I went back to New Mexico for the first time since 2015 to visit my bestie Rachel with our friend Dylan, her boyfriend Dustin, and my boyfriend Jacob. We took the chance to explore the state and fit in as many fun experiences together as possible. We’ve all been close friends since college and it was great to be united again.
Rachel, me, Dylan
Dylan, Dustin, Jacob, and I stayed together in a really adorable Airbnb. It was a 2-bedroom apartment right across the street from Old Town, a charming historic area of Albuquerque occupied by coffee and gift shops.
Views from the interior balcony of our Airbnb
Our adorable Airbnb.
We drove the 16 hour drive to Albuquerque in one day/night with one short stop in Waco, Texas to check out Magnolia Market. We crashed in Rachel’s apartment when we got in around 3 AM.
After we checked into our Airbnb the next day, we impulsively decided to ride a tram up to the top of the Sandias Mountains. I’d never done anything like this before, so I was very anxious. Once the ride got going though, I discovered the tram trip to be really smooth and enjoyable. I would do this again in a heartbeat. The experience was so unique. Even though I’m afraid of heights, I loved looking out at the views!
Views from the tram ride.
The wild wind on top of the Sandias Mountain, blowing our hair around
10,000 ft up atop the Sandias Mountains. Photo snapped by Rachel.
The next day we took a Rail Runner Train from Albuquerque to Santa Fe. While in Santa Fe we went to the interactive art house Meow Wolf and the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. I loved Meow Wolf so much! I definitely want to go back. There were endless things to explore.
On the train, heading from ABQ to Santa Fe
Checking out the views along the ride
Rachel snapping my photo in the streets of Sante Fe
Entrance of the Meow Wolf house
Entering a portal in Meow Wolf
Fridge portal
A room of lights and mirrors.
That afternoon, we took the train back to Albuquerque and had the best dinner of my life (so far) at a restaurant on top of Hotel Chaco. The views, the food, the conversation, and the company were phenomenal. Being in this perfect place and time with my favorite people warmed my heart!
Our view from the restaurant on the roof top of Hotel Chaco.
The charcuterie board we ordered from the restaurant on the roof top of Hotel Chaco.
The next day we took a day trip to White Sands. About half way through our three hour drive, we went through an area that caught our eye an inspired us to pull over and take photos. The area was called the Valley of Fires, and it stood out because the ground was covered in black rock. Apparently, this was actually molten rock left over from a volcanic eruption.
Jacob in the Valley of Fires
When we got to White Sands, Dustin took off running in all his excitement and the rest of us walked around taking photos. I had a mini photoshoot with Rachel and Dylan on the dunes. Dustin actually got lost for a little while, but he found his way back to us just fine!
Rachel and me in White Sands
Dylan, Rachel, and me
Multiple exposure film photo by Rachel Rae Guasp
We left White Sands at sunset. On the drive home we decided to stop in the Valley of Fires again. Since it was basically in the middle of no where, we figured we would have an unobstructed view of the night sky where we could star gaze in perfect darkness.
We pulled over and stepped out of the car with all the lights turned off. It didn’t take long for us the hear all the rattlesnakes in the area around us though, so we decided we were safer looking out from inside the car. We all got back in and opened the windows with the car turned off. We looked out at the Milky Way. Jacob and I saw a shooting star. It was absolutely peaceful and magical.
After a little while of sitting in silence I heard what sounded like a flapping noise, and I said “What’s the sound?” A second later, Jacob and Dustin, who were both on the driver side of the car, were screaming and fumbling, which resulted in the rest of us screaming too. We had no idea what was going on! Apparently, a bat had flown at the car and was going to come through the window, but the guys shooed it off before it flew in. We laughed so hard after that, but we rolled up our windows and left shortly after because we were all jumpy from then on out.
Fun card I purchased from Spurline.
Outdoor patio at Spurline.
During our last day in Albuquerque, we explored a fun gift shop called Spurline filled with cute prints, quirky books, a coffee and donut shop, and a full-sized airstream. Afterwards Jacob and I went off on our own to to walk around Old Town and look for souvenirs.
Fun ramen print from Spurline
Old Town
Chilis hanging in Old Town
Old Town, Albuquerque
On our long drive home, we stopped in Roswell to see all the kitschy alien attractions. We were a little disappointed by just how janky everything was, but we certainly got our share of kitschiness.
I can’t wait to make it out to the land of enchantment again! Next time I go back, I’d like to explore more of New Mexico’s natural beauty. If our road trip showed me anything, it’s that New Mexico is full of gorgeous and unique landscapes.