilities! Don’t miss out on the great restaurants and breweries that sit right at the base of the mountain.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Red River Ski Area was built by miners?
4. Angel Fire Resort
Angel Fire has a multitude of activities for the whole family, allowing guests to enjoy the best parts of a New Mexican Winter! With 560 acres of skiable terrain and 2 of the best terrain parks in New Mexico, you won’t be disappointed with your day on the hill. Don’t worry, the fun doesn’t have to end when the lifts close. Angel Fire keeps the stoke going with the states only night skiing! If alpine skiing isn’t your jam, grab some snowshoes or cross-country skis and hit the 12km of Nordic terrain Angel Fire has to offer.
Fun Fact: Angel Fire was given its name from the Moache Utes, calling it “fire of the gods”. This statement was later interpreted by Franciscan Friars as, “the place of the fire of the angel”.
Raft and Ski?
With New Mexico’s ski season running from November to April, you won’t be short on fantastic adventures throughout the Winter into Spring. New Mexico is one of the only states in the country where you can ski and raft on the same day! Be sure to hit the Taos Special this Spring Break by skiing in the morning and punching through the rapids of the Racecourse in the afternoon. You won’t be disappointed!
New Mexico River Adventures is your premier adventure outfitter for whitewater rafting, New Mexico kayaking, climbing, and many other activities in the area. Book your next adventure with us today!
New Mexico offers some of the most beautiful ski destinations in the United States. With its diverse terrain, ranging from wide-open slopes to challenging steeps, there is something for every skier and snowboarder. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, the mountains in New Mexico have something to offer. These ski resorts are known for [...]
Albuquerque is a popular destination for vacationers, adventure-seekers, and fans of the desert’s natural beauty. When visiting a new and interesting place, it can sometimes be tricky to find best family activities. Albuquerque, however, has no shortage of family-friendly activities. So whether it be a festival, go-karts, a mountain view, New Mexico river rafting, or even paintball, here are some of the best family activities in Albuquerque:
- ABQ BioPark – Botanic Garden
- International Balloon Festival
- Plan a River Adventure
- Sandia Peak Tramway
- Petroglyph National Monument
- Hinkle Fun Center
ABQ BioPark – Botanic Garden
Albuquerque BioPark is located right in the middle of downtown, directly off the banks of the Rio Grande. A one-and-a-half mile maze through various gardens housing different species of plants endemic to everywhere from the deserts of the American southwest to the shores of the Mediterranean. The BioPark also hosts an exhibit of up to forty native pollinators such as butterflies, beetles, and moths. The BioPark is an excellent family-friendly option for those who love to enjoy the natural beauty of the world’s plant life.
International Balloon Festival
Every year in the first week of October, the city of Albuquerque hosts an international hot air balloon festival. It is one of the city’s biggest events of the year and is quite the spectacle for anyone, tourist or local. Hundreds of Balloons launch for the festival and fill the sky around the city. If Balloons aren’t of interest, worry not, as there are still plenty of different vendors, craft stands, and shops around the festival area. This event is perfect for any family visiting Albuquerque.
Plan a River Adventure
Head out of the city and onto the river. New Mexico River Adventures offers a variety of outdoor experiences in and around northern New Mexico. Our full-day Rio Grande rafting trip is great for the older kiddos but we have an epic half-day option, the Rio Grande Racecourse, for those who are 5+ too!
If you are curious about which trip is right for your family, check out the Rapid Classification System to help you under how rafting trips are classified and which trip will be a good fit for your family.
If your kiddos aren’t river rats, we also offer New Mexico Rock Climbing & New Mexico Horseback Riding too!
Sandia Peak Tramway
The Sandia Peak Tramway is the world’s third-longest single-span aerial tramway, stretching from the top of Sandia Peak to the northeast edge of the city. The tram takes visitors ten thousand feet in the air, providing riders with unmatched views of Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Visitors can also ride up and hike down, or vice versa, if they feel like exploring. A restaurant and lounge area at the peak makes sure that even those who might wish to enjoy the view a little longer.
Petroglyph National Monument
Another fun stop in Albuquerque is Petroglyph National Monument. Just outside of the city, Petroglyph National Monument is one of the largest single collections of petroglyphs in North America. These various markings and inscriptions hold great spiritual significance to the various indigenous tribes in the area and provide insight into colonial Spanish culture. Easy trails and interesting petroglyphs make this one of Albuquerque’s more interesting stops.
