10 New Mexico places to check off your bucket list in 2024
Balloons light up the sunset during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Saturday evening Oct. 14, 2023.
(Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal)
Elizabeth Tucker Elizabeth TuckerElizabeth Tucker Journal Staff Writer
PublishedModified
If traveling more was one of your list of 2024 goals, then New Mexico definitely has places to put on your itinerary.
The Land of Enchantment has a diverse landscape and rich history. Visitors can see where the atomic bomb was developed, go scuba diving, ride in a hot air balloon, pray at a famed sacred site or examine the ruins of ancient Pueblos.
According to the National Park Service website, there are 15 national parks in New Mexico that host more than 2 million visitors.
Not sure where to start planning your trip? Here are 10 suggestions:
Located in southern New Mexico in the Tularosa Basin, this gypsum dune field is the largest in the world, covering 275 square miles of desert. The park has been the backdrop to many movies over the years. While snow is rare in the area, many children bring their sleds to White Sands and slide down the dunes for an experience similar to snow sledding. The park also has walking tours, exhibits in the visitor center and a junior ranger program. On the dunes, there are restrooms, but no running water, so pack accordingly. Pets are welcome in the park.
The White Sands environs are also home to a missile range and Trinity Site, where the atomic bomb was tested, which is only open twice a year.
LOCATION: The park is located off U.S. 70 between at mile markers 199 and 200. The closest cities are Alamogordo, which is roughly 15 minutes away, and Las Cruces, which is about an hour away.
HOURS: Gates always open at 7 a.m., closing hours change with the seasons, closed on Christmas
COST: $25 - private vehicle (Entry fees are valid for reentry for seven consecutive days from date of purchase)
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$15 - per person, individuals who enter the park walking or cycling (Entry fees are valid for reentry for seven consecutive days from date of purchase)
$20 - motorcycle (Entry fees are valid for reentry for seven consecutive days from date of purchase)
$45 - Annual entrance pass. This pass admits the pass holder plus three more people in a private vehicle for the period of one year from the month of purchase.
FREE DAYS: Monday Jan. 16, Martin Luther King Jr's birthday; Saturday, April 22, First Day of National Park Week; Friday, Aug. 4, The Great American Outdoors Act; Saturday, Sept. 23, National Public Lands Day; Saturday, Nov. 11 — Veterans Day
Carlsbad Caverns is an underground system of more than 119 caves, which formed when sulfuric acid dissolved limestone, leaving behind the caverns. The park recommends wearing closed-toed shoes with good traction, as some areas of the cave are wet from natural water drips and steep. Each evening from late-May through October, there is a ranger program about the Brazilian free-tailed bats living in the caverns that fly out at night. To protect the bats, electronic devices are not allowed, this includes cameras, laptop, cellphones, iPads, iPods, tablets and MP3 players.
LOCATION: 727 Carlsbad Caverns Highway, Carlsbad
The park's website recommends reserving tickets online before arriving at the park.
Tickets are based on a timed entry reservation.
COST: $15 – ages 16 and up
Free – 15 and under
Free – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes
The Pueblo is designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. It has been perpetually inhabited for more than 1,000 years. Many of the mud-brick buildings were likely built between A.D. 1000 and 1450, and are continuously maintained.
When the Spaniards first came to the area in 1540, they believed the Pueblo was one of the famed golden cities of Cibola.
Taos also offers a Ski Valley and the town offers shopping, museums, art galleries and workshops throughout the year.
Blue Hole is one of seven sister lakes connected by an underground water system. This unique watering hole fills with 3,000 gallons of water every minute from the natural flow. The hole is bell-shaped and is 80 feet across and 130 feet deep. The water is so clear, you can see all the way to the bottom. This is a popular scuba diving spot, and permits can be purchased on-site.
If you've never been scuba diving and are curious to try it, the on-site diving center offers equipment rentals and training for beginners.
Visitors are also welcome to swim in the hole and the water stays a constant 62 degrees Fahrenheit, perfect for a dip on a hot summer's day.
Roswell is best known for its connection with aliens. UFOs abound; even the McDonald's here is shaped like a flying saucer.
The UFO Museum and Research Center in the southeastern city is well-known for providing the public with information on all aspects of the phenomena, including the Roswell Incident, crop circles, UFO sightings, Area 51, ancient astronauts and abductions.
Los Alamos National Laboratory offered scientists the secluded base of operations needed to complete the first atomic bomb during World War II. The site is built on the rural Pajarito Plateau, with canyons cutting through the surrounding landscape, while still being close to Santa Fe . Los Alamos is one of three communities designated as part of the Manhattan Project. The other two are in Hanford, Washington, and Oak Ridge, Tennessee. All are designated as American World War II Heritage Cities.
The town is located roughly 35 miles from Santa Fe and 100 miles from Albuquerque.
LOCATION: Visitor Center, 475 20th Street, Los Alamos
HOURS: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday-Monday; Closed Tuesday-Thursday, The visitor center operates with the support of volunteers, hours are subject to change.
COST: Free
10 historical pictures from Los Alamos and Manhattan Project
Manhattan Project employees work on the Gadget in southern New Mexico.
