Activities in New Mexico
-
Ten Thousand Waves
This gorgeous Japanese spa offers a host of attractive public and private outdoor soaking tubs, kitted out in a smooth Zen style with cold plunges and saunas. A host of treatments from prenatal, hot stone and Thai massages to herbal wraps are offered. Massages start at $85.
reviewed
-
Alamogordo Chamber of Commerce
On just two days a year (the first Saturday in April and October), the public is permitted to tour the Trinity Site, where the first atomic bomb was detonated on July 16, 1945, 35 miles west of Carrizozo. The eerie tour includes the base camp, the McDonald Ranch house where the plutonium core for the bomb was assembled, and ground zero itself. The test was carried out above ground and resulted in a quarter-mile-wide crater and an 8-mile-high cloud mushrooming above the desert. The radiation level of the site is ‘only’ 10 times greater than the region’s background level; a one-hour visit to ground zero will result in an exposure of one-half to one millorentgen (mrem), two …
reviewed
-
Born-N-Raised on the San Juan River, Inc
Trout are jumpin’ and visitors are floating. Navajo Lake, which stretches over 30 miles northeast and across into Colorado, was created by damming the San Juan River. At the base of the dam, there’s world-class trout fishing from late June through September. You can fish year-round (although you’ll need a permit), but catch-and-release regulations protect the stocks. The tiny community of Navajo Dam has several outfitters providing equipment, information and guided trips. Talk to the folks at Born-n-Raised on the San Juan River, Inc, based at Abe’s Motel & Fly Shop; the guy who started these personalized trips – he now has guides working for him – has been fishing t…
reviewed
-
Los Rios River Runners
Taos-based river outfitter Los Rios River Runners offers a unique twist on the classic three-day Chama River raft trip between El Vado and Abiquiú. For a (mere) $510 the company will arrange for an astronomer, archaeologist, yoga instructor, gourmet chef, local-lore storyteller or herbalist to accompany you down the river. Book your candidate of choice and spend three days floating past perfect swimming holes, down Class III rapids, past towering vermilion cliffs and ancient Pueblo dwellings by day. Come dark, sit around the campfire and soak up your chile with a tutorial from your guru, which, depending on your tastes, could be anything from a lesson on the night sky to …
reviewed
-
T’ai Chi Chih Center
The T’ai Chi Chih Center is the only one of its kind in the country to teach T’ai Chi Chih, a moving meditation originated by Albuquerque resident Justin Stone in 1974. It’s not to be confused with T’ai Chi Chu’an, the ancient martial art with 108 poses; these movements focus on softness, continuity and circularity. Activating, balancing and circulating the Chi (or life force), the practice has a way of bringing into balance for each practitioner that which needs balancing. It’s a tough concept to accept mentally until you try it for yourself. Over its relatively short life span, regular TCC practice has been shown to help all sorts of ailments, from arthritis and migra…
reviewed
-
Los Rios Anglers
- Taos, USA
- Activities › Fishing
Taos is ringed with stocked streams and lakes that draw adventuresome anglers (some choice spots require a rigorous hike to reach) and happy hooking, cutthroat and German brown trout. Many sites are within steps of your car door; some spots are fully wheelchair-accessible. You must have a license to take advantage of all the fish; check with local outfitter and tackle shop Los Rios Anglers for the scoop on this and good fishing spots. The company also runs a host of tailored guided trips – for beginners to experienced anglers – that take you to unspoiled private lands threaded with secret sparkling streams. Make reservations 48 hours in advance; day trips for one/two/t…
reviewed
-
Los Rios River Runners
- Taos, USA
- Activities › Rafting
The major summertime attraction is white-water rafting in the Taos Box, the steep-sided cliffs that frame the Rio Grande. Busloads of rafters from Santa Fe go up to Pilar, which can become a flurry of sunburned and screaming tourists. The best time to go is in May and June, when snowmelt keeps the rivers rapid, but it’s warm enough to enjoy the splash. In town, contact Los Rios River Runners, which runs trips for around $100. It also does half-day trips on the slightly less rabid Racecourse ($50) – make it more exciting by running it in an inflatable kayak where you’re the sole driver.
reviewed
-
Elena Gallegos Picnic Area
Elena Gallegos Picnic Area, in the foothills of the Sandias, is a popular jumping-off point for hiking, running and mountain-biking trails; some are wheelchair-accessible. Go early in the day before the overhead sun gets too hot, or at dusk to take advantage of the panoramic sunset views and watch the city lights begin twinkling below. Time your walk carefully, though, because darkness falls quickly after the sun sets and howling coyotes ring the park. They won’t bother you, but if you’re a fully fledged urbanite and unaccustomed to uninvited nighttime company, it might be unnerving.
reviewed
-
Stone Age Climbing Gym
Rock climbers itching to hit the wall will dig the Stone Age Climbing Gym, offering 12,000 sq ft of professionally designed climbing terrain simulating a variety of real rock features. Walls cater to all skill levels and reach almost 30ft high, and there are two lead climbing stations and four bouldering areas to choose from. Equipment can be rented for $6 per day. If you’re a novice and want to learn, try an intro class ($40). The gym is a great option, especially on rainy days when you don’t feel like seeing another museum.
