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Another view of the unusual landscape along the Church Rock Trail—striped sandstone, scattered junipers, and that dramatic spire always waiting to steal the scene.
Northwest New Mexico

Church Rock, NM — Just East of Gallup: Hike Red Rock Park, the Best Leg-Stretch Stop You’ve Never Heard Of 🌄

May 11, 2025newmexicotravelguy2 comments

A scenic stop packed with Navajo history, Jurassic geology, and a highly rated but little-known hiking trail—just minutes from Gallup.

"Free Spirits at Noise Water" sculptures by Dave McGary at the Hubbard Museum of the American West in Ruidoso Downs
Southeast New Mexico

Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico: A Day at the Races, Beginner’s Luck, and “Free Spirits at Noisy Water”🐎

May 4, 2025newmexicotravelguyAdd comment

Discover Ruidoso Downs Race Track and the Free Spirits at Noisy Water—an impressive bronze horse sculpture display and unique roadside stop in southern New Mexico.

Central New MexicoNortheast New MexicoNorthwest New MexicoSoutheast New MexicoSouthwest New Mexico

Rattled in New Mexico? 7 Rattlesnake Myths (and What to Do if You Spot One) 🐍

April 27, 2025newmexicotravelguy2 comments

From fangs to facts: Debunking Rattlesnake Myths and Learning the Art of Rattlesnake Relocation

The iconic Raton sign perched high above town—anchored in sandstone, framed by piñon, and watching over travelers just south of the Colorado border.
Northeast New Mexico

Exploring Raton, New Mexico: Geology, Guns, and the Unexpected 🏍️⛰️

April 20, 2025newmexicotravelguy4 comments

Discover Raton, New Mexico—where dinosaur history, the Santa Fe Trail, biker rallies, a firearms museum, and green chile pizza all collide in one unforgettable high-plains town.

Dishes of the Very Large Array reach toward the sky, scanning the cosmos for whispers from the universe’s most distant corners.
Southwest New Mexico

Listening to the Universe: A Visit to New Mexico’s Very Large Array 🌌🔭

April 6, 2025newmexicotravelguyAdd comment

Discover New Mexico’s Very Large Array (VLA)—a world-class radio telescope where science meets silence. Learn how to visit, what to expect, and why this cosmic listening post is worth the detour.

Rolling into Portal, Arizona, it doesn’t take long to see why some folks show up for a visit... and stick around for years.
Southwest New Mexico

Off the Grid and Into the Wild: Exploring Rodeo, NM and Portal, AZ 🏜️🐍🐦

March 30, 2025newmexicotravelguy4 comments

Chasing birds, solitude, and desert magic in Rodeo, New Mexico and Portal, Arizona — where cell service fades, the trogons get elegant, and the Chiricahua Mountains steal the show.

La Matanza in Belen, New Mexico, is a vibrant celebration of community, culture, and cuisine, where skilled cooks prepare traditional dishes like carne adovada and chicharrones over steaming cauldrons. Amid the crisp winter air, the festival brings people together to honor ranching heritage, share rich flavors, and keep New Mexico’s Hispano traditions alive.
Central New MexicoFood

The Belen Matanza in New Mexico: Where Tradition Sizzles, Chicharrónes Crackle, and Pants Get Tight 🐖

March 23, 2025newmexicotravelguyAdd comment

From Chicharrónes to Community Spirit: Everything you need to know about the Belen Matanza Experience

The Sandia Peak Tram glides toward the top, reaching an impressive height of 10,378 feet. From up there, you’re treated to sweeping views of Albuquerque sprawled below and the rugged, sun-soaked shrublands stretching out to the west.
Central New Mexico

Experience Albuquerque from Above: The Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway 🚡

March 16, 2025newmexicotravelguyAdd comment

Take the Sandia Peak Aerial Tram to one of New Mexico’s best views. From dramatic landscapes to hiking adventures, it’s the perfect Albuquerque escape.

Get Ready to Feel the Heat: The 2025 National Fiery Foods & BBQ Show in Albuquerque
Central New MexicoFood

Get Ready to Feel the Heat: The 2025 National Fiery Foods & BBQ Show in Albuquerque 🌶️🔥

February 23, 2025newmexicotravelguy2 comments

Feeling the burn as the National Fiery Foods & Barbecue show returns to Albuquerque, New Mexico from February 28 - March 2, 2025.

Here's another look at St. Elizabeth’s Church (Bazylika św. Elżbiety Węgierskiej), along with colorful historic townhouses that house cafes, restaurants, and shops.
Beyond NM - Europe

A Road Trip through the Baltics – The Journey You Didn’t Know Was on Your Bucket List (Part 5 of 5): Poland

February 16, 2025newmexicotravelguyAdd comment

Wrap up your Baltic road trip with a journey through Poland. Explore The Wolf's Lair, Wrocław, Toruń, Auschwitz, Ojców National Park, and Kraków

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If you have any suggestions for places, people, or events I should feature in an upcoming post, feel free to contact me at mark@newmexicotravelguy.com

Destinations

  • Central New Mexico 21
  • Northeast New Mexico 6
  • Northwest New Mexico 4
  • South-Central New Mexico 1
  • Southeast New Mexico 14
  • Southwest New Mexico 10
  • Beyond NM - Africa 1
  • Beyond NM - Asia 2
  • Beyond NM - Canada 5
  • Beyond NM - Europe 6
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  • Beyond NM - United States 1
  • Family 1
  • Food 3

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Okay, last one—I promise. But I liked this shot so much, I use it as the photo for my weekly newsletter. Feel free to sign up!
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