Absolutely amazing. A definite must-see. Climbing the dunes blocks out the road and sound... so quiet and just gorgeous. But also means to take special note of where you parked! Bring plenty of water and sunscreen too!
Is it a little touristy? Sure. But I loved this. You get a fun photo opp with the "World's Largest Pistachio" and a shop filled with pistachio treats (amongst plenty other goodies). I did the 30 minute tour of the farm and would recommend it! Super interesting to hear more about the farm and it was inexpensive (under $10). Overall, fun stop. Plus it is 20 minutes from White Sands NP so it was a great post-hike stop for me.
Incredible. I took the elevator down/up which cut down walking time, although some said they walked down and took the elevator up. Up to you! As of October 2021 you do need to wear a mask. I'd recommend bringing a spare to freshen up since you'll be there a while! May through October around sunset go back to the Bat Flight Amphitheater to watch thousands of bats leave the cave. Overall such an awesome experience.
This has a new location: 4250 Cerrillos Rd Unit 6700B, Santa Fe, NM 87507
. Neat stop to check out bugs from all over the world (as both preserved displays and living critters). Staff is super knowledgeable and friendly - they even let me hold a few bugs!
Sweet Reads is right across from the SPAM Museum and is a quirky little stop. The shop itself was whimsical and the owner, Lisa, was such a sweetheart! They are home to the worlds largest collection of Berenstain Bears memorabilia which was really cool to check out!
Crazy Horse is just amazing. To me this was more impressive than Mount Rushmore. Of course, you have to see both, but this stop had much more to do, learn, and was more impressive to me, to be honest. I hope they finish this in my lifetime - when complete it will be just absolutely incredible. To the left of the building is a little kiosk for bus tours. It just brings you to the base of the mountain but the driver was great, the photo op/view was better, and it was only $4 per person. I would really recommend doing that too!
I mean.... it's Mount Rushmore. You have to go. Parking was $10. Do it! Also, if you're hella scrapped for $10 you can technically see it while driving the surrounding road.... can't recall the exact spot but it was en route to Crazy Horse from the Mt. Rushmore lot.
Do this if you can!! The roadside art is incredible and the scenic drive between pieces is a bonus. If you go at the right time, one of the sculptures had giant sunflower field right next to it which was another great photo op. There is a gift shop in Regent too with your typical souvenirs but you can find the artist himself, Gary Greff, there. Such a nice guy and a truly wonderful drive/experience.
Fun little pitstop, fantastic view!
Eh. It was nice - a lovely walk. But I wouldn't go out of my way for it.