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The Calutron Girls separated uranium at Y-12 in Oak Ridge without knowing what they were working on.
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A checkpoint to the Manhattan Project in Los Alamos.
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The main gate at Los Alamos National Laboratory during the atomic bomb era.
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A street scene in Los Alamos during the Manhattan Project.
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Houses along Bathtub Row in Los Alamos were the only ones with bathtubs during the Manhattan Project.
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Physicist and Navy commander Norris Bradbury, led assembly of the non-nuclear parts of the Trinity
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The White House Millenium Council has earmarked $700,000 to save the last remnant buildings of the Manhattan Project to create the A-bomb. This factory for molding and machining high explosives was built at S Site in the early 1940s to withstand accidental explosions but today is falling apart.
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Plutonium pits are cast at Los Alamos National Laboratory LANL in 2011 completed the manufacture of the 29th war-reserve-quality plutonium pit for the W88 warhead, as part of the U.S. Stockpile Stewardship Program. The W88 is the backbone of the nation's submarine deterrent force.
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Officials from the National Parks Service, the Department of Energy and Los Alamos take a tour of the Oppenheimer House in Los Alamos, Tuesday June 2, 2015. This sculpture of the scientist and LANL director during the Manhattan Project is on the hearth.
This hike is a moderately strenuous one-mile-round-trip hike that leads through the ancient dwellings. The Mogollon culture made it its home in the late 1200s, but by about 1300, the southern ancestral people had moved on. The surrounding forest is 3.3 million acres, the largest outside of Alaska, and features three federally designated wilderness areas. The landscape varies from mesas to mountains and canyons formed by volcanic activity in the area over millions of years.
The forest is home to a variety of animals with 84 different species of mammals, more than 300 species of birds, 44 species of reptiles, 11 species of amphibians and 30 species of fish.
LOCATION: Gila National Forest
HOURS: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily; Closed for New Year's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas
Chaco Culture National Historical Park is a certified International Dark Sky Park, only the fourth national park to earn this distinction. The night skies at the park are the same as the Chacoans looked up to thousands of years ago. The park has an online exhibit of the historic artifacts discovered at the historic site, which was continuously occupied for 10,000 years.
Chaco hosts several campgrounds for tent camping and RVs; however, there are no hookups for RVs and generators may only be operated during certain hours.
GETTING THERE: The canyon sits in northwestern New Mexico and can only be accessed by driving on dirt roads, through private tribal lands. The NPS website recommends following its directions rather than maps or GPS services, which sometimes direct drivers to unsafe or private roads.
NPS Directions:
From the north, turn off U.S. 550 at CR 7900–three miles southeast of Nageezi and approximately 50 miles west of Cuba (at mile 112.5). This route is clearly signed from U.S. 550 to the park boundary (21 miles). The route includes eight miles of paved road (CR 7900 & CR7950) and 13 miles of rough dirt road (CR7950). The 4½ miles before entering the park are very rough.
From the south, two routes access Chaco from Highway 9, which runs between Crownpoint, Pueblo Pintado and Cuba. Both routes can vary from very rough to impassable. Not recommended for RVs. If you are traveling from the south, call ahead for the latest conditions.
Via Hwy 57(Hwy 14 on some maps): This turnoff is located on Highway 9, 13 miles east of Highway 371, at the former Seven Lakes Trading Post. (20 miles of dirt). Note that the signs directing you to turn off of Hwy 371 onto Highway 9 are missing.
Via Pueblo Pintado: At the community of Pueblo Pintado, turn north on Navajo 46 for 10 miles (rough dirt). Turn left on County Road 7900 for seven miles (some rough dirt). Turn left on County Road 7950, and follow the signs 16 miles to the park entrance (three miles paved and 13 of rough dirt road).
The northern and southern routes include 13, 20 and 33 miles of dirt roads, respectively. These sections of road are infrequently maintained, and they can become impassable during inclement weather. If you have an RV and are not planning on camping in the park, you may want to leave the RV and drive a car into the park. Call the park at 505-786-7014 for current road conditions.
COST: Camping: $20 per night. Interagency, Senior and Access pass holders pay $10 per site, per night.
Entrance Fee: Cashless entry — only credit and debit cards will be accepted for payment.
$25 - private vehicle (Entry fees are valid for reentry for seven consecutive days from date of purchase)
$15 - per person, individuals who enter the park walking or cycling (Entry fees are valid for reentry for seven consecutive days from date of purchase)
$20 - motorcycle (Entry fees are valid for reentry for seven consecutive days from date of purchase)
FREE DAYS: Monday Jan. 16, Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday; Saturday, April 22, First Day of National Park Week; Friday, Aug. 4, The Great American Outdoors Act; Saturday, Sept. 23, National Public Lands Day; Saturday, Nov. 11–Veterans Day
Named one of the most "holy places on Earth," this 211-year-old Roman Catholic Church is home to "Holy Dirt" said to heal wounds. Every year, thousands of pilgrims come from around the state, other states or even out of the country, and trek to the church on Good Friday to celebrate Easter Sunday. Some of the trekkers start in nearby cities such as Santa Fe, Nambe or Albuquerque — a two-night walk — or bear wooden crosses on their journey.
