Results for "new mexico"

New Mexico sunset

10 Things to Love About New Mexico (Photos)

I spent a month in New Mexico, and on my last day, I walked around enjoying the ever-present perfect weather and frequently stopping to smell the flowers. Those were the biggest surprise in this place I’d never been to before—the flowers. But they weren’t the only things I loved. Here are images of 10 things I loved about New Mexico. 1 Flowers in New Mexico It’s springtime, but I didn’t expect it to be so grand in New Mexico. I...

Seeking Georgia O’Keeffe in New Mexico

I knew I’d write a story about Georgia O’Keeffe after leaving New Mexico. In it, I expected to say I understood her better after traveling through “her” New Mexico. But, after a month, she is still as elusive as a ghost. Previously, the extent of what I knew about O’Keeffe hung above the stairs of the Modern Wing at the Chicago Art Institute. “Sky Above Clouds IV” is a massive cloudscape. It’s eight feet high and twenty-four feet wide. She...

Petroglyphs National Monument

Hiking Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque, New Mexico

They say that the petroglyphs at Petroglyph National Monument may be hard to see at certain times of the day because of the glare from the sun. But Pueblo elders believe it’s more than that. They believe the petroglyphs choose when and to whom they will reveal themselves. Visiting Petroglyph National Monument When visiting Petroglyph National Monument, GPS will take you to the visitor’s center, but there isn’t anything to see there. The center sits in between the two main...

New Mexico Earthships Sustainable Living

I used to think I was an environmentally friendly person. Then I visited the Earthships of New Mexico and realize I’m a total slacker. I’ve long practiced “reduce, reuse, recycle” habits. I try not to use plastic if I can avoid it and conserve water, paper, and electricity in a dozen ways. This is nothing compared to what Earthship dwellers are doing. These people and their houses are a showcase of next-level sustainable living enthusiasm. But they’re also probably a...

Roadtrip: Santa Fe to Taos, New Mexico

Driving into Santa Fe, New Mexico for my first time, I couldn’t help but compare it to Sedona, Arizona – it’s that magical. If you’ve never been to either place Stop. What. You’re. Doing. AND GO NOW. There aren’t that many places on this Earth that have the unique, powerful and pleasant energy vibrations as these places do. I would say it’s in the water, but clearly, it’s the dirt. I approached Santa Fe from the southeast. There were a...

Kayaks on the Rio River gorge

Kayaking the Rio River Gorge in New Mexico

Whitewater kayaking in the Rio River Gorge in New Mexico is a favorite pastime for locals and visitors to the state. However, due to low water levels, the amount of “whitewater” is less each year. Still, it was among the most challenging and scenic kayaking I’ve ever done. I took a rambling early afternoon drive through the mountains along the Rio Grande Gorge. The 50-mile gorge runs from northwest to southeast of Taos, New Mexico. It is about 800 feet...

Roswell aliens sign

One Night Alone on a Hill in Roswell, New Mexico

As I drove up the hill in Roswell, New Mexico, its dirt was the color of red velvet cake. After I was done marveling at that I looked up. What I saw in front of me stopped me in my tracks. It had been raining as I drove from Carlsbad to Roswell, an impressive feat for New Mexico, which had been desperate for water. The roof vent in my van ceiling was leaking. Despite more than a month on the...

colorful Xochimilco boats

10 Things to Do Near Mexico City

Mexico City is a land of enchantments. It’s seldom that you’ll find a place so filled with art, culture, food, people, and things to do. I spent two weeks in the city and barely touched the surface of all there is on offer. If you’re planning to visit, and like to have a lot to do, extend your time as much as you’re able and you’ll never get bored. Despite working remotely the entire time I visited, I was still...

Teotihuacan

How to Find a Shaman in Mexico City

Finding a Shaman in Mexico City sometimes requires you to be in the right place at the right time. I found mine when 13 of us crawled out of the cave squinting in the light of the day. There, waiting for us, was the Shaman woman with an offer of a shamanic cleanse. I hadn’t started this day expecting to be inside a cave or to receive a shamanic ritual behind the Temple of the Moon in Teotihuacan, Mexico. But,...

Monarch Butterflies in a tree

How to See the Monarch Butterflies Near Mexico City

Every autumn, the Monarch Butterfly migration takes place with millions of butterflies traveling over 3,000 miles from northeastern North America to spend the winter in the forests of southwestern Mexico. There are four preserves about two hours outside Mexico City, where visitors can see the butterflies high up in the mountain. Experiencing the migration of the Monarch Butterflies near Mexico City is something out of a dream and one of the most extraordinary natural phenomena in the world. It’s mind-bending...