Whats cool in Western NM?

[505FJ]

I told you they would chime in. Thanks guys. I'm a bad representative for the state because I really don't do the tourist thing, especially between Gallup and Farmington.

Has anyone been to the Ice Caves near Grants? Sounds like a cool () place.

[Archy Chris]

I highly recommended touring Chaco Canyon, El Morro and Aztec Ruins! There is a lot to do and see in the four corners area. Chaco Canyon is listed as a "World Heritage Site" and it has numerous prehistoric sites to see in the park like Pueblo Bonito, Chettro Ketl, Casa Rinconada, Casa Chiquita and Wijiji. Plan on staying a full day if you want to take in some of the most beautiful prehistoric sites in the American Southwest. I may sound a little bias, but as an archaeologist I have been to Chaco at least 15 times in my career and you can't beat the views and scenery. El Morro is another place I recommend if you want to keep it under a day and still make Colorado. It has many petroglyph's and inscriptions from the Prehistoric Indians to the Spanish that passed by. Aztec Ruin is another prehistoric site that is worth a look. New Mexico has a lot to offer. I hope this helps. Chris

[kokopelli]

I wasn't going to reply to the op as I'm not exactly a local, but since you mention Mesa Verde I'll second the recommendation. Chaco is fun, but quite a washboard drive across the rez from 550 (I believe). The Gila area is a lot of fun as well and the Cliff dwellings are some of the best. On the AZ side, Canyon de Chelly is great as is the drive up through the monument area to Moab. Personally, I like driving across the rez and letting the mind wonder/wander; it's a shock to the senses. The entire area (4 corners) is a sight to behold and we spend days running around out there every chance we get. The list really goes on and on. Mesa Verde is a great place to visit; nothing else around there much (i.e. Cortez-Durango), but the mesa is just plain cool. Anyhow.. That's some of what a Tennessean would recommend.. LOL.. Ron

Celtic Cruiser previously said:

If you did El Morro and wanted to see the Gallup stuff, besides the KOA there is also Red Rock State Park in Gallup that has very nice camping facilities, their facilities are more secluded/private and it is five miles or so east of Gallup. It's 2.5 hours from here to Mesa Verde.

[rotorhed1]

Done Chaco, really cool. Ya Aztec ruins is good too. You could do Four Corners just to say you've been there. Stand in four states at once. Mesa Verde east of Cortez for cliff dwellings. But it's a National Park, I don't go there, the whole UN thing and I tend to carry firearms, so that's out.

I checked out the Meteor Crater near Winslow a while back, really cool place. Farmington has some good 4 wheeling. Look me up if you will be passing thru, we'll do lunch.

Drove to Cortez last month for dinner when my sister was here. Main Street Brewery has great trout and brews.