Arizona, New Mexico & the Grand Canyon Trips (Lonely Planet, 1st Edition) - Aaron Anderson [152]
Continue on Hwy 68 through Embudo Canyon to the dramatic stretch of the Taos Plateau, formed by volcanic eruptions and cut by an 800ft canyon formed by the Rio Grande River. The view from Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is enough to inspire just about anyone to a career in geology.
Jennifer Denniston
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TRIP INFORMATION
GETTING THERE
Albuquerque sits at the intersection of I-40 and I-25, 63 miles south of Santa Fe
DO
El Malpais National Monument
Black lava oozed from a cluster of volcanoes until as recently as 2000 years ago, and several lava flows here look younger still. 505-783-4774; www.nps.gov/elma/; 123 E Roosevelt Ave, Grants; 9am-4pm Mon-Fri;
Geology Museum
Small but well-presented museum with a focus on local geology. 505-277-4204; Northrop Hall, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque; 7:30am-noon, 1-4:30pm Mon-Fri;
Ghost Ranch
Hike through one of the country’s most prolific quarries of the Triassic era and visit the tiny but excellent paleontology museum. Various accommodations available. 505-685-4333; www.ghostranch.org; Hwy 84, btwn Miles 225 & 226, Abiquiu; seasonal variations, closed Dec;
Ice Cave Bandera Volcano
Hike around the side of the most pristine and accessible volcanoes in the country. 888-423-2283; www.icecaves.com; I-40 exit 81; adult/child 5-12 yr $9/4; 8am-1 hr before sunset;
Meteorite Museum
Excellent selection of meteorites including many exceptionally large specimens. 505-277-4204; Northrop Hall, University of New Mexico, Alburquerque; 9am-4pm Mon-Fri;
Museum of Natural History
Excellent exhibits on New Mexico geology designed with the layman in mind, as well as lots of fun stuff for kids. 505-841-2802; www.nmnaturalhistory.org; 1801 Mountain Rd NW, Albuquerque; 9am-4pm Mon-Fri;
New Mexico Mining Museum
Bone up on uranium mining in the heart of uranium country. 505-287-4802; 100 North Iron Ave, Grants; 9am-4pm Mon-Sat;
Petroglyph National Monument
Trails through the flat, grassy Volcano Day Use Area lead past three volcanic cinder cones. The petroglyphs are in another area. 8505-899-0205; www.nps.gov/petr/; 6001 Unser Blvd NW, Albuquerque; dawn-dusk;
EAT
Flying Star
Chow on everything from organic oats to Asian stir-fry tofu or burritos smothered in red chile. Corrales has another branch. 505-255-6633; 3416 Central SE, Albuquerque; mains $5-12; 6am-11:30pm Sun-Thu, to 12pm Sat & Sun;
SLEEP
Abiquiu Inn
Spacious casitas (small houses) with full kitchens and screened-in porches overlooking the bosque. Handsome Southwestern doubles also available. 505-685-4378; www.abiquiuinn.com; 21120 Hwy 84, Abiquiu; r $140-195;
Nora Dixon Place
Quiet bed and breakfast in an historic village north of Albuquerque. 505-898-3662; www.noradixon.com; 312 Dixon Rd, Corrales; r $102-124;
USEFUL WEBSITES
www.geoinfo.nmt.edu/tour/
www.publiclands.org
Suggested Reads
Basin and Range, John McPhee
Roadside Geology of New Mexico, Halka Chronic
LINK YOUR TRIP www.lonelyplanet.com/trip-planner
TRIP
38 Albuquirky
49 Hiking the Jemez
55 Rafting & Fishing the Rio Grande
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Hot Springs & Swimming Holes
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WHY GO There’s nothing like floating on your back in a mineral-heavy pool, inhaling steam and the scents of sage and desert, staring at a velvet sky twinkling with diamonds. Once you’ve spent an evening in New Mexico’s enchanting hot springs – it doesn’t matter if it’s commercial or au natural – you’ll be hooked for life.
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TIME
5 days
DISTANCE
575 miles
BEST TIME TO GO
Dec – Mar
START
Montezuma Hot Spring Pool, NM
END
Gila Hot Springs Vacation Center, NM
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Sometimes the best things in life are free, if you know where to look. In the case of steaming water,