Blast From The Past
By L.A. Shively
For the Journal
The thought of seeing ferocious dinosaurs in action may prompt a trip to Grants by itself, but several other attractions in the area could cause you to stay longer than you had planned.
Ice Cave, Bandera Volcano
Experience an environmental contrast by visiting the Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano.
 |
L.A. Shively/For the Journal |
A bad-mannered robotic Utahraptor noisily eats a Sauropod in a Dinamation exhibit at the Grants museum.
|
Situated on the Continental Divide, "The Land of Fire and Ice" features a trek through lava trails with twisted, old-growth juniper, fir and ponderosa pines to the Ice Cave.
Known to the Pueblo Indians as the Winter Lake, the temperature in the cave never rises above 31 degrees Farenheit. The ice floor is approximately 20 feet thick and tinted green with an Arctic algae.
Another trail leads to the Bandera Volcano, which is approximately 1,200 feet wide at the top, 800 feet in depth and one of the largest and most accessible cinder cones in the country.
After the hike, relax in the historic Ice Cave Trading Post. Originally a dance hall, the trading post now offers guests a place to have lunch, view ancient artifacts found in the lava and purchase jewelry, pottery, rugs and other art of area Pueblo Indians.
Trails are open every day at 8 a.m. and close one hour before sunset. Admission is $7 for teens and adults, $3.50 for children ages 5 to 12, and free for children under 5 years.
Motor tours also are available at $12 for teens and adults and $5 for children ages 5-12. Children under 5 year are free.
Located on N.M. 53, take exit 81 from Interstate 40 and follow the signs. Phone (888) ICE-CAVE, or visit online at www.icecaves.com.
Acoma Pueblo
Known as Sky City, the pueblo is the oldest, continuously inhabited city in North America.
Sitting high atop a 7,000-foot mesa, Acoma is home to the historic San Estevan del Rey Mission Church.
Both the mission and the pueblo are National Historic Landmarks. Walking tours are available daily with a guide. Pottery, jewelry and edible items are offered for sale by residents.
The annual San Estevan Feast Day occurs in September.
Acoma is located 12 miles off Interstate 40 east of Grants. Phone (800) 747-0181 for hours, fees and information.
Laguna Pueblo
Founded in 1699, part of the attraction for settlers was the spectacular views and natural beauty that remains today.
Laguna Pueblo consists of six villages, Encinai, Laguna, Mesita, Paguate, Paraje and Seama.
The pueblo's centerpiece, San Jose de Laguna Mission Church, sits on a hill and can be seen from I-40. Visitors are invited to stop at Casa Blanca Village, a shopping center off I-40 featuring a supermarket and shops where Laguna arts and crafts can be purchased.
Fishing permits for Paguate Reservoir are available at the Laguna Wildlife Conservation Office.
Laguna Pueblo is located 46 miles west of Albuquerque along I-40. Phone 552-6654 for information.
N.M. Museum of Mining
Explore the only underground uranium mining museum in the world.
The unique tour allows the visitors to see, touch and feel a world where thousands of men and women worked to bring uranium ore to the surface.
The museum also houses an excellent collection of pottery, baskets, minerals and gems.
It is located at 100 N. Iron Ave. in Grants, and admission is $2 for children ages 7 to 18, $3 for adults, $2 for seniors over age 60, and free for children 6 years and under. Call (800) 748-2142 for information or visit online at www.grants.org
El Morro National Monument
The ruins atop the mesa were thought to be one of the "Seven Cities of Gold."
Petroglyphs carved by ancient Indian people date from between A.D. 1000 and 1400.
Spanish conquistadors and other travelers also left messages on the famous "Inscription Rock."
A catchment located at the base of the monument was the only source of water for miles for Native peoples, explorers and travelers alike.
It is located on N.M. 53. Call the Grants Chamber of Commerce for information at (800) 748-2142, ext. 32, or visit online at www.grants.org
El Malpais National Conservation Area
One of New Mexico's largest and most beautiful natural arches, La Ventana, is located here.
Explore 126,000 acres of "Frozen Fire" containing incredible lava and sandstone formations and surreal ice caves.
El Malpais is also home to eagles, deer, elk and antelope.
One can hike for miles in solitude or sit in the surrounding pristine beauty with only your thoughts for company. But wear appropriate hiking boots, because the volcanic terrain is very rough.
It's located south of I-40 off exit 117. Call the Grants Chamber of Commerce for information at (800) 748-2142, ext. 32, or visit online at www.grants.org.
E-mail Story
Print Friendly