The northern part of New Mexico is home to one of the most incredible geological features in the state, the Valles Caldera. A fun place to hike most of the year, except wintertime when snow blankets this enormous crater, making it an enjoyable spot for Nordic skiing. Spend some time traversing this big bowl before venturing on to a host of things to do in the area.
The result of a collapsed volcano, this 13-mile wide crater has miles of pristine snow just made for cross-country skiing. All unplowed roads and trails are also open for skiing. Be on the lookout for elk, coyote, and bald eagles. Entry fee and permit required.
Before heading out to the Caldera, grab a hot drink at this charming coffee shop that also serves a delicious breakfast burrito, plus fresh pastries, panini sandwiches, pizzas, quiche, homemade breads and sweet treats. Open every day through lunchtime.
While you’re on Highway 4, stop by this spectacular prehistoric site. Wander through the 500-year-old ruins of a Native American village. Step inside San Jose de Los Jemez church, built in the 1600s, for a moment of reflection. The Heritage Center on the premises is chockfull of information about this site from the perspective of the Jemez people. Meander along the interpretive trail and through the ruins for a step back in time.
If you like tromping through the snow, then put on a pair of snowshoes and head on out into the Santa Fe National Forest. You’re right there at the Caldera. General forest areas, as well as wilderness areas, are open to snowshoeing. The forest is quiet and beautiful as you wind your way through the variety of confers. Be on the lookout for changes in weather. Don’t get stuck outside.
Not far from the Caldera is this monument, home to the Ancestral Pueblo people from about 1150 to 1550 CE, who lived in these ruins carved into the volcanic tuff. They planted beans, corn, and squash in mesa top fields to sustain their community. You can wander through the ruins and hike trails that take you into Frijoles Canyon. Open year-round from dawn to dusk, except in inclement weather.
This small-batch distillery creates handcrafted spirits, wines, ports, extracts and chocolates. They use, when possible, natural New Mexican ingredients like organic blue corn in their bourbon and vodka, and native herbs in their gin, and local grapes and fruits in the brandies, wine and ports. The tasting room is open Tuesday through Sunday.
After a day of fun in the snow and sightseeing, a restful night’s sleep is in order. This is the place. The rooms are charming, some thematically named to showcase features of the surrounding area. There’s a guest house and a studio constructed of adobe bricks from Abiquiu in a traditional round style. Breakfast in the morning features a delicious assortment of sweets, breads, cereals, fruits, teas and coffee.
Going to a local co-op market is a great way to see what a community is all about. A strength at this one is its selection of local products—anything grown or produced within a 300-mile radius. You’ll find yogurt from Clovis, organic jam from Corrales, specialty mustards from Albuquerque, milk and dairy products from Santa Cruz and pure natural honey from around the state. With 7,000 square-feet of wholesome foods and other goods, this is a community hotspot worth stopping at.
A trip through Los Alamos is not complete without a glimpse at what put the town on the map—the secret Manhattan Project. This tour takes you on a ride through the community, with a glimpse of today’s Los Alamos National Laboratory. You’ll see where World War II scientists lived as they worked on one of our country’s most classified undertakings, the research and production of nuclear weapons.
Before leaving town for the day, check out this sweet shop. See how these handcrafted chocolates are made in their open kitchen. Truffles are a specialty and are made with traditional flavors. Don’t miss their “out-of-this-world” hot chocolate topped with fresh whipped cream. Cakes and pastries also worth a taste. Everything made with all natural ingredients. Grab a snack for the road home.
