hi all -

i would be very appreciative for itinerary suggestions/recommendations for a honeymoon trip in mid to late march. we will have about 7-8 days, and were thinking of doing hiking and some archeologic/historic type stuff as well. my fiance really enjoys visiting historic ruins from different cultures.

thanks much in advance for any advice!
regards

I really liked Bandalier National Monument - which is near Los Animas, not too far from either Taos or Santa Fe. Great Cliff Dwellings. You can look at the National Park website: www.nps.gov. Capalin National Monument - about 25 miles east of Raton is nice. It's a volcano cylinder which is interesting of itself and the views are great.

You'll want to check the Indian Pueblo website if you were planning to visit one. I believe the Taos Pueblo closes to the public for a week or so in March.

Perfect site for you--nmculture.org
I just got back from a week around Albuquerque. Don't miss Acoma Pueblo, the Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque and the Petroglyph park. Bandolier and other significant ruins can keep you busy for more than a week!

If you go from Santa Fe to Capulin National Monument, you can stop at Fort Union near Las Vegas. I haven't been there yet, but my parents thought it was really interesting.

Lee Ann

Taos pueblo, Acoma pueblo and of course Chaco canyon.Paul

thanks very much for your responses - and website recommendations. they are truly helpful!

i was worried about the closings due to winter and/or difficult weather. for example, i read in the new mexico tourism that chaco canyon is difficult to get to in snow and rain (dirt road). any other places where this may be a possibility? any experiences in car rental (do we just bit the bullet and rent a 4wd car?)

along that, any housing recommendations?

thanks again!

If you want the ultimate historic ruins in New Mexico then Chaco Culture National Historic Park is the place to visit! Not sure how the road conditions will be in March. Unless they get the road paved, you have to travel on a gravel road to get to Chaco.

http://www.nps.gov/chcu/

Just north in Southern Colorado is Mesa Verde National Park which is another excellent place to go.

Utahtea

I second and third Chaco Canyon. What an amazing place!
Also, check out Puye Indian cliffs which is close to Santa Fe. Check to see if it's open. I haven't been there in awhile and I remember hearing something about a fire.
Of course, there's Bandelier. Also, there are some ruis further back in the canyon in which Bandelier sits. It requires some insider knowledge and some sturdy hiking boots.
Have fun.

The weather can go either way at that time of year. Last year we had quite a bit of snow--much of it late in the season. Another place we enjoy is Tent Rocks just north of Albuquerque at the Chochiti Lake exit.

I read a few months ago that the road into Chaco is going to be paved. Keep checking the website Utahtea gave you for updates; maybe you'll be lucky by March!

Lee Ann

thanks much for the recommendations.

any suggestions for bed and breakfasts/lodging in these area? as well, the travel to chaco looks like a bit of a drive from albuquerque - especially if we are flying in that am, or trying to make our way back there. any good areas to stay nearby or en route?

kind regards

We spent a few nights at Chaco (camping) in Sept. The road is long but is perfectly graded and would be easy to drive on in most weather conditions. They have been talking about paving it for years; I'm hoping it never happens because Chaco would be devastated by large crowds of visitors. It is an incredible place; highly recommended. We have lots of pictures posted at www.pbase.com/peterb - then click on the colorado/new mexico trip. One of our favorite places was the little town of Jemez Springs near Los Alamos. We stayed at an incredible B&B called Canon del Rio. Very reasonably priced ($109/night). Gorgeous setting. Wonderful small town. We did an awesome hike up to a natural warm spring located in a mountain meadow. Unbelievable! Taos was the only place we stayed that underwhelmed us. The Taos Pueblo was amazing but the town was kinda tacky. Any questions, we'd be happy to provide some advice. Particularly on the cultural sites and ruins.