Written by Rex Vogel, RVing with Rex explores North America one meaningful place at a time through destination guides, history, slow travel, and thoughtful storytelling. Drawing on years of RV travel and firsthand experience, the site helps readers move beyond simply seeing places to truly experiencing them.
Alamogordo, New Mexico, offers much more than White Sands. Explore pistachio orchards, vineyards, space history, desert scenery, and the surprising attractions of the Tularosa Basin.
Alamogordo sits at the edge of New Mexico’s Tularosa Basin where desert landscapes meet the Sacramento Mountains and where, surprisingly, pistachio orchards and vineyards thrive. We discovered the area while using Las Cruces as our home base, exploring White Sands, stopping along the way for photographs and a bit of local history, and eventually finding ourselves surrounded by pistachio trees.
There was a lot more to discover than we expected. From a 30-foot pistachio to working orchards, wineries, space history, and spectacular desert scenery, Alamogordo offered a delightful reminder that sometimes the most interesting places are the ones that surprise you.
Standing 30 feet tall beside the highway, the World’s Largest Pistachio is hard to ignore. Oversized and slightly whimsical, it’s exactly the kind of roadside attraction that makes you want to pull over and take a photograph.
But this isn’t simply a giant nut planted beside the road. It tells the story of how pistachios came to thrive in a place where you might least expect them.
The sculpture stands at PistachioLand, home to a 111-acre pistachio orchard and vineyard that began in 1980 when the McGinn family planted the first trees on what was essentially bare desert. Today, thousands of pistachio trees fill the orchard along with rows of wine grapes.
The giant pistachio was built in memory of Thomas McGinn, PistachioLand’s founder. After his death in 2008, his son Timothy erected the sculpture so travelers passing by would take notice of what his father had created.
We certainly did.
What began with a photograph of one very big pistachio became an introduction to something far more interesting—the surprising agricultural story of the Tularosa Basin
We used Las Cruces as our home base while exploring White Sands National Park, Alamogordo, and the pistachio groves of the Tularosa Basin. Although we could have moved the motorhome, it was much easier to leave it settled in an RV park and use our toad for exploring.
The drive north toward Alamogordo became part of the experience. At San Augustin Pass, we stopped for photographs and took in the changing landscape as the road climbed toward the Sacramento Mountains.
We also stopped at the Space Murals Museum, another unexpected piece of the story of this part of New Mexico. Space exploration, desert scenery, and agriculture might seem like unrelated subjects but along this road they begin to fit together.
By the time we reached Alamogordo, we had discovered that getting there was more than simply traveling from one destination to another. The road itself was revealing the character of the Tularosa Basin.
At first glance, the Tularosa Basin doesn’t look like a place where much would grow. The landscape is dry and open, surrounded by mountains. Yet look closer and you’ll find orchards, vineyards, and fields thriving in the desert.
The basin’s climate is well suited to pistachios, pecans, and grapes. Abundant sunshine and dry conditions have helped agriculture here develop a character all its own with the Sacramento Mountains providing a dramatic backdrop.
That contrast is part of the appeal. White Sands reminds us that this is a desert while the orchards and vineyards show that desert doesn’t necessarily mean barren.
Wineries and nut farms offer another way to experience the region, inviting visitors to taste what is grown here, tour the orchards, and enjoy the scenery.
We had come to see Alamogordo and its famous pistachios. We were beginning to understand that the more interesting story was how something so productive could flourish in such an unlikely landscape.
The giant pistachio may be what first catches your attention but there is much more to discover at PistachioLand.
The ranch combines a working pistachio orchard, vineyard, country store, winery, and ice cream parlor. A farm tour offers a closer look at how pistachios are grown while inside the country store, shelves are filled with farm-grown and handcrafted products.
We enjoyed wandering around, sampling pistachios, and taking in the views from the porch. The pistachio bar offers free samples while the winery provides an opportunity to taste wines made from grapes grown right here in the Tularosa Basin.
And then there is the ice cream. After all, what better way to finish a visit to pistachio country than with a sweet treat?
PistachioLand manages to turn an agricultural operation into an experience for visitors of all ages. What began with a few pistachio trees planted in the desert has grown into one of Alamogordo’s most memorable attractions.
Not far from PistachioLand is Eagle Ranch, home to New Mexico’s first and largest producing pistachio groves. Approximately 13,000 trees grow here, along with vineyards producing grapes for a variety of wines.
The ranch added wine to its products in 2002, expanding an operation already well known for its pistachios. Visitors can tour the ranch, learn how pistachios are grown and processed, and relax on the Tuscany-themed patio overlooking the groves.
There is also a story behind the name on the packages of pistachios grown here. Following a trademark conflict, owners George and Marianna Schweer changed the name to Heart of the Desert, connecting the product directly to the place where it is grown.
The ranch’s main store is in Alamogordo with a second location in the historic village of Mesilla.
What makes these farms interesting is that they are more than places where pistachios are grown and sold. They let visitors see, taste, and experience a crop that has become part of the character of the Tularosa Basin.
After seeing thousands of pistachio trees growing in the desert, it was hard not to look at this familiar snack a little differently.
The pistachio probably originated in Central Asia, in regions that today include Iran, Turkey, and Afghanistan. Evidence suggests people have enjoyed its fruit for more than 8,000 years.
Pistachio trees thrive in dry climates and can grow nearly 40 feet tall. In spring, clusters of green fruit appear. As they ripen, the shell hardens and naturally splits open, revealing the green and purple seed inside.
That leads to a surprising bit of botanical trivia: the pistachio isn’t actually a nut. It is the edible seed of the fruit of the pistachio tree. Botanically, it is a drupe, putting it in the same category as fruits such as peaches and cherries. In the culinary world, however, we continue to call it a nut.
Perhaps that’s part of the fun of pistachios. They may be small but there is considerably more to them than meets the eye—or the shell.
Pistachios may have been our introduction to Alamogordo but they were hardly the only reason to explore the area. The Tularosa Basin offers an unusual mix of desert scenery, mountains, agriculture, history, and outdoor adventure.
White Sands National Park is the obvious attraction with its brilliant gypsum dunes creating a landscape unlike almost anywhere else. Beyond the dunes, the Sacramento Mountains rise dramatically above the basin, providing opportunities for hiking, photography, and simply enjoying a different perspective on the desert.
What makes the area especially appealing is the variety packed into a relatively small region. In a single day, you can photograph desert landscapes, explore space history, wander through pistachio orchards, sample locally produced wine, and watch the mountains change as the light moves across the basin.
That’s what stayed with us. Alamogordo wasn’t just a place we stopped to see a giant pistachio. It was a place where several very different pieces of New Mexico came together—and made us want to slow down and look a little closer.
There is something satisfying about tasting a place rather than simply seeing it. In Alamogordo, that meant sampling pistachios grown just down the road, enjoying locally produced wine, and sitting back to take in the Sacramento Mountains beyond the orchards.
We hadn’t set out to become experts on pistachios. We were simply exploring a part of New Mexico that offered something a little different. Yet the more we looked, tasted, and wandered, the more we appreciated how the desert, mountains, agriculture, and history were woven together.
Perhaps that’s what makes travel memorable. It isn’t always the major attraction or the photograph we came to take. Sometimes it is the unexpected discovery—a giant pistachio, an orchard in the desert, a quiet mountain view—that gives a place its character.
And Alamogordo certainly gave us a few things to remember.
Alamogordo reminded us that travel often begins with one thing and ends somewhere entirely different. We came looking for White Sands and a giant pistachio but discovered orchards growing in the desert, vineyards beneath the Sacramento Mountains, space history, and a landscape that rewarded taking our time.
Perhaps that is the real appeal of places like Alamogordo. They don’t reveal everything at once. You have to slow down, look around, and sometimes follow an unexpected road—or a very large pistachio—to discover what makes a place special.
As Georgia O’Keeffe so aptly put it: “If you ever go to New Mexico, it will itch you for the rest of your life.”
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Editor’s note
This article was originally published in September 2026. Information reflects what was accurate at the time of writing. Conditions, access, and amenities may change over time, so please verify current details before planning your trip.
To maintain transparency and editorial independence, this website contains no ads, no sponsored content, and no affiliate links—just firsthand RV travel experiences and practical information for fellow travelers.
How hot is hot? From New Mexico green chile to habaneros and superhot peppers, explore the Scoville scale, capsaicin, and the fascinating science behind chile pepper heat.
I like chile peppers. Not because I want to prove I can eat the hottest one on the menu but because chile adds something wonderful to food—flavor, aroma, character, and sometimes just enough heat to make you sit up and pay attention.
New Mexico understands this better than most places. Chile is more than an ingredient here; it is part of the culture and a defining flavor of the state’s cuisine. I’ve written about New Mexico’s green chile and Hatch peppers before. This time, I’m taking a different look at one of my favorite foods: how do we measure the heat, and just how hot is hot?
Welcome to the Scoville scale where a pleasant little tingle can eventually lead to, well, Oh dear God, I’m on fire.
In New Mexico, chile isn’t something you simply sprinkle on a dish for a little heat. It is woven into the state’s food, history, agriculture, and culture. Ask a New Mexican about chile and you’re likely to get an opinion—and perhaps a spirited one—about red versus green.
For centuries, chile has been cultivated along the Rio Grande where Pueblo and Hispano communities developed traditions that continue today. Over time, New Mexico’s chile evolved into something distinctly its own with varieties bred for the state’s growing conditions and for the flavors people came to love.
That is what I appreciate most about New Mexican chile. The heat is only part of the story. A good chile has a flavor all its own and the best dishes use that flavor rather than simply trying to make your mouth burn.
But eventually someone had to come along and put a number on that burn.
Before the Scoville scale, there was no simple way to tell someone just how hot a chile pepper was. You could say it was mild, hot, or downright painful but those descriptions were pretty subjective.
That changed in 1912 when Wilbur Scoville, a pharmacist working for Parke, Davis & Company in Detroit, developed a method for measuring the pungency of peppers. His Scoville Organoleptic Test used human taste testers to determine how much a pepper extract had to be diluted before its heat could no longer be detected.
The more dilution required, the higher the pepper’s Scoville Heat Unit, or SHU, rating.
The method sounds rather primitive today—and it was. But Scoville gave us something useful: a way to put a number on the fire.
And once we had numbers, we could start comparing just how much fire was hiding inside those innocent-looking peppers.
So, what do those numbers actually mean? The easiest way to understand the Scoville scale is to put some familiar peppers alongside one another.
A sweet bell pepper sits at zero Scoville Heat Units. There is no capsaicin, no burn, and no need for a glass of water. A jalapeño typically falls somewhere around 2,500 to 8,000 SHU while many New Mexico chile varieties occupy a similar general range.
Then the numbers start climbing. A habanero can reach hundreds of thousands of SHU and the superhot varieties push past one million.
That means the difference between peppers isn’t simply a matter of one being a little hotter than another. We’re talking about an enormous range of heat.
And here’s something worth remembering: New Mexico chile doesn’t have to be painfully hot to be worth eating. In fact, some of the varieties I enjoy most are relatively modest on the Scoville scale.
Which brings up an interesting question: why would anyone want to eat a pepper that’s hundreds of times hotter?
At some point, chile stops being something you add to dinner for flavor and becomes a test of endurance.
Habaneros are where things start getting serious with some varieties reaching well into the hundreds of thousands of Scoville Heat Units. Then come the superhots: the Bhut Jolokia, better known as the Ghost Pepper, followed by varieties such as the Trinidad Scorpion and other peppers whose heat is measured in the millions.
To put that in perspective, a pepper rated at 1 million SHU isn’t simply a little hotter than a 10,000-SHU chile. It represents a dramatically different level of capsaicin.
And yet people deliberately grow them, cook with them and, in some cases, compete to see who can eat them.
I have to admit, that’s not my idea of enjoying chile. Give me a flavorful New Mexico pepper with enough heat to get my attention and I’m happy. I don’t need dinner to become an emergency.
But what exactly is happening inside our mouths when chile makes us feel like we’ve swallowed a blowtorch?
Capsaicin is the compound responsible for the heat in chile peppers. It doesn’t actually raise the temperature of your mouth. Instead, it activates receptors that send a signal to your brain that you’re experiencing heat and irritation.
Your brain doesn’t know—or apparently doesn’t care—that the fire isn’t real. The result is the familiar burning sensation that makes some people reach for a glass of water while others reach for another bite.
