zaksgrandma

We are planning a fall trip to New Mexico. Have things calmed down or are there still fire/smoke related closures?

Is it better to visit in September of October? We are interested in hiking and walking with only some museums, so the air quality is an important consideration.
Thanks

ElendilPickle

Fall is beautiful here, especially October. What parts of the state do you plan to visit?

If you've never been to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, it's a must-see IMO. www.balloonfiesta.com

Most of Bandelier National Monument is closed for the foreseeable future; the last I read the visitor center and Frijoles Canyon might be closed for up to three years due to the chance of flash floods. http://www.nps.gov/band/index.htm

Tent Rocks is scheduled to open in mid-August. http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/info/new..._monument.html

Lee Ann

zaksgrandma

We thought we'd visit Santa fe and Albuqueque. I'm not sure whether we will add Taos - it sounds like the trip there on the High Road is worth it. I'm open to all suggestions-- we like hiking (though not very challenging hikes!) history art, and wandering around towns. We've never been in New Mexico and have about a week -- or even a little more. Is the weather in Oct. better than Sept?

DebitNM

There are lots more areas now back open, including Bandelier. The bosque is back open too. What it will be like in Sept or Oct is anyone's guess, but as Lee Ann said, a great many areas will continue to be closed. http://www.nps.gov/band/index.htm

Is the weather in Oct. better than Sept? Better how? Hotter, colder, sunnier, cooler???

It is very busy in both ABQ and SF during Balloon Fiesta and harder to get rooms and they are more expensive. THAT said, the Fiesta is amazing. You have to be willing to get up very early [in the dark] to be on the field for launch at day break, but it really should be on everyone's bucket list.

Have you "hiked" at altitude? It is very different than at sea level. Between the thinner air, lack of humidity and sun can be an issue if you aren't in relatively good shape.

I take it your are a middle aged [or so] couple; so your idea of hiking may not be what we tend to regard as hiking here. I don't mean to be derogatory, just trying to find out what level of hiking you are talking about. Do you want to do smooth, paved or dirt paths, do you want to climb and "gain elevation" of several hundred feet?

zaksgrandma

we did a good deal of hiking in Zion this June and Bryce the year before if that helps to describe us. I find the intense sun more difficult than the altitude. I don't mind elevation gain of several hundred feet -- not up for 1000s however!

Can yuo see the balloons from all over the city, or do you have to be at the launch site?

DebitNM

You can see the balloons around town in the early hours just after sunrise floating around IF the winds are right. However, the true experience comes from being on the field watching 750 balloons lift off at pretty much the same time.

You can hike in and around both ABQ and Santa Fe and should be able to do so in the fall, fingers crossed.