Enchanting New Mexico

During the world's largest balloon rally some 750 colorful balloons descend on Albuquerque. Spectators take in a plethora of balloon launches, games and races each fall.

In the heart of the Tularosa Basin, 275 square miles of glistening white sands make up the world's largest gypsum dune field.

In this remote canyon you'll find the most well-preserved collection of ancient ruins north of Mexico. Between 900 and 1150 AD, Chaco Canyon was a major cultural center for the ancient Puebloan people.

The best way to travel from Santa Fe to Taos is along the 80-mile-long High Road, also known as the Mountain Road or the King's Road. Travel from north to south, down the mountain, for the most expansive views of the red-painted deserts.

This historic Southwestern town is home to over 150 stores, galleries, winding brick paths and hidden gardens.

Experiencing the historic Route 66 is an American dream for many and there is no better place to do it than in New Mexico. The Blue Swallow Motel has served as a pit stop for travelers on the "Mother Road" since 1939.

Adjacent to New Mexico, the Sandia Peak Tramway stretches from the northeast edge of the city to the crestline of the Sandia Mountains. Take in the landscape and wildlife during the third-largest "clear span" in the world or on one of the many hiking trails in the area.

The village was founded by Swiss-German immigrants Rhoda and Ernie Blake in 1955. Now the preeminent ski resort in the southern Rocky Mountains, it also has an excellent ski school and over 72 trails designated for novice to expert skiers.

Less than 15 miles south of Los Alamos you'll find over 70 miles of maintained trails, tribal ruins, waterfalls and wildlife. It's named after the Swiss-American archaeologist Adolph Bandelier who researched the Ancient Puebloan cultures which date back over 10,000 years ago.

Situated on a wooded hilltop 7 miles north of the city, the stunning structure is partially open-air and has open sides. Not to be outshone, the Opera itself is considered second only to the Metropolitan Opera of New York.

You'll see this isn't just another national park full of rocky slopes and cactus once you step foot in the elevator and plunge 75 stories underground to explore the Big Room, a natural limestone chamber over 4,000 feet long.

Famous for its red chili peppers, food should be high on your list of New Mexican experiences. Order enchiladas "Christmas-style" to try them topped with both red and green hot sauces.

For the conspiracy theorist in all of us, head to the UFO museum to find out what really happened in during that July 1949 thunderstorm just outside of Roswell, New Mexico.

For over 800 years, the Acoma have continuously occupied the area 60 miles west of Albuquerque. You cannot wonder the 3 reservations (Big Sky, Acomita and McCartys) freely, but you can tour the 40,000-square-foot museum, peruse the gallery for art and pottery and take hour-long tours of the village.