The State of New Mexico can be conceptualized as consisting of six regions. The four corners of the compass - Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, and Southeast - and the two central regions: North-Central and Central. Each region offers visitors its own unique attractions, entertainment, and activities.
The North-Central Region of New Mexico houses some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. This is where much of Georgia O'Keeffe's work was done. The towns of Santa Fe and Taos are here as is Los Alamos, the birthplace of the atomic bomb. The Pajarito ski area is located just west of Los Alamos. The eastern Sangre de Cristo Mountains are a natural playground for the outdoorsy. Ski Santa Fe and Sandia Peak are convenient to both Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Santa Fe is a charming juxtaposition of forests, mountains, historic architecture, and modern technology. Is this "City Different" possibly our green high-tech future? Native Americans, Spanish descendants, and American immigrants mix lives and cultures in sleepy Taos. In winter, when the town wakes up, powder lovers will want to center their activities on Taos which is surrounded by numerous downhill and cross-country ski resorts. Red River, Enchanted Forest, Angel Fire, Sipapu, and Taos Ski Valley are the principal ski areas near Taos.
Northeast New Mexico is traversed by the Santa Fe Trail - wagon wheel impressions are still visible - that families traveled on their way from Missouri. A large number of lakes make for some of the finest fishing in the Southwest. Explore the Anasazis' dwellings of the Pecos National Historic Park or learn about prehistoric peoples in the Folsom Museum in Capulin. The Northwest Region of the state is Indian Country: the home of several Native American communities and reservations. The Navajo Nation is here as well as the pueblos of the Acoma, Apache, Keresan speaking, and Zuni peoples Trout fishermen will want to visit the San Juan River and nature lovers will enjoy the stark desert beauty of Four Corners.
Central New Mexico is centered on Albuquerque, the largest town in the state and attractions include The Petroglyph National Monument on the West Mesa, the Turquoise Trail to the north and east, and - meandering along the Rio Grande River - the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, the Chihuahua Trail, and Highway 85. The Three Rivers Petroglyph National Recreation Site, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, the Lincoln National Forest, and Roswell - the site of perhaps the most famous UFO sighting - are just a few of the attractions in Southeastern New Mexico. The Southwestern Region is famous for the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, the small town of Hatch known as the "Chile Capital of the World," and Las Cruces, the state's second largest city.
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