And that’s part of the mystery of chile. The same sensation that tells us something hurts can also be pleasurable. For some people, the stronger the burn, the better.
Scientists have also found practical uses for capsaicin beyond the dinner table. Its ability to affect those pain receptors has made it useful in topical pain-relief products.
So the fire in a chile is real enough for our brains to notice, even though we’re not actually being burned.
Which brings me back to why I enjoy New Mexico chile in the first place. It’s not the pain I’m after. It’s the flavor.
Two stages of the same chile, two very different flavors
When New Mexicans ask, “Red or green?” they’re not simply asking which color you prefer. They’re asking which flavor you want.
Green chile is harvested while the peppers are still young. Fresh, bright and slightly grassy, it has a crisp, vegetal character with a distinctive chile flavor. Roasted green chile adds a wonderful smokiness and that combination of flavor and heat is hard to resist.
As the chile matures, it turns red. The flavor changes, becoming deeper, earthier, and somewhat sweeter. Red chile is often dried and ground into a powder or made into a rich sauce. Where green chile seems fresh and lively, red chile has a deeper, more developed character.
Neither is really better. They’re simply different expressions of the same wonderful ingredient.
Personally, I have room for both. That’s one of the pleasures of New Mexico cuisine: the same basic question—red or green?—can lead to two entirely different meals.
And if you can’t decide, there is always the New Mexican answer: Christmas—both red and green.
The Scoville scale gives us a fascinating way to measure chile’s heat but numbers tell only part of the story. A pepper can be mild or insanely hot, yet its real magic is what happens when it becomes part of a meal.
That’s why I keep coming back to New Mexico chile. I’m not looking for the pepper that makes me wonder whether I should call 911. I want the one that adds flavor, character and just enough fire to make the next bite irresistible.
So I’ll happily rate my chile peppers on a scale of 1 to Oh Dear God I’m on Fire.
But when it comes to dinner, I’ll take delicious every time.
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Editor’s note
This article was originally published in September 2026. Information reflects what was accurate at the time of writing. Conditions, access, and amenities may change over time, so please verify current details before planning your trip.
To maintain transparency and editorial independence, this website contains no ads, no sponsored content, and no affiliate links—just firsthand RV travel experiences and practical information for fellow travelers.
Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge may look like an unlikely place for abundant wildlife, but its wetlands, springs, and unusual geology create an oasis in the Chihuahuan Desert.
At first glance, Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge doesn’t look like an oasis. Set in the dry landscape of southeastern New Mexico, it appears open, quiet, and almost barren in places. But look a little closer and the landscape begins to tell a different story.
The refuge is especially intriguing in the changing seasons. September brings the annual Dragonfly Festival while by early November the first signs of winter migration are beginning to appear.
I visited in early November and found myself drawn into a landscape that was changing almost by the day. The road, the water, the birds, and even the smallest creatures offered reasons to stop and look.
Sometimes the most interesting places are the ones that don’t reveal themselves all at once.
Bitter Lake is a study in contrasts. Dry grasslands and open desert surround wetlands, springs and shallow lakes, creating an unexpected patchwork of habitats.
The refuge lies where the Chihuahuan Desert meets the Southern Plains, along the Pecos River watershed. Its gypsum geology has created sinkholes and other unusual formations while water supports an abundance of life that seems out of place in such an arid setting.
From a distance, much of Bitter Lake can look stark and almost barren. But that first impression doesn’t last long.
Here, water changes the landscape—and the landscape creates a refuge for wildlife. Native grasslands, brush, dunes, and wetlands each support different forms of life, making Bitter Lake far more diverse than its surroundings suggest.
The visitor center offers a good introduction to that hidden world. Its exhibits explain the refuge’s geology, wildlife, and importance as a wetland in the desert. After seeing the landscape outside, the information inside gives you a better sense of what you’re about to explore.
That contrast is what makes Bitter Lake worth exploring. You don’t have to look far to begin discovering what is hidden here.
We followed the loop road slowly with no reason to hurry. It led through open grasslands, past wetlands, and along stretches of water where something always seemed worth stopping to see.
Numerous pullouts make it easy to stop when the landscape or wildlife catches your attention. Some offer broad views across the refuge; others bring you closer to the water and habitats that make Bitter Lake so unusual.
Walking trails provide another way to explore. Getting out of the vehicle changes the experience. Instead of passing through the landscape, you become part of it, listening and watching for movement in the grass, along the shoreline, or overhead.
For a photographer, the loop offers plenty of opportunities. The combination of land, water, and wildlife provides subjects at nearly every turn.
We drove the entire loop, stopping often. There was no need to see everything at once.
At Bitter Lake, the road isn’t simply a way to get somewhere. It is part of the discovery.
Birds may be the most obvious attraction at Bitter Lake but they are only part of its story. Look closer and another world comes into view.
The refuge is home to more than 100 species of dragonflies and damselflies, an extraordinary diversity for a place surrounded by desert. In summer, they hover over the wetlands and dart among the vegetation, adding another layer of movement to the refuge.
That diversity is celebrated each September during the annual Dragonfly Festival. This year’s festival is scheduled for September 12, 2026, offering visitors an opportunity to learn more about these remarkable insects and the habitat that supports them.
When we visited in early November, the dragonflies were thinning out with the changing season. Still, a few remained above the water—a small reminder of the summer world that was giving way to fall.
At Bitter Lake, you never know what you might discover when you stop and look a little closer.
By early November, Bitter Lake was beginning to take on a different character. The dragonflies were thinning out as the first winter migrants arrived.
Sandhill cranes and snow geese had begun gathering on the wetlands. It wasn’t yet the spectacle that would develop later in the season but there was a sense that something was underway.
That made our timing especially interesting. We weren’t seeing Bitter Lake as a seasonal peak, but in transition, as one season was giving way to another.
The cranes brought movement and sound to the quiet landscape while the snow geese added another dimension to the wetlands. Even in relatively small numbers, their arrival changed the feeling of the refuge.
Wildlife refuges are never static. The landscape may look much the same but the life within it is constantly changing.
We had arrived just as one season was giving way to another.
Sandhill cranes and snow geese may draw the most attention at Bitter Lake but they are far from the only birds worth watching.
The refuge’s wetlands, grasslands and brush provide habitat for a remarkable variety of species throughout the year. Wading birds and waterfowl gather around the water while other birds make use of the surrounding habitats.
Among those we encountered were juvenile ibis, their darker plumage giving them a distinctive appearance. Watching them move through the shallows was another reminder that there is always more happening at Bitter Lake than its most famous visitors suggest.
That’s part of the appeal of a wildlife refuge. You may arrive hoping to see cranes and find yourself watching an ibis—or noticing something you hadn’t expected at all.
At Bitter Lake, the best discoveries aren’t always the ones you came looking for.
The life at Bitter Lake isn’t limited to what we see flying overhead or moving along the shoreline.
The refuge is home to the Pecos pupfish, a unique species adapted to the warm, mineral-rich waters of the Pecos River basin. Its presence is another sign of just how unusual this environment is.
Much of that uniqueness begins with the geology. Bitter Lake’s gypsum karst has created sinkholes, springs, and other features that influence how water moves through the refuge. Those waters create wetlands in an otherwise arid landscape and support plant and animal communities that could not exist here without them.
It’s easy to focus on the birds at Bitter Lake. But understanding the water and geology beneath them changes how you see the refuge.
Bitter Lake isn’t simply where wildlife gathers.
The landscape itself makes their presence possible.
Bitter Lake isn’t a place to rush through. The loop road, pullouts, and walking trails invite you to stop, look, and listen.
During our November visit, we often found ourselves pausing simply to take in the landscape. The water reflected the sky, birds moved along the shoreline, and the open desert stretched beyond the wetlands.
For a photographer, that quiet pace is part of the attraction. There is time to watch before raising the camera, to see how the light changes, and to catch details you might otherwise miss.
Perhaps that’s what I enjoyed most about Bitter Lake. It doesn’t demand your attention. It rewards you for giving it.
Sometimes, slowing down is how you begin to see a place.
Bitter Lake reminded me that an oasis doesn’t always announce itself. In September, dragonflies take center stage; by early November, they are thinning as cranes and snow geese begin to arrive. Beneath it all, water and geology sustain a remarkable diversity of life.
What first appears to be a quiet, barren landscape is anything but.
Sometimes, you simply have to slow down, look closer, and give a place time to reveal itself.
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Editor’s note
This article was originally published in September 2026. Information reflects what was accurate at the time of writing. Conditions, access, and amenities may change over time, so please verify current details before planning your trip.
To maintain transparency and editorial independence, this website contains no ads, no sponsored content, and no affiliate links—just firsthand RV travel experiences and practical information for fellow travelers.
Planning your first visit to White Sands National Park? Discover the park’s unique gypsum dunes, scenic drives, hiking trails, photography tips, RV planning advice, and the best seasons to explore this remarkable New Mexico landscape.
While mountain peaks and dense forests dominate our public lands, sand dunes serve as the central feature of several notable fields—from the freshwater perches of Lake Michigan to the “singing” Kelso Dunes of the Mojave. Yet, nestled in New Mexico’s arid Tularosa Basin just 15 miles outside Alamogordo, White Sands National Park stands completely apart. It feels simultaneously like a journey into the Sahara and a voyage to another planet.
White Sands boasts an entirely distinct display of natural artistry. Unlike typical quartz sand, these dunes are composed of pure gypsum—a soft, water-soluble mineral that rarely survives on the earth’s surface. Here, an ancient, enclosed basin traps the mineral, allowing the wind to sculpt it into a shifting, 275-square-mile wave of brilliant white.
Experiencing this landscape requires a deliberate shift in tempo. Its blinding brilliance and quiet solitude cannot be absorbed on a hurried windshield tour or a quick checklist stop. White Sands rewards those who park the rig, step away from the pavement, and let the quiet rhythm of the desert dictate the pace. Whether you are drawn by the rare geological forces at play or the desire to stand in an otherworldly expanse, you must slow down to truly see it.
Discovering a living ecosystem hidden within shifting waves of white
The National Park Service (NPS) excels at preserving surreal spaces. Alongside the volcanic expanses of Craters of the Moon and the crimson spires of Bryce Canyon, White Sands feels completely detached from Earth.
The park rests within the Chihuahuan Desert—North America’s most biologically diverse desert. Yet even in a region of dramatic arid beauty, White Sands stands out as a geological anomaly. Its 275-square-mile wave of pure gypsum creates a stark visual contrast: brilliant white crests cast against a piercing blue sky, framed by the rugged shadows of the Sacramento and San Andrés Mountains.
For the slow traveler, the true magic reveals itself when you look past the initial monoculture. Far from a dead desert, this is a highly dynamic ecosystem where specialized flora and fauna adapt to a shifting world.
Vibrant green speckles of soaptree yucca and desert rosemary break through the white corridors, creating a striking color palette. This landscape rewards an unhurried eye—where sitting still allows you to notice the subtle tracks of nocturnal wildlife or the slow, rhythmic march of the dunes themselves.
The geology: A perfect recipe of water, wind, and time
Standing inside an active, ancient desert laboratory
Looking over this shimmering sea of white, it is difficult to fathom its origins. This massive field required a precise sequence of climate and geological events—a process that still actively shapes the basin today.
You encounter gypsum daily in drywall and toothpaste but it rarely survives as sand. Because the mineral is highly water-soluble, rain typically dissolves it and washes it to the ocean.
To form dunes, a perfect trap is required. The Tularosa Basin is an endorheic basin, meaning it has no outlet to the sea.
When rainwater washes down from the surrounding mountains, it dissolves the gypsum deposits and pools at Lake Lucero. With no river to drain the basin, the water evaporates under the intense desert sun.
This leaves behind pure selenite crystals. Fierce basin winds then crush and polish these crystals into microscopic grains of brilliant white sand.
A slow approach reveals that you are standing inside an active laboratory. Rushing means missing the story written on the dry lakebeds and the varying shapes of the dunes—from gentle domes to sweeping crescent shapes—all migrating with the wind.
Gypsum vs. Silica: Cool Sands & Ancient Footprints
Why you can kick off your boots and walk through deep history
White Sands holds an estimated 4.5 billion tons of gypsum sand, making it a peerless global anomaly. To put this scale into perspective, the world’s second-largest gypsum dunefield—Mexico’s Cuatrociénegas Preserve—covers a mere eight square miles.
