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, the Very Large Array and more!
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DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Oct 18 - Oct 25, 2024
Starting at
2,459Nov 8 - Nov 15, 2024
Starting at
2,4598 days
7 nights
19 meals
7B 5L 7D
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Albuquerque, New Mexico
2
Roswell Museum & UFO Museum and Research Center
Roswell, New Mexico
3
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Roswell, New Mexico
4
Lincoln, Billy the Kid, Three Rivers Petroglyphs
Alamogordo,NM
5
White Sands National Park, Pistachio Farm
Alamogordo,NM
7
Very Large Array National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Albuquerque, New Mexico
8
Program Concludes
Albuquerque, New Mexico
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.
What You'll Learn
- 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 trip experts
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.
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.
Vannetta Perry
View biography
Dr. Vannetta Perry is a retired educator and lifelong resident of New Mexico who is deeply rooted in the southwest. Her family homesteaded and ranched in Southwestern New Mexico and farmed in West Texas. As an educator, Dr. Perry worked in the university setting, teaching biology and directing science outreach programs. Her love for travel was sparked when she led research studies in developing countries. Since retiring, Dr. Perry has continued to share her love of travel and education as a travel director and leader.
Colleen Patrick
View biography
A native of Colorado and a relative newcomer to New Mexico, Colleen Patrick has spent a lifetime visiting and learning about Pueblo culture, pottery and the movement of Native Americans and Spaniards throughout New Mexico. Colleen has been in the travel business since 2006, but has been a traveler since her childhood. She learned to appreciate new cultures and new places as a child and has loved sharing new places and cultures with guests for many years.
Natallia Fodemski
View biography
Natallia Fodemski began her career as a group leader in 2009. She started a small business, and led private and group outings including hikes and adventures all over Colorado State, gradually adding other states. In 2019, she graduated from International Guide Academy in Denver with a Certificate of International Tour Director and Guide. She also has years of experience working as a program coordinator at the Center for Creative Leadership and at Colorado College Fine Art Museum.
Suggested Reading List
(12 books)
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.
On the Road in Southern New Mexico: Rugged Beauty and the Final Frontier
Program Number: 22614
Out of This World: New Mexico's Contributions to Space Travel
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.
The Last Cheater's Waltz, Beauty and Violence in the Desert Southwest
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.
A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians
The definitive field guide, with a special section on Baja's endemic species.
Desert Solitaire
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.
The Southwest Table, Traditional Cuisine from Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona
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.
Dreamland: Travels Inside the Secret World of Roswell and Area 51
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 Spanish Frontier in North America
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.
New Mexico, A History
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.
Great River, The Rio Grande in North American History
First published in 1954, this classic book won both the Bancroft and the Pulitzer Prizes for history.
New Mexico Wildlife, An Introduction to Familiar Species
A handy fold-up card featuring color illustrations of common plants, animals and reptiles of New Mexico.
Dark Beauty, Photographs of New Mexico
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 Spell of New Mexico
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.