Show Us Your New Mexico Recent Entries

The leaves seemed to catch and distill the essence of New Mexico's golden autumn sun.

Photo: Skoop2

In the summer of 2006, we were traveling from Mora, NM to Angel Fire, NM in a light mist. We came across this double rainbow in an open field.

Photo: Ruth Ortiz

It's thrilling to see a bit of our country's history. San Miguel is the oldest church in the U.S.

Photo: Marcia Cole

I have never seen a legislative building anywhere that so captured the soul of the people. Instead of the cold formality you usually find, there was warmth and light everywhere and the staff were so gracious in letting us take pictures anywhere we liked. This little corner with the flowers and folksy furniture really captured the character of the place.

Photo: westcoaster

This is the Pine canyon arm of Navajo Lake in North Western New Mexico. The fishing is second only to the beauty!

Photo: Stiffler,D'Anna

The church's architecture is incredible. This is especially memorable because the photo was taken in the dead of night with no one around, giving it a haunted feeling. This contrasted so differently the next day as people entered it for church services.

Photo: Claudia Magdalena Abendroth

A worker from the El Jardin de Chile de Chimayo booth roasting annual green chiles at the Santa Fe farmers market in the fall. Yummm!!!

Photo: Marty Phelix

The official New Mexico symbol on a balloon captured against the bright blue sky at the Albuquerque balloon festival. The colors are exquisite in the morning light.

Photo: Marty Phelix

The skies were cloudy and grey as we ascended Tent Rocks National Monument. The overcast skies did not detract from the panoramic views. Our efforts were rewarded, however, on the descent when the clouds broke and a gorgeous crisp blue sky emerged, offering a spectacular backdrop to the rock formations.

Photo: misty_in_stl

My family for three generations have spent Mother's Day in the mountains of Southern New Mexico. After several years away from New Mexico, my mother and I renewed this tradition and have now had Mother's Day brunch at Tinnie's Silver Dollar and then spending the rest of the day in Lincoln. This photograph was taken the first year upon returning to the Hondo Valley.

Photo: April D. Pilley

We were so lucky to be traveling in Southern New Mexico during the time when these fabulous cactus flowers were in bloom. From the starkness of the plant during the summer to these delicate blooms - shows that if you look there is beauty in ever living creature.

Photo: alanag

Visible from the highway, I admired this scene as I drove past. It was an unexpected sight that prompted a U-turn so I could explore it more fully. The experience of echoing my voice off the cavernous landmarked was enhanced by the chattering of a western kingbird from a tree top. The stop provided a relaxing break for my drive down this scenic stretch of Highway 84 where one watches the rocks turn redder the more south one drives.

Photo: Pat Bean

my grandkids ... Navajo children dress to go .. the ever present pickup behind them

Photo: 2dogs

Being from Pennsylvania, I was mesmerized by the blue sky and gorgeous landscapes in new Mexico. At the top of a cliff in the Boca Negra Canyon, I saw this beautiful sky and couldn't resist taking a photograph!

Photo: Katrina Laubach

another treat to the eyes was the store front with the Indian and Wild West sign.

Photo: jane0822

While studying watercolor painting at nearby Ghost Ranch, our plein-air inspiration for the class was at Echo Canyon. Off to the right of the echo "bowl" was this wonderful, haunting face carved out by winds and rain. I felt the presence of Native American spirits watching and protecting this amazing area.

Photo: Pat Lucas, Reading, MA

On a hot August day these picnic shelters looked unreal, however they were real, and I was on Earth. It was also surprisingly cool underneath them on a 98F day.

Photo: C Gerard Smith

Late afternoon sun lights up one of the most famous doorways in New Mexico

Photo: LoreneMills

Within a short distance from Taos are Earthships, which are sustainable, self-sufficient communities. It is an interesting place to visit. A visit includes an extremely knowledgeable tour guide and an opportunity to walk around on your own.

Photo: joely092207

I like the shadows and light in this photo. Both give perfect distinction to the buildings, kivas, and ladders.

Photo: beingpaged

I was fascinated imagining the people that lived here. Where life was lived, ceremonies made and people dwelled. It was amazing.

Photo: jmeyers2

This was located on a wall of the incredible B&B I stayed at ... the Inn of the Turqouise Bear.

Photo: Norman Tarazona

After more than 3 hours riding on dirt roads that seemed to go nowhere and hiking in circles for a time that felt a lifetime, my destination was completed. My only thought was "where in this world am I...???