For RVers and outdoor enthusiasts, gypsum’s unique chemical properties offer a fantastic, hands-on benefit. Unlike standard silica (quartz) sand which absorbs and retains solar radiation, gypsum does not readily conduct heat.
Consequently, the sand remains surprisingly cool. Even during a blazing New Mexico summer, you can comfortably walk barefoot across the dunes without burning your feet.
Slowing your pace reveals another profound secret written in the sand. The damp, mineral-rich floor of the Tularosa Basin possesses a unique ability to preserve the past, hosting the world’s largest collection of fossilized Ice Age footprints.
Etched into ancient lakebeds beneath the shifting dunes are the remarkably clear tracks of prehistoric humans, massive mammoths, and giant ground sloths from over 10,000 years ago. It is a literal walk through deep history that you will entirely miss if you only view the park through a windshield.
Balancing the desert seasons for optimal exploration
White Sands National Park is open year-round but because it sits exposed in the high desert, picking the right seasonal window completely changes your experience. For RVers looking to settle into the landscape without battling extreme weather, timing is everything.
Spring (Mar – May)
Temperature range: 65℉ – 80℉
Weather notes: Excellent daytime hiking; high winds common in May
The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn offer the most comfortable climate for outdoor exploration. March and April bring ideal hiking weather though late spring can bring fierce basin winds that kick up sandstorms and reduce visibility.
Summer requires strict preparation. Daytime temperatures routinely soar past 100°F and the white gypsum acts like a giant mirror, reflecting the sun and intensifying the heat.
Summer also brings the monsoon season (July through September). While these months deliver the majority of the park’s 10 inches of annual rainfall, the late-afternoon thunderstorms create sudden temperature drops and the spectacular, dramatic skies that photographers love.
Adhering to a slower travel rhythm means you don’t have to brave the midday heat. Instead, you can pull your rig into a nearby camp, relax during the blistering afternoon hours, and head into the dunes during the early mornings or late evenings when the shadows lengthen and the desert cools down.
Determining your stay: Why rushing misses the magic
Giving the shifting desert room to breathe
Because White Sands is relatively compact—with a single 8-mile scenic drive leading into the gypsum—many casual visitorts treat it as a quick, three-hour photo stop. They drive in, snap roadside pictures, and move on. But to truly absorb this surreal desert anomaly, you need to give it time to breathe.
Plan to dedicate at least one to two full days to the area. Splitting your exploration allows you to practice true slow travel: you can experience the dunes during their two most transformative moments—sunrise and sunset—while avoiding the flat, blinding glare of the midday sun. Because your vehicle entry fee is valid for seven consecutive days, you have the perfect excuse to linger.
A multi-day approach allows you to dedicate one morning to a deeper trek like the Alkali Flat Trail, spend the afternoon relaxing at your rig, and return in the evening when long shadows completely reshape the topography of the crests. By slowing down, you get to witness the sand shift from blazing white to soft pinks, purples, and deep blues—a visual symphony you completely miss if you are just passing through.
The pack list: Essential desert gear
Gear that keeps you safe in a shifting, reflective world
Because the dunes feel like a familiar beach, it is easy to underestimate the environment. White Sands is a backcountry desert wilderness that demands respect. Slow, intentional travel means packing deliberately so you can stay out longer and explore safely.
Water (1 gallon per person, per day): There is no water available out in the dunefield. The dry air and relentless wind dehydrate you rapidly, often before you realize you are sweating.
Salty snacks: Drinking water is only half the battle. You must balance your fluid intake with salty snacks to replenish lost electrolytes and prevent hyponatremia (dangerously low blood sodium).
Offline navigation & physical map: Cell service can drop entirely between large dunes. Download the official National Park Service app maps for offline use before arriving or carry a traditional map and compass.
Charged phone & power bank: A phone is your lifeline to 911. Keep it in airplane mode while hiking to prevent the battery from draining as it continuously searches for a tower signal.
360-degree sun protection: The white gypsum reflects up to 80% of UV radiation, hitting you from all angles. A wide-brimmed hat, polarized sunglasses, UV-blocking long sleeves, and high-SPF sunscreen are mandatory year-round.
Adaptable layers: High-desert weather changes fast. Warm afternoons can rapidly turn into chilly, high-wind dust storms or sudden monsoon downpours. Keep a lightweight rain jacket and an insulating layer in your daypack.
Closed-toe shoes: The sand feels inviting but the Chihuahuan Desert is home to venomous prairie rattlesnakes and bark scorpions. Sturdy footwear protects you from wildlife and hidden, coarse yucca roots.
First aid kit & flashlight: Pack a basic trail kit for scrapes. Always carry a reliable headlamp or flashlight—even on a sunset stroll—as the desert loses its visible landmarks the moment the sun dips below the horizon.
Navigating the high desert efficiently with an oversized vehicle
The entrance to White Sands National Park sits directly off US-70 between mile markers 199 and 200—just 15 miles southwest of Alamogordo and 52 miles northeast of Las Cruces. If you are approaching from Las Cruces, the park entrance appears on the left about one mile after clearing the permanent U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint.
Because White Sands is not an all-hours destination, gates close nightly and hours shift seasonally. Always check the official park calendar on the morning of your visit to verify operating hours and military missile testing closures.
For the smoothest experience, avoid driving a large rig into the park entirely. Parking at the historic visitor center and the trailheads along Dunes Drive is extremely limited for oversized vehicles. The best strategy is to set up camp at a nearby RV park in Alamogordo or Las Cruces, leave your rig behind, and use your tow vehicle (toad) to explore the park.
Top experiences: An unmatched desert playground
Engaging all your senses beyond the pavement
While White Sands serves as a brilliant sightseeing destination and a grand geological experiment, it also offers some of the most unusual recreational activities in the National Park System. The landscape is an open invitation to step away from the pavement.
Rather than viewing the dunes as a passing backdrop from your rig’s window, slowing your pace allows you to experience the park as a dynamic playground. Whether you are looking to sled down mountains of white crystals, hike into the quiet backcountry, or photograph the shifting golden hour shadows, these activities invite you into the heart of the desert.
1. Desert hiking: Navigating total desert solitude
Leaving the pavement behind to explore an unmapped world
There is no better way to absorb the quiet majesty of White Sands than by leaving the parking loops behind. Wandering into the heart of the gypsum rewards you with a profound, heavy silence and unobstructed, panoramic views of the Sacramento and San Andrés Mountains.
The park’s trail system is highly versatile. Top routes like the Dune Life Nature Trail and the Playa Trail are rated as easy, allowing visitors to explore this mesmerizing landscape without enduring treacherous terrain.
The park also features the Interdune Boardwalk, an ADA-accessible path that allows visitors of all mobility levels to glide over areas of intense geological interest. However, the boardwalk is temporarily closed due to an active safety corridor following a military jet crash. You can still drive this section of Dunes Drive but stopping, parking, or exiting your vehicle is strictly prohibited between mile markers 3 and 5.5.
Because the wind constantly erases footprints on the shifting gypsum, there are no worn paths to follow. To keep hikers oriented, the park marks its open trails using colored posts with specific geometric symbols. Familiarizing yourself with your trail’s specific color and shape before taking your first step is critical for backcountry safety.
Fortunately, hikers can take advantage of the cool gypsum sand to take the sharp edge off the desert conditions. Still, this is a hot, exposed environment. Never begin a hike if the temperature has reached 85°F, carry significantly more hydration and sun protection than you think you need, and ensure your tow vehicle’s tank is well-stocked before leaving Alamogordo or Las Cruces.
Testing your legs against towering, wind-rippled crests
If you are looking for true, uninterrupted desert isolation, the Alkali Flat Trail is the park’s crown jewel. This route takes you far beyond the casual crowds, leading straight through the center of the dynamic dunefield where signs of human activity fade into towering, untouched white sand.
Difficulty: Moderate/strenuous
Distance: 4.5 miles (round-trip loop)
Time required: 3-5 hours
Location: End of Dunes Drive
Trail marker: Red posts with Diamonds
Pets: Yes (on leash)
Don’t let the name “Flat” fool you—this hike is a rigorous workout. While the trail eventually reaches the edge of the Alkali Flat (the dry lakebed of ancient Lake Otero), getting there requires constantly climbing up and over the steep faces of loose gypsum dunes which adds significant resistance to every step.
Dune Life Nature Trail: A window into a thriving ecosystem
Exploring the diverse transition zone where desert life meets the sand
To understand how life flourishes in a sea of shifting minerals, the Dune Life Nature Trail is the perfect place to look. This introductory loop acts as an ecotone—a transition zone where traditional Chihuahuan desert scrub meets the edge of the active gypsum. Because of this unique location, it is the most biologically diverse pocket of the park.
For a break from climbing steep sand slopes, the Playa Trail offers a completely different perspective on the Tularosa Basin. This short, flat path takes you through a low-lying desert environment to a small, ephemeral (temporary) lakebed known as a playa.
An immersive day hike showcasing the basin’s massive scale
If you want a taste of the sweeping, minimalist views found on the longer Alkali Flat Trail but are short on time, the Backcountry Camping Trail is a phenomenal compromise. While the path was originally mapped to provide access to primitive tent-camping sites, actual overnight backcountry camping is currently closed indefinitely.
Fortunately, the loop remains highly popular as a scenic day hike. It offers an immersive, panoramic look at the true magnitude of the Tularosa Basin without requiring a half-day commitment.
Plunging down massive sand waves on a plastic saucer
The towering mounds of gypsum mirror winter snow in more than just appearance. Sand sledding is a high-energy pastime that is a total blast for all ages.
Because sand has high friction and isn’t inherently slippery like ice, successful sledding requires specific gear and technique. Standard runner sleds will simply sink. Instead, heavy-duty plastic saucers work best. You can pack your own or purchase one at the visitor center’s gift shop. Be sure to pick up sled wax too; rubbing a thin layer onto the bottom of your saucer is the secret to building up speed.
Always scout your terrain before launching to ensure an injury-free afternoon:
Check the run-off: Choose a dune with a gently sloping face that finishes into a level, sandy basin. While the slope is soft, the flat floor at the base can be baked rock-hard by the sun.
Clear the path: Inspect the entire route to ensure it is free from hidden hazards like tough yucca roots, hard clumps of packed sand, or vegetation.
Stay clear of traffic: Never establish a sledding hill near Dunes Drive, parking pullouts, or walkways where a runaway saucer could slide into a vehicle or pedestrian.
Navigating your vehicle straight through towering waves of white
Even from the driver’s seat, White Sands delivers an extraordinary journey. While legendary routes like the Grand Canyon’s Kaibab Plateau Scenic Drive are famous for distant vistas, Dunes Drive drops you directly onto the basin floor, threading straight through the heart of active, towering dunes.
The 16-mile round-trip journey takes about 45 minutes of straight driving but a slow travel itinerary requires a few hours. The first four miles are paved asphalt while the final four miles transition into a graded, hard-packed gypsum road. This packed sand surface is smooth and well-maintained, making it fully suitable for standard cars and large RV configurations alike.
However, watch out for Missile Range Closures. The park is surrounded by the White Sands Missile Range. For visitor safety, Dunes Drive and US-70 close during active military testing, lasting up to three hours. Always check the official NPS Park Closures Page (https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/park-closures.htm) when planning your driving window.
4. Stargazing: The universe over a silent sea
Watching the cosmos unfold over a ghostly, glowing landscape
The magic of White Sands doesn’t fade when the sun goes down; in many ways, it’s just beginning. Isolated within the high-desert expanse of the Tularosa Basin and shielded by the surrounding mountains, White Sands National Park is a designated International Dark Sky Park. It boasts some of the clearest, most pollution-free night skies in the country, making it a premier destination for astrophotography and stargazing.
Slowing your itinerary for an evening in the park rewards you with a front-row seat to the cosmos. You can spread a blanket on the cool sand and watch the dense, silver band of the Milky Way arc from horizon to horizon. For a more structured experience, time your visit with the park’s calendar to join a ranger-led astronomy program or a popular Full Moon Hike.
Seeing a glittering canopy of stars mirrored by the ghostly, pale glow of the gypsum dunes is a surreal experience—and a powerful reminder of what you discover when you refuse to rush.
Capturing geometric lines and deep-blue contrast on a white canvas
White Sands is an absolute paradise for visual creators, offering an infinite array of geometric lines, textured ripples, and minimalist compositions. Because the landscape is constantly reshaped by the desert wind, no two photographs taken here will ever be exactly the same.
