6 Reasons to Visit New Mexico

New Mexico – the land of enchantment and the fifth largest state in the USA is a photographer's paradise. Here are 6 reasons to visit New Mexico: stunning landscapes, Americana, amazing small towns, beautiful churches, Route 66 and big skies.

Join this photographic journey through the state. Enjoy browsing!

Reasons to visit New Mexico – 1: Stunning Landscapes

Much of New Mexico is desert. The roads through the desert make this state perfect for road trips. .

Reason 2: Pure Americana

Old cars, motels and gas stations from an era long gone.

Interstate 40 (which took the place of Route 66) crosses just north of the centre of the state. Its a wonderful drive from Glenrio in the east to Gallup in the West. New Mexico features one of the real gems of Route 66 in Tucumcari. Other highlights include genuine stretches of the old route around Albuquerque as well as the Santa Fe loop which passes close to the wonderful town from which it takes its name. Albuquerque, Grants and Gallup are all worth a look.

Reason 3: Amazing Small Towns

The great thing about New Mexico’s small towns is that many are off the beaten track. Drop down South of Albuquerque and visit the towns of Socorro, Alamagordo and Rothwell – the later famous for its UFOs! Dig a little deeper to find the tiny villages of Winston and Chloride, places few visitors to the US reach.

Reason 4: Spectacular Churches

The churches of New Mexico are simply beautiful. It goes without saying that they are sacred places, and many are on sacred land. So if you visit be respectful and check with local people whether they are happy for you to be there, especially if you are taking photographs.

Reason 5: Route 66 Neon

New Mexico is one of the eight states along Route 66, or at least once along Route 66. The Blue Swallow Motel has legendary status. There is no better example of a 1950’s motel anywhere in the US. The Route 66 Diner in Albuquerque is another example of wonderful neon.

Reason 6: Big Skies

Panoramic landscapes, desert scenes and big skies. Because New Mexico is so sparsely populated you cannot miss the big vista. Pure escapism.