Photo: Greg Morris

Was walking away from the central plaza in the Old Town when this caught my eye and my imagination.

Photo: Norman Tarazona

Enjoying Mother's Day at the top of Sandia Peak is where this picture of the chairlifts was captured.

Photo: Ben Petry

In a very isolated location now, must have been a big draw in the 40's and 50's.

Photo: Boko

We camped (boondocked)with our RV in the BLM area near Ajo. The sunsets were almost alway spectacular and the nights cool quickly. I want to be there again.

Photo: rockeddy

The crazy steps and stairs make exploring Bandelier National Monument an exciting adventure...especially for those with a fear of heights!

Photo: Peter Bowden

The evening sun reflecting off the wall in the room beyond lends a mystical feel to this scene in Pueblo Bonito. You can almost hear the chanting of the Ancient Puebloans who one occupied this structure. It was five stories tall and was the tallest building on North America until the first skyscrapers were built in NYC in the early 1800s.

Photo: Peter Bowden

walking along canyon road with my family we came upon these beautifully painted mail boxes and couldn't resist snapping a picture of them!

Photo: John Wehrle

in front of the gift shop at the San Miguel mission

Photo: Marc Knapp

It was a race against time; the sun waning and the mercury plummeting, a backpack heavy on the shoulder and my camera dangling on the neck. Uncomfortable, but I knew I had to do it; sprint two miles across the Badlands to get to the Needle hoping for a decent picture. Once there, I spotted this strange clay structure, carved by the elements, half way up the hill directly opposite the Needle. I knew at once that I had to get above and behind it to compose the picture - the clay structure, in shadow, against the Needle, in sunlight. In anticipation of a great image, I scrambled up, composed and took this picture. It was only after, that I noticed I was standing among a multitude of crevasses, some over six feet deep, carved by rain into the clayey hill side.

Photo: Anil Hanumanthappa

The pop of red indian paint brush in May along the highway between Gallup and Shiprock

Photo: KE1TH

While driving along a quaint road in Taos, I looked over and saw these magical creatures. The moment was beautifully serene.

Photo: Brittany Held

Nothing about Santa Fe disappointed me.From the bustling town centre to the quiet meandering streets.Finding wonderful surprises at every turn and talking to friendly and proud residents..Oh to spend more time here!!

Photo: ozlindy

I was wandering around Old Town one Sunday Morning in October 2008, and came across this alley near the park.

Photo: seabeelarry

Saddle Bronc Riders gettin ready for a rodeo.

Photo: Jennifer Parker

the staircase was built without nails—only wooden pegs.Upn completion, the carpenter disappeared without pay or thanks. Some believe that he was St. Joseph himself, having come in answer to the sisters' prayers.

Photo: Rudolph Dew

On a rainy day, a breathtaking view from inside a Tsankawi prehistoric cliff dwelling in the Bandelier National Monument Park – New Mexico

Photo: Rudolph Dew

We could not resist documenting this scene. We were driving from Bandalier State Park back into Santa Fe when we happened upon three life size authentic Tee- pees.

Photo: netanya26

A picture is worth 1000 words... just resting in front of the station after a day at the Indian Market

Photo: netanya26

Over night backpacking trip from Red River, NM. Hiked to all 9 lakes and camped at #7. It was a beautiful, still day...perfect for reflections!

Photo: Rebecca Ramsey

Clouds moving quickly past Acoma Pueblo.

Photo: Jaime C. Jordan

The Sandia Mountains, just before sunset, November 18, 2007. Taken from the Corrales Bosque, just north of Albuquerque.

Photo: Jaime C. Jordan

Much of County Highway 112, running through Rio Arriba County near El Vado Lake, is dirt road running through the desolate back country. You can drive for miles and see more wolves or elk than you see people. That is one of the elements that makes New Mexico the "Land of Enchantment."

Photo: ronleon49

This is an August scene typical of northern New Mexico. Beautiful sky, wide open highway, and spectacular mountain scenery. This is paradise!

Photo: ronleon49

The snow was falling the day before Easter when I took this picture at the rail yard of the Cumbres and Toltec Railroad. This is a narrow gauge railroad that got its start in the late 19th century hauling goods in and out of the mines that were going strong during that time period. Today it does a thriving tourist passenger business out of Chama, New Mexico during the spring, summer, and fall.

