Things to do / Travel Guide
From the soaring heights of Blanca Peak, Colorado, in the north, to Albuquerque in the south, this region covers a wide area and a diverse range of attractions. The region is about 215 miles long (from Blanca Peak to Albuquerque) and roughly 230 miles wide (from Albuquerque to Raton in the northeast corner of the region). The distances aren't too long that you couldn't cross from one end of the region to another easily in a day, but with the bevy of scenic attractions you'll be encouraged to take the slower roads, soaking up the diverse and beautiful scenery of this region.
In the southern reaches of this region, the highland desert mountains of northern New Mexico begin winding their way up into Colorado. Here, you will find Albuquerque, the region's largest city and the economic heart of the region. The famous Albuquerque to Santa Fe route lays here, one of the West's most historic and important thoroughfares. From north to south the region is crisscrossed by majestic mountains. The landscapes and views throughout this region are nothing short of breathtaking; artists continue to flock here, finding inspiration in the Rio Grande River and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains that intensify the region's natural beauty.
Coming from the east, the stark plains of far eastern New Mexico give way to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Raton in the far eastern corner of the region. From this eastern point, the region is typified by high, desert mountain country, canyons, and rivers.
When approaching from the west, the red rock deserts of western New Mexico disappear into the heavy forests and cool air of the foothills of the San Juan Mountains.
The region is quite large and holds the majority of the citizens and popular attractions in New Mexico. The variety of strikingly beautiful scenery and exciting attractions will leave you impressed and planning your next trip back. Mountains at over 14,000 feet can be found in southern Colorado, and as you travel southward towards Santa Fe you will be able to visit ancient pueblo villages that are still inhabited today. Historical sights are dotted all around as well, from Native American pueblos, to Spanish forts, to the more recent nuclear Laboratory at Los Alamos. This region encompasses a wide variety or people and cultures as varied as its landscapes.
|
|
|