sandiegodeb

I'm planning a trip to New Mexico in March. Am planning to go to Chaco Canyon, Tent Rocks, Ghost Ranch, Ojo Caliente, Taos and Santa Fe. I would like to see some cliff dwellings. Have been to Bandalier, but too many tourists for my tastes. Any ideas?
Also, my daughter who I'll be traveling with is vegetarian. Any suggestions of good restaurants for us? What was your favorite place in Northern New Mexico?

DebitNM

Tent Rocks could have snow and that would make it pretty tough, even though it isn't long hike.

There won't be lots of tourists in March, in most outdoor areans.

For restaurants - where will you be staying?

What was your favorite place in Northern New Mexico?
Favorite place for what?? Eating, or outdoor activities ??

If you want to see the best cliff dwellings, you should go to Cortez/Durango after you are done in Chaco. It isn't that far and Mesa Verde has the best cliff dwellings. 2 hours past Chaco.

Deb

emalloy

DebitNM has given good advice. The closest accomodations to Chaco that we have found if you are not going to camp in the park are in Bloomfield, about a half hour north of the road into the park from Nageezi. The road in is only paved for the first five miles or so and the last little bit before you get to the ruins fifteen or so of gravel, the condition of which depends on if they have graded recently and if it has been wet or snowy. Be sure to check local conditions before you start out. Just north of Bloomfield is Aztec ruin which would be a nice place to stop on the way up to Mesa Verde. We have never experienced large crowds at Bandelier in April, so March should be even less crowded and do go to the separate part of the park called Tsankawi that is about five miles closer to Santa Fe and is mostly undeveloped, but a nice area to hike. I have a couple of pictures of it at www.flickr.com/photos/emalloy2009 in the 2008 set I think.

Enjoy your trip

Echnaton

First, I do not expect many tourists in Bandelier in March. In March, there is a chance that there is snow in Bandelier - which is added charm.

Second, if you want to see quieter places, go to Puye Cliff Dwellings near Espanola, half an hour north of Santa Fe. See:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puye_Cliff_Dwellings

Third, if you want to explore VERY quiet cliff dwellings, almost primordial, no visitor center, just a trail, then see Tsankawi ruins, on the road to Los Alamos, close to White Rock Canyon Overlook. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsankawi

To be sure, these places are much less spectacular than Mesa Verde - but they are close to Santa Fe and non-touristy and there you have the chance to feel like an archeologist, making your own discoveries.

>>What was your favorite place in Northern New Mexico?

sandiegodeb

Thanks everyone for your thoughtful replies. If your ever need info for Southern California give maybe I could help. Do you all know any other travel blogs?