Photo: ronleon49

This scene caught my eye when it appeared that the clouds were spreading apart and the sky opening over this little chapel at the Las Golondrinas Spanish Colonial Museum at La Cienega, New Mexico.

Photo: ronleon49

When visiting the White Sands National Monument, taking off your shoes is a must!

Photo: leahtardo

If I could explain the White sands to someone I would mention the obvious: Sand and lots of it, yucca far and few between, and blue skys. But what I would also bring up are the small bug impression trails left behind, what perfect photo opportunity!

Photo: leahtardo

Photograph taken 04-09-2008 on a cross country road trip. After spending hours at the sand dunes in a black out from high winds, a storm blew over and the sun came out brilliantly over the sand.

Photo: Mary Elizabeth Morrison

I shot this in 2008 on a National Park cross country road trip. I noticed most of my shots underground were looking the same, so I started to incorporate human elements. I realized with including the railings was a good idea as it gives you more of a feel of being there yourself while looking at the photograph.

Photo: Mary Elizabeth Morrison

I'd like to say there is a fabulous story behind this photo, but frankly, I snapped it in my one morning free to wander around Santa Fe on a gorgeous October morning, on my first ever visit. What this little door within a door seems to imply, however, may be more interesting than the story of its genesis!

Photo: Catherine_Levin

Visitors have been enjoying this hot springs since the 15th century.

Photo: Donna Judd

One of the many reasons I love this photo: She was so involved in her gardening, she never knew I was there.

Photo: H. Hermes

Anyone who has visited the church of St. Francis of Assisi has certainly seen the beautiful homes that surround it. This turquoise window adorned with red hot peppers is absolutely glorious on a sunny day!

Photo: H. Hermes

The beautiful adobe architecture of New Mexico make it especially interesting to browse through shops from Albuquerque to Taos.

Photo: H. Hermes

While in the churchyard of St. Francis de Assisi at sunset, I noticed that dark shadows of sidewalk pedestrians seemed to float along a nearby amber wall, like ghosts. I framed the scene, and waited for just the right “ghost” to appear, hoping to catch the reverie of this special time and place dating back to 1626. A man walking his dog appeared. Nah. Two women with shopping bags. No way. Next came a man in a suit carrying a briefcase. Forget it. Then, a tall, lean cowboy came out of a nearby shop, pausing at the entry. “Turn left” I whispered to myself. He did, as I reached for the shutter release. As his shadow appeared, I fired two shots. The second caught part of his real leg and boot in the frame. This one, the “Ghost at Assisi”, was the first.

Photo: S R Blair

Every step we took along Canyon Road brought us to another wonderful sculpture or gallery..So much to see but so little time.WILL BE BACK FOR SURE!!!

Photo: ozlindy

An outlying unit of Bandelier National Monument, Tsankawi is full of treasures and surprises. Trails are accessed by ladders. Petroglyphs and cliff dwellings dot the landscape. Ancient pathways are sunken deeply into soft white rock by the feet of many ancestors.

Photo: lwyckoff

This picture was taken from our tent. We found a spot that was very secluded. We took our truck down a long narrow path with brush taller than the truck and found the perfect spot to be alone. It was a beautiful day that turned into a beautiful evening.

Photo: dessarene

Meandering through the back streets of Santa Fe, this scene made me pause and smile.

Photo: Joan Kanner

I was drawn to texture of the weathered door and bench and the artistic ironwork.

Photo: Joan Kanner

I was struck by the starkness of this dramatic entrance to a sculpture gallery on the road from Santa Fe to Taos.

Photo: Joan Kanner

I took my sister to Santa Fe for her first visit there. We enjoyed photographing the churches. This one located right off the plaza.

Photo: Sherpa50

This old church is located in Tularosa NM and is visible as you drive thru town.

Photo: Sherpa50

Everyone has fun at the Sante Fe Indian Market

Photo: alanag

As the water trickles down its mountainside,it carries a secret. It's a secret Morry Oden is there to reveal. Kneeling down to patiently uncover the glistening gift that can be gently revealed.

Photo: Richard Swigart

On a family trip to New Mexico, we rafted one day and went on a four-wheeler tour the next. The views were incredible, and we climbed high into the mountains. The girls loved it!

Photo: phieaglefan

We were driving on our first ever road trip to New Mexico. I pointed out this unusual roadway art to our 3 children. The youngest didn't see where I was pointing for a bit, then she cried "Now I see it!"

