ndrorder wrote:
Sunfan, Here are a couple more suggestions based on your reported interests. Check out the hikes and camping in the bisti badlands near Farmington. Its a great stop on the way through. There are several hiking trails in the Cibola National forest and Sandia mountains just outside Albuquerque that may be buried in snow in April, but may be not. If caving is an interest, check out Sandia cave. Its a nice hike, with the option for spelunking at the destination. Also the la Luz trail down from the top of the crest after riding the tram to the top. There are short hikes through the petroglyph monument on the west side of Abq.
Bisti is a trip. We were hiking through a narrow slot canyon there one time (narrow enough to be able to touch both walls) and startled a big ol' owl when we came around a bend. The owl woke up and flew off over our heads. He tried to land in the bend behind us, but our kids were back there out of sight from us (and the owl). The kids startled the owl and the owl startled the kids. I think we remember it more fondly than the owl does. We had a great time hiking around there though. It's a lot to see. And if you're up near Farmington, I'd add Chaco Canyon to ndrorder's list.
As far as NM as a destination right now though, unless something changes ASAP, I would consider NM as off-limits during the pandemic. They've been hit harder than a lot of states, and the damage to the tribal communities is infinitely worse. Show them some respect though, and either divert around the state or just keep on trucking and get through as fast as you can.
From a navigational standpoint, stick to the interstates and stay off the tribal highways, period. A lot of the tribal highways are roadblocked to help combat covid. Be respectful though and don't be part of the problem.