A slow travel itinerary is essential for capturing this ethereal beauty. During midday, the intense overhead sun creates a flat, blinding glare that washes out detail and tricks your camera’s exposure meter. Instead, focus your efforts entirely around the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
As the sun dips low, it sculpts the dunes, casting dramatic, deep-blue shadows that reveal the intricate, wind-blown textures of the gypsum. Simultaneously, the white canvas undergoes a stunning transformation, shifting from warm golds and soft pinks into deep purples and cool twilight blues.
6. Ranger programs & interpretive talks: Living history
Uncovering the hidden layers of a complex desert ecosystem
To truly appreciate White Sands, you have to look beyond the surface. What looks like an empty expanse of sand is actually a landscape teeming with complex geology, resilient wildlife, and thousands of years of human history. There is no better way to uncover these hidden layers than through ranger-led programs.
Joining a guided walk allows you to slow your pace and focus on the fine details. Rangers break down the fascinating science of how this gypsum field formed and highlight the evolutionary marvels of the plants and animals that survive here.
Special patio talks and workshops at the historic visitor center delve into the basin’s rich cultural tapestry from ice-age tracks and Indigenous traditions to early pioneers and modern military history.
Beyond the park borders: Tularosa Basin base camps
Expanding your itinerary across regional history and public lands
Because White Sands National Park lacks an internal campground for RVs, maximizing a slow travel itinerary means choosing a strategic regional base camp. The surrounding Tularosa Basin offers exceptional public lands, military history, and unique roadside culture.
Oliver Lee Memorial State Park (30 miles east): An ideal, spacious base camp nestled against the Sacramento Mountains featuring a big-rig-friendly loop with 30/50-amp utility hookups and panoramic views of the desert floor.
Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument: Aguirre Spring Campground (BLM) sits beneath spectacular, jagged spires. Crucial rig warning: The winding mountain access road is punishingly steep with a strict 23-foot maximum length limit. Leave large rigs in the valley and explore via your tow vehicle.
Alamogordo (17 miles northeast): The primary hub bordering the park. Visit the New Mexico Museum of Space History to see genuine Apollo-era hardware then make a quirky stop at McGinn’s PistachioLand to photograph the world’s largest pistachio (30 feet tall) and grab homemade pistachio ice cream.
Hatch (90 miles northwest): The “Chile Capital of the World.” Point your rig toward the Rio Grande Valley in early fall to stock your RV freezer with freshly flame-roasted green chiles.
Las Cruces & Historic Mesilla (50 miles southwest): A perfect multi-day base camp blending urban convenience with deep history. Wander the 1840s adobe Mesilla Plaza, the historic site of the Gadsden Purchase and Billy the Kid’s trial.
Finding permanence in a landscape defined by change
To travel slowly through White Sands National Park is to accept a landscape that refuses to stand still. The very geology beneath your boots is in constant motion, reshaped by every passing desert breeze. Yet, when you refuse to rush—when you stay late enough to watch the Milky Way rise over the glowing gypsum or sit quietly as the golden hour casts long, deep-blue shadows across the ridges—you find a profound sense of stillness.
By packing intentionally, respecting the harsh environment, and setting up a comfortable base camp in the basin, you transition from a casual observer to an immersed traveler. White Sands teaches us that you don’t need to chase a dozen destinations to find something extraordinary. Sometimes, you just need to drop your anchors in one place, let the horizon change colors, and watch the world unfold.
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Editor’s note
This article was originally published in August 2026. Information reflects what was accurate at the time of writing. Conditions, access, and amenities may change over time, so please verify current details before planning your trip.
To maintain transparency and editorial independence, this website contains no ads, no sponsored content, and no affiliate links—just firsthand RV travel experiences and practical information for fellow travelers.
If you’re dreaming of where to travel to experience it all, here are my picks for the best places to RV in February
Curiosity is the wick in the candle of learning.
—William Arthur Ward
Just as the length of a candle’s wick determines how long its flame will burn, the depth of our curiosity shapes how far our learning can reach. The metaphor belongs to William Arthur Ward (1921–1994), the late American motivational writer who published more than 100 poems, essays, and articles along with a book titled The Inspirational Maxim.
Long before neuroscience could explain it, Ward understood curiosity as a sustaining force. Modern research has since confirmed his intuition: when curiosity is engaged, the brain enters a heightened state of readiness, allowing us to absorb not only the information we seek, but also unexpected insights encountered along the way. Ward lacked neuroimaging tools but his conclusion remains sound—curiosity sits at the heart of how we learn and grow.
That same curiosity quietly underpins the RV lifestyle. Life on the road rewards those willing to ask questions about unfamiliar landscapes, roadside towns, local wildlife, and the people who call these places home. RV travel slows the pace just enough to notice what curiosity reveals: a conversation sparked at a campground, a bird call overheard at dawn, a scenic detour taken simply because it looked interesting. In this way, the journey becomes less about miles logged and more about attention paid with curiosity acting as the wick that keeps the experience burning long after the engine is turned off.
Planning an RV trip for a different time of year? Check out my monthly travel recommendations for the best places to travel in January. Also check out my recommendations from February 2025 and March 2025.
Mardi Gras in 2026 falls on Tuesday, February 17, marking the grand finale of the Carnival season before the reflective period of Lent begins. Festivities officially kicked off on January 6, 2026—Twelfth Night—and unfold over six lively weeks filled with parades, masquerade balls, king cake traditions, and neighborhood celebrations. As the calendar turns toward the final weekend, the pace intensifies with daily parades, elaborate floats, marching bands, and costumed revelers taking over the streets.
Cities such as New Orleans, Mobile, Alabama, and Galveston, Texas serve as major Carnival centers each offering its own distinct flavor from New Orleans’ legendary krewes and historic routes to Mobile’s deeply rooted traditions and Galveston’s family-friendly coastal celebrations. Across the Gulf Coast and beyond, Mardi Gras season blends history, music, food, and pageantry all building toward the exuberant release of Fat Tuesday.
Texas Hill Country is especially well suited to RV travel in February when cool mornings give way to mild, sunlit afternoons and the landscape feels unhurried. The crowds of spring have not yet arrived allowing for quiet days in state parks like Garner, Guadalupe River, and Pedernales Falls where hiking trails, limestone rivers, and oak-juniper woodlands invite slow exploration.
Small towns such as Fredericksburg, Llano, and Johnson City offer local cafés, art spaces, and live music without the seasonal bustle. Winter birding is excellent, wildflowers begin to hint at what’s coming, and the region’s rolling roads make driving itself part of the experience—ideal for RVers looking to settle in, observe, and let the place reveal itself over time.
Southern Arizona shines in February offering warm, comfortable days and cool, crisp nights—perfect conditions for extended RV stays. Pinal County situated between Phoenix and Tucson provides an ideal base for discovering the region’s rich desert landscapes, historic towns, and natural wonders. From Tucson and Tubac to Tombstone, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, and the striking sky islands of southern Arizona, the desert comes alive in winter with blooming cacti, active reptiles, and some of North America’s best birding.
The area’s remarkable biodiversity unfolds along riparian corridors, desert grasslands, and mountain ranges, all within short driving distances. Campgrounds and dispersed camping areas are plentiful—especially on nearby public lands—giving RV travelers the freedom to settle in and explore at a relaxed pace. With clear desert skies, expansive vistas, and a strong sense of place, Southern Arizona and Pinal County reward those who linger, soak in the landscape, and travel at their own rhythm.
On Sunday, February 15, 2026, the Daytona 500 roars to life at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida launching the NASCAR season with its most iconic event. Known as “The Great American Race,” this legendary spectacle draws more than 150,000 fans for a full week of high-octane action from qualifying and support races to the drama-packed main event. Race week turns Daytona Beach into a celebration of speed and tradition where the thunder of engines is matched by an electric atmosphere throughout the city.
Beyond the track, Daytona Beach delivers its own appeal with miles of sandy shoreline, a classic oceanfront boardwalk, and casual seafood spots perfect for unwinding after a day at the speedway.
Southern Nevada is at its best in winter when cooler temperatures transform the desert into an inviting landscape for RV travelers. The fiery sandstone formations of Valley of Fire State Park glow in low winter light, making it a standout destination for hiking and photography without the oppressive heat of warmer months.
Nearby, the Lake Mead area offers expansive views, quiet coves, and a wide range of boondocking options on surrounding public lands. With dry air, clear skies, and fewer visitors, February allows for unhurried exploration rewarding those who slow down to walk the trails watch the changing light, and experience the desert at its most comfortable and contemplative.
The Cactus League Spring Training is Major League Baseball’s annual preseason showcase held each spring across the Greater Phoenix area. In 2026, the league features 15 MLB teams playing in 10 purpose-built stadiums offering fans an unmatched mix of sunshine, accessibility, and up-close baseball.
The 2026 season officially begins on Friday, February 20 and runs through March 23 packing more than 200 games into just 34 days. With compact stadiums and short drive times between venues, fans can easily catch multiple games in a single day while enjoying Arizona’s mild late-+winter weather.
Stadiums & teams:
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick – Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies
Hohokam Stadium – Athletics
Sloan Park – Chicago Cubs
Camelback Ranch – Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers
Surprise Stadium – Kansas City Royals, Texas Rangers (also hosts two World Baseball Classic exhibition games and the Spring Breakout event)
Tempe Diablo Stadium – Los Angeles Angels
American Family Fields of Phoenix – Milwaukee Brewers
Peoria Sports Complex – San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners
Scottsdale Stadium – San Francisco Giants
From longtime baseball fans to casual visitors, Cactus League Spring Training combines professional baseball with a relaxed, festival-like atmosphere making it one of Arizona’s signature winter attractions.
New Mexico’s southern deserts offer a quieter, more spacious winter experience that suits RV travel especially well in February. Around White Sands National Park, Las Cruces, and the historic village of Mesilla, cool mornings give way to bright, sunny afternoons ideal for hiking, photography, and time outdoors. The gypsum dunes of White Sands shift in color and texture throughout the day while Mesilla adds a human counterpoint with its adobe architecture, shaded plaza, and deep cultural history.
Campgrounds and nearby public lands make it easy to stay awhile and the region’s wide-open landscapes reward unhurried exploration shaped by light, weather, and curiosity rather than schedules.
Now is the perfect time to experience the stunning beauty of Picacho Peak State Park. Nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert just off I-10 between Phoenix and Tucson, this iconic park offers sweeping desert vistas, mild winter and spring weather, and countless ways to connect with nature.
Hikers of all levels will find trails suited to their pace from gentle, beginner-friendly paths to steep climbs that reward seasoned adventurers with panoramic views of the rugged desert landscape. Along the trails especially in late winter and early spring the desert comes alive with vibrant wildflowers painting the sandy terrain with bursts of color that contrast beautifully with the towering saguaros and palo verde trees.
Picacho Peak is widely regarded as one of Arizona’s premier spring wildflower destinations and it’s easy to see why. When conditions align, golden poppies sweep across the lower slopes and into the campgrounds draping the mountain’s base in a vibrant, ever-changing tapestry. As noted in Fields of Poppies Adorn Picacho Peak (State Park) and Picacho Peak State Park Is Alive With Color, these seasonal blooms create a striking counterpoint to the Sonoran Desert’s usual palette of sage green and weathered brown briefly transforming the landscape into something vivid, celebratory, and unforgettable.
The park’s spacious campground makes it easy to extend your stay allowing for sunrise hikes, birdwatching, or simply soaking in the quiet desert atmosphere. Birding enthusiasts can spot a variety of species flitting among the cacti while keen observers may also encounter desert wildlife such as grey foxes, javelina, and mule deer.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, tranquility, or a chance to witness the desert in bloom, Picacho Peak State Park offers an unforgettable outdoor experience.
While Alabama isn’t widely known for bustling tourist destinations, its 60 miles of Gulf Coast stand out as the state’s premier vacation spot. This stretch is dotted with charming towns but visitors often refer to the entire area simply as Gulf Shores.
Travelers flock here for a variety of reasons—lounging on powdery white sand beaches, exploring historic forts and naval vessels, seeking thrills with coastal adventure sports, or immersing themselves in the natural beauty of wildlife reserves. But for those in the know, Gulf Shores offers an unforgettable culinary draw: Royal Red Shrimp, a true bucket-list delicacy.