The church is a National Historic Landmark, and is considered "one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage centers in the United States," according to the National Parks Service website.
Lasting nine days, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta welcomes pilots and visitors from all over the world to celebrate the art of ballooning.
Throughout the week there are special events including gas balloons, competitions and a special shapes rodeo when the sky is filled with all the famous shapes such as Airabelle the Creamland Cow, the Elvis balloon and Ham-let the Pig, to name a few.
The event has two sessions a day: a morning mass ascension, and an evening balloon glow.
During the morning ascension, the field is filled with balloons taking off to slowly fill the sky with bright colors gliding gently over the Sandia Mountains.
During the evening glow, the balloons stay on the ground and light their burners, creating a beautiful twinkle contrasting against the evening's darkening skies.
All the sessions are dependent on the weather. Rain and winds can sometimes ground balloons, but if your session is canceled, your ticket will be good for another session.
Some people enjoy camping or staying in their RV near the field so they can enjoy the balloons every morning. The registration for camp and RV sites opens in April and is filled on a first come, first served basis.
LOCATION: Albuquerque
COST: $15 per session; children 12 and under are free. Online at balloonfiesta.com for a service fee of $1.50 per ticket. One session is all morning activities or all evening activities.
Arrival and Parking: The park is located in north Albuquerque, west of Interstate 25, and about 12 miles north of the Albuquerque International Sunport via I-25. Visitors are advised to retain their tickets for readmission in case a session is canceled. Refunds are not given. There are about 10,000 parking spaces in parking lots immediately adjacent to Balloon Fiesta Park.
Bike Valet: Free with the price of admission
Park and Ride: Park and ride tickets must be purchased online at balloonfiesta.com/park-ride. The cost is $15, which includes submission to the park.
These are the Journal's 100 favorite photos from 2023 Balloon Fiesta
Yucca plants grow on the dunes of White Sands National Monument outside of Alamogordo, which was one of New Mexico’s highest-growing city’s in 2023, according to a U-Haul report.GREG SORBER
Dune climbers footprints are highlighted by the sun at White Sands National Monument.Richard Pipes
With sleds in hand, Mark Heltman, 9, and his father Greg Heltman, both of Albuquerque, climb a dune at the White Sands National Monument in a 2007 file photo.Greg Sorber
A lone hiker strikes out across the dunes of White Sands National Monument, with the San Andres Mountains in the background.Richard Pipes
A group of soldiers walk past water misters placed along the Bataan March course to keep them cool Sunday April 14, 2002 at White Sands Missile Range. More than 4000 runners and walkers joined March survivors to commemorate the 60th Anniversary on April 14, 2002.ADOLPHE PIERRE-LOUIS
Ripples of gypsum sand caused by high winds at White Sands National Monument.Richard Pipes
With sleds in hand, Mark Heltman, 9, and his father Greg Heltman, both of Albuquerque, climb a dune at the White Sands National Monument on Thursday, August 23, 2007GREG SORBER
Balloons at the White Sands National Monument near Alamogordo, N.M., on Saturday morning, Sept. 19, 2009, during the 18th annual White Sands Balloon Invitational.Rene Romo
Pods on a yucca plant bend in the wind at White Sands National Monument.Richard Pipes
Slaughter Canyon parking area near the New Cave.Journal File courtesy of the National Parks Service
Chinese Wall in New CaveJournal File courtesy of the National Parks Service
Explorer Observes Wonder of New Bifrost RoomJournal File
Park Ranger Bill Van Cott talks to visitors to "New Cave" about the historical background of the area.Journal File
The Big RoomJournal File courtesy of the National Parks Service
Late 1950sJournal File courtesy of the National Parks Service
Journal File courtesy of the National Parks Service
The MonarchJournal File courtesy of the National Parks Service
Visitors on the trail to the new cave.Journal File courtesy of the National Parks Service
Journal File
The Christmas TreeJournal File
The Mushroom in the New CaveJournal File courtesy of the National Parks Service
Visitors at the entrance to the New CaveJournal File courtesy of the National Parks Service
Totem Pole in the New CaveJournal File courtesy of the National Parks Service
One of the rooms in Carlsbad Caverns, lit up for visitors to see the formations.PAUL BEARCE
