Near Horizons: A Weekender's Guide to Easy Trips from Albuquerque Cain, M. J. and Snider, Cirrelda

Designed to assist the Albuquerque dweller who may not have a lot of time, or a huge budget, this guide offers regular doses of "escape." Santa Fe and Taos are not discussed, because so many tour books cover these towns to the nth degree. There are a host of places roughly one to three-and-one-half hours away from Albuquerque just fine for a weekend, if not necessarily ideal for a long vacation. Trips are chosen based on distances that are an easy reach (primary destinations are 179 miles or less)--Jemez Springs, Pecos, Grants, Cuba, Chimayo, Gallup, Quemado, Carrizozo, Truth or Consequences, Conchas Lake, Dulce/Chama, Tres Ritos, and Aztec. This book is a treasure trove of information about places close at hand but not usually thought of as destinations. Here they are presented as delightful journeys with practical knowledge about lodgings, restaurants, day hikes, flora and fauna, recreational resources, camping opportunities, historical context, architectural insights, flavorful neighborhoods, local culture, useful tips, navigation, and interesting facts about the contrasting environments of New Mexico. Though the book is specifically oriented to "getaways" from Albuquerque, its contents are pertinent to anyone wishing to visit these overlooked areas.