Royal Red Shrimp are rare, deep-water shrimp found 40 to 60 miles offshore and the waters off Alabama are considered their sweet spot. These shrimp are large, their shells a striking deep crimson, and they are prized for their exceptional tenderness and rich, salty-sweet flavor. Whether grilled, boiled, or served fresh from the Gulf, tasting Royal Reds in Gulf Shores is an experience that food lovers won’t want to miss.
The story of San Antonio began with a simple but transformative ceremony in 1718 when Franciscans and Spanish officials established the first mission along the San Antonio River. Within just 13 years, five missions were founded designed to Christianize and acculturate the native population while integrating them as Spanish citizens. Today, visitors can walk in the footsteps of the mission Indians and friars and perhaps even meet descendants of those first inhabitants.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park preserves four of these Spanish frontier missions—San José, San Juan, Espada, and Concepción—all part of a larger colonization network that spanned the Spanish Southwest from the 17th through 19th centuries. The park, established in 1978, encompasses cultural sites, historic architecture, and natural areas along the river, offering a rich glimpse into the region’s layered history.
Be sure to explore the What Is Old and What’s New sections along the San Antonio Missions Trail where history and modern life intersect in one of Texas’ most unique cultural landscapes.
Closing reflection
Bringing it all into focus
As we bring this journey into focus, it’s a moment to savor the experiences that have filled our days—the sun-drenched beaches of Gulf Shores, the high-octane excitement of the Daytona 500, the majestic deserts and wildflower trails of Picacho Peak State Park, the historic charm of the San Antonio Missions, and the sunny stadiums of Arizona’s Cactus League Spring Training. Each destination offered its own unique flavors, adventures, and memories, from adrenaline-pumping thrills to quiet moments of reflection.
As one saying reminds us: “May the joy of today bring forth happiness for tomorrow—and may the cold Alberta air stay up north!” Let this be a celebration of the warmth we find in exploration, the laughter shared along the way, and the simple pleasures that make each adventure unforgettable. Here’s to carrying that joy forward, wherever the next horizon may lead.
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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in January 2026. Information reflects what was accurate at the time of writing. For topics that may change quickly, please verify current details before planning. To ensure honesty and avoid bias, this website features no ads, no sponsored content, and no affiliate links—just straightforward information for fellow travelers.
The Colorado Plateau is a vast, elevated region in the southwestern United States spanning about 130,000 square miles across parts of Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico
The Colorado Plateau which stretches for 130,000 square miles is home to 10 national parks, 20 national monuments, a handful of national recreation areas and tribal parks, and dozens of wilderness areas.
The Colorado Plateau, often nicknamed the “Land of Colorful Rocks” due to its vibrant, layered sedimentary formations in shades of red, orange, yellow, and white exposed by erosion is a vast geologic province in the southwestern United States. These colorful rocks stem from ancient sandstones, shales, and limestones deposited over millions of years sculpted by wind, water, and uplift into dramatic features like canyons, arches, hoodoos, and mesas.
It’s a high-desert region known for its arid climate, sparse vegetation (like sagebrush at lower elevations and pinyon-juniper woodlands higher up), and relatively stable tectonic history which has preserved thick layers of rock unlike surrounding areas that experienced more folding and faulting.
Well-known parts of the plateau have been showcased on this blog before: the Grand Canyon, Canyon de Chelly, The Mighty Five, and Mesa Verde National Park to name a few. But the plateau as a distinct entity has never been featured in the 2,400-plus articles published thus far.
The name “Colorado Plateau” is perhaps confusing to some: It comes not from the nearby Rocky Mountain state but from the Colorado River, the master stream that drains its lofty heights. This great excavator of rock along with its multitude of tributaries has bequeathed a display of spectacular scenery with no comparison anywhere on the planet. And I have looked everywhere, visiting more than 25 countries in search of a possible “twin” to the Colorado Plateau.
Comprehensive view of the Colorado Plateau’s geographical extent and size
Location: Centered on the Four Corners region where Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico meet it also touches a small part of southeastern Nevada. It spans northern Arizona, eastern and southern Utah, western Colorado, and northwestern New Mexico.
Area: Approximately 130,000 square miles making it one of the largest plateaus in North America.
Arizona’s share of the Colorado Plateau
The state with the largest portion
The Colorado Plateau spanning approximately 130,000 square miles across the southwestern United States includes a significant portion of Arizona. While precise boundaries vary slightly by source, Arizona’s share is notable particularly in its northern region.
Geographical extent: Arizona’s portion of the Colorado Plateau covers the northern two-fifths of the state generally north of the Mogollon Rim. This includes areas like the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, and the Navajo Nation characterized by high deserts, canyons, and colorful rock formations.
Estimated area: Arizona encompasses roughly 40–43 percent of the Colorado Plateau equating to approximately 52,000–55,900 square miles. This is based on the plateau’s total area and Arizona’s significant overlap in its northern region.
Proportion of Arizona: The Colorado Plateau covers about 43 percent of Arizona’s total land area (Arizona is ~113,990 square miles). The rest of the state includes the Basin and Range province in the south and southwest, home to urban areas like Phoenix and Tucson.
National Monuments: Examples include Vermilion Cliffs, Sunset Crater Volcano, Wupatki, Walnut Canyon, and Canyon de Chelly showcasing red rock landscapes, volcanic features, and Ancestral Puebloan sites.
Tribal Parks:Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Antelope Canyon (Navajo Nation), and parts of Canyon de Chelly (managed with the National Park Service) highlight Indigenous heritage.
Wilderness areas: Dozens, including Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs and Superstition, offer remote hiking and exploration.
Arizona’s share of the Colorado Plateau is defined by iconic landscapes like the Grand Canyon carved by the Colorado River and vibrant rock layers revealing millions of years of geologic history. Its cultural significance includes ancient Indigenous sites and modern tribal lands particularly of the Navajo and Hopi.
Despite covering nearly half the state, many Arizonans, especially in southern urban areas, may not identify it as a cohesive region due to its remoteness and the prominence of individual landmarks. Visitors should respect tribal regulations, obtain permits for restricted areas, and prepare for high-altitude, arid conditions.
Encompasses diverse landscapes with forests, canyons, and volcanic fields
Utah encompasses a significant portion of the Colorado Plateau which covers approximately 130,000 square miles across the southwestern United States. While exact percentages vary slightly by source due to differing boundary definitions, Utah’s share is substantial particularly in its eastern and southern regions.
Geographical extent: The Colorado Plateau includes most of eastern and southern Utah covering areas east of the Wasatch Front and south of the Uinta Mountains. This includes iconic landscapes like the red rock deserts, canyons, and mesas of southern Utah.
Estimated Area: Utah contains roughly 40–50 percent of the Colorado Plateau equating to approximately 52,000–65,000 square miles. This is based on the plateau’s total area and Utah’s significant overlap with its core regions particularly in counties like San Juan, Kane, Garfield, and Washington.
Proportion of Utah: The Colorado Plateau covers about 60–65 percent of Utah’s total land area (Utah is ~84,900 square miles). The rest of Utah includes the Great Basin to the west and the Rocky Mountains to the northeast.
Utah’s share of the Colorado Plateau is a global destination for its dramatic geology—think slot canyons, arches, and hoodoos—formed by millions of years of erosion and uplift. Its cultural significance includes ancient Ancestral Puebloan sites and modern tribal lands. Yet, like in Arizona, many Utah residents may not fully recognize the plateau as a distinct region due to its vastness and the prominence of individual landmarks. If visiting, respect land regulations, especially on tribal and wilderness areas, and prepare for arid conditions.
Characterized by unique volcanic formations, dry grasslands, shrublands, pinyon-juniper woodland, and mountain forests
The Colorado Plateau covering approximately 130,000 square miles in the southwestern United States includes a portion of northwestern New Mexico. While New Mexico’s share is smaller compared to Utah and Arizona it is still significant for its unique geological and cultural features.
Geographical extent: New Mexico’s portion of the Colorado Plateau is primarily in the northwestern part of the state encompassing areas like the Four Corners region, parts of San Juan County, and areas around Chaco Canyon and Farmington. It features high desert landscapes, mesas, and canyons.
Estimated area: New Mexico accounts for roughly 10–15 percent of the Colorado Plateau equating to approximately 13,000–19,500 square miles. This is based on the plateau’s total area and New Mexico’s overlap in its northwestern quadrant.
Proportion of New Mexico: The Colorado Plateau covers about 10–12 percent of New Mexico’s total land area (New Mexico is ~121,590 square miles). The rest of the state includes the Rocky Mountains to the north and the Basin and Range province to the south.
New Mexico’s portion of the Colorado Plateau is known for its rich cultural history and striking geology, including:
National Parks: None are fully within New Mexico’s Colorado Plateau region.
National Monuments: Key sites include Chaco Culture National Historical Park, a major Ancestral Puebloan center with remarkable archaeological ruins, El Malpais National Monument known for its volcanic landscapes, and Bandelier and El Morro National Monuments.
Tribal Lands: The Navajo Nation extends into New Mexico’s plateau region with sites like Shiprock, a sacred volcanic monadnock.
Wilderness areas: Areas like the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness showcase surreal badlands and fossil-rich formations.
Why it matters
New Mexico’s share of the Colorado Plateau is distinguished by its cultural significance particularly Chaco Canyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was a major hub of Ancestral Puebloan civilization from 850–1250 CE. The region’s geology includes colorful badlands, volcanic features, and fossil beds shaped by the same uplift and erosion processes as the broader plateau.
Like other states, many New Mexicans may not recognize the plateau as a distinct region due to its integration with local landmarks and its relatively remote location. Visitors should respect tribal lands, obtain permits for restricted areas, and be prepared for arid, high-altitude conditions.
The Colorado Plateau spanning approximately 130,000 square miles across the southwestern United States includes a significant portion of western Colorado. While Colorado’s share is smaller than Utah’s or Arizona’s, it encompasses notable geological and cultural features.
Geographical extent: Colorado’s portion of the Colorado Plateau covers the western part of the state, west of the Rocky Mountains and including areas like the Grand Valley, Grand Junction, and parts of the San Juan Mountains. It features mesas, canyons, and high desert landscapes.
Estimated area: Colorado accounts for roughly 25–30 percent of the Colorado Plateau equating to approximately 32,500–39,000 square miles. This is based on the plateau’s total area and Colorado’s overlap in its western region.
Proportion of Colorado: The Colorado Plateau covers about 30–35 percent of Colorado’s total land area (Colorado is ~104,094 square miles). The rest of the state includes the Rocky Mountains to the east and central areas and parts of the Great Plains.
Key features in Colorado
Colorado’s portion of the Colorado Plateau is known for its diverse geology and cultural significance, including:
National Parks:Mesa Verde National Park renowned for its Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park known for its steep, dramatic canyon. Great Sand Dunes National Park is sometimes included on the plateau’s eastern fringe.
National Monuments: Key sites include Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction with its red rock canyons and monoliths, Dinosaur National Monument known for fossil beds, and Hovenweep (shared with Utah) with ancient Puebloan structures.
National Recreation Areas: Curecanti National Recreation Area featuring Blue Mesa Reservoir is a significant site for water-based recreation.
Tribal Lands: Parts of the Ute Indian Tribe’s lands including the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute reservations lie within the plateau region.
Wilderness areas: Areas like the Dominguez-Escalante and Gunnison Gorge Wilderness offer rugged terrain and scenic beauty.
Colorado’s share of the Colorado Plateau is marked by its striking geological formations such as the red rock canyons of Colorado National Monument and the deep gorges of Black Canyon shaped by millions of years of erosion and uplift. Culturally, it includes significant Ancestral Puebloan sites like Mesa Verde, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and modern tribal lands of the Ute people.
As in other states, many Colorado residents may not identify the plateau as a distinct region due to the prominence of individual landmarks and its integration with the broader western landscape. Visitors should respect tribal regulations, obtain permits for restricted areas, and prepare for high-altitude, arid conditions typical of the plateau.
Protected areas and attractions
One of the most spectacular and well-preserved natural landscapes in the United States
The Colorado Plateau is a hotspot for conservation boasting a rich array of protected lands that highlight its geological, cultural, and ecological wonders. Here’s a breakdown:
Wilderness Areas: Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs, Dark Canyon, Superstition, Ojito.
These sites protect not just stunning scenery but also cultural heritage, including ancient Puebloan ruins, petroglyphs, and dinosaur fossils. The region has been inhabited for thousands of years by Indigenous peoples like the Navajo, Hopi, and Ancestral Puebloans.