A pair of visitors gaze at one of nature's sculptures in Carlsbad Caverns National Park over the Labor Day holiday.PAUL BEARCE
-A ranger, cloaked by the dark, shines her flashlight, lower right, onto a boulder, lower left, where bat guano miners scorched it to leave black marks so they could find their way out of Carlsbad Caverns, early last century. The ranger was leading a group of 75 people on the King's Palace guided tour, a one mile tour that travels through four chambers: King's Palace, Papoose Room, Queen's Chamber and Green Lake Room in Carlsbad Caverns.Jake Schoellkopf
President Barack Obama and his family toured Carlsbad Caverns on Friday, June 17, 2016. Here, he fists bumps 10-year-old May London in the gift shop before leaving Carlsbad.Roberto E. Rosales
Massive formations can be found in the Big Room at Carlsbad Caverns National Park.Susan Montoya Bryan
Susan Bryan Montoya/Associated press The Big Room at Carlsbad Caverns National Park includes a 1 1/4-mile trail that takes about 90 minutes to complete.agomez@abqjournal.comFri Aug 07 13:02:56 -0600 2020 1596826975 FILENAME: 1799874.jpgAlbuquerque Journal
Courtesy of National Park Service The Big Room at Carlsbad Caverns National Park contains various formations like stalagmites and stalactites, columns, flowstone, travertine and cave popcorn. Courtesy National Park Serviceagomez@abqjournal.comFri Aug 07 13:02:56 -0600 2020 1596826975 FILENAME: 1799875.jpgAlbuquerque Journal
Susan Bryan Montoya/Associated press In the COVID-19, the only access to Carlsbad Caverns is via the 1 -mile, winding Natural Entrance Trail.agomez@abqjournal.comFri Aug 07 13:02:57 -0600 2020 1596826975 FILENAME: 1799877.jpgAlbuquerque Journal
Susan Bryan Montoya/Associated press Massive formations can be found in the Big Room at Carlsbad Caverns National Park.agomez@abqjournal.comFri Aug 07 13:02:55 -0600 2020 1596826975 FILENAME: 1799873.jpgAlbuquerque Journal
The Taos Pueblo has between 120 to 128 buffalo on 300 acres of pastureland for them to graze onJournal File
Taos Pueblo Gov. Ruben Romero center, holds a glass vase created by Isleta glass artist Tony Jojola. Tribal leaders, Lt. Gov. Frank Marcus left and Secretary Richard Deertrack right, are hoping a new glassblowing facility being build on the pueblo will not only create a new industry for the tribe but will also help Indian youths reconnect with their culture. Oct. 1998Journal File
People have lived in the adobe homes of Taos Pueblo for more than 1,000 years.Journal File
Dancer at the Taos Pueblo Pow-Wow on Saturday which also was the precursor of the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Return of Blue Lake, sacred to the Taos Pueblo. July 2010Journal File
Representative Bill Richardson speaks to members of Taos Pueblo celebrating the return to the tribe of The Bottleneck Tract of land.JANE BERNARD
Taos PuebloJournal file
The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge and area around it is part of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.Eddie Moore
Mark Sundin, left, and Steve Henke look at the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge June 11, 1997Journal File
Rio Grande Gorge BridgeJournal File
Under water archaeologist Adriane Askins tests her new dry suit in the Blue Hole in Santa Rosa. April 1996Journal File
Chaves county deputy sheriff Kyle Bayless exits Blue Hole after a dive to operate a large suction hose to suck debris from the bottom of Blue Hole Lake at Santa Rosa. Feb. 2003Journal File
Visitors dive into crystal clear waters of Blue Hole, just off the highway in Santa Rosa.Courtesy of the New Mexico Tourism Department
A sign welcomes visitors to RoswellJournal File
The International UFO Museum Research Center in RoswellJournal File
Dana Lenko, a native of Melbourne, Australia who lives in Austin, Texas, sports alien antennas while visiting the International UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell. June 2017Journal File
Danielle Childers, of Nashville, Tennessee, visits Alien Zone in Roswell. June 2017Journal File
Visitors tour the International UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell. June 2017Journal File
A large variety of UFO-related items on sale at Roswell Landing, a store in RoswellJournal File
An early evening monsoon storm over the plains of eastern New Mexico just east of RoswellJournal File
Bottomless Lakes State Park, about 15 miles southeast of Roswell, is a popular destination for campers and swimmers in the summertime. New Mexico has 35 state parks, where camping and boat registration fees have not been raised in decades.Courtesy of New Mexico Tourism Department
(Courtesy of The National Museum Of Nuclear Science & History)
(Courtesy of The National Museum Of Nuclear Science & History)
A checkpoint to the Manhattan Project in Los Alamos.
