Natural Wonders in the Southwest Region
Outdoors lovers will want to spend time in Southwest New Mexico. The Gila Wilderness was the first designated wilderness in the country and offers visitors a land filled with cacti, junipers, pine, aspens, black bears, mountain lions, elk, and wild turkey. While in the area, stop at the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument to see 13th century cliff dwellings. Bird watchers will want to head south of Socorro to the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. Each winter Arctic snow geese, dabbler ducks, and sandhill cranes descend on the wetlands and each summer brings shorebirds, flycatchers, and warblers. However, any time of year visitors can see pheasants, turkeys, quail, and roadrunners in their natural habitat. Elephant Butte Lake is a popular tourism destination offering a haven for boaters, swimmers, parasailers, jet skiers, water skiers, campers, hikers, and fishermen. Las Cruces, the state’s second largest city, is named for several cross-topped graves of an 1830’s caravan of travelers ambushed by Apache Indians found in the city. Just north of Las Cruces is the village of Hatch, the “Chile Capital of the World.” Every Labor Day Weekend, this village hosts a huge chili celebration with chile roasting, chile contests, chile parades, and plenty of chile dishes. |
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New Mexico Vacation Guide |
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> Angel Fire Vacation Guide
Angel Fire: A Heavenly Experience
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Nestled in the midst of forested wilderness and the Moreno Valley, is the beautiful resort of Angel Fire. Named for the awe inspiring sunrises and sunsets that light up its mountain peaks, this resort promises a great holiday. Winter offers sport enthusiasts a chance to experience the terrain of some of the highest peaks in New Mexico, while summer brings a variety of other ways to enjoy the area. There are also a range of eclectic attractions such as hurtling down the slopes while mounted on a shovel, enjoying mesmerizing performances at the Chamber Music Festival or watching hot air balloons sail across the valley during the annual Balloon Rally.
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> Santa Fe Vacation Guide
The “City Different”
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