Hinkle Fun Center
Any family fun in Albuquerque would be a little less so without visiting the Hinkle Fun Center. A one-stop shop for fun activities for the whole family, the Hinkle Fun Center provides anything from go-karts, to paintball, to laser tag, and bumper boats. Visitors can just visit or stay all day and never run out of things to do. A day at the fun center is a day well spent in the city, and with its proximity to downtown, it’s quite easy to leave and see the downtown views or enjoy a good bite to eat.
Albuquerque is an astounding city, with fun for anyone and everyone who visits it. Make sure to stop and enjoy the many great things that New Mexico has to offer your family in Albuquerque!
Albuquerque is a popular destination for vacationers, adventure-seekers, and fans of the desert's natural beauty. When visiting a new and interesting place, it can sometimes be tricky to find best family activities. Albuquerque, however, has no shortage of family-friendly activities. So whether it be a festival, go-karts, a mountain view, New Mexico river rafting, or [...]
New Mexico is a land of beauty and wonder. Home to two parks, two national historic parks, one national heritage area, and eleven national monuments, New Mexico’s natural beauty is well-protected and easily accessible to the public. With so many different spectacles spread across the entire state, it can be quite hard to make time to visit all of them. To make sure visitors see the best of New Mexico’s natural beauty, here are the top five New Mexico monuments and parks.
Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument
The Rio Grande Del Norte national monument is a 242,555 acre monument located just west of Taos, New Mexico. Sitting at 7,000 feet above sea level, this monument embodies the dry, high desert climate of the area. Featuring the exotic Rio Grande that cuts an 800-foot gorge through the landscape that provides protected habitat for bighorn sheep, this monument also provides visitors with a wealth of beauty and recreation, featuring activities from camping to Rio Grande rafting.
El Morro National Monument
This national monument is a small sandstone bluff in western New Mexico. While the bluff itself certainly holds a plethora of natural beauty, this monument is more about the reliable watering hole at the base of the bluff. In the days of western expansion, this watering hole made El Morro a popular campsite for everyone from American explorers, to Spanish travelers, and ancestral Puebloans alike. Over time these visitors carved more than 2,000 signatures, dates, and petroglyphs over the surrounding area, gifting El Morro with a cultural and historic significance that makes it one of the most special New Mexico monuments.
White Sands National Park
White Sands National Park, located in Alamogordo, New Mexico, is a stunning landscape of rolling sand dunes. However, the sand is as white as flour. Windswept gypsum deposits in the area slowly eroded under the windy environment, creating the stark white sand dunes that can be seen from miles into the air. Visitors can walk anywhere on the dunes, and even take a sled down some of the steeper ones. White Sands is a testament to the power of the wind and is a must-see if one visits New Mexico.
Four Corners National Park
Four Corners national monument is located on the intersection of four state lines: Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona. This area is commonly known as the Colorado plateau, and offers a unique perspective on the high desert environment. It is also the only place in the United States where one can stand in four different states at once, making it quite a popular visit for tourists. The Monument is also located on Navajo tribal lands, meaning that it is administered by the native government and not the National Park Service.
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Chama Canyon Wilderness
The Chama Canyon Wilderness is a federally designated Wilderness area north of Espanola, New Mexico. In the summer and autumn, El Vado dam increases water flow through the canyon, allowing visitors to partake in all kinds of river activities, from boating to fishing. The unmatched solitude and beauty of the Canyon allows visitors to separate from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and take in nature’s beauty untouched by humanity. With sights like the Chama Wall and Christ in the Desert monastery accompanying the adventure, the Chama Canyon is well worth the trip for anyone visiting New Mexico. You absolutely don’t want to miss Rio Chama rafting too!
The land of enchantment has many sights for visitors to see, so be sure to not miss these spectacular parks and New Mexico monuments while you visit! After checking out the parks, book an adventure with New Mexico’s top-rated outfitter! New Mexico River Adventures offers Whitewater Raft Trips, New Mexico Kayaking, Rock Climbing, Horseback Riding, and more all over New Mexico. Check it out and book your next adventure today!
New Mexico is a land of beauty and wonder. Home to two parks, two national historic parks, one national heritage area, and eleven national monuments, New Mexico’s natural beauty is well-protected and easily accessible to the public. With so many different spectacles spread across the entire state, it can be quite hard to make time [...]