(Courtesy of Los Alamos National Laboratory)
(Courtesy of The Los Alamos National Laboratory)
Houses along Bathtub Row in Los Alamos were the only ones with bathtubs during the Manhattan Project.(Courtesy of The National Park Service)
COURTESY LANL
Courtesy of LANL
Officials from the National Parks Service, the Department of Energy and Los Alamos take a tour of the Oppenheimer House in Los Alamos, Tuesday June 2, 2015. This sculpture of the scientist and LANL director during the Manhattan Project is on the hearth.Journal File
The Gila Cliff Dwellings in Southern New Mexico.Journal File
The Gila Cliff Dwellings in Southern New Mexico.Journal File
An old-growth ponderosa pine is used by birds and other small animals in the Gila National Forest.Journal File
Richard Tyrrell, emerges from the wilderness after a four-day trail ride through Gila National Forest. Tyrell is part of a two-party eight-person expedition from Mexico to Canada, traveling only on public land to promote its use. Aug. 2002Journal File
A waterfall on the west side of Mogollon Creek in the Gila National Forest. About 40% of the crews that oversee the 3.3 million-acre forest in southern New Mexico were laid off, says a former field lead for a trail crew.Courtesy of U.S. Forest Service, Gila National Forest
Visitors view the Gila Cliff Dwellings near Silver City.Courtesy of the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
The Gila National ForestJournal File
Cattle graze on the Gila National ForestJournal File
The Gila River flowing through the Gila National Forest near Cliff.Journal File
The the great kica at Chetro Ketl in the Chaco Culture National Historical Park(Eddie Moore
Paul and Jan Patton, from North Platte, Nebraska, walk through the ruins of Chetro Ketl at the Chaco Culture National Historical ParkEddie Moore
Visitors walk through Pueblo Bonito at the Chaco Culture National Historical ParkEddie Moore
Fajado Butte in the Chaco Culture National Historical ParkEddie Moore
The Pueblo del Arroyo in the Chaco Culture National Historical ParkEddie Moore
Petroglyphs at the Chaco Culture National Historical ParkEddie Moore
A herd of elk in the Chaco Culture National Historical ParkEddie Moore
Fajada Butte greets visitors at sunrise to the entrance of Chaco Culture National Historical ParkRichard Pipes
A view of the Santuario de Chimayo in Chimayo, N.M. photographed Monday Dec. 31, 2012.PAT VASQUEZ-CUNNINGHAM
Pilgrims make their way towards the Santuario de Chimayo at daybreak Friday morning. Easter. Religion art.MICHAEL DIBARI JR.
Juan Salazar kisses his daughter Jackie Salazar, 2 months, in the Santuario de Chimayo Friday morning. Salazar, from Albuquerque, was among the thousands of people that visited the northern New Mexico church on Good Friday.Eddie Moore
Claudia Shepard, of Detroit, Michigan paints the Santuario de Chimayo.ADOLPHE PIERRE-LOUIS
Santuario de Chimayo in 2001.ADOLPHE PIERRE-LOUIS
Artificial flowers provide year round color on a cross marking a grave in the courtyard of the Santuario de Chimayo on a recent May day. Religious sites in the New Mexico, some predating the arrival of the Spanish, attract the faithful as well as the curious from around the world.AARON WILSON
Framed by doors dating to 1816, tourist Maryte Murphy of New York City snaps the glow of candles in the Santuario de Chimayo on a recent May day. Religious sites in the New Mexico, some predating the arrival of the Spanish, attract the faithful as well as the curious from around the world.AARON WILSON
Robert Montoya, from Santa Clara, prays in the Santuario de Chimayo. Montoya was among the thousands of people that visited the northern New Mexico church on Good Friday.Eddie Moore
El Santuario de Chimayo, Christmas ornament made by Albuquerque artist David Gallegos.ADOLPHE PIERRE-LOUIS
Ralph Chavez, playing Jesus, and other members of the Our Lady of Sorrows Cathoilc Church in Bernalillo, enact the stations of the cross outside the Santuario de Chimayo, Thursday March 29, 2018. This is the 26th year the church has performed the staions of the cross in Chimayo on the Thursday before Good Friday. Thousands of people will make their pilgrimage to Chimayo this weekend.Eddie Moore
Jonmykel Garcia, from Los Lunas, wears a new Our Lady of Guadalupe shirt as he waits in line to enter the Santuario de Chimayo. Thousands of people were making their Good Friday pilgrimage to the Northern New Mexico Church, Friday March 30, 2018.Eddie Moore
Cecilia Garcia, of Belen, prays for her husband while holding some Holy dirt inside the Santuario de Chimayo Thursday March 25, 2010.PAT VASQUEZ-CUNNINGHAM
Jasmin Perez, 17, from Espanola, waits in line with her cross to enter the Santuario de Chimayo. Thousands of people were making their Good Friday pilgrimage to the Northern New Mexico Church, Friday March 30, 2018. Perez had walked from Santa Cruz.Eddie Moore
People line up to enter the Santuario de Chimayo on Good Friday. Friday, April, 03, 2015.JIM THOMPSON
One of the statues behind the Santuario de Chimayo, Friday April 14, 2017.Eddie Moore
How does the town of Chimayo, New Mexico prepare for Easter Sunday. Pictured are Rosaries hanging at an altar near the Santuario de Chimayo. Chimayo, New Mexico.Roberto E. Rosales
How does the town of Chimayo, New Mexico prepare for Easter Sunday. Pictured is a rock bearing the image of the Santuario de Chimayo left in a niche in a wall along the main road running through town. Chimayo, New Mexico.Roberto E. Rosales
A jug full of "Love Chips" made by Debra Higgason, from Taos, and ready to be given out to people making their Good Friday pilgrimage to the Santuario de Chimayo, Thursday April 18, 2019.Eddie Moore
Julia Trujillo, right, Parris Casados, second from right, and others, all from Denver, make their Good Friday pilgrimage to the Santuario de Chimayo. Even though the pilgrimage had been cancelled hundreds of people made the journey. They said they come every year but missed last year due to the pandemic. Photo shot Friday April 2, 2021.Eddie Moore
People make their way along Juan Medina Road to the Santuario de Chimayo. Thousands of people were making their Good Friday pilgrimage to the Northern New Mexico Church, Friday March 30, 2018.
