NM May vs Fall
Feb 6th, 2013, 06:40 AM
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NM May vs Fall
Anyone have thoughts about a driving tour of the state in May vs the Fall season? Originally, planned this trip for Sept/Oct, but now might be traveling from East coast to CA in May, and am considering combining the two trips.
Thank you for any ideas.
Thank you for any ideas.
Feb 6th, 2013, 07:16 AM
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what all do you plan on seeing in NM? I like Carlsbad Caverns combined with Guadalupe Mountains National Parks. Guadalupe is actually in Texas, but they are less than an hour a part. White Sand Dunes is worth a stop if you are in that area. It could be hot in May or Sept. What little green there is likely to look dead in Sept(most years anyway). Guadalupe has some great fall foliage around Nov 1. The Bats at Carlsbad are good to see. I think they are there about June thru first of Oct(check the dates)
Or were you thinking more of like Santa Fe and Mountains area? That is great too.
Or were you thinking more of like Santa Fe and Mountains area? That is great too.
Feb 6th, 2013, 07:54 AM
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I think there are advantages to both times. In May you have longer hours of daylight. In the fall you might be lucky enough to go to Valles Caldera when the elk are in rut, a truly spectacular show.
Bandelier is great either time, as are some of the other places like el Morro/Inscription Rock, Petroglyph NP, etc.. If you are interested in Native American culture, check to see when the special feast times are and if you can go to see them or if the pueblos will be closed to non tribal members.
Bandelier is great either time, as are some of the other places like el Morro/Inscription Rock, Petroglyph NP, etc.. If you are interested in Native American culture, check to see when the special feast times are and if you can go to see them or if the pueblos will be closed to non tribal members.
Feb 6th, 2013, 08:42 AM
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It depends on which part of the state. Big difference between southern, mid and northern parts of the ate. May can be very windy with lots of blowing sand/dust which isn't pleasant.
I love Sept and October here. Crisp air, abundant blue skies and lots of sun. If you can swing it, Balloon Fiesta is a must see. Find a place to stay with a fireplace and enjoy the smell of piñon wood burning.
I love Sept and October here. Crisp air, abundant blue skies and lots of sun. If you can swing it, Balloon Fiesta is a must see. Find a place to stay with a fireplace and enjoy the smell of piñon wood burning.
Feb 6th, 2013, 08:45 AM
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thank you all
Actually, plan to see all that spirobulldog mentions - will have at least 2 weeks in NM.
Plan is to see Carlsbad Caverns, Guadalupe Nat'l Park, ALB, Taos & Sante Fe.
I was already debating longer/warmer days or cooler weather/shorter days. Fall colors are not as much of a draw for us, as we live close to Vermont.
Actually, plan to see all that spirobulldog mentions - will have at least 2 weeks in NM.
Plan is to see Carlsbad Caverns, Guadalupe Nat'l Park, ALB, Taos & Sante Fe.
I was already debating longer/warmer days or cooler weather/shorter days. Fall colors are not as much of a draw for us, as we live close to Vermont.
Feb 6th, 2013, 10:24 AM
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Start with the North first then(however, the bats are better earlier on and then start thinning out in the fall). If you are adventurous, one of the very best things I've done is either of the Wild Cave Tours offered at Carlsbad(reserve as early as you possibly can). I've done both of them 3 times each(they only allow 8 people per week on each one). There are other cave tours there too(the more you do the better, IMOP. Guadalupe Peak is a fairly tough hike, but is really nice.
I've been to the north, but it's been a while, I'll let others comment on that. Bandelier is certainly worth a stop!
Plan on getting your fill of green chiles
I've been to the north, but it's been a while, I'll let others comment on that. Bandelier is certainly worth a stop!
Plan on getting your fill of green chiles
Feb 6th, 2013, 02:47 PM
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Yes, DebitNM, that makes sense. You make the fall season sound very appealing -- am strongly considering trying to work it out for Sept/early Oct.
I have many of your previous posts saved for planning.
Thank you again,
Lottie
I have many of your previous posts saved for planning.
Thank you again,
Lottie
Feb 8th, 2013, 05:41 AM
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I would choose Sept/Oct over May if I had a choice. I think it's the most wonderful time to be in Santa Fe and New Mexico.
Santa Fe Wine & Chile is the end of September if you happen to be in the Santa Fe area. It's a wonderful event with excellent wine dinners through out the week and for the weekend event at the opera house there is an abundance of tasty food and wine.
http://www.santafewineandchile.org
Balloon Fiesta begins in Albuquerque the following weekend on the 5th going to the 13th.
http://www.balloonfiesta.com
Santa Fe Wine & Chile is the end of September if you happen to be in the Santa Fe area. It's a wonderful event with excellent wine dinners through out the week and for the weekend event at the opera house there is an abundance of tasty food and wine.
http://www.santafewineandchile.org
Balloon Fiesta begins in Albuquerque the following weekend on the 5th going to the 13th.
http://www.balloonfiesta.com
