Chaco Canyon, New Mexico

More than thousands years ago, Chaco Canyon was an empty desert and bustling center of a massive ancient world. A group of Native American people, known as the Ancestral Puebloans, turned this harsh valley into a thriving city filled with massive buildings, busy trade roads, and deep mysteries.  they were skillful  builders. Without using horses, wheels, or metal tools, they carried thousands of heavy pine logs from mountains over fifty miles away. They were in process to used these logs and millions of cut stones to build what we call "Great Houses." These were not just regular homes; they were giant apartment-like complexes. The biggest one was Pueblo Bonito, that actually rose five stories high and had over six hundred rooms! Until the late 1800s, these were the largest buildings ever constructed in North America. See More: 

Zona Arqueológica de Teuchitlán

The Zona Arqueológica de Teuchitlán, also known as Guachimontones, is a captivating ancient site in the scenic landscape of Jalisco, Mexico. What sets this archaeological treasure apart are its circular stepped pyramids, or "guachimontones," which stand as a unique testament to the rich history of the region.

Dating back to the era between 300 BCE and 900 CE, the Teuchitlán culture left behind these enigmatic structures, which are a marvel of ancient engineering and architectural prowess. The circular stepped pyramids are a striking departure from the more familiar Mesoamerican pyramid shapes, featuring concentric circles of terraces culminating in a central altar. These structures likely served as ceremonial platforms for religious rites and communal gatherings, offering a glimpse into the spiritual practices and social dynamics of the Teuchitlán people. 

Read More: The New York Cave of the Winds

Santa Rosa Blue Hole, New Mexico

The Santa Rosa Blue Hole of New Mexico is circular bell-shaped pool for scuba diving and training. It is one of most popular diving destinations, is an artesian once used as a fish hatchery.

The crystal-clear water with constant 62 °F (17 °C) temperature and constant inflow of 3,000 US gallons per minute (11 m3/min; 2,500 imp gal/min). However, Santa Rosa surface is only 24 meters (80ft) in diameter and 40 meters at the bottom.  Due to its high elevation, (1,407 meters), divers must use high altitude dive tablets to compute the dive profile and decompression stops.

These are the above Blue Holes in the world, where you would feel to swim into the earth forever. These geological phenomenon sinkhole fills with crystal clear water and becomes vertical void in the landscape. The fantastic marine life such as parrot fish, Schools of Bream, Moray Eel, Lobster, Octopus and much more for all level of divers as there are several depths and routes to choose from.

Nambe Falls – New Mexico

In the Southwest Desert, you would expect arid area.  But there is unexpected waterfall surprise you on the northwestern part of New Mexico. That is called Name Falls or Nambé Falls located on the back of Sangre de Cristo mountains about 30 miles north of Santa Fe. The height of two tiers waterfall is 100ft and 75ft respectively.

Nambe Falls has massive potential to be one of biggest tourist attraction in this area. The falls alluring views looking downstream make it a special picnic place. Further, an imposing 150ft dam and spillway directly above the waterfall. Though, dam erode the scenic allure of waterfalls, but it serves the main purpose of providing water to Nambe People.

Nambe Falls also provide a chance to offset the desert heat in the seemingly reliably flowing rushing creek. Nambe Falls overlook down at the steepness and rough the scramble would be to get up to the bases of the upper two drops, a dangerous and not-so-easy scramble. 

This sedate place provides an opportunity to experience the true nature, enjoy the waterfalls, feel the breeze. Nambé Falls is a real pleasure that can be repeated once in your life. This spot is for all families with children, outdoor-recreation programs and large groups.

Trail to Nambe Falls

If you are hiker and love hiking, then it is highly recommended to take either option available here. First you must be directed to the dry or wet trail. Not more than mile trail will take you a gentle incline to an aerial view of two-tiered waterfall.  This fall is nestled into the Nambé Pueblo, hence you want to take more risk for challenging and refreshing hike.

Then brave to opt the quarter mile wet trail. But be sure to wear the proper water proof shoes, as the water is extremely cold. This is scenic trail will take you winding and crossing the river upstream for half of it. A worthful hike make your toe frozen, but reward is awesome.

You can sit around the falls, relaxing your mind and body with the sheer sound of waterfalls. By closing to nature, it is popular quote that “Nature heals your Mind and Body”. You may also feel the cold breeze and take selfies and photographs. You have enough time in the summer but be aware of limited hours in other seasons. Also, more water flow observes in early spring and summer season.

So, this trail is mainly used for walking, hiking, and nature trips. Some scatter vegetation obstructing the view of lower drop of Nambe Falls. Don’t take any risk for precarious scrambling exposure of deep drop off present. In the end, since you’re already wet, why not take a heart-pounding dip into each of the pools below each tier falls? Source: - CP