Northern New Mexico

[Creeker]

We are planning a trip from WV to Utah this late spring/early summer. Neither of us have been to NM but look forward to spending time in the Santa Fe and Carson National Forests on our way to Grand Staircase and Capitol Reef.

If anyone is familiar with any Forest Service campgrounds, State Parks or good boondocking sites, (Santa Fe and Carson NF) I would very much appreciate any leads. Please PM if you would rather not disclose any sites on a public forum. I have a few places I'm reluctant to share on the WWW as well.

We have about 10 days to explore from Santa Fe north on our way to Utah and we are flexible on our exit route from NM to Utah.

[McIver]

I live in Albuquerque. A one year senior pass for state parks costs $100. With it great state parks (full hookup) cost about $6 per night. Go to "New Mexico State Parks" to see the parks. The pass can be purchased at most parks. Make sure you make reservations well in advance to get space.

[mtlakejim]

The wife and I just moved to Southern New Mexico (near Carlsbad) first of the year and will be stuck here for a 7 year sentence (when we retire). Very interested in things to do around the state.


Have you been snow skiing south of Roswell?


Any suggestions for UTV trails?


Is there any white water kayaking in the state?

[Dmcgrew]

Don't miss going to the four corners area and visiting the cliff dwellings. I was amazed at the construction and livability of the structures.

[MxBound]

Four corners area here !
Do you fly fish ?
San Juan river is just 18 miles from my house.
9,000 trout per mile. Tail water fishery.
Navajo lake is where the water comes out.
3 different camp grounds.
If your interested, just ask, and I'll tell all I know.

[twindman]

I think it is Fort Union - about 50 miles on I25 north of Santa Fe. An interesting place if you like old western history.

[jeffba]

Taos Box Gila river for starters. Then there is always caving. Some of the best in the country is there in the Guads.

[Creeker]

I'll definitely check out the state park website. We have a ways to go before being eligible for the senior pass though. I'm 52 and wife is 50.

The four corners area is along the route we were thinking of on our way to Utah. We do enjoy exploring cliff dwellings. (Loved Mesa Verde)

I absolutely love to fish. I fly fish, spin fish and use baitcasters. From tiny mountain streams to the big blue water off the coasts. I love it all. The tail water fishing sounds very interesting.

We do like old western history. I'll be researching Fort Union.

Taos Box is right up our alley as well. We both love to whitewater raft and the Taos Box canyon looks like a great trip.

We simply love the outdoors. Hiking, biking, kayak/canoeing/rafting, fishing, atv's, exploring historical places to star gazing.

Thanks much fellas. I'll research every single place mentioned.
Keep them coming!

[MxBound]

Trout like this live in quality water on the San Juan.
My wife with a 26" !
<a href='https://postimages.org/' target='_blank'><img src='https://i.postimg.cc/g0gHHHFr/FB-IMG-1509024186579.jpg' border='0' alt='FB-IMG-1509024186579'/></a>
https://i.postimg.cc/g0gHHHFr/FB-IMG-1509024186579.jpg

[Creeker]

Nice fish and the wife's a keeper for sure.

Mine loves to kayak/canoe/raft/boat but she doesn't fish often.
She'll take along a book and a cooler loaded with drinks/snacks and
stay out with me all day while I fish. Especially if she has cell service.

We're looking forward to our trip and seeing the area.

[dke1955]

This might be a little north of your preferred area but just something else to check out. Taos and to the east Angel Fire are where we stay usually. Take 64 north out of Taos, cross the Rio Grande Bridge (stop to take a look down in the gorge see if that white jeep is still down there!), 64 travels north thru the desert and picks up the forest again turning west. I love this area, campgrounds are along the road, 64 heads up to Chama where you can ride the narrow gauge railway for fun....64 will then travel north to Pagosa Springs CO. which is also beautiful (but crowded).
Many years ago my bud and I got a wild hair and rode the bikes from Texas to Sante Fe just to have a burger at a place called the Bobcat Bite....very small joint, you had to put your name on a chalkboard outside and they would call your name when a seat was avail.,....if the place is still there it would be worth a visit....Lots to do...if you like cliff dwellings and aztec/chaco ruins then https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/new-mexico/ruins-nm/ Have a blast! Be Safe. dave

[padredw]

Take 64 north out of Taos, cross the Rio Grande Bridge (stop to take a look down in the gorge see if that white jeep is still down there!), 64 travels north thru the desert and picks up the forest again turning west. I love this area, campgrounds are along the road, 64 heads up to Chama where you can ride the narrow gauge railway for fun....64 will then travel north to Pagosa Springs CO. which is also beautiful

This has always been a favorite route of mine, especially 64 picks up that forested area. And the road up from Chama to Pagosa Springs is a beautiful drive. I just want to fully agree with dke1955.

[dke1955]

Originally Posted by padredw

This has always been a favorite route of mine, especially 64 picks up that forested area. And the road up from Chama to Pagosa Springs is a beautiful drive. I just want to fully agree with dke1955.

Yes Sir! Not to sound corny but when I used to ride (motorcycles) a lot, on my first ride on this road there was a light snow, freezing my rear off aside, I was completely blown away by the beauty of the area, simply amazing, peaceful, and serene, it truly touched me making a lasting memory...been back many times and it never disappoints!

[Creeker]

Thanks Dave. I've been looking at the Taos area and then heading north west. Wife already mentioned she would like to see the bridge so that area is on our radar.

We've spent some time in Colorado and loved the Pagosa springs area. Durango, Silverton, Ouray etc... Loved all of it.

[Blackshadow]

Our favorite place is Bandelier National Park near Los Alomos. there is a campground there but only a few sites could accommodate our rig. It was peaceful and the first time we slept with all the windows open! Rest rooms are spotless.
The welcome center will give you information on two separate places to hike ruins. The main one is right by the ranger station and is cliff dwellings all along the cliffs with paths laid out. The second is lessor known but a NOT TO MISS trail that leads to un-excavated areas, dwellings and kivas. We came to the top with the village laid out before us and shards of pottery still laying about and paintings still on the walls. The paths and foot holds are the ones used by original inhabitants. Parking is next to the road and before the Los Alomos turn off. Even after traveling internationally, this is our favorite memory!
Next we traveled to near Lake Powell, to Antelope Slot Canyons NOT TO MISS, better than Grand Canyon for us. Make a reservation for the tour, we did around noon. Wear a hat, scarf and something to protect your camera from falling sand! Enjoy

[samroll]

Definitely Bandelier !!! While you are there you must go visit Valle Caldera too!!!

[prndl]

We came back from Moab, UT last year and went thru Escalante and Grand Staircase. While they were interesting they were mostly scenic drives on the highway. The real gem of the trip was Arches and Canyonlands NP's. Do them both from camping in Moab. Towing a 5er into Arches or Canyonlands will make you wish you hadn't done so. Stay in town.

[litterstp]

Taos, Red River, Angel Fire, Eagle Nest, Questa make up the Enchanted Circle. It’s a beautiful area with lots of fishing opportunities. Also, Chama is a nice little town with a historic steam train ride and more fishing. Be sure to visit Mesa Verde NP on your way to Utah.

[McIver]

Originally Posted by samroll

Definitely Bandelier !!! While you are there you must go visit Valle Caldera too!!!

Don't go to Vales Caldera if you have any loose fillings in your teeth.....the backcountry road (where the trout are) is an absolute washboard.

[margerush]

If you're in the Lake Powell area you have to see Antelope Canyon. Navajo will transport you in back of p/u truck to their Canyon. Beautiful site.