Originally published in Motorcycles On The Road Again, July 2007.
New Mexico Land Of Enchantment
Welcome to New Mexico as we add another state to our list of places you will want to Experience.
No matter how many times you visit each time you will find new places to go and interesting things to see.
First a few facts: At 7,000 feet Santa Fe is the highest capital city in the United States.
The Palace of Governors in Santa Fe was built in 1610 (ten years before the Mayflower landed) is one of the oldest public buildings ion America.
Santa Fe is the ending point of the 800-mile Santa Fe Trail.
Cimarron was once known as the "Cowboy capital of the world". Some of the west's most famous names, such as Kit Carson, Buffalo Bill Cody lived there.
A quote from the Las Vegas Gazette illustrates how lawless Cimarron was;
"Everything is quiet in Cimarron. Nobody has been killed in three days."
The longest river in the state, the Rio Grande, runs the entire north to south length of New Mexico.
Lakes and rivers make up only .002% of the state's total surface area giving it the lowest water-toland ratio of all 50 states. Most of the lakes are man-made reservoirs.
New Mexico has more sheep and cattle than people, there are only about 12 people per square mile.
Since the climate is so dry and roads don't wash away three-fourths of the roads are left unpaved.
BATH HOUS
THIS PAGE BOTTOM: COURTESY OF THE NEW MEXICO TOURISM DEPARTMENT BY JIM STEIN serves All-american food in an oldwest atmosphere. Finally the Ridgeback Café serves up hearty burgers, steaks and more in a family-style restaurant.
Lodging choices in, and around, Jemez Springs offer choices in style of accommodations. Rates vary by season.
Desert Willow B&B. Two spacious rooms and a cottage along the river.
The River House. A captivating three bedroom house along the river, for rent by the day or the week.
Canon Del Rio. Adobe-style facility with six lovely rooms, breakfast.
Jemez Canyon Inn. Family-oriented inn with five rooms, two with kitchenettes, kids and pets welcome.
Casa Blanca. Spacious guest house sleeps four, lovely gardens.
The Laughing Lizard Inn. Four charming rooms. 505-829-3108
Jemez Mountain Inn. Six-room inn in the center of Jemez Springs. 505-
La Cueva Lodge. Lodge with 15 units, nine miles north of Jemez Springs. 505-829-3300
Elk Mountain Lodge. In the high country mountains of La Cueva, four comfortable rooms. 505-829-3159
Ride Jemez. Grab a map, ask a local or just follow the road. There are enough roads and rides to explore in this area to keep you busy for days. A 100-mile ride to the Taos area puts you in the heart of New Mexico's high country.
Mount Wheeler, at 13,131, feet is the highest point in New Mexico. The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway offers an 84-mile loop around Mount Wheeler. Along the way you will
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