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Albuquerque

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, the Very Large Array and more!

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DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Filling Fast!
Oct 20 - Oct 27, 2023
Starting at
1,849
Nov 10 - Nov 17, 2023
Starting at
1,849
Mar 15 - Mar 22, 2024
Starting at
1,949
Apr 12 - Apr 19, 2024
Starting at
1,949
Oct 18 - Oct 25, 2024
Starting at
1,949
Nov 8 - Nov 15, 2024
Starting at
1,949
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Filling Fast!
Oct 20 - Oct 27, 2023
Starting at
2,319
Nov 10 - Nov 17, 2023
Starting at
2,319
Mar 15 - Mar 22, 2024
Starting at
2,319
Apr 12 - Apr 19, 2024
Starting at
2,319
Oct 18 - Oct 25, 2024
Starting at
2,319
Nov 8 - Nov 15, 2024
Starting at
2,319

At a Glance

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.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles over uneven, sometimes slippery terrain. Elevations of 3,000-5,500 feet.

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, the New Mexico Museum of Space History and the Very Large Array, a cutting-edge radio-telescope facility.
  • Explore the mystical beauty and alluring dunes of White Sands National Park with a local expert.
Featured Expert
All Experts
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Matthew Mitchell
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.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Matthew Mitchell
Matthew Mitchell View biography
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.
Profile Image of Scott Aarestad
Scott Aarestad View biography
Since moving to New Mexico as a child, Scott Aarestad has developed a deep love for New Mexican culture, history, cuisine and landscapes. After living and working abroad with his wife for several years, he earned his bachelor's in international management and entrepreneurship from the University of New Mexico in 2015. He enjoys learning about history, spending time outside hiking and camping, volunteering with animals and playing board games with friends. Scott is thrilled to share the enchantment of the state with Road Scholars.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
New Mexico, A History
by Joseph P. Sanchez
This cooperative effort between three native New Mexicans is the first complete history of New Mexico. It charts the state’s development from 16th-century Spanish colony to frontier province, from its 1912 American statehood to a hub of (often classified) scientific research. A vital source for anyone seeking to understand the complex history of the West.
New Mexico Wildlife, An Introduction to Familiar Species
by James Kavanagh
A handy fold-up card featuring color illustrations of common plants, animals and reptiles of New Mexico.
A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians
by Robert Stebbins
The definitive field guide, with a special section on Baja's endemic species.
Dark Beauty, Photographs of New Mexico
by Jack Parsons
Southwest photographer Parsons presents the rugged landscapes and the people of New Mexico, exploring religious iconography, far-flung ranches, small towns and wide open spaces in this full-color coffee table book.
The Spanish Frontier in North America
by David Weber
Here's the definitive history of the Spanish colonial period in America, from the settlement of St. Augustine in Florida to the missions of New Mexico.
Desert Solitaire
by Edward Abbey
One of the great works on the value of the desert, eloquent and laugh-out-loud funny. Although Abbey writes specifically about his experiences as a ranger at Arches National Park outside Moab, Utah, his message is universal.
Out of This World: New Mexico's Contributions to Space Travel
by Loretta Hall
Beginning with Robert Goddard’s efforts in Roswell, Hall covers 80 years of innovative rocket science research in New Mexico, including the Manhattan Project, the White Sands Missile Range and the Holloman Air Force Base.
Great River, The Rio Grande in North American History
by Paul Horgan
First published in 1954, this classic book won both the Bancroft and the Pulitzer Prizes for history.
The Spell of New Mexico
by Tony Hillerman (Editor)
A selection of 12 thoughtful essays on the New Mexico state of mind by great writers, including C.G. Jung, Mary Austin, D.H. Lawrence and Lawrence Clark Powell. Hillerman succeeds in communicating the lure of the desert Southwest in this wonderful, literate introduction to the state.
The Last Cheater's Waltz, Beauty and Violence in the Desert Southwest
by Ellen Meloy
A naturalist's travels through the desert Southwest of her youth, reflecting on native peoples, landscape and ecology. Meloy explores Los Alamos, Trinity National Historic Landmark, and White Sands Missile Range -- including the impact of the laboratory and bomb testing on the environment.
Dreamland: Travels Inside the Secret World of Roswell and Area 51
by Phil Patton
Recounts the history, creation, intelligence and counter-intelligence of Area 51, a section of the American southwestern desert where top-secret aircraft is tested and where some believe the Pentagon is harboring UFOs and extraterrestrials.
The Southwest Table, Traditional Cuisine from Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona
by Dave DeWitt
Expert on chili peppers and spicy foods, Dave DeWitt (aka "the Pope of Peppers") blends Southwestern culinary history with 130 authentic recipes and cooking techniques in this tantalizing collection of fiery, flavorful dishes from Texas, New Mexico and Arizona.





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If you want to attend the live lecture, please do not wait until the last minute to enroll.
If you enroll after a lecture is complete, we’ll send you a recording of the event.