September 2025 | Issue No. 64

September: road trip edition

Get ready for the best season in New Mexico: FALL! Or Road Trip Season, if you prefer.  

Hello and welcome to my September newsletter, thanks for being here! As we head into Fall, the perfect road trip season, I wanted to share another of my recent adventures with you. Have you visited Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument in Mountainair? If you're seeking an experience with three distinct sites to explore, this is your place! Just a little over an hour from Albuquerque, it's an easy road trip that will take you back in time and offer plenty of space for wandering and learning about the vast expanse of New Mexico history and heritage.

With three separate ruins sites-Gran Quivira, Quarai, and Abó-you get a glimpse into Spanish and Pueblo peoples' early civilizations and encounters. The present-day monument preserves 17th century Franciscan missions and Pueblo communities, but was originally designated to safeguard the Gran Quivira Unit. In 1909 it was recognized as the Gran Quivira National Monument, protecting only the San Buenaventura Mission and expanded in 1919 to include the nearby Pueblo mounds. Each site is equally impressive and important to the understanding and appreciation of the history, architecture and civilizations that interacted and inhabited the region.

The land surrounding the sites ranges from 6100-6600 feet in elevation and is surrounded by pinon-juniper woodlands. In the Pleistocene era, there was a lake within the Estancia Basin that dried up and eventually became cultivated fields yielding corn, beans and squash. Staples for New Mexicans of the past that remain intact today. Stepping back in time always gives me pause to make those connections between the people who came before us, and how they shaped our deep roots to the land and spirit of New Mexico. I leave with a sense of awe and feeling of gratitude for these special and sacred places we still have the opportunity to visit and learn something new from each time.

Before arriving at the National Monument, the historic Shaffer Hotel, Cafe and Art Gallery in Mountainair is the perfect place to stop in for a refresh after your drive. Built in 1923, it is renowned for its folk art details, hand carved and hand painted rooms in Pueblo Deco style. You can even stay the night if you want to extend your trip beyond just a day jaunt. The National Park Visitor Center for Salinas is also located in Mountainair if you want to stop in and see their exhibit, get a souvenir of your trip or get your National Parks passport stamps before you make your way to the three nearby sites. If you make a donation at the Mountainair Ranger Station, you even get a sticker! 

Gran Quivira

First up on my adventure was exploring Gran Quivira, the largest pueblo of the three, at 611 acres. At its peak, Gran Quivira was home to 1500-3000 residents. Before Spanish settlement, it was a city comprised of pueblos and kivas, including a now fully excavated, 226 room structure. The first Spanish contact is believed to have occurred around 1583, while architecture dates back to 1275/1300-1600. This site was a crossroads of Plains people and Pueblo people; a trade center and connector for cultures. The location overlooks the plains to the east, mountains to the west and north, and the Tularosa basin to the south. The ruins of two mission churches, as well as pueblo structures here were constructed with San Andres limestone. As you can see from my photos, it's an entrancing experience to step back in time surrounded by sweeping views and the physical remains of the structures from so many moons ago. 

Quarai

Nine miles north of Mountainair, the Quarai site is located at the base of the Manzano mountains. Early masonry pueblos date back to around 1300, where people settled for longer because of the natural spring, opportunity for farming and connection with the surrounding land. The Tiwa people occupied the land there alone until 1626, when the Quarai Mission and Convento were established.  The ruins of the Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción de Quarai church are truly impressive, especially after all the time that has passed.

Abó

Ten minutes west of Mountainair, and likely the earliest occupied site, is Abó. Approximately 370 acres, this site is believed to have been occupied since 800 where Pueblo people inhabited and established trade routes and thriving communities.  Unexcavated pueblo mounds at this location suggest the Spanish would have found an established settlement upon arrival. The Spanish mission of San Gregorio de Abó was constructed in 1622. The ruins of the church you see when you visit today are from the second, built in 1651 to accommodate the nearly 1400 people living there at the time. Abó was abandoned in 1673 with resettlement in 1865. Remains from the later occupation can also be seen south and east of the  Abó Mission. The buildings on this site were constructed from local red sandstone similar to Quarai. Wandering through the maze of remains that have endured and hold so many stories in the still-standing walls gives a sense of perspective. This experience is sure to be unique for everyone who visits, and is absolutely a worthwhile way to spend a day exploring and reflecting on the history and impact of all three of these sites and the people who called them home.

September Events:

Artist-in-residence program

Coming soon to my patch jacket of National Parks!

The Albuquerque Fall real estate market is underway! You can expect a competitive market as we head toward the end of 2025. If you have been considering selling your home, give me a call. Buyers are hoping to be settled before the holidays, so there's plenty of time to get your house ready to list and sell this year. If you are seeking your dream home, I can help you find the perfect fit. I'd love to help you achieve your 2025 real estate goals!

Thanks for joining me again this month! Where's your favorite spot to visit when you head out on a road trip? I recently visited Silver City and some of the places that feed my soul in the Gila National Forest, so I look forward to sharing more about that adventure in a future newsletter. If you have a special place in the state you think would be fun to write about in an upcoming issue, reach out to me. I would love to hear about it and share it with your fellow readers. 

 Are you a business owner and have an offer or event planned as we head into the holiday season? You can respond to this email, I'd love to hear from you and feature it. I hope you have a wonderful September, enjoy the many Fall events including the NM State Fair (going on through 9/14 if you have yet to visit) and the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta coming up at the beginning of October. See you next month!

About this email: This newsletter is intended for entertainment/informational purposes and may contain marketing, advertising, and promotional material. I hope you enjoy the contents, however you may manage your settings or unsubscribe below.