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Ecotourism in New Mexico
Today’s traveler may want to look beyond the history and culture of New Mexico, to try to experience the land as it was before human occupation. While that is no longer possible, the growth of ecotourism in the state can bring some semblance of the untrammeled natural world.
New Mexico has diverse eco-regions from alpine forests in the Southern Rockies, to high desert mountains, to the unique Chihuahua desert. Eco-regions are defined by elevation and climate. Changing conditions result in a wide spectrum of flora and fauna.
In higher, northern mountains, travelers encounter Ponderosa pine and oak woodlands and alpine meadows of grasses and delicate flowers. They are likely to encounter elk, deer, bear, and a number of smaller animals.
Eastern New Mexico is noted for its vast grasslands, including the western terminus of the Llano Estacado, the infamous staked plains where travelers perished because there was no water. Unbeknownst to them, beneath the cap rock lay the Oglala aquifer.
Southwestern tablelands comprised of grasslands and rangeland give way to the northern extremity of the Chihuahua desert with its broad basins and valleys bordered by sloping alluvial fans and terraces. Naturalists are certain to count dozens of species of cacti, wild flowers, and other desert plants, all the while keeping an eye for rabbits, kangaroo rats, javalinas, and other small mammals. Because the prey is readily available, so are the predators, including coyote, bobcat, and mountain lion. One may be surprised by lizards, horned toads, and tarantula and, while not something to be surprised over, an encounter with several species of snakes, including rattlers, is always exciting and interesting.Birdwatching
Birders are able to extend their life lists searching for the hundreds of resident and migrant species. A wonderful place to see thousands of birds is Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, located between Las Cruces and Albuquerque near Socorro. In winter, sandhill cranes, snow geese and many other species of birds stay here for the abundant cover, food and water. It is a spectacular sight to see the thousands of birds taking flight in the early dawn to begin their day of searching for food. The Bosque also hosts a Sandhill Crane festival each year where there are guided nature walks, workshops, and a variety of other activities for naturalists and bird lovers.
There are many other places to view birds, from the new Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park near Las Cruces to any of our state's hiking trails and campgrounds. Visitors new to the Land of Enchantment will enjoy seeing birds that aren't found at home, but that are common in back yards and at feeders here, from this Curved Bill Thrasher to Roadrunners. The State of New Mexico has published a bird trails brochure to help guide you to the best spots in southwestern New Mexico.
White Sands National Monument
One of the most popular places to visit in New Mexico is White Sands National Monument, located between Las Cruces and Alamogordo. White Sands is the largest gypsum dune field in the world and provides recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping, sledding, picnicking, and nature study. In addition, there are nightly Sunset Strolls led by rangers, monthly Full Moon Talks, and special events such as the annual Balloon Invitational and moonlight bike rides.
Carlsbad Caverns
Another top tourist destination is Carlsbad Caverns. Like White Sands, it is a place you have to see to believe. Located in southeastern New Mexico, the caverns extend deep under the ground and are filled with awe-inspiring formations that were created drip by drip over thousands of years. You can find a tour that fits your level of activity and desire for excitement, from taking the elevator down to the Big Room for an easy stroll around some of the most famous formations to a rappel and crawl into some of the least accessible rooms. And no matter the weather above ground, it is always perfect deep in the caverns!
National Forests
There are five national forests to explore in New Mexico. Carson National Forest, covering 1.5 million acres, includes Wheeler Peak, the highest point in the state. Gila National Forest's highlight is the Gila Cliff Dwellings, surrounded by more spectacular mountain views. Lincoln National Forest is the home of our country's most famous ursine: Smokey Bear. Santa Fe National Forest covers 1.6 million acres, ranging from 5,300 to 13,103 feet at the summit of Truchas Peak. The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands are located in New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma.
Wildlife Viewing
The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has a program called Project GAIN (Gaining Access Into Nature) that can help you see some of our state's abundant wildlife up close. Bighorn sheep, elk, turkey, antelope, bears, cougars, javelina, and many other animals make their homes here.
Horseback Treks
If you'd like to get close to nature without using your own two feet, many companies in New Mexico offer horseback tours. The Double E Ranch offers tours of the Gila Wilderness. In Roswell, contact Burntwell Guest Ranch. The Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch is located on one of the state's scenic byways in southwestern New Mexico. In Santa Fe, Bishop's Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa offers a variety of trail rides as part of an experience that is just outside the city but feels like a world away.
Road Biking and Mountain Biking
New Mexico's climate and terrain offer great opportunities for bicyling. Whether you want to ride your road bike on fairly flat roads or want to get wild in the dirt on a mountain bike, there's something for everyone in the Land of Enchantment. Numerous active bicycling clubs welcome visitors who want to ride with them during their trips.
If you want a challenge, there are even opportunities to participate in New Mexico bicycle tours. There are dedicated mountain bike trails around the state and local bike shops are a wealth of information on where to go. Some shops even rent mountain bikes for travelers to use. If you enjoy watching - or even participating in - bike races, the Tour of the Gila in Silver City has even hosted cycling greats like Lance Armstrong and Levi Leipheimer. If you time it right, you can participate in a moonlight ride at White Sands National Monument or take part in a century ride somewhere in the state. The Bicycle Coalition of New Mexico is a great source of information about cycling here.