Photo: phieaglefan

The Buffalo Dance danced by the youth of 1 of the Pueblos. Picture taken by my Mom at Museum Hill, Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Photo: Carla McCarthy

I captured this picture of the polar bear at the Rio Grande Zoo playfully tossing a large white disc in the air.

Photo: Ben Petry

We rode the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad Train from Chama to Osier and back to Chama in late September 2008. The Aspen trees were turning a brilliant gold which provided many very beautiful photo opportunities.

Photo: Mark Iwig

Along the high road from Santa Fe, I caught sight of a cemetary seemingly out in the middle of nowhere. We stopped and I noticed this very unique final resting place for somebody (or sombodies, as it might be).

Photo: Michele Stern

These white sands almost look like snow drifts and they make a good substitute for snow for sleding

Photo: Barbara Nicholson

This image was shot on an early morning, sunrise walk. The distant, ambient morning light, combined with the camera’s immediate flash, created a more enchanting morning landscape, and a feeling of serenity.

Photo: kathleen

On a road trip from White Sands to Carlsbad. We arrived in White Sands in the early morning while a storm was finally starting to clear out. It was freezing, and everyone else sat in the car while I hiked the dunes to get photographs. It was amazing to me that something like this exists in NM.

Photo: Ashley M. Davis

Skyline of Albuquerque dotted by hot air ballons.

Photo: vsaenz2

As a native of New Mexico and a full time pastel painter I go to Ghost Ranch a lot to paint....that it practice painting. Ghost Ranch is a never ending love affair...trying to convey what is there to a painted surface.

Photo: Nance McManus, CPS

i saw this beautiful abandoned car wash on the way up to taos from santa fe. it evokes in me all of the historical charm and untouched beauty of new mexico.

Photo: bossystarr

An excellent museum showing living conditions in early New Mexico.

Photo: jorg36, Keith Jorgensen

One of the radio telescopes at the Very Large Array, about 2 hours south of Albuquerque. The telescopes in the Y-shaped array can be moved along a railroad track in order to study the cosmos.

Photo: M. Jill Barone

Last summer, when my husband and I visited the St. Francis Cathedral near downtown Santa Fe, it was undergoing an amazing renovation that highlighted its magnificient old Spanish carvings, tiles and paintings by using modern design techniques. Skylights, pale yellow and white stucco, and lightened stain on the wooden pews brightened the ancient artworks. What captured my attention most was the display off to the side of the alter of a slightly different version of Jesus’ great commandment to "love one another.” The wording here went further, saying to do this "constantly." That one little word made the old familiar wording fresh again and allowed it to sink into my soul. Bright adornments of red, yellow and blue flanked this ancient message in a way I could not have imagined in most older churches. Here, the old and new embraced and together created something neither could done alone. We saw lots of other lovely sights in Santa Fe, but none had quite the power for me of this old-yet-new church.

Photo: Ellen Lyle

Two friends and I took a road trip to Santa Fe last year. The photo was taken outside a gallery on Canyon Road. My friend, who is 6'2", was dwarfed by this lounging fellow.

Photo: Uma

walking around and i looked up!lol

Photo: Louie Torrez

just trying out my new camera.

Photo: Louie Torrez

I was shooting in a little dusty, dirt-street town on the Turquoise Trail called Cerrillos when I came upon this old abandoned adobe. An afternoon storm was brewing to the south which gave the scene the incredible light.

Photo: larry_MPG

In the town of Chimayo, NM there is a small church or shrine known as El Santuario de Chimayó. It is also known (at least locally) as the "Lourdes of America."

Photo: larry_MPG

The sadness of leaving the land ingrained in me, tempered with the happiness of returning home, a place with fewer roots. I want to stay here forever.

Photo: Katherine JF

We visited an artist's studio, in his home; this is his palate. He softens the paints before using them.

Photo: Laurie Slotnick

The striking rock formations that ancient Pueblo People used as dwelling are almost shockingly beautiful.

Photo: Laurie Slotnick

Early evening in March. My family is up the road, walking to a restaurant, calling me to catch up. The statue and church are too captivating to pass by.

Photo: Laurie Slotnick

My son, husband, & I were wandering around town after coffee on our last morning in Santa Fe this March. This wall captured the cool, bright, smoky-smelling feeling of the city for me.

