Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
272
1
GETTING OUTSIDE IN NORTHERN
NEW MEXICO
BIKING
Some of the best biking is in Farmington, which is where the “Durangatangs”
come during the winter to train and ride (Durango is a mountain-biking mecca).
Bicycle
Express,
103 N. Main Ave. (
&
505/334-4354
), in Aztec, will give trail directions, as
will
Cottonwood Cycles,
4370 E. Main (
&
505/326-0429;
www.cottonwoodcycles.
com), in Farmington. Cottonwood also rents bikes. Be sure to check out the
Lions
Wilderness Park,
where you'll find its renowned
Road Apple Trail
on the north end of
town. Bikers are also welcome at the
Bureau of Land Management Conservation Area,
just off NM 117 near
El Malpais National Monument
(see “Acoma Pueblo,” below). At
Chaco Canyon, check out the Wijiji Ruin trail, nice and easy but through beautiful
country leading to an Anasazi ruin.
BIRD
WATCHING
Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge
(
&
505/425-3581
), 5 miles
southeast of Las Vegas, is a great place for bird-watching. Species spotted year-round
include prairie falcons and hawks; during late fall and early winter, migratory birds such
as sandhill cranes, snow geese, Canada geese, and bald and golden eagles frequent the
refuge. In all, more than 240 species can be sighted in the area. The
Maxwell National
Wildlife Refuge
(
&
575/375-2331
), near Raton, also boasts a rich population of resi-
dent and migratory birds, including raptors and bald eagles.
BOATING
If you're towing a boat, good places to stop are
Bluewater Lake State Park
(
&
505/876-2391
), a reservoir between Gallup and Grants, and
Navajo Lake State
Park
(
&
505/632-2278
), about 25 miles east of Bloomfield. Both of these state parks
have boat ramps, and Navajo Lake has several marinas (from which visitors can rent
boats), picnic areas, a visitor center, and groceries for those who plan to make a day of it.
To find information on New Mexico state parks, go to
www.nmparks.com
.
Zuni Lakes,
six bodies of water operated by the Zuni tribe, also offers opportunities for boating,
although you're not allowed to use gasoline motors and you must receive a permit
(
&
505/782-5851
) before setting out. You'll find opportunities for boating, windsurf-
ing, and swimming throughout this region. Two of the most popular boating areas are
Storrie Lake State Park
(
&
505/425-7278
), 6 miles north of Las Vegas, and
Conchas
Lake State Park
(
&
575/868-2270
), near Tucumcari. Storrie Lake is especially popular
among
windsurfers,
who favor its consistent winds.
FISHING
Bluewater Lake State Park
(mentioned above for boating) is one of the best
places to fish in the area. In fact, some people believe it has the highest catch rate of all
New Mexico lakes. Look to catch trout here. A world-renowned fishing destination, the
San Juan River
, just below Navajo Dam, was named the best fishing spot in the United
States by
Field & Stream.
The scenery is outstanding and excellent guides in the area can help
you find the choicest spots.
Navajo Lake State Park
(see “Boating,” above) features
about 150 miles of shoreline, where fishers go to catch trout, bass, catfish, and pike.
Navajo Lake is one of the largest lakes in New Mexico, and the park is very heavily traf-
ficked, so if crowds aren't your thing, look for another fishing hole. Just 4 miles south of
Kirtland is
Morgan Lake,
a quiet spot for largemouth bass and catfish. If you need fish-
ing gear or want to hire a guide while in the area, contact
Abe's Motel and Fly Shop,
1791 US 173, Navajo Dam (
&
505/632-2194
). In Farmington, contact
Dad's Boat
Parts and Backyard Boutique,
210 E. Piñon St. (
&
505/326-1870
), or
Zia Sporting
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