Skip to Main Content
Road Scholar logo
New Mexico

On the Road in Southern New Mexico: Rugged Beauty and the Final Frontier

Program No. 22614RJ
Southern New Mexico is known for its natural beauty and unique role in the history of space exploration. Explore both on this journey to Carlsbad Caverns, and more!
Watch VideoWishlistShare
Start
  •  
National ParksOn the RoadScience & TechnologyNature & Environment
Length
8 days
Rating (4.85)
Activity Level
Starts at
2,099
Program
At a Glance
Duration
8 days
Program Begins
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Program Concludes
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Meals
19 ( 7B, 5L, 7D )
Activity Level
On this unique learning adventure, discover two wildly different sides of Southern New Mexico: the high-tech, spacefaring Southern New Mexico, with its gaze fixed on the Final Frontier and the primal, stunningly beautiful Southern New Mexico with a natural history that stretches back in time for eons. Journey across the state to survey its spacefaring history at Roswell, state-of-the-art research facilities and the New Mexico Museum of Space History. Then, explore the spectacular Carlsbad Caverns and witness Southern New Mexico’s diverse wildlife and pristine landscapes. This is your chance to learn why the “Land of Enchantment” is no exaggeration.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Descend into the stunning Carlsbad Caverns, a vast underground network of intriguing caves and enormous chambers.
  • Learn about the wonders of space at the UFO Museum in Roswell and the New Mexico Museum of Space History.
  • Explore the mystical beauty and alluring dunes of White Sands National Park with a local expert.
View Full Itinerary
Featured Expert
All Experts
Profile Image
Richard Friedman
Richard Friedman is an archaeologist with decades of experience researching Chacoan culture, who has done extensive work using state-of-the-art technology for cultural and archeological resource documentation, management, and research. He has participated in projects with the National Park Service, the Navajo Nation, the Bureau of Land Management, NASA, the Solstice Project and the University of Colorado, and has co-authored several papers on Chacoan archaeology and the use of remote sensing technology.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Richard Friedman is an archaeologist with decades of experience researching Chacoan culture, who has done extensive work using state-of-the-art technology for cultural and archeological resource documentation, management, and research. He has participated in projects with the National Park Service, the Navajo Nation, the Bureau of Land Management, NASA, the Solstice Project and the University of Colorado, and has co-authored several papers on Chacoan archaeology and the use of remote sensing technology.
Matthew Mitchell is a native New Mexican who has nurtured an interest in wildlife and wild places his entire life. He has a degree in biology and has pursued the art of falconry for 48 years. He is involved in many environmental efforts in the middle Rio Grande valley and currently serves on the board of the Friends of the Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge.
Tari Intardonato was a teacher for many years before taking her skills to the road. She enjoys leading field trips with Road Scholar, during which she shares her knowledge and love of presidential libraries, history, textiles, and little out-of-the-way gems. Tari is an avid reader and loves sewing, watching British TV shows, and spending time with her family.
Terri Ross is a longtime transplant to New Mexico. First arriving in 1994, she began exploring the rich history and varied landscape of the state. She has led more than 80 group programs around the corner and around the world. She is also a local speaker in her adopted hometown of Albuquerque, making presentations on a variety of topics including travel journaling and scrapbooking, New Mexico history, traveling the Navajo lands, and driving on New Mexico Highway 4.
Christine (Chris) Hazard Phillips was born and raised in London, England, moving to the U.S. after college. She is now a happy transplant to Albuquerque, New Mexico after a career as a clinical psychologist in Los Alamos, New Mexico. Christine likes to stay busy helping with her two granddaughters, volunteering at the Santa Fe Opera, Chatter ABQ, and with the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History. Training for the latter has greatly expanded her knowledge of, and love for, her adopted state.
Laureen Lerch received her B.S. in tourism geography with a minor in anthropology and Indigenous studies. She moved to New Mexico with the AmeriCorps VISTA project to increase eco, cultural, and adventure tourism, now residing in Albuquerque. Laureen holds U.S. and Irish citizenship. She leads Road Scholar programs in New Mexico and her native Chicago, and has led groups since 2004 in the U.S., UK, Ireland, France, and Italy. She can often be found hiking the Sandia Mountains with her partner, son, and two dogs.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 3 miles per day at a moderate pace of 2 mph on varied terrain. Standing up to 1.5 hours per day. Program will require approximately 12 miles of walking over 7 days at elevations of 3,000 – 5,500 feet. Up to 4 hours per day on the bus, covering 1,080 miles in 7 days. Cavern trail includes a steep 1.25 mile decline descending 750 feet which takes 1 hour to complete. Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands National Park have limited handicapped accessibility. Must be physically capable of participating in all planned program activities.
Suggested Books and Resources
View Full List
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
Start Enrolling
Enroll with Confidence
Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

  • Peace of Mind

    We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

  • Assurance Plan

    Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

  • Want to Protect Your Investment?

    Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

  • Sustainable Travel

    We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.