Top 4 Santa Fe Rafting Locations
Northern New Mexico is a hotspot for many different outdoor activities; from hiking to skiing, to rock climbing, there is plenty of excitement to be found just about everywhere around Santa Fe. As many lovers of the outdoors might know, some ski slopes are better than others, and some trails end at a better view than other trails, and just like trails, hills, and climbing spots, not all rapids in the river are created equal. It’s important for anyone to know the correct spot for the right river adventure. Whether you are a seasoned thrill-seeker looking for big splashes and intense currents, or a weekend family looking for a relaxing yet energetic float, the area has tons of Santa Fe white water rafting locations for every type of experience.
The Rio Chama
Location: Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico
The Rio Chama is a major tributary of the Rio Grande that starts in Colorado and flows through the Chama Canyon Wilderness. While it is much less popular than other spots on the Rio Grande, the Chama still offers its own unique beauty in the canyons that surround it. The river’s secluded nature offers an excellent opportunity for multiple-day Rio Chama rafting trips that provide one with a nice relaxing float with intermittent but exciting class II rapids, paired with overnight stays in the New Mexico wilderness.
The Taos Box
Location: Taos, New Mexico
The Rio Grande in New Mexico was one of the first eight rivers to be designated a national wild and scenic river by congress in 1968, and it remains just as wild and senic today. The Rio Grande features many excellent river rafting opportunities, among them one of the most intense and technical rapids sections in the Santa Fe area: The Taos Box. This isolated section of river only 8 minutes west of Taos, offers powerful class IV and V rapids that are surrounded by eight hundred plus feet of steep canyon walls. This makes it one of the most difficult commercially available whitewater rafting in New Mexico. With rapid names such as ‘Fishhook’, ‘Dead Car’, and ‘Rock Garden’ providing some of the largest elevation change on the river, the Taos Box will leave any thrill-seeker with a rush of excitement.
Orilla Verde
Location: Carson, New Mexico
The Orilla Verde Section of the Rio Grande river is another great spot for family recreation in Santa Fe. Located fifty minutes north of Santa Fe, the Orilla Verde recreation area offers an easily accessible put-in for a relaxing float down the Rio Grande Gorge. Calm and relaxing, the Orilla Verde features canyon walls and intense greenery, all surrounding calm flatwaters until the very end, where it surprises visitors with short but exciting class II rapids. The Orilla Verde section makes an excellent choice for large groups and families alike to lay back, relax, and enjoy the scenery northern New Mexico has to offer all in one day.
The Racecourse
Location: Pilar, New Mexico
Far and away the best spot near Santa Fe to river raft is called the Racecourse. Starting just downstream of the village of Pilar, the racecourse is a medium difficulty section featuring numerous Class II and III rapids that are ideal for both experienced rafters, families, and beginners alike. While water flow can vary on the racecourse, as in all other sections of the Rio Grande, it does not affect the exhilarating experience that this section provides visitors. The racecourse also offers those on the river with a wide variety of geological formations from hardened and exposed lava flows to the towering embudo cliffs, as well as an equally diverse selection of wildlife like bighorn sheep, herons, and the occasional river otter.
Interested in exploring northern New Mexico’s rivers? Check us out at New Mexico River Adventures for your chance to surf the whitewaters of the Rio Grande and Rio Chama. Book your Santa Fe white water rafting trip today!
Top 4 Santa Fe Rafting Locations Northern New Mexico is a hotspot for many different outdoor activities; from hiking to skiing, to rock climbing, there is plenty of excitement to be found just about everywhere around Santa Fe. As many lovers of the outdoors might know, some ski slopes are better than others, and some [...]
Looking to stare out into the darkness in the pursuit of understanding the vastness beyond our planet? Or maybe you simply enjoy the beauty of an unimpeded night sky? You’ve come to the right place. New Mexico stargazing is like no other stargazing destination due to its vast locations without city lights obscuring your view.