Photo: Laurie Slotnick

Sandia Mountains in the morning light along the Rio Grande

Photo: rbanker

photo was taken prior to a summer storm in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Photo: caverns

Two birds seemed to pose on the cross atop this historic church for the last photo I shot in Santa Fe.

Photo: Josie de Varona

This was last June, taken on a trip to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. The oldest building the United States!

Photo: shields harris

Landscape that inspired Georgia O'Keefe

Photo: CherylFerrer

The park was deserted, and the only sound was our voices and footsteps as we wandered throught he paths.

Photo: LeeAnn Kole

I have always loved the ladders made by the Native Americans. The snow covering the rungs against the blue sky captured my imagination.

Photo: LeeAnn Kole

a holy Land

Photo: Vandana Rajagopalan

Migration season at Bosque Del Apache NWR, and two sandhill cranes gracefully home for the evening..

Photo: Vandana Rajagopalan

a rural sunset, bright and beautiful

Photo: Vandana Rajagopalan

The Virgin De Guadalupe statue stands in the heart of Santa Fe, drawing people to bring offerings of roses, lilies, crucifixes and more. My friend and I decided to do a walking pilgrimage of many of the gorgeous churches representing all the many faiths present in the city. We started with this Mexican icon and moved on from there with open eyes, open hearts.

Photo: suzelovesu

The live music and dancing was as hot as the sun at the annual July 4 Pancakes on the Plaza festivities. Who could resist a little booty shaking?

Photo: Jane Moore

New Mexico had a Spring snow storm in March 2009 and this view of the Manzano Mountains from my back porch was very inspiring, so I grabbed my camera. The light, snow and cloud shadows playing on the mountains was beautiful!

Photo: travelwoman1

Enjoying the colorful beauty of the hills around Ojo Caliente after a nice soak in the mineral tubs. Always a relaxing getaway...

Photo: F. Muniz

A stroll around the quiet backstreets of Santa Fe offers a rich opportunity for discovery. This shot was taken outside of the oldest house in the United States of America built by a European, located at 215 East De Vargas Street, in the Barrio De Analco Historic District. The house was supposedly built in the mid 1600's. It is reputed to be haunted, perhaps by the oldest European ghost in North America?

Photo: PeteFoley

The Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, can be found on the Pajarito Plateau in north-central New Mexico. It is worth an early start to catch the early morning light, which is spectacular. The park opens at 8 am, which means a painful alarm call in Santa Fe, but it's worth it. The cone-shaped tent rock formations are the products of volcanic eruptions from the Jemez volcano that occurred about 6 million years ago.

Photo: PeteFoley

The food in New Mexico almost rivals the spectacular scenery. These beauties, the heart of great New Mexican food, were captured in a market in the old town area of Albuquerque.

Photo: PeteFoley

As the sun dips in downtown Santa Fe, the warm fiery light and long shadows create living art that challenges even the wealth of wonderful, colorful creations that can be found in Santa Fe's plentiful and eclectic art galleries.

Photo: PeteFoley

Cerrillos is a small town on the Turquoise Trail, one of the old routes between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. The area around Cerrillos is rich in the turquoise and lead deposits that were critical to the jewelry and pottery making of the prehistoric Indians, and later to the economy of the Spanish settlers. Once a thriving mining town, today the dirt streets and Spanish architecture of Cerrillos make a picturesque stop on the road from Albuquerque to Santa Fe.

Photo: PeteFoley

My husband captured me (and my shadow) spontaneously jumping while visiting the Taos Pueblo at Christmastime. The pueblo was beautifully covered in deep, white snow. Not your typical New Mexico scenery but breathtaking nonetheless.

Photo: sessa

Tent Rocks National Monument is formed by natural erosion of volcanic material.There is a two-mile hike that takes you to a lookout point at the top affording spectacular views of the rocks themselves and the surrounding scenery.This photo is of the area near the base, with trees seemingly growing in the side of the rocks.

Photo: marcia cole

We were on our way to the overlook. The trail at times became so narrow, it was hard to put your foot down flat. Would not want to be on this trail after a storm.

Photo: SuzieTrue

Being on top of the mesa at Acoma was amzing enough, but the details on the buildings were unbelievable.

Photo: SuzieTrue

The state Capitol has extensive artwork both inside and out. Don't overlook its free offering.

Photo: hotzim

I was amazed that the desert was so colorful in September. I expected it to be parched and brown.

Photo: hotzim

I took dozens of pictures of the dancer. He just captivated me.

