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![Gay New Mexico](gnm-banner.gif)
Travel GuideNew Mexico is a wonderful
place to visit at any time of the year. The northern part of the state is relatively
mountainous and is semi arid. As you travel south and east the state becomes drier and
flatter. Yet many people are surprised to learn of the numerous ski resorts located in
Taos, Santa Fe, and Los Alamos. Indian reservations are scattered through out the state.
Politically the northern half of the state is liberal while the sourthern half tends to be
conservative.
The Airport that serves most of the state is the
Albuquerque International Airport located surprisingly enough in Albuquerque, the state's
largest city. The baggage claim is through the metal detectors and down two flights of
escalators. Signs at the bottom of the escalator will direct you to the right or left
depending on which airline you arrived. The car rental booths and hotel shuttle
information are located on the baggage claim level. If you are travelling to Santa Fe and
wish to take a shuttle, The Shuttle Jack will drop you off at most any hotel in Santa Fe
for $20.00 US.
If you are driving from the airport follow these directions to reach I-25, the major
north/south freeway in the state. Exit the airport and drive to the Gibson Blvd light
(about the third one). Turn left and drive about 1 mile to the interstate. Join the
freeway to the right to go north or to reach I-40, the major east/west freeway in the
state. To go to the south turn left and enter I-25.
The Highways of New Mexico are in fairly good shape.
The highways in the southern and eastern parts of the state tend to be the least well
maintained. The main north/south 4 lane freeway is I-25 and is generally passable at all
times of the year. Exercise caution north of Santa Fe in the winter months. The main
east/west 4 lane freeway is I-40 which is always passable except for very rare winter
days. The speed limit on both interstates ranges from 75 to 55 (in Albuquerque).
If you are interested in scenery I would recommend avoiding the interstates. Any good
quality road map will indicate the more scenic routes.
The Weather is semi-arid and temperate.
Temperature
As a general rule the northern part of the state is much cooler than the south. The
Rocky Mountains come down from Colorado as far south as Santa Fe. That whole region is
peppered with ski basins. The south western corner of the state (around Silver City) is
mountainous and can be cool as well. Yet it is a cold day in northern New Mexico when the
temperatures dip into the teens. Highs in the summer reach 80 in the far north, 85 in
Santa Fe, 90 in Albuquerque, and 95 in Las Cruces in the far south. However, the air is so
dry your body can cool itself pretty effectively - just drink lots of water! Whenever you
come bring at least a light jacket. The wind on even a warm day can chill the body.
Precipitation
New Mexico averages 315 sunny days per year so rain is seldom a concern except in
the north in the months of March, April and May.
Altitude
Well this isn't techically weather but... Some areas of New Mexico are quite high.
Santa Fe is at 7,000 feet. It is the highest state capitol in the country - much higher
than Denver. Take your time and breathe regularly if you are accustomed to sea level.
Since you are higher the sun will be more intense and can burn skin more quickly than at
sea level.
GLBT Visitor's Links for New Mexico Info
Places
to stay
Albuquerque, Santa Fe & Los Alamos, and Taos
In these listings I have primarily confined myself to listing
gay owned accommodations. When that is not the case I have made explicit mention of it.
This list not complete.
Albuquerque
- Brittania and W.E. Mauger Estate - A romantic 1897
Victorian Bed and Breakfast. Eight Elegant suites with private baths, antique furnishings.
tea/coffee facilities, gourmet breakfasts, sweet, unlimited beverages, and afternoon
snacks. Special Romance packages available. (505) 242-8755. Great downtown/Old Town
location.
- The
Golden Guest House
- The Casitas at Old Town - Suites with kitchens
furnished in the New Mexican Style in restored abode compound. Fireplace, private patios,
off-street parking. At Old Town with its museums and shopping. Extremely private. (505)
843-7479
- The Rainbow Lodge Bed & Breakfast - Conveniently
located between Albuquerque and Santa Fe off the historic Turquoise Trail in the shadow of
Sandia Mountain. Luxurious suites with private baths, TVs, VCRs, fireplaces, great food,
first class service, a relaxing hot tub and fantastic views of three mountain ranges are
all part of the magic you'll experience! The perfect location for meetings, planning
retreats, weddings and commitment ceremonies. Winter discounts and gift certificate
available. (505) 281-7100
- Cedar Crest
Lodge - cdrldg@nmia.com, (505) 281-6404
- Tara (cotta) - Private guest house, charming and
casual, non smoking suite with cable, video, and amenities available to gay men and women;
single or double. (505) 344-9443
Santa Fe & Los Alamos
- The Triangle
Inn - Escape to a fabulous abode compound - private casitas, fireplaces, jacuzzi,
skiing, winter specials. Discounts for New Mexicans! Internationally acclaimed
...exclusively lesbian and gay. (505) 455-3375 TriangleSF@aol.com
- Inn of the Turquiose
Bear - The Inn of the Turquoise Bear, in downtown Santa Fe, is a gay-oriented bed
& breakfast. Located in the Witter Bynner Estate the Inn is Santa Fe's B&B for gay
visitors. 505-983-0798 or 800-396-4104 505-988-4225 (fax) email: bluebear@roadrunner.com
- The Hummingbird Ranch - for hummingbirds, horses and
humans. Two beautiful and private Casitas available daily, weekly, or monthly. Six miles
from the Santa Fe Plaza. Call ahead for our "Quiet Time Specials." Pets
considered. (505) 471-2921
- Saltamontes - Grasshopper Hill - Retreat
lodging for artists, writers and explorers located on the Mora-Taos Hwy 581 Loop in Pecos
just 26 miles from Santa Fe. The retreat boarders Santa Fe National Forest with mountain
views of Pecos and Santa Fe Baldy. Hot tub under the stars. There are three rooms all with
communal kitchen and bath. Affordable rates ($37.50 sgl to $55.00 dbl./night). Pamela
Canyon Rivers, Proprietor (505) 757-2528
Taos
- The Ruby Slipper - bed and breakfast Wonderful
accommodations. Hot Tub, privacy, fabulous breakfast! (505) 758-0613
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