Capulin Volcano National Monument
To many, a volcano might not be the first place that comes to mind when one mentions New Mexico stargazing. However, in this case, it should be. Capulin Volcano National Monument is a long-dormant cinder-cone volcano that provides insight into northeastern New Mexico’s diverse geological history. Moreover, the national monument provides visitors with another unique opportunity: Stargazing. The peak is International Dark Sky Association Gold-Tier Certified. Hence, it is some of the darkest and most unpolluted sky available to visitors almost anywhere in the world.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park
On the other side of northern New Mexico, Chaco Culture National Historic Site presents visitors with another gold-tier certified dark sky. Chaco Culture National Historical Park is a concentration of ancestral lands and sites of the Pueblo people that sits between Albuquerque and Farmington. The national park service has taken many steps to preserve the area’s culture and mystery. As a result, the “Chaco Night Sky Program” was created. Through this program, some 14,000 visitors a year can view the amazingly dark night sky of New Mexico from the Chaco observatory and park telescopes.
Fort Union National Monument
Looking for a little history intermixed with New Mexico stargazing? Fort Union National Monument offers the best of both worlds. Established in 1851, Fort Union was designed to help defend sections of the Santa Fe trail as settlers moved westwards. Additionally, it provided the newly minted U.S territory with a military influence. Uniquely, the fort’s location is very remote and the neighboring hills protect it from the I-25 corridor’s development. At Fort Union, view some of the Milky Way’s most complex formations through the park’s telescopes and evening programs.
Cosmic Campground
In Gila National Forest, there are plenty of outdoor activities and opportunities for recreation. Above all, the forest has a campground dedicated to New Mexico stargazing. Cosmic Campground is a camping site dedicated to being an international dark sky sanctuary. In addition, visitors can experience a 360-degree unobstructed view of the beautiful night sky of New Mexico. The campground even hosts ‘star parties’ with a partner group called “Friends of the Cosmic Campground.”
Rio Chama Rafting Trip
Convinced yet that New Mexico is one of the best states for stargazing? For those who want to stargaze with an extra dose of excitement, we bring you the Chama River Canyon Wilderness! Starting near Tierra Amarilla, visitors and families can float down sections of the Rio Chama. By day, discover the many red-rock canyon walls and badlands that inspired artist Georgia O’Keefe. In the evening, experience New Mexico stargazing after a day full of swimming and class II rapids. The high elevation and seclusion of the area provide visitors with the best and clearest night sky New Mexico has to offer.
Looking to hunt for stars atop an ancient volcano, aside from age-old Puebloan ruins, or among the walls of a military fort? Or maybe stargazing beside the flow of a wild and scenic river is more your style. Then, look no further! If you are interested in a float down the Rio Chama under the stars, learn more about New Mexico River Adventures and New Mexico Family Vacations. As one of the top-rated Rio Chama rafting outfitters, we would love to prove to you that New Mexico is one of the best states for stargazing!
Looking to stare out into the darkness in the pursuit of understanding the vastness beyond our planet? Or maybe you simply enjoy the beauty of an unimpeded night sky? You've come to the right place. New Mexico stargazing is like no other stargazing destination due to its vast locations without city lights obscuring your view. [...]
Did you know our headquarters are located on ancestral Puebloan lands that have been inhabited for over 10,000 years? At NMRA, we strive to educate our guests on this rich Indigenous history, as all our river trips float through historically significant areas where petroglyphs and other markers of ancient human settlements can be found. We can’t wait to show you around the Upper Rio Grande Valley!
This history informs the contemporary cultural landscape of New Mexico, where 19 different sovereign Pueblo nations are found, 8 of which are located within 50 miles of our headquarters. The Early Spanish conquistadores called the various Indigenous communities that they encountered “Pueblos,” which translates to “people” or “towns” in Spanish. So, although the Indigenous nations in New Mexico are all called “Pueblos,” each of these communities have different traditions and speak different languages depending on the regions in which they reside.
Petroglyphs along the Upper Rio Grande Valley
If you keep your eyes peeled while you float down the Rio Grande, symbols may begin to emerge from the dark basalt boulders lining the riverbank. Snakes, lizards and human figures are among the depictions that decorate the banks and provide a glimpse into the ways of the ancient Pueblo communities that lived along the river valley tens of thousands of years ago. The petroglyphs found in the areas surrounding our headquarters and on our Rio Grande trips are largely from three different time periods. There are petroglyphs from the Archaic Period, the Ancestral Pueblo period (1300 – 1600 A.D.) and from the period following European contact. The Rio Grande was a vital life force for these civilizations, just as it continues to be today for us here at NMRA, and for the many different communities that live, farm, work and play along the river from Colorado to Texas.