Ava McKirnan, 9, left, and other members of the Alter Society at Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis, greet Mary Reyna, center, from Albuquerque, and 43 other women outside the church in Santa Fe, Thursday June 6, 2018. The group of women are 1 of 4 groups making 100 mile pilgrimages for vocations to the Santuario De Chimayo in Northern New Mexico. This group started in Estancia on Monday. Another group of women started in Albuquerque and groups of men started in Castilla and Chama. The groups are fed and sheltered at churches along the way. They all meet in Chimayo on Saturday. The Arcgdiocese of Santa Fe started the pilgrimage for vocations in the early 70's.Eddie Moore
Bryanna Ellis walks through a snow storm to the Santuario de Chimayo Thursday, October 24, 2019. The first winter storm of the season dropped around 3 inches of snow on the small Northern New Mexico community.Eddie Moore
A poem by George Mendoza gangs on the wall at the Santuario de Chimayo near the "healing dirt" pit. Mendoza is a legally blind artist from Las Cruces.Eddie Moore
George Mendoza, top, works with Santino Jimenez, left, Rajeev Nirmalakhandan who are filming a documentary on Mendoza at the Santuario de Chimayo.Eddie Moore
Brian McClanahan, from Santa Fe, pray at the open air sanctuary at Santuario de Chimayo. They and thousands of people visited the small Northern New Mexico church on Good Friday.Eddie Moore
Cesario Perez, of Albuquerque, holds his grandson Wade Harwood, 5, as he puts a small cross of an outdoor shrine at Santuario de Chimayo.EDDIE MOORE
Jorge Roman, from Albuquerque, prays before a cross along the way the Santuario de Chimayo Friday morning. There was great weather for the thousand of people who made the pilgrimage to the small Northern New Mexico church.EDDIE MOORE
Father Leo Fisher, right, prays with Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church's youth group from Bernalillo outside of El Santuario de Chimayo Thursday, April 9, 2009. The group performed the Stations of the Cross outside of the church in Chimayo on Holy Thursday when Fisher and two other friars walked to Chimayo.Marla Brose
Detail photo of the crucifix of Our Lord of Esquipulas behind the altar at Santuario de Chimayo, photographed Thursday March 25, 2010.PAT VASQUEZ-CUNNINGHAM
The Santuario de Chimayo has replaced their outdoor alter and Mass area behind the church. The work has been done over the past few months. They will start holding outdoor Mass on Sundays once weather permits. Photo shot Wednesday March 23, 2011.Eddie Moore
The Santuario de Chimayo. Photo shot in Chimayo, Wednesday March 23, 2011. (Eddie Moore/Albuquerque Journal)Eddie Moore
Adriana Frank, left, from Albuquerque, and Jennifer Houidobre, from Corrales, stop to pray at a cross along Highway 503, on their Good Friday pilgrimage to the Santuario de Chimayo. Thousands of people were making the pilgrimage Friday April 6, 2012.Eddie Moore
Ben Lopez, a wood carver and santero from Espanola, dusts off a bulto of San Cayetano before placing it into a reredos at the Santuario de Chimayo on Friday, April 2, 2004. The Chimayo Art Conservation Project which began its efforts to conserve the art inside the Santuario last September, finished their work on Friday, April 2, 2004.KATHARINE KIMBALL
A group from the Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Albuquerque perform the Stations of the Cross outside the Santuario de Chimayo. Thousands of people made the Giid Friday pilgrimage to Chimayo.Eddie Moore
The image of El Santo Nino de Atoche is one of Johnny Salas' most popular works, which he artisticly embelishes in glitter boxes and on cigar boxes like this one photographed on September 27, 2004. He tries to make each work a little different from the last and have a unique soul. This work is embelished with tiny shoes that reflect the Santuario de Chimayo (accent over o) expierience in Northern New Mexico; Salas also has created works that show El Santo Nino holding Chile and many other variations on the popular work.Jaelyn deMaria Leary
Rosary beads adorn a shrine adjacent to the Santuario de Chimayo.KATHARINE KIMBALL
Balloons take flight during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Wednesday.Chancey Bush
Balloons crowd the field Oct. 7.Chancey Bush
Brian Carlson of Topeka, Kan., inflates his balloon Dreams Fulfilled as he and other members of the Dawn Patrol get ready to launch on Saturday.Eddie Moore
Iva Grahek, left, from Washington, D.C., and Jailyn Weaver, from Colorado Springs, watch members of the Dawn Patrol launching at the start of the 51st Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Saturday.Eddie Moore
Bob Mass of Albuquerque, an Air Force veteran, stands at attention during the national anthem at the start of the 51st Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.Eddie Moore
Kyle Laxton, with Rainbow Riders, sets up a 315,000 cubic foot balloon that carries 12 people, at the start of the 51st Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Saturday, October 7, 2023.Eddie Moore
Scott White, center, with his grandson Merrick White, 2, and wife Lori White, from Unadilla, N.Y., watch the mass ascension at the 51st Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Saturday.Eddie Moore
Kelton Mitchell and Caroline Babcock, from Farmington, watch the mass ascension at the 51st Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Saturday, October 7, 2023.Eddie Moore
Lori Joyce, from Salt Lake City, takes photos of the mass ascension at the 51st Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Saturday, October 7, 2023.Eddie Moore
Aaron Duran and his son Avi, 3, from Albuquerque, watch hundreds of hot air balloons launch during the mass ascension at the 2023 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.Eddie Moore
Geese fly by the Wonder hot air balloon during Saturday's mass ascension.Eddie Moore
The hot air balloon "Rat Cheese" from Brazil, is being featured for the first time at the 51st Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Saturday, October 7, 2023.Eddie Moore
Andrea and Luck Pho of Rendondo Beach, Calif., watch hundreds of hot air balloons launch during the mass ascension at the 51st Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.Eddie Moore
Hundreds of hot air balloons, in all shapes and sizes, launch during the mass ascension at the 51st Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Saturday morning.Eddie Moore
Mayrin Cardenas, 11, and her family, from Mexico, watch hundreds of hot air balloons launch during the mass ascension at the 51st Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Saturday.Eddie Moore
