Field Guide To The Sandia Mountains

A presentation of the most commonly encountered species of flora and fauna and ecological features found in New Mexico's Sandia Mountains.

This guide to fifty-seven hiking trails in New Mexico's Sandia Mountains includes twenty-five contour maps and one large four-color pull-out map on water-resistant paper.

Winner of the 2020 New Mexico-Arizona Book Award for Sports/Recreation This classic hiking guide to Albuquerque's Sandia Mountain is completely updated with color photographs, up-to-date trail descriptions, detailed maps, additional GPS data, and modified difficulty ratings for many of the featured hikes. This expanded edition also includes seven new trail descriptions, two dozen "Family Friendly" outings for hikers of all ages and abilities, and insightful "Safety First" considerations for moderate-to-difficult trails. The beautiful hikes described here, including round-trip distances, total about three hundred miles. Individual entries detail the length, elevation gain, and degree of difficulty for each trail. The author also provides detailed directions to trailheads and describes the trail terrain, scenic viewpoints, vegetation, and neighboring trails. Twenty-six contour maps of the trails throughout the Sandias are included in the interior. Additionally, a stand-alone, water-resistant, color map of the mountain trail system has been updated to accompany the hiking guide.

Despite their seemingly impenetrable western facade, the Sandia Mountains of central New Mexico have been home to humankind for millennia. Ancient cultures ventured into these peaks for the creeks, game, and shelter. The Spanish established protective outposts along the canyons and intermarried with local tribes. Civil War soldiers passed through en route to their infamous battle at Glorieta Pass. Navajos marched around the mountains' southern end after the confinement that ended their Long Walk. Anglo settlers cleared the hilly land and built cabins. And tuberculosis patients moved up into primitive resorts, hoping that the mountains' abundant sunshine and fresh air would help them heal. Today the tiny resorts and traditional hamlets of the Sandias are established villages and communitiesAa-Carnuel, Tijeras, San Antonio, Cedar Crest, Sandia Park, San Antonito, Placitas, and othersAa-and the rough dirt roads that once saw the passing of ox carts are highways and even an interstate. The area's history lives on, however, in crumbling adobe walls, bits of rust, fading memories, and in this photographic retrospective.

Experience the art installations, adobe pueblos, and rugged high desert trails of the Land of Enchantment. Inside Moon Santa Fe, Taos & Albuquerque you'll find: Flexible itineraries for art-lovers, outdoors enthusiasts, families, and more, including weekend getaways to each of the three cities Year-round outdoor adventures: Race down the slopes of Taos Ski Valley or mountain bike through stands of piñon and juniper near Santa Fe. Hike through thick alpine forests, raft the wild rapids of the Rio Grande Gorge, or capture the best view in New Mexico from a hot air balloon. Wander around the archeological sites and cave apartments of Bandelier National Monument, spot elk in Valles Caldera National Preserve, or trek alongside ancient rock carvings at Petroglyph National Monument Top experiences and unique activities: Mingle with local artists in the vibrant galleries of Santa Fe, visit Georgia O'Keefe's studio at Ghost Ranch, and experience peak relaxation at a world-class spa. Observe a traditional dance ceremony at a pueblo, admire handmade art and jewelry at the Santa Fe Indian Market, and learn about Native American history at one of the region's many cultural museums Tastes of the Southwest: Dive into traditional New Mexican dishes drenched in spicy red and green chile sauces or indulge in a juicy green chile cheeseburger. Sip on a sunset margarita at a mellow open-air bar or taste local spirits in a trendy cocktail lounge. Take a culinary tour of Santa Fe's growing food truck scene or explore Albuquerque's lively beer culture Expert insight from Santa Fe local Steven Horak Helpful resources on COVID-19 and traveling in New Mexico Vibrant full-color photos and detailed maps throughout Background information on the landscape, wildlife, climate, and local culture With Moon Santa Fe, Taos & Albuquerque's practical tips and local insight, you can experience the best of New Mexico. Exploring more of the Southwest? Try Moon Phoenix, Scottsdale & Sedona or Moon Southwest Road Trip. Hitting the parks? Try Moon Grand Canyon or Moon Zion & Bryce. About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you. For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.

A guide to finding and observing 420 species of North American mammals, including the art of mammal watching, the best locations, and a species-finding guide. To see a fog shrew, should a mammal watcher go to Muir Woods National Monument? If a family is planning to visit Yellowstone National Park, what animals can they expect to show their children? When should a photographer visit to get a shot of a gray fox? A finder's guide (rather than an identification guide), this book tells people interested in observing mammals how to look, where to go, and what they are likely to find there. The bulk of the book is made up of two sections: the first includes regions of North America, highlighting the best places to look for mammals. The second section's accounts of each of the more than four hundred species of mammals covered include detailed directions to specific parks, refuges, and other locations; the best times of day (or night) to look; and much more information specific to each mammal.

From hiking sandstone canyons to chowing down on southwestern cuisine, fall under the spell of the Land of Enchantment with Moon New Mexico. Inside you'll find: Strategic, flexible itineraries with ideas for art lovers, outdoor adventurers, history buffs, and more Top experiences and unique activities: Wander through a ghost-town graveyard, count the bullet holes in the ceilings of preserved 19th-century saloons, or visit the birthplace of the atomic bomb. Soar through New Mexico's clear blue sky on a colorful hot air balloon. Spark inspiration and delight in the spirited art scene of Santa Fe, or seek an extraterrestrial experience at the International UFO Museum & Research Center in Roswell Savor the flavors: Dig into traditional local cuisine, like red sauce-smothered enchiladas, tender carne adovada, and hearty posole. Indulge in juicy green-chile cheeseburgers or opt for something lighter from one of New Mexico's many organic farm-to-table restaurants Outdoor adventures: Go deep on a trek into the mesmerizing underground world of Carlsbad Caverns or venture off-trail in the De-Na-Zin Wilderness to view stunning hoodoos. Raft from surging waters to gentle currents on the Rio Grande or explore the wavelike gypsum dunes of White Sands National Monument Ways to respectfully engage with native cultures: Attend a dance ceremony or a powwow, tour a pueblo, or peruse handmade goods at a market Local insight from Santa Fe dweller Steven Horak on when to go, where to stay, and how to get around Full-color, vibrant photos and detailed maps throughout Thorough background on the landscape, wildlife, climate, and local culture, plus advice for families, seniors, international visitors, and LGBTQ+ travelers Focused coverage of Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Taos, Navajo Nation, Las Cruces, Carlsbad, and more With Moon New Mexico's practical tips and local know-how, you can find your adventure. Exploring more of the Southwest? Try Moon Arizona & the Grand Canyon or Moon Zion & Bryce. Hitting the road? Try Moon Southwest Road Trip.

New Mexico native Zora O'Neill shares her appreciation for the Land of Enchantment in this full-color guide, from exploring the Acoma Pueblo—a 12th-century Native American settlement built upon a 367-foot mesa—to hitting the slopes at Taos Ski Valley. O'Neill offers a variety of trip strategies accompanied by vibrant photos and helpful maps, such as Weekend Getaways, American Indian Heritage, and Not Just Hot Tamales—a guide to sampling the tastiest examples of the region's distinctive cuisine. Full of tips on hiking aspen-covered mountainsides, wandering among crumbling Franciscan churches, and checking out the area's thriving art scene, Moon Santa Fe, Taos, & Albuquerque gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.