NM2007 - Area - Northern New Mexico

What a blast: The birthplace of the atomic bomb meets a faithful pilgrimage to Santuariao de Chimayó — only in Northern New Mexico, where the High Road to Taos ascends along the New Mexico Scenic Byway. Here we go:

Española Valley and Española

Española Valley, which lies along the northern Rio Grande between the Truchas Peaks and the Jemez Mountains, offers a truly Northern New Mexico experience. Spanish settlers came here in 1598, and many of their traditions endure today. Indian Pueblos, Hispanic villages, and Los Alamos (birthplace of the Atomic Bomb) lie near hub city Española, the perfect launching point for day trips. Other highlights:
• Railroad entrepreneur Frank Bond built Española’s Bond House in 1911. Now it is a museum and gallery and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Annual fiestas (July) and the art festival (Oct. 6-7, 2007) offer a world of entertainment. For information on the latter, call (505) 852-0917.
• Restaurants like El Paragua and Angelina’s specialize in dishes featuring flavorful and spicy local chiles.

Chimayó: A Spiritual Pursuit

This picturesque village invites you to its weaving studios, which use age-old techniques. Look for arts and crafts at the 100-year-old Chimayó Trading and Mercantile. For an authentic New Mexican meal, try Rancho de Chimayó.

The High Road to Taos

From Chimayó, catch the High Road to Taos. As you ascend the mountains along this historical trail, now a New Mexico Scenic Byway, you’ll first come to Cordova, a village noted for its wood carvers. Ahead, along the crest of the ridge, with beautiful mountain views, is Truchas, elevation 13,101 feet (second highest in the state). Adobe homes dot this traditional Spanish village, featured in the 1988 Oscar-winning film The Milagro Beanfield War. Another enchanting village along the High Road is Las Trampas. San Jose de Gracia, built in 1760, is one of the finest New Mexico churches from that era. Further along, stop by Picuris Pueblo to visit the mission church, shop for pottery flecked with mica, or to take a photo tour of the tribe’s bison herd. The High Road ends in Ranchos de Taos, south of Taos, where you can see St. Francis de Asis church, made famous by artists and photographers including Georgia O’Keeffe and Ansel Adams. Take advantage of the High Road Art Tours on Sept. 22-23 and 29-30.
Information: (505) 689-2018.

Abiquiu

Colorful, rugged rock formations formed in various geologic eras surround Georgia O'Keeffe's chosen village of Abiquiu, built on the site of an ancient pueblo. Cerro Pedernal (flat hill), which dominates the local landscape, was O’Keeffe’s favorite artistic subject. Many contemporary artists open their studios to visitors during the Abiquiu Studio Tour (Oct. 6-7, 2007). Call (505) 685-4449.

Chama and Dulce

Chama, an old-time Western town south of the Colorado border, offers galleries, shopping, and recreational opportunities in an alpine setting. In the summer, enjoy a ride on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, an authentic narrow-gauge steam train that puffs its way over the Cumbres Pass and the Toltec Gorge into Antonito, Colo., and back on scenic day trips.

Visit nearby Dulce, headquarters of the Jicarilla Apache Reservation, and meander through the Arts and Craft Museum. The tribe also offers guided tours to archaeological sites and welcomes you to the annual feast day, Sept. 15, and to the Little Beaver Roundup and Rodeo held the third weekend in July.
Information: (505) 759-3242.

GuestLife Discover — Ghost Ranch

Dinosaurs roamed this area in ages past. Fossils of the prehistoric giants — including the state fossil, Coelophysis (from the Triassic Period) are exhibited at Ruth Hall Museum of Paleontology at nearby Ghost Ranch. Visitors can also stop by the Florence Hawley Ellis Museum of Anthropology at Ghost Ranch to learn about the Gallina people who lived in the area hundreds of years ago. Take time to enjoy the many hiking trails in the surrounding area.
Information: (505) 685-4333 x118.

GuestLife Don't Miss — Santuario de Chimayó: America's 'Lourdes'

Every year on Good Friday, tens of thousands of pilgrims from around the state walk to Santuario de Chimayó, the "Lourdes of America." The faithful believe holy dirt from a hole in a side chapel of the church has healing powers and many leave crutches behind as evidence of their healing. Many also leave the crosses they carried on their pilgrimage on fences near the grotto behind the church. The Santuario was built in 1816 and was privately owned until 1929, when it was donated to the Archdiocese of Santa Fe.
Information: (505) 351-4889, (505) 351-1454.