Northern or Central New Mexico, March - April

[katuah]

Howdy folks. I think I spent so much brainpower planning my last year's road trip that I dont have anything left for this year. I need some help to conjure up some ideas for a trip to central or northern New Mexico over Spring Break. About all I've got so far is 2 nights at Chaco, hiking at Kasha-Katuwe, maybe some wandering at Bisti Badlands, maybe look for a pueblito. I know there must be more stuff than this but I am not finding much info. I don't need specifics so much as inspiration. What am I missing? Note: This year it's self, partner, 9yo kid, airport rental car, minimal camping gear. No Jeep :-( Last time we were in this area was 2011? lots of fires, not much hiking. Our happiest find was Cerrillos Hills State Park.

 

[Absarokanaut]

Rio Grande Gorge at Questa.

 

[uintahiker]

Bandelier national monument is worthwhile. There are some primitive hot springs too. My favorite Thanksgiving ever was spent soaking in some located north of Las Vegas (NM). I can tell already you are going to have a great trip.

I think there are some ice caves by Gallup.

I am sure you could dig up some petroglyphs too.

 

[Noun Sequitur]

The drive through Jemez to Valles Caldera and down through Los Alamos is beautiful. The Soda Dam on route 4 is an interesting stop. Lots of other places to stop and take pictures on the way. Driving through Los Alamos is interesting and a little creepy. Kind of a must do If you enjoy the weird/sci-fi side of New Mexico and like to let the imagination run wild. Make sure to read up on the history of Chaco, Los Alamos and other sites you visit. It really helps with the immersion factor. With so many weird mysteries in New Mexico, you can just about write a novel in your head.

 

[katuah]

I haven't been back by here in a while, but this trip is coming up very soon so I wanted to check back in. We did walk down in the gorge up near Questa last time, it was pretty but somehow didn't grab me enough for a repeat. I've found information on the Chavez Canyon slot near Abiquiu, we will try to find that. And definitely Bandeleir. Otherwise, we may just head up north from Chaco and poke about in Canyons of the Ancients.