Why it’s significant (and why many don’t know it)
An exceptional region that remains unknown because individual parks are highlighted rather than the entire plateau
Despite its size and fame through landmarks like the Grand Canyon, the Colorado Plateau remains underappreciated as a cohesive entity. Its boundaries aren’t strictly defined leading to varying counts of protected areas across sources. Geologically, it’s a “stable block” that rose uniformly without much deformation preserving a “layer cake” of rock strata that tells Earth’s history. Ecologically, it’s a biodiversity hub with unique adaptations to its dry conditions.
For residents especially in urban Arizona (where most live south of the plateau), it’s seen more as remote wilderness than a defining feature. If you’re exploring it, activities like hiking, rafting, or stargazing under dark skies are highlights—but always check for permits and respect tribal lands.
Final thoughts
The Colorado Plateau, a geological masterpiece spanning 130,000 square miles stands as a testament to Earth’s dynamic history sculpted by ancient sedimentation, tectonic uplift, and relentless erosion. Its vibrant rock layers, dramatic canyons, and cultural treasures—from Ancestral Puebloan ruins to modern tribal lands—make it a unique region that captivates scientists, adventurers, and artists alike.
Spanning parts of Arizona, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Nevada, the plateau hosts an array of national parks, monuments, and wilderness areas that preserve its natural and historical legacy. Despite its prominence, many residents remain unaware of its full scope, underscoring the need to explore and protect this “Land of Colorful Rocks” for future generations.
Worth Pondering…
Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit, and as vital to our lives as water and good bread.
How to make the most of just a couple of days in Carlsbad Caverns National Park
The largest caves in the world always impress adventurers. But even if caves aren’t necessarily the largest, that doesn’t mean they’re not worth seeing. Luckily, many of the world’s incredible caves are located within the US such as the caves in Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico, home to a complex with more than 100 caves. Even though only a few are open to the public, these caves create the perfect atmosphere for nature enthusiasts and avid spelunkers seeking an adventure.
Cave explorers and outdoors enthusiasts should visit the famous Carlsbad Caverns if they want to see some of the most impressive caves in the United States even if they only have 48 hours in which to do so. From the breathtaking descent through the Natural Entrance to captivating ranger-led tours, visitors can immerse themselves in the cave’s geological marvels in just a couple of days. There are also many educational programs to participate in when visiting these caverns.
Only have 48 hours to visit these epic New Mexico caves? Here are some of the many amazing things to do at Carlsbad Caverns in two days which is just enough time to see much of what this natural wonder has to offer which is easily among the many unique places to visit in New Mexico for its spectacular subterranean chambers and desert landscapes.
The Carlsbad Caverns Visitor Center is a great starting point featuring exhibits, a bookstore, a gift shop, a restaurant, and a park film
While planning ahead is highly recommended before visiting the Carlsbad Caverns, it’s not always possible. In that case, the ideal thing to do upon arrival is to head to the Carlsbad Caverns Visitor Center, an informative gateway to the underground wonders that await the visitor. It’s a must-stop to get a deeper understanding of the extraordinary natural environment awaiting exploration beneath the surface.
Here, visitors can delve into the geological and historical aspects of the caverns through exhibits, interactive displays, and informative presentations. They can also pick up trail maps, gather insights from knowledgeable staff, and plan their cave exploration.
See the Carlsbad Caverns Big Room’s incredible stalactite and stalagmite formations on a self-guided tour
Exploring the Big Room in Carlsbad Caverns is a mesmerizing experience best undertaken through a self-guided tour. Here’s how to get your timed entry reservation. This area is renowned for its colossal chambers adorned with intricate stalactite and stalagmite formations.
Big Room size
Length: Almost 4,000 feet
Width: 625 feet
Height: 255 Feet
Record: It is the largest known chamber In North America (although only the 31st largest globally)
The cavern is open year-round but the best time to visit may be during the quieter seasons of fall and winter and during mid-week days for a more intimate experience.
Price: $1 per ticket
Distance: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Note: Reservations for self-guided tours are mandatory and entry fees must be paid at the visitor center upon arrival.
Ranger-guided tour schedule
Visitors can also opt for ranger-guided tours which provide informative narratives.
King’s Palace Tour: 10:30 am and noon daily
Lower Cave Tour: 8:30 am Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
This strenuous 1.25-mile trail to the caverns’ Natural Entrance is equivalent to climbing a 75-story building and takes around 1.5 hours
Visiting the Natural Entrance at Carlsbad Caverns promises a dramatic introduction to the subterranean wonders in the park. Descending this steep and scenic pathway into the caverns is a challenging experience as hiking the 1.25-mile trail is equivalent to walking up or down a 75-story building.
The strenuous hike takes approximately one hour and a half which makes it a good choice for travelers with just 48 hours to explore the caves. Visiting the trail in the early morning or late afternoon allows people to witness the play of light accentuating the contours of the formations. Avoiding peak hours provides a more tranquil and intimate encounter with this captivating underground realm.
Price: No fee for this specific trail; it’s included in the park’s $15 entrance fee
Distance: 1.25 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Tip: Visitors who would prefer a shorter hike can take the shortcut in the Big Room which reduces the distance to about 0.6 miles with a lowered hiking time of around 45 minutes. Also, some areas of the Big Room Trail are wheelchair accessible.
4. Attend the Carlsbad Caverns Bat Flight Program at the Bat Flight Amphitheater
The Bat Flight Program at Carlsbad Caverns’ Natural Entrance takes place from Memorial Day weekend through October
Attending a Bat Flight Program at Carlsbad Caverns is a rare opportunity to learn about these fascinating animals. The lectures happen in the Bat Flight Amphitheater located at the Natural Entrance and are led by rangers from May to October approximately one hour before the bats start to fly.
Rangers provide informative talks enhancing the understanding of these animals and their vital role in the ecosystem.
Price: Free
When: May to October
Note: Although reservations aren’t necessary visitors should arrive early to secure a good viewing spot at the outdoor amphitheater.
Take the 1.5-hour-long King’s Palace ranger-led tour to see four decorated chambers in the deepest portion of Carlsbad Caverns
Visitors planning to make the most of their visit to the Carlsbad Caverns in two days should plan to join a ranger-led tour as it adds educated depth to the exploration of this region. Although self-guided tours are excellent having access to an expert offers insights into the cave’s geology, history, and the delicate ecosystem in the caves.
The only guided tour available daily is the King’s Palace Tour. On the tour, visitors are guided through four chambers into the deepest part of the caverns around 830 feet beneath the outside desert’s surface. This tour takes approximately 1.5 hours; it takes visitors on a journey to admire helictites, draperies, columns, and soda straws.
Price: $8 for adults and $4 for children; Senior and Access Pass holders free
Time: 1.5 hours
Availability for ranger-led tours is limited so visitors are recommended to book the experience in advance.
Carlsbad Caverns hosts stargazing events from July through October
There are plenty of amazing places for stargazing lovers and Carlsbad Caverns is one of them. Taking advantage of the dark skies above the Guadalupe Mountains, Carlsbad Caverns offers excellent Night Sky Programs from July through October.
Night Sky Programs include Star Parties and Night Hikes.
This stargazing experience is an excellent tour for children and stargazing enthusiasts as they can admire the sky using a powerful telescope and have the guidance of park rangers.
The 1.5-hour King’s Palace photography tour is led by experienced guides who take visitors to special vantage points to capture incredible shots of the cavern’s chamber
Visitors to Carlsbad Caverns can enroll in a guided King’s Palace Photo Tour that goes through a highly decorated section of the cave. The tour’s specific intent is photography as well as learning about and marveling at the chambers. It’s only 1.5 hours in length making it easy to fit into two days at Carlsbad Caverns.
Moreover, this part of the caverns is the only site where visitors can use their camera tripods. Experienced guides lead participants to unique vantage points ensuring exceptional shots of the cave’s stunning formations.
Although visitors are expected to know how to use their cameras, amateurs and professional photographers are welcome to enjoy this expert-led tour. The maximum group size is 20 people so there’s no need to worry about large crowds getting in the way of one’s photos.
Price: $15 (+ $15 entrance fee for the park)
Time: 1.5 hours
8. Enroll the kids in the Junior Ranger Program
This kids’ program at Carlsbad Caverns invites children up to 13 years old and teaches them all about the park’s geological wonders
Get the kids excited before they even arrive at Carlsbad Caverns by telling them about the Junior Ranger Program. Geared toward children aged up to 13 this program encourages exploration and learning about the park’s natural wonders.
Children can download their activity books on the park’s website or request them for free at the Visitor Center upon arrival. Their work will be reviewed by professional rangers who can then grant official junior ranger badges. The Junior Ranger Program fosters a sense of environmental stewardship creating memorable experiences for the park’s youngest visitors.
This easy-and-quick, half-mile trail at Carlsbad Caverns offers glimpses of desert flora, as well as the park’s geological wonders above the ground
Hiking the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail is a short experience that visitors can fit into a two-day Carlsbad Caverns itinerary. The trail introduces visitors to the diverse surface landscapes surrounding the caverns’ entrances. This interpretive 0.5-mile trail offers a leisurely exploration of the Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem showcasing unique flora and fauna.
Visitors should pay attention to the informational markers along the way as they offer insights into the region’s natural history. The trail is particularly enchanting during the cooler parts of the day and its accessibility makes it an ideal choice for those seeking an above-ground adventure complemented by stunning views of the desert terrain.
10. Participate in the Hall of the White Giant Tour
This four-hour tour allows visitors to explore the caverns’ remote sections on a more exclusive adventure but it’s not for the faint of heart
Visiting Carlsbad Caverns in two days? If so, this experience should be at the top of the itinerary; however, it’s not for the faint of heart. Although it’s a bit longer than most of the activities in Carlsbad Caverns, it’s still worth fitting into a two-day trip if time permits. Why? Because the epic Hall of White Giant Tour is a more exclusive adventure delving into one of the caves’ more remote and intriguing sections.
Over four hours, the group will go through slippery surfaces and narrow passengers such as Matlock’s Pinch (so be ready to get dirty) and see formations that most people cannot access. Experienced rangers lead the group and it’s considered a moderately strenuous tour.
Price: $20 for adults and $10 for children
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Time: 4 hours
Warning: This tour is not recommended for those with a fear of tight spaces or heights. It’s quite challenging and will require ladder climbing, traversing slippery flowstone, shimmying through narrow spaces, and getting down and dirty!
June 2025 marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of Petroglyph National Monument, a park of enormous cultural significance located just outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico
Looking towards Albuquerque’s West Mesa, one can’t help noticing the area’s distinctive geology and topography. A closer look reveals many clues of an active cultural and geologic history.
Understanding the volcanic landscape
Roughly 30 million years ago, the earth’s crust began stretching apart in an east-west direction. This action caused the Sandia Mountains to rise above the sinking basin now called the Rio Grande Rift Valley. The slow movement set off chain reactions that resulted in the Albuquerque volcanoes much later. Between 155,000 and 200,000 years ago, a crack formed in the earth’s surface allowing hot, liquid magma to shoot up and ooze eastward across the landscape at about 5-10 mph. These fissure eruptions occurred six times.
At the end of the last eruption, six cinder cones were formed due to a buildup of ash, cinder, and cooling lava rock. The result was a series of six volcanoes and a caprock of basalt, 17 miles long and 12 miles across. The heavy basalt eventually crumbled and fell apart, leaving the boulders that we see today.
When the Spanish arrived in 1540 and began settling the area around 1600, ancestral Puebloan life changed dramatically. Under Spanish rule, the numerous Pueblos along the Rio Grande began to suffer from illness and disease. After extensive and secret communications with each other, the Pueblos successfully rose up against the Spanish in the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. In 1692, the Spanish returned. The area changed again. The sweeping grasslands across the volcanic mesa gave way to rudimentary cattle and sheep ranches. The reality of private land ownership became more and more prevalent with new land grants given to Spanish colonists by the King of Spain.
Over the next few hundred years, the Villa de Albuquerque grew into the modern city we know today. As urban development began expanding westward in the 1970s, the sacred lands of the petroglyphs became threatened. The desecration and destruction that this area faced inspired local citizens, Tribal elders, and scientists to advocate for the protection of these irreplaceable resources. Their hard work finally paid off on June 27, 1990, when Petroglyph National Monument was established by an act of Congress.