Pilot Rick Kerber, of Michigan, fills Meow Wolf’s Skyworm balloon with hot air in preparation for mass ascension at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Wednesday.Chancey Bush
Pilot Rick Kerber, of Michigan, walks past Meow Wolf’s Skyworm balloon after landing in Corrales during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023.Chancey Bush
Balloons fly near Sandia Lakes next to the Rio Grande and east of Corrales during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Wednesday.Chancey Bush
Pilot Rick Kerber, of Michigan, gives five-year-old Kurt DeRadke Meow Wolf’s Skyworm balloon card after landing in Corrales during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023.Chancey Bush
Balloons fly over the Rio Grande during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in 2023.Chancey Bush
Pilot Rick Kerber, of Michigan, and the chase crew lower Meow Wolf’s Skyworm balloon after landing in Corrales during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023.Chancey Bush
Balloons fly over Corrales during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Wednesday.Chancey Bush
People react during the National Anthem at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023.Chancey Bush
Balloons float in the sky during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023.Chancey Bush
Balloons prepare for flight during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023.Chancey Bush
Balloons take flight during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Wednesday, Oct.11, 2023.Chancey Bush
Balloons float in the sky during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Wednesday, Oct.11, 2023.Chancey Bush
View from above in Meow Wolf’s Skyworm balloon during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023.Chancey Bush
Pilots prepare for flight during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023.Chancey Bush
People cast shadows as they walk by the 1 DOWN 8-2 GO balloon during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, Oct. 13, 2023.Chancey Bush
Mackenzie Kircher, 2, watches balloons launch with her father, Ted Kircher, during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Saturday.Chancey Bush
A fly over during the national anthem at Balloon Fiesta on Saturday.Chancey Bush
Lora McKown, who is a zebra, aka a launch director, center, waits to direct the Entrapment balloon to launch during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Saturday.Chancey Bush
A shadow of a crew member is cast on a balloon in preparation for mass ascension launch at Saturday’s Balloon Fiesta.Chancey Bush
Balloons launch during the 51st Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque.Chancey Bush
Children play with their kites at the 51st Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Sunday.Gino Gutierrez
Three of Great American Kites & Events’ kites fly high in the sky at the 51st Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Sunday.Gino Gutierrez
Michael Piro, left, helps inflate the Raks Building Supply balloon at MacArthur Elementary School in Albuquerque on Friday morning, Oct. 6, 2023.Jon Austria
The Raks balloon, left, and Morning Magic take flight from MacArthur Elementary School in Albuquerque on Friday.Jon Austria
Balloons lift off during the Mass Ascension at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023.Chancey Bush
Albuquerque Police Department's Horse Mounted Unit patrols the field under a sea of balloons during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023.Chancey Bush
Balloons lift off during the Mass Ascension at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023.Chancey Bush
Albuquerque Police Department's Horse Mounted Unit patrols the field under a sea of balloons during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023.Chancey Bush
Balloons light up the sunset during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Saturday evening Oct. 14, 2023. (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal)
Balloons light up the sunset during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Saturday evening Oct. 14, 2023. (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal)
Balloons light up the sunset during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Saturday evening Oct. 14, 2023. (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal)
Balloons light up the sunset during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Saturday evening Oct. 14, 2023. (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal)
Balloons light up the sunset during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Saturday evening Oct. 14, 2023. (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal)
Balloons light up the sunset during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Saturday evening Oct. 14, 2023. (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal)
Balloons light up the sunset during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Saturday evening Oct. 14, 2023. (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal)
Balloons light up the sunset during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Saturday evening Oct. 14, 2023. (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal)
Balloons light up the sunset during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Saturday evening Oct. 14, 2023.Elizabeth Tucker
A sand artist shapes the special shapes balloons out of sand at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Oct. 12, 2023. (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal)
Chainsaw-carved art work for sale stands on display at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Oct. 12, 2023. (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal)
Returning favorite Airabelle the Creamland cow balloon and new shape Coocko Mag from Brazil stand near each other during the static display at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Oct. 12, 2023. (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal)
Dawn Patrol lights up the pre-dawn morning at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta with a static display Oct. 12, 2023. (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal)
Jay Peller walks through his booth Alpaca World at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Thursday.Elizabeth Tucker
Visitors walk along the vendors row before the show starts at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Oct. 12, 2023. (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal)
Piles of hats and gloves are stacked next to an alpaca wearing an alpaca hat at the Alpaca World booth at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.By Elizabeth Tucker
Balloons launch as the fourth day of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta kicks off.