Oral Histories and Archaeological Theories
There are a variety of local oral histories and archaeological theories that attempt to pinpoint the migration patterns and the historical timeline of the earliest human inhabitants of this river valley. The six Tewa-speaking Pueblos that are located along the Rio Grande between Taos and Santa Fe, have the same origin stories. It goes as follows:
“The origin traditions begin with how the Tewa emerged into the world in the distant north. The place is Sandy Place Lake, thought to be located in southern Colorado. Soon after emergence, the Tewa were split into two people, the Summer and Winter People, and were sent to opposite places on the landscape and tasked with finding the “middle place,” or the locations of their eventual historic villages. The Summer People traveled along the western side of the Rio Grande eating fruits, and the Winter People journeyed along the eastern side eating deer and elk. On their travels southward the people stopped twelve times, and these stops are represented as ancient villages. Eventually the two peoples came together in the Rio Grande valley …” (Duwe and Cruz 2019).
As this origin story and the numerous petroglyphs found along the Rio Grande suggests, the valley that we float through on all of our Rio Grande rafting is both incredibly scenic and uniquely significant to the many different populations that call this region home. Once the Tewa people encountered the Rio Grande Valley, they began farming and establishing their villages in the area. Unlike other nomadic tribes that would move around seasonally or as food reserves fluctuated, the Tewa people have resided in the same region since they first arrived. This is one of the reasons that the Taos Pueblo is one of the longest continually inhabited communities in the United States.
Curious to Learn More?
After you get off the river with us and you’re inspired to explore more of the petroglyph-rich mesas of Northern New Mexico, be sure to plan a tour with the Mesa Prieta Petroglyph Project. Located just 20 miles south of our headquarters, Mesa Prieta is home to over 100,000 petroglyphs and numerous other formations of great archaeological significance.
Let’s Get on the River!
Book a trip with New Mexico River Adventures on the Rio Grande River! Whether you are looking for exhilarating class IV rapids or a scenic and relaxing float, we’ll point out the petroglyphs along the way.
Did you know our headquarters are located on ancestral Puebloan lands that have been inhabited for over 10,000 years? At NMRA, we strive to educate our guests on this rich Indigenous history, as all our river trips float through historically significant areas where petroglyphs and other markers of ancient human settlements can be found. We […]
One of the most amazing things about the fall season is that while the temperatures get cooler, the colors of the landscape get warmer. And thus, a popular fall activity is simply going somewhere to watch the leaves change color as summer turns into autumn. So if you are in the area, and searching for somewhere to see the fall colors in New Mexico, here are some activities for you!
Gila Wilderness
The Gila Wilderness is a federal Wilderness area in the U.S. Located near Silver City, New Mexico. This Wilderness area provides over 3 Million acres of mountain scenery and primitive recreation to those who wish for a more wild take on their autumn adventure. Hike to the Gila Cliff Dwellings, explore the Catwalk Recreation Area or watch the evening stars at the Cosmic Campground. The Gila Wilderness can offer a visitor an unforgettable experience packed with New Mexico’s fall foliage, and so much more.
Cumbres & Toltec Railroad
For a more rustic and old-fashioned view of fall in New Mexico, is the Cumbres and Toltec scenic railroad. This is the longest and highest steam railroad in the United States. Riders can take the 64-mile journey from Chama, NM to Antonito, CO. While zigzagging through colorful forests, experience some of the best rocky mountain scenery that both states have to offer. The railroad is an adventure the whole family can enjoy from grandchild to grandparent. For those who want a more relaxing view of the New Mexico Rockies, this ride might be for you.
Chama Rafting Trip
The Rio Chama is located just 35 minutes northwest of Española, NM. There is no better way to experience the fall color in New Mexico than from the Chama Canyon Wilderness! Enjoy wild whitewater, primitive solitude, good camping, and the vibrancy of fall all on the same trip.
New Mexico River Adventures offers a number of rafting trips on the Rio Chama in New Mexico. Aside from our regular 3 Day Rio Chama rafting trip departures, each of our specialty trips only runs once a year, so booking early is key.
Aspen Vista Trail
Not too far from Santa Fe is the Aspen Vista trail that leads to the top of Ski Santa Fe. This 10-mile round trip rugged forest service road is best hiked or biked, especially in the autumn. The multiple overlooks of the southern portion of Carson National Forest provide excellent views of the New Mexico fall foliage. Don’t miss the aspens show off a beautiful mix of orange, red, and yellow from the summit.