Five dormant volcanic cones and a seventeen-mile basalt escarpment show how a series of eruptions over 100,000 years ago formed the West Mesa. The basalt boulders that tumbled down to the escarpment’s edge later provided an ideal material for carving Puebloan and Spanish petroglyphs. Changing hands over the centuries, this land is now part of the Open Space network.
Petroglyph National Monument is unique not only in its history and landscape but in its management as well. This 7,244-acre monument relies on a partnership between the National Park Service (NPS) and the City of Albuquerque Open Space Division to protect its nearly 20,000 petroglyphs and provide recreational and educational opportunities to the public.
Petroglyph National Monument protects one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America featuring designs and symbols carved onto volcanic rocks by Native Americans and Spanish settlers 400 to 700 years ago. These images are a valuable record of cultural expression and hold profound spiritual significance for contemporary Native Americans and for the descendants of the early Spanish settlers.
Petroglyph National Monument has much more to offer than the cultural resources for which it is so well known. Various types of wildlife utilize this narrow corridor, some in transit during migration, others for their entire lifespan. Plants, birds, insects, and animals, all are part of the ecosystem that Petroglyph National Monument holds in this tiny strip of land.
Another less popular but well-known resident of the monument is the rattlesnake. This landscape is home to several species; please be careful when you are visiting the national monument.
While hiking, you will notice a wide range of native desert plants.
Petroglyph National Monument is located about 7 miles northwest of downtown Albuquerque. Although I suggest that all visitors make their first stop at the visitor center, it is important to know that there are not any petroglyph viewing trails at the visitor center. (If you are being dropped off at the visitor center, please ask the driver to wait for you since you will need to be driven to the actual petroglyph viewing trail system of your choice.)
The visitor center is located at the intersection of Unser Blvd. NW at Western Trail. The petroglyph viewing trails are a 1- to 6-mile drive from the visitor center.
While at the visitor center, park staff will inform you of your trail options based on your timeframe and the degree of difficulty of the trail then provide you with driving directions to the trail of your choice. Be sure to get your official park brochure and trail maps while there.
Time spent in the park varies from a minimum of 30 minutes to over 4 hours though the average visit is 1-2 hours.
There is no public transportation to the monument so you’ll need to drive or take a cab or ride-share to reach it. The park welcomes visitors daily. The information center is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
These remnants of erupting volcanoes which produced the basalt that became the canvas for people for thousands of years stand starkly against the western horizon. A moderate hike will take you partway up some of these volcanic cones. Be sure to stay on the trails. It takes decades for this fragile volcanic landscape to recover from a single footstep.
All of the petroglyph viewing trails are outdoors so be prepared for the day’s weather and dress accordingly. Take plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes that provide ankle support or hiking boots since the trails are along the natural surface which is oftentimes uneven ground. A wide-brimmed hat is advisable in summer as there is no shade.
Remember to lock your vehicle, secure your valuables, and set your vehicle’s alarm system. Do not invite a thief by leaving valuable items visible inside your car.
Petroglyph National Monument is comprised of four different trails with the visitor center somewhat centralized between the trailheads.
Three trails allow for petroglyph viewing and one trail does not. These trails range in length from one to four miles roundtrip and in degree of difficulty from easy to moderately strenuous. Trail guides for each trail system are available at the visitor center.
Boca Negra Canyon has the most developed trail in the Petroglyph National Monument
Directions: From Unser Boulevard NW, drive ¼ mile north of Montaño Road, make a right turn onto Atrisco. This leads to the trail parking lot. Parking is free.
Hours: Open daily 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; last entry at 4:00 p.m. daily is strictly enforced
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, trash cans, a drinking fountain, picnic tables, and shaded seating areas are available
Note: No dogs allowed on petroglyph viewing trails; service pets are allowed on the Macaw and Cliff Base trail but not on the Mesa Point trail
Details: Operated and staffed by the City of Albuquerque Open Space Division, this trail system has approximately 100 petroglyphs for viewing and is divided into three parts: Mesa Point, Macaw, and Cliff Base.
Mesa Point is considered strenuous and leads up a steep hill to the lava-rock mesa offering sprawling views of Albuquerque West Side with Sandias as a backdrop. Be extremely careful coming down Mesa Point; the path is steep with 70-degree downgrade.
The Macaw trail is a short, sandy path with a partial boardwalk leading to and from the restrooms and picnic areas.
The Cliff Base trail is considered moderate and winds along the side of the hill for petroglyph viewing.
Directions: Located off Unser Boulevard NW at the St. Joseph Avenue intersection; approximately 2 miles north of I-40
Hours: Open daily 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; access is allowed sunrise to sunset
Amenities: Vault restroom at trailhead; water is not available
Note: Leashed dogs/pets are not allowed on the petroglyph viewing section of this trail. If you want to hike with your dog, remain on the trail that runs in the center of the canyon. Or instead, visit Piedras Marcadas Canyon to see petroglyphs while walking with your dog.
Details: The longest petroglyph viewing trail system in the monument, this moderate undeveloped trail is 2.2 miles round-trip. See up to 300 petroglyphs. Binoculars are recommended.
1.5 miles round trip, 1.5 hours, 300-500 petroglyphs, undeveloped trail system, no water, no restrooms
Directions: Located off Golf Course Road at Jill Patricia Street. Parking lot is behind the Valvoline Motor Oil Change station
Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset
Amenities: None; no water, no restrooms
Note: Dogs on 6-foot leash allowed; owners must pick up dog waste and place in a trash can
Details: Piedras Marcadas Canyon offers a chance to see the most petroglyphs with 300-500 scattered over a 1.5-mile (roundtrip) trail. Staff members can direct you to specific attractions within the park while on-site educational programs offer further insight into the ancient rock art.
1-4 miles round trip, 1-4 hours, no petroglyphs, undeveloped trail system, no water
Directions: Located off Atrisco Vista Boulevard (exit # 149) approximately 4.8 miles north of I-40
Hours: Parking lot open daily 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; access is allowed sunrise to sunset
Amenities: Vault restroom facility available; water is not available
Note: Dogs on 6-foot leash allowed; owners must pick up dog waste and place in a trash can
Details: Located on the western edge of the monument, this trail system offers scenic miles of hiking around the volcanic cinder cones. Although the area is void of petroglyphs, you’ll enjoy the clear views of the Rio Grande valley and the Sandia Mountains from the scenic overlook. Trails vary in length from 1 mile to 4 miles round-trip.
Volcanoes Trail is about 3.5 miles round trip loop and is considered easy to moderate. The entire trail starts at the parking lot and goes past the JA Volcano to the scenic overlook, up to the Vulcan Volcano, and back to the parking lot with sweeping views of Albuquerque and the Rio Grande Valley throughout.
JA Volcano and the Albuquerque Overlook is an easy 1 mile round trip from parking lot to scenic overlook and back. This sub-section of the trail departs from the parking lot and heads east to a scenic view of the Rio Grande Valley, Albuquerque, and the Sandia Mountains. You will have to turn around the way you came back to the parking lot to complete it. This trail has two shaded rest areas with benches.
Vulcan Volcano Loop is a moderate 2 miles around Vulcan Volcano and back. This sub-section of the the trail can be found by going to the northside of the main parking lot near the gate.
The trail along the eastern base of Vulcan can be difficult to find. A gradual incline up the east side of Vulcan leads to a level, mini-volcanic valley. Continue on trail and go left (south) when you approach the ‘Y’ on the northwest side of Vulcan. At next ‘Y’ go left again for an up-close look at this well preserved cinder cone. Follow trail down, continuing south on old road which leads back to the parking lot.
North Volcanoes Loop Trail is a moderate 2.3 miles. This section of the trail connects to the Vulcan Volcano Loop and will take you to the remnants of a historic corral.
Worth Pondering…
Each of these rocks is alive, keeper of a message left by the ancestors…There are spirits, guardians; there is medicine…
With its shifting, shimmering gypsum sand dunes, this southern New Mexico treasure is one of a kind
Watching the sun slowly rise over the Sacramento Mountains and bathe the snow-white sand dunes is an amazing sight. The sand is surprisingly firm and cool and the fresh, crisp morning air—carrying the scent of fragrant Chihuahuan Desert plants and shrubs—is invigorating.
In minutes the orange tint fades, the few popcorn clouds disappear, and the early spring sun shines brightly upon mile after mile of striking dunes that stretch west to the base of the San Andres Mountains and cover 275 square miles of this stunning New Mexico valley. There’s no other place on Earth like White Sands National Park.
The park is located in the Tularosa Basin of south-central New Mexico. Its southern edge lies on the north side of U.S. 70 between Alamogordo and Las Cruces—and it’s surrounded by the White Sands Missile Range.
This expansive park covers 145,762 acres. It protects the southern 41 percent of these stunning white sand dunes composed of fine grains of gypsum; the remainder is part of the missile range. This gypsum dunefield is the largest of its kind on Earth with an average depth of 30 or so feet and dunes that reach 60 feet high according to information found in the park’s visitor center. This facility marks the only entry point from which to explore the world wonder.
When it comes to desert sand and sand dunes in general, gypsum sand is unique. Geologists say the gypsum that forms this enormous dunefield is deposited in this part of the Chihuahuan Desert by the strong southwesterly winds that constantly blow across Lake Lucero and Alkali Flat, the dry lake bed of ancient Lake Otero.
Large spring floods hit this region every 10 to 14 years washing more gypsum down from the surrounding mountains and into the lake and the ancient lake bed. There, as has happened for tens of thousands of years, wind and sun dry out the gypsum-laden water and deposit the white particles in White Sands.
White Sands National Park is open year-round. But RVers who want to get the most enjoyment out of a stop here should plan their trip for the spring or fall. My wife and I timed our White Sands visit in March when the southwestern desert temperatures average between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and conditions are optimal for hiking and exploring.
If your travel plans bring you to White Sands in the late spring and summer, be prepared to handle daytime temps averaging 95 to 110 degrees plus high winds in May and June. In this part of New Mexico, the rainy season occurs from July through September with late-afternoon and evening thunderstorms common in the area and accounting for the majority of the park’s annual 10 inches of precipitation.
The White Sands visitor center complex is composed of Pueblo Revival-style adobe buildings. Built between 1936 and 1940, they were designated as the White Sands Historic District in 1990. The gift shop and store are small but well-staffed and crammed with a plethora of information on all aspects of one of America’s newest national parks including brochures, books, maps, and photos as well as water and snacks.
A 17-minute movie titled A Land in Motion is shown every 30 minutes in the theater and provides great insight into the history, flora, and fauna of this desert attraction. Before you drive out to the dunes, the movie is a must-see to gain a better appreciation of how nature adapts to this ever-changing environment.
It’s just a few hundred yards to the visitor center from the park entrance where you pay the $25 vehicle entrance fee or show an America the Beautiful interagency pass. This is the start of Dunes Drive.
Dunes Drive is the only road into White Sands. This eight-mile-long two-laner is flat and paved for the first three miles then abruptly transitions to hard-packed gypsum sand with the accompanying potholes, bumps, washboard sections, and occasional sand drifts. The road dead-ends eight miles in where it loops back on itself.
Dunes Drive is a safe, easy drive for motorhomes, camper vans, and vehicles towing trailers because there are lots of pullouts and numerous large parking areas along the route. Grab a map of the road (or download it from the White Sands website) and head in, absorb the sights, take a hike, or have a picnic. The drive to the end and back to the entrance takes about 45 minutes with no stops.
The gypsum crystals that make up the White Sands dunefield compact nicely making it rather easy to climb and explore or to take a plastic saucer and slide down the steeper dune faces (sledding saucers—and wax—can be purchased at the visitor center). In fact, the National Park Service has established five marked hiking trails within the park.
The 0.4-mile-long round-trip Interdune Boardwalk Trail is the easiest and shortest of the five and its elevated boardwalk is fully accessible for people using wheelchairs.
The Alkali Flat Trail located at the end of the road before it loops back is the most difficult measuring five miles long round trip and rated “strenuous” because it traverses multiple steep dunes. The Alkali Flat Trail also provides the best photo opportunities of the tallest dunes, nicely backdropped by the San Andres Mountains.
Maps of the White Sands trails can be picked up at the visitor center or accessed online.
We spent most of a day checking out the park, hiking a couple of the trails, watching families sledding down the snow-white dunes. The unusually shaped metal picnic shelters with free-standing grills are positioned to provide a little respite from the desert sun and wind.
