36. New Mexico, USA IV

36. New Mexico - Land of Enchantment IV

From Las Cruces to White Sands, Queen, and Carlsbad

In White Sands, we started our day at 6 a.m., greeted by a stunning morning sky. We tackled the Alkali Flat Trail, which, despite its name, is anything but flat. As the sun warmed the soft gypsum sand, walking uphill became a challenge. This trail is less about the destination and more about the journey, leading us across the heart of the shimmering dunefield. Once the site of a vast ancient lake, Alkali Flat now spans nine miles from the mountain base to the dune edge. The landscape was mesmerizing—pure white sand shaped into intricate patterns by the wind.

Our next stop was Lincoln National Forest, where we attempted some sport climbing in a rugged canyon. The routes were technically challenging, and we managed to complete only one. Adding to the difficulty were the icy winds, cold enough to numb our fingers and toes, with patches of lingering snow reminding us of winter's grip. Undeterred, Theo made the most of the conditions, squeezing in some mountain biking while I enjoyed a bit of peaceful me-time.

Until now, we hadn’t had any encounters with the road police, so we thought they didn’t exist. That was until we hit New Mexico. Unfortunately, we had our first run-in with the New Mexican police when Theo was driving a bit too fast and crossed over the dividing line while overtaking a Harley. Sometimes, his impatience drives me a little crazy. He was in a hurry, likely fueled by too much adrenaline, eager to reach the swimming pool half an hour away and make the most of his time with a quick swim and a shower. While I could understand his rush, I couldn’t help but think he could benefit from learning a few limits. In the end, it turned out to be an expensive evening for us.

Moving on, we explored the climbing crag at Queen, known for its dramatic limestone cliffs and diverse routes. While not as daunting as Lincoln’s canyon, the climbs here offered exciting challenges and spectacular views of the surrounding desert. Unfortunately it was quite cold and extremely windy. The crisp air and solitude made it a special stop.

From Queen, we headed to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, renowned for its extraordinary subterranean landscapes. The highlight, the Big Room, is the largest single cave chamber by volume in North America. Standing inside this colossal space, we felt dwarfed by the towering stalactites, delicate formations, and sheer scale of the underground world. All this happened 300 million years ago (Permian Period), this was a time before humans, before mammals, before dinosaurs. It was a stark contrast to the blindingly bright dunes of White Sands—New Mexico’s diversity never ceases to amaze.Read more