Indeed, in many towns in the state it is still possible to see old timers riding in from the mountains on their horses, cantering right through downtown in places in Santa Fe and even Albuquerque, dismounting and tying up the horse to step inside the grocery store for a sack of the weekly victuals.
Not an everyday occurence perhaps, but one that happens frequently enough to remember that history is never far away here in New Mexico, and that one of the best ways to experience our history is from the back of a horse. All over the state, stables and guides offer trips across hillsides and prairie, through forests and mountains with tours to suit every range of skill level and experience. So get ready to saddle up!
The state of New Mexico is one of the most enchanting destinations in the world. Holiday and entertainment choices are boundless. With its rich mixture of culture, natural resources, renowned museums, world-famous cuisine and diverse landscapes, New Mexico is the perfect holiday escape for families and friends seeking adventure, sports or recreation.
For centuries, writers and artists have used their talents to portray New Mexico in ways that illustrate why this place is so special. The allure of New Mexico carries a mystique that is nearly inexplicable but it inspires a power that is quite real.
New Mexico - Central Region
At the heart of New Mexico is the Central Region and at the heart of the region is Albuquerque. The biggest city in the state, it is noted for its historic buildings and museums. This is a place where visitors can spot remnants of America's most famous road, Route 66 - and then follow two famous old roads, El Camino Real and the Chihuahua Pass, which lie to the south, and pass through rural communities like Los Lunas and Belen in an area popular with bird-watchers. Its a good jumping off point for those who want to explore the state's natural attributes - including the mighty Rio Grande. The Sandia and Manzano mountain ranges await to the east and these are popular for trail-riding. There is also the Old Stone Jail and the Perea/Baca House on El Camino Real which was the last stop before Santa Fe for the old stagecoaches.
New Mexico - North Central Region
Visitors to this region have a hard time choosing between the joys of nature and colour of its culture. New Mexico's mountains come into their own here with the Sangre de Cristo range dominating the landscape, but the volcanic Jemez Mountains are also prominent and the Rio Grande - the Rio Grande Gorge is spanned by one of the highest and longest suspension bridges in the U.S. The scenery provides a backdrop to Santa Fe, the oldest capital city in the U.S. The Taos Pueblo is a World Heritage Site and its possible to take llama expeditions into the wilderness.
The southern end of the great Rocky Mountain chain sits within the north-central region, with multiple peaks of more than 13,000 feet. Towards the southern end, the different but no less magnificent landscape descends thousands of feet lower into the northern parts of the Chihuahuan Desert. With such an elevation difference the variety of terrain found here is tremendous, providing excellent conditions for a diverse range of outdoor recreational activities, including horse riding.
New Mexico - North East Region
The Wild West lives on in this part of New Mexico. It is where the Great Plains come up against the eastern Rockies and there are many dude and guest ranches available for visitors.
New Mexico - South West Region
For many people, the is is the essence of New Mexico. Visitors can find wilderness, history, nature and city life - not to mention some of the strangest names in the state. It is best known for its proximity to a 40,000 acre state park at the mighty Elephant Butte Lake with its nature trails. New Mexico's landscape comes into its own at the Gila Wilderness in the foothills of the mountains of the same name in the north of the region, and in the Chihuahua Desert.
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