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We Almost Missed the Best Part of New Mexico
For years, New Mexico was simply the state we drove through.
Now, to be fair, we did visit White Sands National Park and the Carlsbad Caverns once, and it remains some of the most unique places we’ve ever explored. (I’ll link that adventure HERE if you’d like to read about it!)
But aside from White Sands and the Caverns, New Mexico had always been somewhere we passed through on our way to the next destination.
This time, I was determined to make New Mexico a destination.
Our Home Base: Taos, New Mexico
We based ourselves at Taos Valley RV Park, which was a great home base with full hookups, laundry, and easy access to downtown Taos.
If we came back, though, we’d probably stay at Pilar Campground along the Rio Grande.
We found ourselves spending far more time by the river than we did downtown, and having fishing right outside the campground would be hard to beat.
đź“Ť Would we stay here again?
- Taos RV Resort: Yes, if you want full hookups and easy access to town.
- Pilar Campground: Our pick for next time because of the incredible river access and fishing.
The Best Birthday I Never Planned
My birthday started just like every woman dreams driving and doing laundry!
The kids kept laughing and asking, "Mom, why are you doing laundry on your birthday?"
It made me laugh too because that's just part of this season of life. Laundry is an event when you full time RV.
Mom life and RV life don't pause for birthdays, and honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way.
By the end of the day, though, we were checking off a bucket-list adventure.
We parked at John Dunn Bridge and hiked to Black Rock Hot Springs.
The trail is short but rocky, so I’d recommend hiking sandals or boots.
The hot spring sits around 96 degrees, while the Rio Grande is about 70 degrees, making it the perfect combination.
Yes, it’s a little muddy.
No, that shouldn’t stop you.
Watching the sunset from a natural hot spring beside the Rio Grande is something I’ll never forget.
One of the sweetest parts of the evening wasn’t even the scenery. We met a couple from Texas who spent time encouraging our daughter as she dreams of a career in criminal justice.
Sometimes God uses complete strangers to remind us He’s paying attention.
We ended my birthday with ice cream, full hearts, and one of my favorite birthdays yet.
Hiking the Rio Grande Gorge
The next morning we explored the West Rim Trail at the Rio Grande Gorge.
The towering cliffs reminded us of a smaller Grand Canyon, and the peaceful trail offered incredible views around every turn.
Along the way we spotted:
- A soaring hawk
- A baby rattlesnake
- A bright green lizard
We turned around after about two miles because the desert heat was setting in, but I will come back and finish it one day.
Where to Eat in Taos
One of the biggest surprises?
The food.
FarmHouse
This beautiful locally sourced restaurant is surrounded by flowers, ponds, and charming little shops.
Our favorites:
- Bison empanadas
- Clove-spiced tea
- Huevos rancheros
- Green chile burger
- Lasagna
It was absolutely worth the wait!
The Love Apple
We celebrated our 18th anniversary here, and it couldn’t have been more perfect.
Located inside a beautifully restored adobe church, this farm-to-table restaurant served one of our favorite meals of the trip.
We loved:
- Fried goat cheese salad
- Tamale
- Roasted duck
- Flan
By the end of dinner, we kept saying,
“I can’t believe how much we love New Mexico.”
Pilar Landing: A Local Discovery
A local fly shop pointed us toward Pilar Landing, and I’m so glad we listened.
The turquoise Rio Grande, mountain views, and endless fishing access made this one of our favorite places in New Mexico.
Brody caught a beautiful smallmouth bass while I found myself getting a little overheated.
So I prayed for rain.
About twenty minutes later…
the skies opened.
Some people call that coincidence.
I simply thanked God.
Bandera Volcano & Ice Cave
On our way toward Arizona, we stopped at Bandera Volcano & Ice Cave near Gallup.
We originally planned to stay through Harvest Hosts but decided to keep driving so we could meet family in Williams before dark.
Even so, we’d absolutely stay there next time.
The property is beautiful, the family running it is incredibly welcoming, and it would make a wonderful overnight stop.
Highlights:
- Walking across ancient lava fields
- Hiking around an extinct volcano
- Descending into a 31-degree ice cave
One Last Road Trip Tip
If you’re traveling west on I-40 toward Arizona…
Skip the crowded Love’s.
Drive a little farther to Laguna 66 Pit Stop.
Order the Laguna Burger with green chile and don’t skip the fries.
Trust me.
They rival In-N-Out.
*Keep an eye out for antelope and prairie dogs!
God Changed More Than Our Travel Plans
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” — Isaiah 43:19
When God spoke these words through Isaiah, He was promising His covenant people that after exile and hardship, He was bringing about a new work of redemption.
As I reflected on that promise, I realized something.
New Mexico didn’t change.
My perspective did.
Sometimes we rush through places because we’re focused on what’s next.
Sometimes we do the same with people.
Or opportunities.
Or seasons of life.
I’m grateful we were intentional.
Because somewhere between hot springs, canyon hikes, turquoise rivers, volcanoes, answered prayers, another birthday, and eighteen years of marriage...
God reminded me that some of His sweetest blessings are waiting in the places we almost overlook.
A Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the beauty of Your creation and for the way it points us back to You. Help us not to rush through the places or seasons You’ve given us.
Give us eyes to see Your goodness, even where we’ve failed to notice it before. May we trust that You are always at work, redeeming our perspective and drawing us closer to You with every mile of the journey.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences, feel free to leave a comment below.
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