π 5 Days & 4 Nights in New Mexico β A Perfect Winter Getaway! ποΈπ
In December 2024, I embarked on a memorable road trip through New Mexico β a state that beautifully blends natural wonders and rich cultural heritage. Hereβs what I explored: π Albuquerque Old Town More compact than Santa Fe and incredibly walkable! Full of shops selling beautiful Native American, Mexican, and Spanish-inspired crafts. A great place to pick up unique souvenirs. ποΈ π Apache Animal Protection Reserve An unexpected highlight and absolutely worth it! One of my top 10 sunrise experiences π . Enter through the visitor center, turn left, and drive toward the vault toilet on Google Maps. Youβll find viewing platforms and telescopes. Further ahead, thereβs an open area where you can see snow geese feeding in the morning. In winter, you might even spot sandhill cranes! 𦩠π White Sands National Park Used my America the Beautiful Pass to enter. The scenic drive loop takes about 40 minutes with several photo stops. For the best experience, stay till sunset β the views are magical! πΈ π£ Walk barefoot or in socks for a simple, joyful connection with the sand. Wear dark or colorful clothing for great photos, and bring a jacket β it gets chilly! π Carlsbad Caverns National Park An incredible underground cave system! The self-guided trail takes about 2 hours. You can take the elevator back up. Each point of interest has English descriptions. β° Last entry to the visitor center is 2:15 PM; last trail entry at 2:30 PM; must exit by 4:45 PM. π¦ Bring a headlamp (path is dimly lit) and consider a mask (for the cave smell). No cell service inside! π Santa Fe Old Town Lots of unique shops β perfect for gift hunting, though it can be pricier than ABQ. Allow 1-2 days to explore fully. Donβt miss the Railway Yard with its painted trains and artistic vibe β great for street photography! β οΈ Note: Many shops are closed on Mondays. π Taos Taos Pueblo (adobe structures) closes sharply at 3:30 PM β plan ahead! Shops in Taos Town and John Dunn Close around 3:30 PM as well. π Rio Grande Gorge Bridge Navigate to Rio Grande Gorge Overlook for stunning views. You can walk on the bridgeβs pedestrian path and look down into the vast gorge β truly breathtaking! π #NewMexico #USATravel #RoadTrip #Photography #BirdWatching #WinterTravel #StudyAbroad #DesertVibes
