Join me on an epic 4-day, 4-park, father-daughter road trip through Texas and New Mexico. From the desert mountains of Big Bend to the underground caves of Carlsbad Caverns, we bonded over the open road and were awestruck by incredible scenery and history.
Get ready to have everything you thought you knew about the American Southwest turned upside down, because Farmington, New Mexico, isn’t just another sleepy desert town. Here are a few surprising things you can do in Farmington, NM, during your gateway to the Four Corners.
When traveling to National Parks and other awe-inspiring places in the Southwest United States, you also travel across the ancestral lands of many different Indigenous tribes. We have created a guide to help you feel prepared exploring Indigenous heritage in the Southwest and Four Corners region on your next road trip. Indigenous communities are still very much tied to the land, and you can create a positive experience for both yourself and these communities by visiting with gratitude and respect – prepared to learn about the local cultures and histories.
For the ultimate archaeology road trip through the Four Corners region, look no further! From the Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park to the petroglyphs at Chaco Canyon, the sandstone spires in Canyon de Chelly, and plenty of other incredible dwellings, hikes, and sites in between, this 10-day itinerary is the southwestern archaeology itinerary of a lifetime.
Pull on your boots and tighten your stampede string! It’s time to book the ultimate dude ranch vacation. Wide open spaces, simplified travel plans, and immune-boosting perks make it an easy choice.
Experience three days of adventure with expert guides and out-of-this-world destinations like Bisti Badlands. Rip around sandy arroyos in a 4×4, sip award-winning wine, go river rafting, and more.
Tucked in the northwest corner of New Mexico sits the charming town of Farmington. A basecamp for adventure and culture, Farmington is packed full of great amenities to suit all styles of traveler. The following itinerary is geared toward a summer traveler in the area, but Farmington still offers outdoor recreation and interesting attractions year-round. Each day has options for a more laid-back traveler and others for the adrenaline junkie. Feel free to mix up the activities to get a real taste of Farmington!
Grants is a vibrant New Mexico community. Roughly an hour west of Albuquerque, the town is full of hidden gems that make it a stop that no Southwestern traveler would want to miss. Recently I spent some time exploring Grants, and I found something new around every corner. Had I not made this trip, I would have never known about this uncommon destination. Though there is more to do in Grants than I had time for, I’m excited to tell you about just a few of my favorite areas to experience and things to do in Grants, NM.
When you can’t take the heat, head for the hills. During the summer months, Taos Ski Valley hosts a variety of fun-filled events; a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts and art lovers alike. Go for the festivals, stay for the art and recreation.
I visited the city of Gallup, in New Mexico, earlier this year. Not for nothing is it known as ‘The Native American Capital of the World’. I was there to experience the Gallup Inter-tribal Indian Ceremonial, a celebration that brought together more than 20 tribes from across The West. The event highlighted the city’s innate passion for the arts through Native American dances, crafts shows, parades, and more. I witnessed all this, and knew I’d return to Gallup. Months later, at the beginning of December, I did, this time for the Red Rock Balloon Rally.
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Photo by @shashank__kamath via Instagram
