New Mexico

The Southwestern state of New Mexico is best defined by its extremes from scorching hot deserts to sub-freezing mountain tops. In the Land of Enchantment you'll find it all. The southern part of the state is known for its miles and miles of remote deserts. Remnants of the Wild West and the American cowboy are displayed here through a number of deserted ghost towns. The phenomenon of the cowboy began here over 400 years ago with the introduction of cattle and horses to the area by Spanish explorers. Today there are still many men and women making a living here through cattle ranching. Also in the south of the state are two world famous national parks, White Sands and Carlsbad Caverns. White Sands National Monument is the world's largest gypsum dune field with over 275 square miles of glistening waves of white. At Carlsbad Caverns, beneath the miles of desert, are some of the largest caves in North America. Further north, the terrain transforms from sandy deserts to grassy prairies, rich forests and even harsh mountains. Here is where sports enthusiasts come to hike, mountain bike or ski New Mexico. Reminders of the area's native people show throughout the region in cliff dwellings, Anasazi pueblos, Aztec ruins and hundreds of ancient murals. As the most highly populated part of the state, the north is also the economic center and home to the capital, Santa Fe, and largest city, Albuquerque. The people here have developed a unique culture that merges Native American, Hispanic and Anglo traditions. With a booming service industry, some of the most popular art galleries in the country, chile-infused cuisine, and a slow pace of life, the people of New Mexico are blessed with a uniquely rich heritage.