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New 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

• New Mexico State Tourism Guide
• New Mexico Viva Visitors Guide
• New Mexico State Map - Find out where in the United States New Mexico is located and then check out the New Mexico map at AAA.
• The Beauty of New Mexico - Inspiring photos of New Mexico.
• City of Albuquerque's Transit web site

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