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Drive New Mexico
During a week-long driving tour of New Mexico, my family of dedicated sightseers had time to enjoy a variety of sights spanning America's history. With three nights in Albuquerque and four in Santa Fe, we encountered the history of Native Americans, breathtaking nature, fascinating science, inspiring arts and their relation to each other. These were the highlights of our trip, allowing time to relax and play in the hotel pool.
Round and About Albuquerque
For first-time visitors to the Southwest, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (866/855-7902) offers a wonderful overview of native cultures. A non-profit organization owned and operated by the 19 pueblos or villages of New Mexico, it provides information on the history, art and culture of each group, a large selection of Native arts (pottery, silver, rugs, and Kachina dolls), and a performance area for traditional dances and art demonstrations. Special activities are planned to coincide with feast days and festivals; the restaurant serves both Native American specialties and New Mexican cuisine.
Located west of Albuquerque, the Petroglyph National Monument (505/899-0205) established by Congress in 1990, preserves more than 15,000 petroglyphs. These images, which have been scratched, pecked, or carved with stone tools into basaltic rock (remnants of volcanic action of 110,000 years ago) are powerful cultural symbols that reflect the complex society and religion of the Pueblo Indians. The entire area is considered a sacred place. Stop at the Visitor Center for orientation, information and guidebooks; Ranger-guided hikes and talks are often available. The most popular spot for viewing is Boca Negra Canyon, where you will find a choice of three self-guided trails (5 to 40-minutes long) ranging from easy to moderately strenuous. Those with stronger legs and lungs can hike 1½ miles through Piedras Marcadas Canyon or Rinconada Canyon, a 2½-mile trek. Kids aged 6-13 also have the opportunity to be named a Junior Ranger. All they have to do is complete the J. R. workbook, present it to any park ranger and receive a Junior Ranger badge and certificate.
The Pueblo of Acoma (800/747-0181), named "Sky City" because it is located 367 feet above the desert floor or 7,000 feet above sea level on a sandstone mesa, offers a fascinating view into the lives of its inhabitants. The drive from Albuquerque is punctuated by breathtaking scenery and views of geologic formations. As you approach the actual village, you understand how its location provided excellent defense against enemies. Archaeologists date the pueblo to 1150 AD as one of the oldest continuously-inhabited communities in the United States. The Tourist Center presents an introductory display, then groups are taken by bus to the top of the mesa where a one-hour walking tour is given by an Indian guide. You may not roam independently, but you will be guided through many interesting sights including multi-story adobe dwellings with mica windows, wood ladders leading into ceremonial areas called kivas, cisterns for collecting rainwater (there is no running water or electricity), and the Spanish Colonial San Esteban del Rey Mission, built between 1629 and 1640 to honor the pueblo's patron saint. Acoma pottery is for sale; still photography only is allowed with a camera permit on non-feast days.
If there is a budding scientist in your group, he/she may enjoy a visit to the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History (505/245-2137) located north of the Kirtland Air Force Base off the Coronado Freeway. The 51-minute film "Ten Seconds that Shook the World" provides a fascinating overview of the development of the atomic bomb, but is definitely geared toward older children and adults. The indoor exhibits include explanations of the principles of atomic energy, correspondence between Albert Einstein and President Roosevelt which led to the top-secret Manhattan Project, full-scale models of "Fat Man" and "Little Boy" (the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki to end the war with the Japanese), and information on peaceful applications of this technology. Also included is information on the political and social events which coincided with scientific advancements. Displayed outside are many military aircraft including B-52 and F-1015D bombers and a 280mm atomic cannon. Their size will evoke cries of "awesome" from the kids!
For the best view of Albuquerque, Santa Fe and the environs, take a thrilling ride on Sandia Peak Tramway (505/856-7325), the longest such ride in the US. At 10,400 feet, it is a 2.7-mile trip from the lower terminal, with a vertical rise of 3,819 feet. The 15-minute ride takes you from the desert to the mountainous terrain of the Cibola National Forest (505/876-2783) past sightings of deer, bears, eagles, changing plant life and dramatic granite formations. At the summit (where there may be a 20º drop in temperature), the observation deck provides an 11,000-square-mile panoramic view. Two expensive restaurants, Sandiago's Mexican Grill (505/856-6692) at the base and High Finance (505/243-9742) at the summit, provide fine food accompanied by the spectacular views.
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