Southwestern College Santa Fe, NM
There are many gems to be discovered in the summertime throughout New Mexico. The summer temperatures in lower elevation areas of New Mexico range from 80-100 degrees Fahrenheit. The higher elevation locations of NM reach the 70s in the peak of summer. These temperatures are perfect for shorts and tank tops with plenty of sunscreen! Even though this climate is dry, the monsoon hits between mid-June to end of September, so be prepared for rainy downpours. Have a sunhat, an umbrella, and waterproof shoes and you’ll be ready to have lots of fun this summer.
Near Santa Fe, there are many areas to hike along the Santa Fe River, which is flowing abundantly. Beautiful spots to see this flowing stream are Frenchy’s Park and further down to la Cienega.
Go up north to explore the Rio Grande River in White Rock on the Red Dot trail. Go up to Abiquiu Lake where the views are stunning and you can hike, camp or boat. Across the road from Abiquiu Lake is the Georgia O’Keeffe Ghost Ranch, with many amazing hikes and museums.
Journey north to Taos where you can enjoy the blooming lilacs the last two weeks of May. Near Taos on the rio, try white water rafting.
See the cute, indigenous black-tailed prairie dogs at the Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge in Cimarron, NM.
August 4-14th go to Gallup to experience the Gallup Intertribal Indian Ceremonial to learn more about Native American culture.
Wanting something in the southern half of the state? Check out Carlsbad Caverns during the day and stay until dusk to see the outflight of millions of Brazilian free-tail bats.
Celebrate the 73rd anniversary of the famous “Roswell Incident” at Roswell, NM’s UFO Festival over 4th of July weekend. While in Roswell go check out the Bottomless Lakes State Park to go swimming, fishing, and camping.
Stargaze at Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument. These ruins showcase the history of New Mexico’s clash of Spanish and Pueblo cultures.
Go for a lazy swim or cliff jump at Santa Rosa’s Blue Hole, also called Agua Negra Chiquita,
Surf on the snow-colored earth at White Sands National Park, where baby blue skies make contrast for stunning photography backdrops.
In the first weekend of August, go to the Elephant Butte Balloon Regatta to see hot air balloon boat relay races on the expansive body of water.
While near Elephant Butte Lake go over to Truth or Consequences, one of America’s most affordable spa towns, and soak in their natural hot springs.
Go to the Lavender in the Village Festival in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque July 22-23 to have a weekend of local vendors and outdoor fun. While in Albuquerque check out an Isotopes baseball game or a New Mexico United game.
Check out the Isleta Amphitheater on August 10th to see Post Malone, and again on August 22 to see Snoop Dog, Wiz Khalifa, and Too Short for great nights of mainstream music.
The above activities are but a sliver of possibilities to celebrate this summer in New Mexico. With endless outdoor camping, hiking, music, vendor, sport, spa, and art happenings, you can have each day from May to September packed with local fun!
Photo from: https://fineartamerica.com/featured/taos-lilacs-and-adobe-jeff-black.html
About the Moderator
Dru is a graduate of the SWC MA in Art Therapy/Counseling program. In her spare time, she serves as the Director of Enrollment Services at SWC and has a private practice. She is the proud guardian of two pups – Kioko and Suki and is a huge animal lover!
