Today my friends, I will introduce you to a state that I knew nothing about 2 years ago, a rich state that exceeded my expectations and filled my heart with warmth. Welcome to the land of Enchantment!! Welcome to the American state of New Mexico!!
The first time I visited New Mexico was sometime in October 2017 and a few times after. In this post I will share with you 5 things you MUST do when in NM. But before, here is a little of history
Let’s talk about the state flag
The flag was officially adopted in 1925 and was designed to highlight the state’s native American heritage. The Zia is an Indian American tribe, whose people are known for their use of the sun symbol, which explains the red sun symbol of the Zia on a field of yellow. The sun circle binds the four sacred elements: the four directions, the four times of day, the four stages of life, and the four seasons.
The Spanish European settled in the western United States in New Mexico (Nuevo México then) and established Santa Fe as the capital in 1609. The territory became a province of Mexico in 1821 and then became the 47th state of the USA in 1912.
Back to things you MUST do when in new Mexico. Ready? Go!
White Sands National Monument
This is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. Located in the northern Chihuahuan Desert, White Sands National Monument is famous for its dramatic landscape of rare white sand dunes. White sands? Yes!! As white as a thing can be, thanks to the composition of gypsum and calcium sulfate.
I came to the site with the intention to camp in the campground but it did not happen. If you are planing on camping in White sands here is what you need to keep in mind:
- You cannot make reservations before hands
- There is a limited number of spots and it is on a first come first served basis
- The earliest you show up the better
If you are unable to secure a spot, there are plenty of camping areas outside of the site few miles away.
The dunes are mesmerizing, and the sunset is one of the prettiest. There are also free group guided tours that you can join.
I will share an article about activities you can enjoy in White Sands soon (Stay Tuned)
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
This hot air balloon festival takes place in Albuquerque, New Mexico Balloon Fiesta usually from October 6th to October 14th, and has over 500 hot air balloons each year. You can either go on a balloon ride or just sit outside and watch the balloons decorating the sky.
Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness
Located in the middle of nowhere, the Bisti/De-Na-Zin wilderess is a 45 000 acre located in San Juan County, the Wilderness is an area of desolate area of rock formations with beautiful and strange shapes. It feels like you are in planet mars!
70 million years ago the area was on the west of an ancient sea, which covered much of New Mexico. Unbelievable!
Carlsbad caverns national park
Even though I have not been to this site yet, but it is on my list next time I go to NM. The national park features more than 100 caves and is absolutely breathtaking!
Blue Hole
NM is not just a desert, to believe so I invite you to check out “Blue Hole” (I have not been there yet). Located in Santa Rosa, NM, the hole is a circular dive pool east of Santa Rosa that was once used as a fish hatchery.
Which one is your favorite spot? and if you have been to New Mexico before, What would you add to my list?