Special shape balloons fill the air at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Friday morning.Elizabeth Tucker
Special shapes balloons fill the air at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Oct. 13, 2023. (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal)
Special shapes balloons fill the air at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Oct. 13, 2023. (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal)
Special shapes balloons fill the air at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Oct. 13, 2023. (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal)
Special shapes balloons fill the air at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Oct. 13, 2023. (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal)
Special shapes balloons fill the air at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Oct. 13, 2023. (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal)
Special shapes balloons fill the air at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Oct. 13, 2023. (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal)
Special shapes balloons fill the air at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Oct. 13, 2023. (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal)
A young girls looks on as pilots apart of the Dawn Patrol inflate their balloons at the 51st Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Sunday, October 8, 2023.Gino Gutierrez
Tanya Hernandez, left, Joseph Hernandez and Amaya Hernandez watch as balloons inflate at MacArthur Elementary School in Albuquerque’s North Valley on Friday.Jon Austria
The "ring of fire" annular eclipse during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, N.M., on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023.Chancey Bush - member image share, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Photographers gather to take pictures of the balloons from the media tower at the 51st annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
Gas balloons inflate in preparation for the launch of the 66th Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett gas balloon race at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, on Oct. 7, 2023.Jessica Baca
Tiffanie Steward flies a kite with her 2-year-old son Brad during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Thursday. High winds canceled some events during Thursday’s Fiesta.Chancey Bush
A balloon basket flies by a fellow dawn patrol balloon at the 51st Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Monday, October 9, 2023.Gino Gutierrez
Mike Rightley's Breaking Wind hot air balloon, from Albuquerque, lands in a field between Corrales and RIo Rancho on the 4th day of the 51st Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Tuesday, October 10, 2023.Eddie Moore
John Criswell plays a record in front of his 1927 Ford Model T Touring Car at the Fiesta of Wheels Car Show on Sunday.Gino Gutierrez
Several kites from Great American Kites & Events fly above Balloon Fiesta Park at the 51st Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Sunday.Gino Gutierrez
More than 100 vehicles were on display at the Fiesta of Wheels Car Show during the 51st Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Sunday.Gino Gutierrez
Elya Arrasmith watches the “Ring of Fire” eclipse during the Albuquerque International Balloon FiestaOct. 14, 2023Chancey Bush
Balloon pilots release flames while watching the “Ring of Fire” eclipse during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on SaturdayOctober 14, 2023. The pilots were supposed to participate in a balloon glow, but winds were too brisk for the balloons to inflate.Chancey Bush
Brianna Garcia watches the “Ring of Fire” annular eclipse during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023.Chancey Bush
People watch the moon's shadow pass over the sun during the “Ring of Fire” annular eclipse during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023.Chancey Bush
The Poland-1 gas balloon, center right, slowly inflates in preparation for the launch of the 66th Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett gas balloon race at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque on Oct. 7, 2023.Chancey Bush
Gas balloons slowly inflate in preparation for the launch of the 66th Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett gas balloon race at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque in October 2023.Chancey Bush
Ryan Duff and Chole Reeder dissemble their hot air balloon basket after the announcement that the farewell mass ascension had been canceled due to windy conditions on the last day of the 51st Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023.Gino Gutierrez
Crew member Clare Mares from the balloon Teddy Twins wears her gloves in pride. Teddy Twins was one of the few balloons that went up during the static display during the morning yellow flag at Balloon Fiesta Park Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023.Jessica Baca
The crew of the balloon Morning Wood from Rio Rancho New Mexico packed their gear for the last time at Balloon Fiesta Park Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023.Jessica Baca
Allison Hoskins, a pilot in training for the balloon The Flying Circus, took the pilot seat at the candlestick glow at Balloon Fiesta Park on Sunday.Jessica Baca
The crew for the balloon Morning Wood, from Rio Rancho, packs its gear for the last time at Balloon Fiesta Park on Sunday.Jessica Baca
Teddy Twins from Yuma, Arizona, is one of the few balloons that went up during a static display at Balloon Fiesta Park on Sunday.Jessica Baca
Balloons fill the air during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Oct. 7, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal)
Balloons fill the air during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Oct. 7, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal)
Balloons fill the air during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Oct. 7, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal)
Balloons fill the air during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Oct. 7, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal)
Balloons fill the air during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Oct. 7, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal)
Mark MacSkimming pilots the tiger special shape balloon as balloons fill the air during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Oct. 7, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal)
Balloons fill the air during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Oct. 7, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal)
Balloons fill the air during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Oct. 7, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal)
Balloons fill the air during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Oct. 7, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal)
