Regions of New Mexico

NORTHWESTERN NEW MEXICONORTHEASTERN NEW MEXICO

Northwestern New Mexico: Rocks, Roads and Bling

If natural beauty, rich history, outdoor activities, culturallyimmersive shopping experiences and perhaps a spin at a great casino sound like criteria for your next adventure, look to the stunning landscapes of picturesque Northwest

New Mexico.

Whether you venture to the Four

Corners monument (where you can stand in four states simultaneously), are drawn to the ancient mystery of Chaco Canyon, join in the annual Gallup Intertribal Indian Ceremony from August 2-11, or cruise historic Route 66, there is much in this part of New Mexico to heighten the senses and stir dormant primal connections.

Amid 200 million-year-old cliffs outside Gallup is the Red Rock State Park and Museum, featuring interpretive displays of ancient Anasazi culture alongside modern art from the

Navajo, Hopi and Zuni tribes.

Immerse yourself in antiquity at El Morro, (south of Interstate 40, west of Ramah on NM 53) where fragments of history and ancient cultures are embedded in the great sandstone promontory. Here, Spanish and American travelers rested and carved their signatures, dates and messages for

hundreds of years.

Trading posts and shops throughout Northwestern New Mexico offer a variety of new and old Native American arts and crafts, including painting, pottery, jewelry and fetish carving. The second Friday of every month from February through October, experience art walks from 5-9 p.m. at Farmington’s downtown galleries, in addition to Farmington’s four larger monthly art walks set to take place April 12, June

14, October 11 and November 30.

Venture along historic Route 66 visiting the motels, diners and neon of the era as the "Mother Road" winds its way

Northeastern New Mexico's diverse terrain includes everything from the state’s highest mountain, to the valleys and clear water streams of the Pecos River. As a result, this quadrant of New Mexico has some of the most breathtaking scenery to be found anywhere.

As expansive as the mesa is the area’s history, which includes outlaws, Rough Riders, a raucous cow town and the dwellings of ancient civilizations. Experience the mystery and intrigue of the historic St. James Hotel in Cimarron, a tiny community with a storied past that includes Buffalo Soldiers and train robbers.

Make a stop along the legendary Santa Fe Trail into the once-bustling cattle town in Las Vegas, where Teddy

west of Albuquerque. The Gallup Cultural Center in the old railway depot offers a storyteller museum and displays on trains, mining, weaving, Native American sand and silver art

forms, as well as the stories of Route 66.

To immerse yourself in Native American traditions, visit Zuni during the Pueblo of Zuni Fair, set for August 30 - September 1, or check out its Ancient Way Fall Festival, Arts Market & ArtWalk 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. October 5. Visit http://www. zunitourism.com/events_calendar.htm for updates and other activities. Guided tours at the pueblo include archaeology tours and an integrated walking tour of the historic village neighborhood. There are also opportunities for arts and cooking demonstrations. Unfortunately, the old Zuni mission is closed for the foreseeable future due to deteriorating structural conditions. To get to Zuni, take Interstate 40 for 85 miles west of Albuquerque, then exit 82 to NM-53/NM-122

W, and turn right onto Chavez Circle for 74 miles.

A scenic drive off I-40 east of Grants escorts you to the otherworldly volcanic flows of El Malpais National Monument. Take exit 89 off I-40 onto NM Highway 117, which travels the eastern boundary of the park. The Bureau of Land Management's Ranger Station is located nine miles south of

this exit and is open daily.

Take a stop from your scenic tour of the region at Sky City Casino Hotel on I-40, east of Grants. Sky City offers 24-hour gaming with more than 640 of the newest and hottest slot and video poker machines, Las Vegas-style table games, bingo, and live entertainment, with fine accommodations

and dining all in one place.

Northeastern New Mexico: A Raucous Past Among Varied Vistas

Roosevelt came to recruit the Rough Riders. The City of Las Vegas Museum and Rough Rider Memorial Collection tell the stories of Roosevelt’s charge on San Juan Hill in the

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