Photo: hotzim

My family and I loved this old Catholic Church. It was a place for us to stop and rest during our fast paced vacation.

Photo: maddie18

The artwork in New Mexico is eclectic and authentic. This antique door has most likely been through many historic events as it is in Lincoln County where Billy the Kid romed.

Photo: maddie18

The sand glistens and sparkles in the warming sun rays of the March weather. It reflects the light, brightening everything around you. My family and I truly bonded as we surfed down these 10- 20 foot sand dunes, lauging at each other as we continued to fall and slide down, then struggling for breath as we climbed our way up for another round of sand surfing.

Photo: maddie18

Having an official party on wheels? Talk to these guys. Note the "adobe" finish on the truck!

Photo: F Rodney Paine

Move over Kokopelli, Shadow Man's moving in!

Photo: F Rodney Paine

Preparing to hop on the overnighter to LA from Albuquerque, I found three graffiti pandas peeking out between freight cars. Alas, no bamboo along this stretch.

Photo: F Rodney Paine

As you drive up the road to visit this mission, your first glimpse is overwhelming. I had to just stop the car, there on the road, and stare in amazement.

Photo: grannywitch1348

Residence at Taos, still ocuppied.

Photo: dgassa

Taken shortly after sunrise, one of about 50 taken in the early morning light

Photo: dgassa

Remnants of the lava flow from the Bandera Volcano cause trees to grow in twisted shape as evidenced by the old exposed wood against the lava flow.

Photo: Lonsbary

The Bandera Crater is a perfectly formed cinder cone said to be the USA’s best example of a cinder cone eruption. The massiveness dwarfed the pine trees growing from the cinders hundreds of feet below the trail lookout. The jagged lava walls of the cone looked deceivingly like rusty- brown velvet from this distance.

Photo: Lonsbary

Route 66 still lives in Gallup where food, souvenirs, and hotels still welcome travelers.

Photo: Lonsbary

The mountains of northern New Mexico are full of hummingbirds each summer. This bird prepares to take a brief stop for some nourishment before speeding off to another location.

Photo: Glenn Hastings

Hiking along an irrigation ditch in rural Corrales in the Spring.

Photo: Raymond Becich

We stopped in Albuquerque on a cross-country trip from Los Angeles to Washington, DC. While walking around the lovely old town, I was surprised to find this charming man hole cover - the nicest I have ever seen.

Photo: Noelle Kooler

This was taken from one of the view points going up the road. The mountains were beautiful and as always the skies so vast and amazingly blue.

Photo: Soledad Roybal

This is a wonderful park between Santa Fe and Albuquerque. You have to drive through Cochiti Pueblo to get there and past the bison, the Rio Grande and the Dam. The walk up is amazing through the canyon and up to the place where you can see everything for miles and miles.

Photo: Soledad Roybal

This strange and beautiful flower was growing on the grounds of Petryglyph National Monument.

Photo: michaelmayer

A beautiful example of southwestern church architecture.

Photo: michaelmayer

The Sangre de Cristo Mountains provided a beautiful backdrop to the monastery chapel.

Photo: michaelmayer

Amazing rock formations!

Photo: rhobo

We loved City of Rocks!

Photo: rhobo

These were once home to the Ancestral Puebloans. The structure have stood the test of time and the forces of the elements and nature. They are approximately 1000 years old and you can still feel the spirits of the people who called this home.

Photo: DebitNM

This is an amazing, awe-inspiring site! It is huge and seems hard to imagine that so many people lived here so long ago. There is a special feeling when you walk among the ruins, you can almost hear the Ancestral Puebloans chanting and talking as they carried out their daily lives during the period of AD 850 and 1250.

Photo: DebitNM

I had just moved to NM. It was my first autumn and my first view of hot air balloons. I was out walking my dog and was headed to the Bosque to walk when I looked over the river and saw this magnificent sight - the balloon simply drifted across the river. It still takes my breath away to see the balloons sail the blue skies of NM.

Photo: DebitNM

It was a picture perfect day the first weekend of the 2008 Alburqurque Balloon Festival and the crowd was electric with the wondrous sights and sounds of these artistic, airborn behemoths as they come to life and take flight.

Photo: Hal Schiffman

I'm a New Mexico native who has resided in Minnesota the last few years, and this is the view that I miss the most. The Sandias are the most unique looking mountains, and they provide a very good guide for which direction you're going.