U.S. 64 West: Taos-to-Chama
One of the most scenic fall drives in the U.S. is just west of Taos on U.S route 64. This drive takes you over the famous Rio Grande Gorge Bridge and keeps going west into Carson National Forest. Relish in the lush and colorful forested mountains, accompanied by vast panoramic views at Brazos summit. The drive down towards Tierra Amarilla is equally as beautiful. Once you arrive, continue North towards Chama or continue south towards Abiquiu and its reservoir.
Whether you’re taking an autumn vacation, or looking for a weekend getaway, there are many ways to appreciate the fall colors in New Mexico! As New Mexico’s top-rated river outfitter, we at New Mexico River Adventures know how to plan an epic adventure. Whether you’re looking for New Mexico kayaking, want to experience a unique SUP trip, or have questions about Rio Chama rafting, we are your one-stop shop! Book a trip with New Mexico River Adventures today!
One of the most amazing things about the fall season is that while the temperatures get cooler, the colors of the landscape get warmer. And thus, a popular fall activity is simply going somewhere to watch the leaves change color as summer turns into autumn. So if you are in the area, and searching for [...]
Every year, in the first week of October, thousands of hot air balloons take off from a park in Albuquerque to fill the skies with a brightly-colored airshow. This hot air balloon fest in Albuquerque attracts thousands of visitors every year, but 2022 will be different. This year is the balloon festival’s fiftieth anniversary, which means the event will be bigger and better than ever! This means more balloons, more fun, and more things to explore while in the Northern New Mexico area.
Dawn Patrol
Dawn patrol is the nickname given to the balloon pilots up and at it before everyone else. Before sunrise, anywhere from a single pilot to a small group of them will lift off before sunrise in order to check weather conditions and gauge wind for the upcoming day of flying. In the morning light, the few balloons light up the sky and give a taste of shows yet to come. This is a long-held tradition of the festival, and even though it begins quite early at 6:00 am, it is often the event many people are excited for.
Mass Ascension
Mass Ascension is the colloquial name for the main event of the Albuquerque Balloon festival. Following dawn patrol and some other events including the national anthem, hundreds of balloons begin to take off from the festival field over a two-hour period. Visitors and guests can walk around the field as balloons are constantly being set up and inflated, and watch as they all take off. The sky soon fills with a colorful array of patterns around the festival, making for an excellent show.
Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway
The Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway is one of Albuquerque’s biggest draws. An aerial tramway that ascends one of America’s tallest urban peaks, cresting the Sandia mountains crest at 10,378 feet. The tram ride features excellent views of the mountains as you ascend up the side, giving amazing panoramic views of the Albuquerque area once you reach the top. If exploring the high elevation finds one tired or famished, there is also the TEN3 restaurant at the top, providing dining services to all guests.
The Evening Glow
One of the last things any guest should plan on seeing at the hot air balloon fest in Albuquerque is the Evening Glow event. Just before sunset, many pilots will inflate their balloon, but keep them tethered to the ground. Once darkness falls, they will intermittently ignite the burners, thus igniting the balloons, which show off the amazing patterns and spectacular colors of the balloon’s fabric in the dark. They will also organize synchronized burns where they all burn at once, lighting up the field of tethered balloons. This event is generally accompanied by a firework show that is well worth the watch!
Whitewater Rafting
Northern New Mexico is famous for its renowned whitewater runs, and if one plans on being in Albuquerque for multiple days of the balloon festival, it is well worth the trip. Iconic runs on the Racecourse, the Orilla Verde section, and even the Rio Chama provide guests with an exciting, but safe, adventure along the scenery of the beautiful Rio Grande Gorge or the Chama Canyon Wilderness. These amazing trips are also remarkably close to both Taos and Santa Fe, two very artistic and eclectic cities that deserve a day to themselves after a fun day on the river.
The 50th Anniversary of the Albuquerque balloon festival is bound to be a fun time, but there is too much to do to limit yourself to just the festival. So be sure to watch for family adventures anywhere from the river, to the mountains, to the air!
Every year, in the first week of October, thousands of hot air balloons take off from a park in Albuquerque to fill the skies with a brightly-colored airshow. This hot air balloon fest in Albuquerque attracts thousands of visitors every year, but 2022 will be different. This year is the balloon festival’s fiftieth anniversary, which […]