New Mexico True Mugs

The most popular license plate in the country with New Mexico's state slogan, New Mexico True.

Pillar Arch in Potter Canyon New Mexico by Debra Martz I love the finds on backroads and when I was told there was a brochure to some of the more unknown Arches it was game on. We had a full day to explore but discovered that was not enough time but we did find more than half a dozen arches and saw some wonderful countryside scenery. To reach 3 arches in Potter Canyon you take US 550 north of Aztec toward Durango, Co, make a right on NM 173, travel 5.6 miles and turn right on a dirt road. After 1/2 mile, park at a gas well and search out in 3 different directions for 3 arches. We found Pillar and Outcrop arches but could see nor figure out a slight hint of a trail to Alien Arch! ©Debra Martz 20180902-DSC_7458-HDR-ET

In New Mexico "Red or Green?" is a question often asked at restaurants. Do you want red chile sauce or chopped green chile? If you want both you can order "Christmas". The best spicy chile peppers are grown in the Hatch Valley of New Mexico.

Here is my take on a new school version of the Duke of Albuquerque with a little bit of retro flare!

I painted this when my son was in college out of state. It was a reminder of his home state. It still hangs on his wall. I’’m very proud of the texture in the yellow section and how it stands out ahead of the mixed media colors.

San Juan Mountains New Mexico ©Debra Martz I love northern New Mexico and traveling U.S.64 scenic byway over the San Juan Mountains of the Rockies is a favorite. This section is between U.S. 84 at Tierra Amarilla (7529') and U.S. 285 at Tres Piedras (8081') reaching a maximum altitude of 10,507 feet at the summit. I always take advantage of the many pullouts for scenic views! Not quite to the Brazos Summit but my compass showed 10,402' at this stop. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20220913-DSC_6754

Rio Grande Gorge Bridge Near Taos New Mexico I've crossed this bridge many times over the years, both by vehicle and by foot. There area sidewalks on both sides of the bridge plus a few lookout points where it widens to allow one to stop and let others pass by safely. The bridge is located approximately 10 miles NW of Taos on hwy 64 offering scenic views across the 1280 feet span. The Rio Grande Gorge is approximately 600 feet deep in this area with the bridge 650' above the gorge. This shot is from the trail located near the visitors center. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "New Mexico" 20210414-DSC_3156

Chiflo is the second pullout and trailhead at Wild Rivers Recreation in North/Central New Mexico. Wild Rivers is part of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument located near Questa. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20210415-DSC_3182-Pano.dng

Bear Crossing trail into the gorge to the Rio Grande River is one of two trails here that I've not hiked. It is rated Extremely Difficult and you don't have to venture out on the trail very far to find it is rated correctly. The average drop into the gorge from most of the trails is 800' and takes you through towering Ponderosa Pines. This is a nice stop even if you don't hike the trail as there is a picnic table and of course gorgeous views and on this day a stunning sky. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "New Mexico" 20210415-DSC_3208

Chawalauna Overlook at Wild Rivers Recreation New Mexico by Debra Martz If you take the first right after stopping at the pay station, the Chawalauna Overlook is the next place for amazing views. There is not a trailhead here into the gorge but there are views both upstream (this view) and downstream of the Rio Grande. You can see where the other trails reach the river and backcountry campsites at the bottom of the gorge, where ponderosa pines offer tall shade if you decide to trout fish. If you are not camping up on the rim, this overlook offers parking to the Rinconada 6 mile loop trail which is on a well kept gravel path. It passes by all of the rim campgrounds of both the Rio Grande and Red River. When we camp here, if not going ...

Black and yellow watercolor zia.