Photo: Natalie Solomon

Graceful white gypsum sand dunes provide a stark backdrop to the contrasting natural beauty of the plants adapted to the minimal desert conditions.

Photo: walker_s

The story goes that the Kiwanis Cabin was built as a refuge for hikers that take on the challenge of climbing Sandia Peak.

Photo: Rachel E. Cross

It was amazing to travel along Hwy 70 and see these massive dunes of sand seem to rise from nowhere.

Photo: seashell

Visiting White Sands National Monument in winter made for a surreal experience, as white snow blended with the white sand.

Photo: Michael Strickland, stricklandia.com

Capturing the colors and textures of Albuquerque at San Felipe de Neri Church in Old Towne.

Photo: Rachel E. Cross of Chambersburg, PA

Sitting in the lobby of the La Fonda Hotel.

Photo: Davenport

On my way from Santa Fe to Taos, I stopped and took an awesome shot of the Rio Grande Valley and the artist painting it.

Photo: Robyn Royer

The drive from Santa Fe to Los Alamos provided spectacular scenery.

Photo: Minda Hodges

This small chapel sits on a hill above Santa Fe.

Photo: Minda Hodges

This was my first visit to Santa Fe and I was sharing the experience with my daughter. We visited the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum and were overwelmed with the depth of her pictures. When we came out of the Museum it was raining and it felt like we were witnessing the straight lines and renewed earth as she did.

Photo: Carol27

700 Years Old and still in like-new condition!

Photo: violentsea

Covered in white as far as I could see and a solitude to remember.

Photo: violentsea

A wonderful day in February climbing up to the Gila Cliff Dwellings. This is a fairly easy half hour walk up the hills in the park near Silver City, New Mexico. The dwellings are very well kept and worth seeing.

Photo: Tennisfox

October is the best month in New Mexico. In addition to the more widely known Balloon Fiesta, it's chili roasting season. Gus Wagner's is a multi-sensory feast as you watch the chilis being roasted in large quantities North of the building. The skins pop, the roasting flavor invades your nose and the color of the chilis is too rich to be believed. All of this is accompanied by the turning of the Aspen leaves and perfect weather that is both warm and crisp.

Photo: AliKing

We were driving from Santa Fe to Taos last April and the river looked just like the first time I had seen it in 1967. I was stationed with the Navy at Kirtland AFB. The two years here in New Mexico were great for me!

Photo: Larryjq

On the high road from Santa Fe to Taos.

Photo: Bob Patterson

This little prairie dog lives in a colony at the Jackalope SW specialty store. It's always fun to just stand and watch their antics.

Photo: silkismom

We stopped at the Walmart in Roswell and were intrigued by the creatures in the windows. Only in the land of "UFOs."

Photo: Susan Crawford

We were in Santa Fe in the fall and walked along Canyon Rd, not for the art, but for the wonderful architecture. It was a perfect fall day with crunchy leaves, blue sky and comfortable temperature.

Photo: silkismom

It was fantastic to see all the balloons aloft!

Photo: Vister

Driving through Carrizozo last fall we saw a cowboy tie up his horse, leave the horse and his dog and go into a convenience store. They waited patiently for his return.

Photo: Susan Crawford

A back alley window

Photo: July West

2004 Balloon Fiesta It was so cool to see all the balloons fired up at dusk. They didn't fly at night, just inflated and stayed tethered as a fun show. People could walk around amongst them to admire them closely.

Photo: Vister

Another doorway in a neighborhood just a little north of downtown Albuquerque. The time was early evening in August.

Photo: Beth Moseley

This is the very attractive sign at the downtown transit hub in Albuquerque. Lots of action on this corner with buses, cars and people coming and going.

Photo: Beth Moseley

Just out shopping and the scene caught my eye.

Photo: July West

ancient Anasazi ruins...awe-inspiring

Photo: drdonna

It was my first time in New Mexico (July 2008). I was walking in one of the neighborhoods west of downtown ABQ in the evening and came upon this beautiful, curvy building facade.

Photo: Beth Moseley

This little boy just got out of school and is waiting in line for some goodies we were passing out. How sweet those children were.

Photo: Mamaw

I was flying a hot air balloon at the AIBF and out in front of us all these other balloons kept coming up through the clouds.

Photo: andym58

There's nuthin' like this back in Wisconsin!!

Photo: wis_hiker ... Barry Kevin