Moon New Mexico

Santa Fe local Steven Horak reveals the very best of his home state, from hiking sandstone canyons to chowing down on Southwestern cuisine. Fall under the spell of the Land of Enchantment with Moon New Mexico. Inside you'll find:- Strategic, flexible itineraries, whether you want to take an epic two-week road trip around the state or spend a week immersed in Wild West history - Can't-miss experiences and unique activities: Wander through a ghost town graveyard, count the bullet holes in the ceilings of preserved 19th-century saloons, or visit the birthplace of the atomic bomb. Soar through clear blue skies in a colorful hot air balloon, find inspiration in Santa Fe's vibrant art scene, or have an out-of-this-world experience at the International UFO Museum & Research Center in Roswell - Savor the flavors: Dig into traditional local cuisine, like red sauce-smothered enchiladas, tender carne adovada, and hearty posole. Indulge in juicy green chile cheeseburgers or opt for something lighter from one of New Mexico's many organic farm-to-table restaurants - Outdoor adventures: Go deep on a trek into the mesmerizing underground world of Carlsbad Caverns or venture off-trail in the De-Na-Zin Wilderness to view stunning hoodoos. Raft from rushing waters to gentle currents on the Rio Grande or explore the wavelike gypsum dunes of White Sands National Park - Ways to respectfully engage with Indigenous cultures: Attend a dance ceremony or a powwow, tour a pueblo, or peruse handmade goods at a market - Expert insight from Santa Fe local Steven Horak on when to go, what to pack, and where to stay - Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout- Thorough background information on the landscape, local culture, climate, and history, plus health and safety information - Focused coverage of Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Taos, Navajo Nation, Las Cruces, Carlsbad, and more Find your adventure with Moon New Mexico.
Exploring more of the Southwest? Try Moon Arizona & the Grand Canyon or Moon Zion & Bryce. Hitting the road? Try Moon Southwest Road Trip.
About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell-and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you.
For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.

When Steven Horak uprooted his life in New York City to move to Santa Fe, he wasn't quite sure what to expect, beyond a new home that would be very different from his old one. Even after a few years in New Mexico, his life is still an adventure. Each day begins and ends with views of the awe-inspiring Sangre de Cristo mountains, which serve as a constant reminder of what makes high desert living so special.
Steven's wanderlust began during a year studying abroad at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England. Since then he has traveled extensively, contributing to travel guidebooks on Canada, Costa Rica, and the Czech Republic, among others. He also works as a journalist, communications specialist, and photographer. You can view his photo gallery at stevenhorak.smugmug.com.