Taking the short side trip off U.S. 70 in New Mexico to visit White Sands National Park is one of those wonderful RVing experiences that will be etched in our minds forever.
White Sands has been in the formative process for thousands of years and a wide variety of plants and animals have adapted to the desert setting of the world’s largest gypsum dunefield. Researchers have identified around 800 animal species and 220 species of birds that call the park home not counting a wide variety of insects and reptiles. Many of White Sands’ natural inhabitants are lighter in color, even white, to better blend with the surroundings.
One of the largest pistachio tree grooves in New Mexico, Pistachioland is a destination that can be enjoyed by all ages. Located in the Tularosa Basin outside of Alamogordo it’s an easy day trips from Las Cruces and can be combined with a visit to White Sands National Park.
The Tularosa Basin has the perfect climate for growing pistachios, pecans, and grapes. There are numerous wineries and nut farms where you can enjoy delicious wine and nut tastings and beautiful views of the Sacramento Mountains.
Pistachioland is the home of the World’s Largest Pistachio, Pistachio Tree Ranch, McGinn’s Country Store, and Arena Blanca Winery. Experience their motorized farm tour, take your photo with the World’s Largest Pistachio, shop inside their country store for farm grown and hand crafted goodies, sit on the porch with views of the mountains, try their free samples at the pistachio bar, enjoy the wine tasting room, and grab a sweet treat in Pistachioland ice cream parlor. There is so much to see and experience at McGinn’s PistachioLand.
Fifty miles due west of White Sands National Park as the crow flies and approximately 90 miles via RV on U.S. 70 west and Interstate 25 north is another one-of-a-kind RVing destination: Hatch, New Mexico, the self-proclaimed Chile Capital of the World.
Pepper aficionados equate Hatch green chiles with their fantastic smoky and sweet flavor and wide range of heat that stems from the nutrient-rich soil and growing conditions found only in New Mexico’s Hatch Valley.
The best time of year to visit Hatch is early fall. That’s when farmers in Hatch Valley harvest their crops. Visitors can find fresh chiles being roasted and sold at places such as the Hatch Chile Store, Grajeda Hatch Chile Market, and Hatch Chile Express.
The distinctive aroma of roasted chile peppers permeates the air leading visitors to the Hatch Chile Market on Franklin Street where you’ll watch them process late-harvest chiles. You can stock your RV’s pantry with freshly roasted, peeled and frozen chiles, chile ristras (strings of chiles), and a variety of salsas to meet the family’s diverse tastes.
A stop in Hatch isn’t complete without a visit to Sparky’s on the corner of Hall and Franklin to have one of their world-famous homemade green chile cheeseburgers or house-smoked barbecue plates. The food is fantastic.
Entry fee: $25 per private vehicle; can also use an America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass. Visit the park website for more info about passes.
Getting there: The entrance to White Sands National Park is located off U.S. 70; 15 miles from Alamogordo and about 52 miles from Las Cruces. For visitors driving from Las Cruces, the entry to the park is on the left side of the highway about one mile past the Border Patrol checkpoint.
Hours: The Park is open daily year-round from 7 am to one hour after sunset; closing time changes with the season. The park is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Road closures: Since the Dunes Drive into the park and U.S. 70 are adjacent to White Sands Missile Range both occasionally will be closed for up to three hours if missile testing is in progress. Check the White Sands National Park closure page for such notifications.
Other details: Visitors may bring their own sleds for the sand dunes; sleds and wax also can be purchased in the visitor center. As in other national parks, drone use is prohibited.
Worth Pondering…
Life is not obvious here. It is implied, or twice removed, and must be read in signs or code. Ripple marks tell of the wind’s way with individual sand grains. Footprints, mounds, and burrows bespeak the presence of mice, pocket gophers, and foxes.
If you’re dreaming of a fall or winter getaway for bird photography, head to Bosque del Apache. And don’t miss the morning blast-off!
Even though the historic flood plains of the once mighty Rio Grande have long been tamed by human dams and irrigation canals, birds keep returning annually to spend winter in the relatively mild climate of New Mexico.
A few small pockets of protected lands around the river are home to tens of thousands of birds every winter. Impressive flocks of sandhill cranes and snow geese fill entire ponds making it hard to choose where to point your camera first.
It’s here that I have journeyed several times usually in late November during the Festival of the Cranes (December 11-15, 2024). This landscape that has so much to offer: 10,000-foot snow-covered mountains, desert valleys, lush riparian habitat, 50 degree F sunny winter days, and, most importantly, lots of wildlife.
Since time immemorial, the riparian cottonwood forest or bosque that borders the river has been a major route for migrating birds every spring and fall and, a winter destination for other birds. Every spring, snow melt from the surrounding mountains made the river overflow its banks creating ponds and marshes which attracted wildlife.
When Anglo-Americans started arriving after the end of the Mexican-American War in 1848, the Middle Rio Grande Valley south of today’s city of Albuquerque proved to be a desirable location for ranching and farming. Dams kept the river under control, irrigation canals allowed for reliable farming, and the lush banks of the river were turned into cattle feeding grounds. The many seasonal ponds and marshes started to disappear.
With migrating birds losing their habitat at an alarming rate, conservationist Aldo Leopold who used the area for duck hunting started noticing the drastic changes and sounded the alarm bell. “They persist in believing either that abnormal erosion was always there or that is somehow an Act of God instead of an act of goats, sheep, and cows.” Cary Weiner, from New Mexico’s Museum of Natural History and Science told the Green Bay Press Gazette: “In the early 1900s while most people fought for their right to water, Aldo Leopold fought for the river’s right to water.”
People listened and in 1925 the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District was created followed in 1939 by the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge and in 1957 by the Ladd S. Gordon Waterfowl Complex which includes Bernardo to provide and protect critical habitat for migrating and wintering waterfowl.
That is not to say that all water problems were resolved, of course. In 2022, the Rio Grande ran dry again for a 5-mile stretch in Albuquerque for the first time in four decades. As a result, areas like Bosque del Apache and Bernardo had less water available to create wetlands.
As you head south on I-25 from Albuquerque, the scenery turns dry and desert-like. Stuck between mountain ranges to the east and west that rise up to over 10,000 feet, the valley floor is covered with yucca and cacti.
The river provides the lifeblood: a two-mile stretch of riparian habitat borders the river and is responsible for the amazing variety of animal life. As you drive by isolated areas of protected lands, two of these have turned into favorites for wildlife photography: Bosque del Apache and Bernardo.
Spring and fall allow for the greatest variety of birds as they migrate through the area including migrating sandpipers, stilts, plovers, dunlins, curlews, avocets, and twenty other shorebird species.
Winter provides the greatest number of birds as thousands of snow geese, Ross’s geese, and sandhill cranes are here from early November through late January. Other common birds include Canada goose, mallard, gadwall, Northern shoveler, Northern pintail, bufflehead, wild turkey, Gambel’s quail, pied-billed grebe, great blue heron, northern harrier, sharp-shinned hawk, cooper’s hawk, red-tailed hawk, bald eagle, golden eagle, American kestrel, killdeer, and greater roadrunner.
While birding is the biggest draw for photography, there are several mammals around that can give you great opportunities including javelinas, bobcats, coyotes, elk, mule deer, black bears, mountain lions, and, even the (very) elusive Mexican wolf.
Bosque del Apache, Spanish for Woods of the Apache was named after the Apache Indians that resided in the forests along the river. When the flood plains—and bird habitat—started to disappear in the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) worked to restore them followed by the creation of the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in 1939 by President Roosevelt.
Refuge staff manages the 57,000 acres to create seasonal wetlands mimicking the historical seasonal floods. A system of ditches and gates allows them to pick and choose which fields in the refuge to flood. You’ll find the best wildlife viewing in these wetlands.
A 12-mile loop road which starts near the refuge’s visitor center and which is split into South and North loop sections provides easy access by car to the best photography locations.
One of the largest ponds along the Northern loop has a boardwalk called the flight deck: this is typically the prime place to be at sunrise to photograph the spectacle of thousands of snow geese taking to the skies all at once in a loud whooshing sound.
Several trails are available along the loop road although I find that most of my photography is done either from one of the decks or from my car which acts as a blind.
Named after the former Director of New Mexico’s Game and Fish Department, the Complex contains four management units along the river. A favorite unit for photography is the Bernardo unit: together with Bosque del Apache it feeds about half of all the wintering birds in the Middle Rio Grande Basin so you are pretty much guaranteed to see lots of birds. Bernardo has a 3.5 mile vehicle loop road bringing you to all the best photography spots.
You just never know what is going to appear in front of your camera lens around here. In one visit you quite literally go from shooting a field filled with thousands of sandhill cranes to a shot of a bald eagle in a tree on the edge of a pond to a coyote that wanders by or is busy mousing in a field to a family of javelinas.
My recommendation is to carry two camera bodies, if available, or at least have multiple lenses easily reachable to switch out. The ideal strategy is to carry one camera body with a longer focal length lens in the 500 mm to 800 mm range and another one with a wider lens in the 24 mm to 200 mm range. For example, going to the flight deck at Bosque del Apache requires a light-sensitive, wide-angle lens to capture the thousands of geese blasting off from the pond at dawn, but you’ll also want to take some close-ups of the geese and cranes.
No animal challenges your camera skills as much as a bird in flight. Try to find a tiny bird in your viewfinder, have your autofocus track it, and walk away with a sharp image. Modern mirrorless camera autofocus systems do help tremendously especially dedicated Bird AF settings as on Nikon’s Z8 and Z9. Photographing a thousand birds at a time in a grand landscape makes it a lot easier and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to do so.
In general, when photographing a bird in flight, I like to start at a shutter speed of 1/2000s. You may purposely choose to drop your shutter speed to create motion blur or track the animal but in BIF (Bird In Flight) photography the faster shutter speed, the better.
When photographing a landscape filled with sitting or standing birds, you can drop your shutter speed way down as no erratic motion needs to be frozen.
The birds spend sunset to sunrise on a pond for safety and spend the day eating in the surrounding fields so they are typically around all day. Not all shooting happens at dusk or dawn which helps in keeping your ISO low and images clean.
When shooting around sunrise or sunset, do keep an eye on your ISO settings. Those high shutter speeds required for photographing BIF have a tendency to raise your camera’s ISO to very high levels. Lenses with big apertures like f/2.8 or f/4 help greatly.
Frame rate
We are blessed nowadays with camera bodies that offer a big buffer and a high frame rate. These allow you to take multiple images per second, ideally all in focus and well exposed which allows you to select that one image with the perfect wing position or action.
We’re all familiar with the endless waiting and accompanied wasted shots for an animal to do something.
Composition
While you’re focused on getting those frame-filling shots of a sandhill crane, remember to keep an eye on the environment. A wildlife portrait is great but an environmental shot showing the viewer the bird in its habitat can be as rewarding as that tight crop. Both Bosque del Apache and Bernardo offer opportunities for this type of shot including reflecting ponds and great mountain scenery.
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is located in New Mexico. About 90 miles south of Albuquerque, the 57,331-acre refuge sits along the Rio Grande River. On I-25, take Exit 139 for San Antonio and in the small town head south on Main Street/Old US Highway 85 for 3 miles.
To reach the Bernardo Unit of the Ladd S. Gordon Waterfowl Complex, take exit 175 on I-25 and head north for 1.6 miles on Old US Highway 85.
What to do?
Excellent birding opportunities as they are home to thousands of wintering birds and a variety of mammals and reptiles.
When to go?
November through January are peak months for the largest number of wintering birds to be present.
Festival of the Cranes 2024
An annual celebration of the return of the overwintering sandhill cranes, snow geese, and ducks to the Middle Rio Grande Valley.
Celebrate the Return of the Cranes at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge from December 11-15, 2024
Bosque del Apache’s nearest town is Socorro, 18 miles away. Socorro has all the necessary amenities, including chain hotels and restaurants. The tiny town of San Antonio, a few miles to the north of the refuge, has a gas station and two popular restaurants (try the Chili Cheeseburger).
Socorro is located 25 miles south of Bernardo. The town of Belen (Spanish for Bethlehem) is 26 miles north of Bernardo and also has all amenities available.
I saw them first many Novembers ago and heard their triumphant trumpet calls, a hundred or more sandhill cranes riding south on a thermal above the Rio Grande Valley and that day their effortless flight and their brassy music got into my soul.
