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been shot amid the spectacular red-rock and box-canyon scenery here, including Indiana Jones & the Crystal Skull (2008) and The 3:10 to Yuma (2007). But the place is still best known for its 1991 role in the Billy Crystal dude-ranch classic City Slickers. Ghost Ranch is a great place to spend your last night. Take time to sit outside after dark and stare at the night sky. Not only is the area supposedly rife with UFO activity (aliens were featured in the last Indiana Jones), it also twinkles brightly with constellations.

Becca Blond

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MADE IN NEW MEXICO

Ironically, Disney’s High School Musical, set in Albuquerque, is one of the few movies not really made in New Mexico. On the flip side, over 500 other films were made here, including the portion of 21 Grams set in a seedy hotel. The hotel was Leisure Lodge in Grants (filmmakers repainted it to look old and dirty for the movie). Stay in room 117 to sleep where Benicio Del Torro’s character anguished.

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TRIP INFORMATION

GETTING THERE

Isleta Pueblo is 16 miles south of Albuquerque on I-25; take exit 215.

DO

Fort Union Drive-In

Just north of town, this classic drive-in theater has great views of the surrounding high desert. 505-425-9934; 3300 7th St, Las Vegas; per car $5; evenings Thu-Sat May-Sep.

Isleta Pueblo

Call to check if it’s possible to see the schoolhouse where New Mexico’s first movie was made. The pueblo also has a casino resort. 505-869-3111; I-25 exit 215; casino 8am-4am Mon-Thu, 24 hr Fri-Sun

Video Library

This supercool Santa Fe movie-rental shop stocks an entire wall of made in New Mexico DVDs. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. 505-983-3321; 120 E Marcy St No 1, Santa Fe

SLEEP & EAT

Charlie’s Spic & Span Bakery Café

Locals choose Charlie’s for lattes in the morning and New Mexican diner fare after dark. It’s also the place to catch up on all the latest gossip. Bring your lap-top, there is wi-fi. 505-426-1921; 715 Douglas Ave, Las Vegas; mains $4-9; 6.30am-9.30pm

Ghost Ranch

Digs are dorm beds, but quality cafeteria-style meals produced with locally raised meat and organic veggies are included in the nightly rate. Call ahead to make sure there’s space. 505-685-4333; www.ghostranch.org; US Hwy 84; tent/RV sites $16/23, dm $45-80

La Posada

World-class service puts this hotel in a league of its own. Your every need is catered to on this beautiful, shady, 6-acre property a few blocks from the Plaza. 866-331-7625; www.laposada.rockresorts.com; 330 E Palace Ave, Santa Fe; r from $175

Plaza Hotel

Las Vegas’ most celebrated and historic lodging is also excellent value. 505-425-3591; www.plazahotel-nm.com; 230 Old Town Plaza, Las Vegas; r incl breakfast from $69

Ristra

Ristra attracts a devoted group of regular clientele who come for its casual intimacy and excellent food. The contemporary American menu is influenced by the flavors of France and the Southwest, and changes seasonally. 505-982-8608; 548 Agua Fria St, Santa Fe; mains $20-40; 5-9.30pm

USEFUL WEBSITES

www.nmfilm.org

LINK YOUR TRIP www.lonelyplanet.com/trip-planner

TRIP

9 Billy the Kid Byway

43 Out of This World

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Take the High Road…and the Low Road

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WHY GO Whether you take the High Rd or the Low Rd, follow the mountains or the river, the way to Taos is dotted with timeless adobe villages where the green chile is spicy, the church is home to healing dirt and the intricately woven blankets are still loomed by hand.

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TIME

4 days

DISTANCE

150 miles

BEST TIME TO GO

Jun – Sep

START

Santa Fe, NM

END

Santa Fe, NM

ALSO GOOD FOR

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Spend a little time in the region where the mighty Rio Grande flows past the crimson-hued Sangre de Cristo (Blood of Christ) mountains, healing water bubbles from boiling springs and the high desert air is scented with sage and pine and you’ll understand why New Mexico calls itself the “Land of Enchantment”. From Santa Fe, follow Hwy 285 north to Espa