reviewed
-
Northeast Cyclery
Cycling is a major sport in Albuquerque, both for beginners and national-level competitors. Get outfitted at Northeast Cyclery and head out. Download a useful city map at www.cabq.gov/bike to find dedicated off-road tracks along arroyos. To ride along the Rio Grande, park at the Albuquerque BioPark and follow the riverside trail north or south (the smell of green chiles roasting at local factories is best appreciated if you head south in October; the path is less urban if you head north).
reviewed
Advertisement
-
A
High Desert Angler
New Mexico’s truly outstanding fishing holes are better accessed from Taos and the Enchanted Circle, but there are plenty of opportunities around Santa Fe, including Abiquiú, Nambé Lakes and Rio Chama. You’ll need a license – available at tack shops like the High Desert Angler, which also sells a large selection of gear and offers guided excursions to private streams (one/two people from $275/350). A one-day, state-required license is $22.
reviewed
-
Conservatory of Flamenco Arts
If you're in the market for an authentic Latin experience, take a class at the Conservatory of Flamenco Arts. Stomp and clap to rhythms of live guitar music and your Spanish instructors. And don't forget your flamenco shoes! What? You don't have any? Buying a pair at the Conservatory will set you back about around US$100, but it could be the start of a lifelong passion. Class attire for men includes long pants and a fitted shit, for women a full skirt and fitted top or leotard.
reviewed
-
B
New Wave River Trips
Busloads of people head up to the Taos Box for white-water river running, but there are also mellow float trips throughout New Mexico and overnight guided rafting trips. Contact New Wave River Trips and stay cool on trips through the Rio Grande Gorge (adult/child half-day $52/42, full day $90/75), the wild Taos Box (full day $115), or the Rio Chama Wilderness (three days $500).
reviewed
-
Taos Mountain Outfitters
- Taos, USA
- Activities › Hiking
The huge Taos Mountain Outfitters rents and sells everything you need to get out and play. It also has loads of info on nearby hiking trails, ranging from easy day hikes to overnight backcountry trips, and alpine mountain trails along rivers to awesome hikes along and through the Rio Grande Gorge. Many hikes begin near the Taos Ski Valley, 20 miles north of town.
reviewed
-
Latir Lakes
Take NM 522 north past the El Rito turnoff, which accesses the elk-infested Latir Peak Wilderness, with mesas at 12,000ft and higher, administrated by the Questa Ranger District. Privately owned Latir Lakes, eight alpine gems set into 12,700ft Latir Peak, are worth the hike that begins here.
reviewed
-
C
Santa Fe School of Cooking
If you develop a love for New Mexican cuisine, try cooking lessons at the Santa Fe School of Cooking. Classes, with over 25 options including traditional New Mexican and Southwestern breakfast, are typically between 1½ and three hours long and cost $42 to $80, including the meal.
reviewed
-
Sandia Peak Ski Area
Atop the Sandia Peak Tramway, the Sandia Peak Ski Area remains open during summer weekends and holidays (June to September) for mountain bikers. You can rent a bike at the base facility ($48 with $350 deposit) or ride the chairlift to the top of the peak with your own bike ($18).
reviewed
-
Rio Grande Stables
Rio Grande Stables, on the road to the ski valley, offers one- to three-hour trips ($45 to $135), all-day rides (including one to the top of Wheeler Peak) and combination horseback/rafting/camping treks they’ll customize just for you. Rates start at $45 for one hour.
reviewed
-
Santa Fe Southern Railway
The Santa Fe Southern Railway runs excursions on restored railcars. Its four-hour daytime trips (adult/child from $32/18), departing 11am Friday and Saturday, venture through the high desert and are pulled by working freight trains. Reservations are recommended.
reviewed
-
Outpost Ice Arena
Skating in the desert? Who on earth would think about skating in the desert? Turns out, quite a few people. Fork over around US$6 to skate and around US$2 to rent a pair and enjoy every chilly moment. Just try not to bump into too many kids. Evening skate times change monthly.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Taos Ski Valley
With a peak elevation of 11,819ft and a 2612ft vertical drop, Taos Ski Valley offers some of the most challenging skiing in the US and yet remains low-key and relaxed. Once exclusive to skiers, the resort now allows snowboarders on its slopes.
reviewed
-
Historic Taos Trolley Tours
- Taos, USA
- Activities › Tour
Offers two different tours aboard red trolleys from the visitor center. One visits Taos Pueblo, San Francisco de Asis and the plaza (where they’ll also pick you up); the other takes in Millicent Rogers Museum and the Martinez Hacienda.
reviewed
-
Big River Raft Trips
Tiny Pilar is the base for summer white-water rafting. Try an adventure with Big River Raft Trips, which runs full-day and half-day floats ($60 to $125) as well as more thrilling trips down the Taos Box.
reviewed
-
Hyde Memorial State Park
Hyde Memorial State Park, northeast of Santa Fe near the ski base, offers a number of hikes. Try the 5-mile Borrego-Bear Wallow Loop to Tesuque Creek, which starts at the north end of Hyde Memorial State Park.
reviewed
-
Gearing Up Bicycle Shop
For mountain-biking info, trails maps and rentals, visit Gearing Up Bicycle Shop. It rents mountain and hybrid bikes ($10/35/125 per hour/day/week), full-suspension bikes ($50 per day) and road bikes ($45).
reviewed
