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The Regions of New Mexico
Home » New Mexico » New Mexico Overview and History » The Regions of New MexicoWhen speaking of New Mexico, it is easiest to divide the state into four regions – northwestern, northeastern, southwestern and southeastern.
The northwest section of the state holds the most populous city of Albuquerque and the state’s capital Santa Fe. This could also be considered New Mexico’s Indian Country. There are still Pueblos, Navajos and Apaches who make their home here. There are mesas and ruins where spirits are still said to be lingering. And if jewelry shopping is your forte, this is where some of the most beautifully crafter silver and turquoise jewelry in the world is sold.
The northeast corner of the state is where you can find Las Vegas (New Mexico, that is), Taos and even ruts left from the Santa Fe Trail. History is everywhere in this area. The Cimarron area was known for the likes of Butch Cassidy, Jesse James and Black Jack Ketchum. Fort Union and Capulin Volcano are must-see parks in this area. In addition to the mountains, you will also be able to find 136,000 acres of pure prairie in Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands.
The southeast corner contains the cities of Roswell, Carlsbad and Ruidoso. Roswell is of course famous for being the landing place of a UFO, while most have also heard of Carlsbad Caverns and the resorts of Ruidoso. It is this corner where miles of barren desert match up against snowy peaks and the fertile valley of the Pecos River.
At first glance you wouldn’t think that much could live in the barren lands of southwest New Mexico. But don’t count out the mighty Rio Grande that runs through this area springing life to exciting wildlife spectacles. Such sights can be seen by visiting Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge which hosts marshlands, meadows and agriculture fields that are a refuge for wildlife and especially migratory birds.
It is needless to say that there is something for everyone in New Mexico.
Sources:
1. “Unlike Any Other US State”: www.newmexico.org/go/loc/about/page/about-unique.html
2. “New Mexico History”: www.newmexico.org/go/local/about/page/about-history.html
3. “Northwestern New Mexico”: www.frommers.com/destinations/print-narrative.cfm?destID=1582&carID=1582010
4. “Northeaster New Mexico”: www.frommers.com/destinations/print-narrative.cfm?destID=1582&carID=1576010
5. “Southeastern New Mexico”: www.frommers.com/destinations/print-narrative.cfm?destID=1582&carID=1601010
6. “Southwestern New Mexico”: www.frommers.com/destinations/print-narrative.cfm?destID=1582&carID=1594010
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