New Mexico is a beautiful state filled with mountains, sunny skies, and desert. There is a something about it that feels ancient and a little mysterious. Widely known for strange activity at military bases like Roswell and White Sands, you might think you stepped into a Sci-fi film.
White Sands
The White Sands are in the middle of nowhere, a strange phenomenon that has
created miles of lush white sand as soft as the tropical beach of your dreams. Around 250 million years ago the area of New Mexico was a shallow sea and gypsum formed creating the sands today. And the wonder of gypsum is that it is cool to the touch, so while you are in a hot desert the sand is cool. After being hot from hiking I just plopped down in the sand and cooled off.. amazing.
The trail to go to in the park is the Alkali Flat Trail. I did not hike the whole thing because it was too hot. But I highly recommend the Alkali Flat Trail if you want miles and miles of pure sand and not as much vegetation. One thing is for sure, bring water!!! People have died in the park from dehydration and it is no joke.
Where to stay near White Sands:
The only nice hotel I found nearby was in Las Cruces, the Hotel Encanto DeLas Cruces. It is usually hard to find nice hotels nearby national parks, but this hotel was a great escape. It had a beautiful pool which was great to enjoy before or after being in the hot sun of the desert sands.
If it is open, dispersed camping in the national park is beautiful. It will be chilly at night as it is a desert, but the views at night of the stars and moon on the White Sands is magical. This is backcountry camping and you need to obtain a permit before camping, as well as stay updated on weather conditions.
Roswell
If you are into the extra-terrestrial, Roswell is a must. During our drive we listened to Joe Rogan's podcast with Bob Lazar on Roswell to get into the swing of it. Regardless if you are a believer the alien town is cool to visit. Of course you get your cheesy alien paraphernalia all over the place but why not get into it.
We stopped at the International UFO museum and Research Center and they had the full history of UFO sightings and strange occurrences reported by people in the area as well as throughout the world.
Stop by the McDonalds at nighttime for UFO burger. The entire McDonalds lights up like a space ship.
Taos
Taos is typically a ski town, but it is worth the visit even if you are not there for ski season. I was there for the fall aspen leaves changing colors and the drive through the Sangre De Cristo Range was scenic and relaxing. I stayed in an adorable pueblo style Airbnb with a cozy fireplace. Take a stroll in old town for breakfast at Manzanita Market and then head on to the Kit Karson Home and Museum.
Earthships Community
If the White Sands and Roswell did not make you feel other worldly enough, then the Earthships community will definitely leave you questioning what planet you are on.
Not far from Taos, Earthships is a community of houses that are completely off grid homes relying on off grid technology. The homes are powered by wind, solar power, and made from materials like glass, and recycled objects. A walk through this community will make you question what is necessary and normal in a house. It might be a glimpse into the future of biotecture homes.
Sante Fe
Sante Fe is for art lovers. Head for a walk down Canyon Road the adobe architecture and art galleries. If you are a fan and even if your are not a fan go to the Georgia O'keefe Museum. Sante Fe was the last place that she lived, and it shows how the beauty and light of the New Mexico Landscape inspired her work. Sometimes an artists work perfectly shows the beauty of an area, that will make you see it in a whole new light with imagination.
Wherever your adventure takes you contact Jaden Allen Travel for any tips or to plan your New Mexico getaway!
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