New Mexico is called the land of enchantment because of the many fascinating places located within its borders and its unique history. These are just a few of them.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
750 feet below the Guadalupe Mountains and the Chihuahuan Desert, is the Carlsbad Caverns. It’s a huge cave that was carved from limestone by sulfuric acid. Inside you will find formations that were created by water dripping within the cave. The Big Room, shaped like a cross, is more than nine acres.
El Malpais National Monument
One of the largest volcanic areas in the United States, this gorgeous 590 square mile area is inhospitable. Named by the Conquistadors, El Malpais means “the bad country” in Spanish. It is made up of molten lava formations such as spatter cones, pressure ridges, sink holes, tubes, ice caves and craters.
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
Above the Gila River in Southwestern New Mexico, you will find dwellings made of stone, 40 in all. 180 feet above the canyon, they housed eight to ten Native American Mogollon families. They lived there a short time, from the late 1200’s until they disappeared in the early1300’s.
Sandia Peak Tramway
In Albuquerque, you can ride the Sandia Peak Tramway. On the top of Sandia Peak, from the observation deck, you can see the Rio Grande Valley and Cibola National Forest. Then, in the 15 minutes that follow, ascend 4,000 feet, on this 2.7 mile trip. The amazing views will leave you breathless.
White Sands National Monument
Located just north of the Mexico border, is 275 square miles of gypsum sand dunes. They are so white you may, initially, mistake them for snow. You can drive, or walk, the eight miles from the visitor’s center to the middle of the park. Bring your camera to capture the scenic views.
