Visiting Santa Fe / Eastern New Mexico

New Mexico is called the land of enchantment and traveling across the north of the state from Farmington and Bloomfield across to Clayton puts the label into perfect focus. The ancestral Native American roots of the state come alive in the northwest with an abundance of Anasazi history. Today the region is home to America's largest Native American reservation, the Navajo Nation, as well as various other tribes. Moving east through the landscapes that inspired well know American artist Georgia O'Keeffe. Today visitors enjoy the full breath of outdoor recreation offered in the mountains of northern New Mexico.

Notice as the sun rises or at sunset the red hue that the mountains takes – The Sangre de Christo Mountains were named so, because of this. To the east, the mountain range merges into plains dotted with lakes suited for outdoor water recreation. Even scuba divers can experience New Mexico in Santa Rosa at the Blue Hole – a clear pool with a depth of 81 feet and year round temperature of 81 degrees.

Fans of the paranormal will want to schedule the end of March for the Aztec UFO Symposium in Aztec just north of Farmington and Bloomfield. The central event in discussion is the alleged 1948 UFO crash that occurred outside the city. An opportunity for intelligent discussion on UFOs with like minded scholars. If you also like to bicycle too, the 10th annual Alien Run Mountain Bike Competition is held the first Sunday in May. Beginners are welcome with the new single speed class.

Traveler's Tip: Farmington's Riverfest at the end of May is one of the most popular festivals of the year. Featuring an arts and crafts fair, live music, food, activities and entertainment for the kids, it is worth planning for. Runners can participate in 10K and 5K runs and all are welcome to enter the 2 mile walk Celebrating the local rivers, the family can even take a river raft ride.

Los Alamos makes a special effort to support their four legged friends and the local Friends of the Shelter at the Los Alamos Dog Jog. Bring your best friends along for a 3.1 mile competitive run or a 2 mile fun walk. A good time will be had by all, especially the dogs. Remember many Best Western Hotels are pet friendly, check the locations near you for terrific accommodations.

Clayton far to the east of the region hosts New Mexico's largest trout derby. Grab the tackle box and load up the family early June for the event. This is two days of trout fishing so it has to be good. There are children's prize categories, a kids sand dig and door prizes so mom and dad can focus on the fishing. You may want to because the grand prize is a boat and some cash. It doesn't get much more fun than this.

Best Western Hotels across New Mexico are ready to welcome you. Whether you are stopping for the night, on a weekend get away or living a family vacation, Best Western Hotels welcome you with warm hospitality and quality you can count on. Convenient locations and affordable prices will make your stay even nicer.

Santa Fe / Eastern New Mexico Hotel Map