Mount Taylor abounds with scenic views, boasts the highest elevation in Northwestern NM at 11,301 feet and offers year-round recreation. May through October is the best time for hiking, wildflower viewing and primitive camping. When the snow falls many enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and tubing. For the casual driver, scenic trips offer beautiful views of the Mount Taylor Peak from numerous vantage points. Hiking Gooseberry Trail leads to the summit of Mount Taylor.
Learn more about the many amazing attractions nearby.
Mount Taylor
Zuni Mountains
Tucked away in beautiful Northwest New Mexico is a charming mountain range called the Zuni Mountains. Mt. Sedgwick rises 9256 feet over Ponderosa pine forests, colorful aspen lined canyons, and green topped red mesas. The Continental Divide runs through the middle and the Zuni’s have several flowing streams draining large, wet flowering meadows.
Native peoples, conquistadors, early land grant settlers, miners, loggers, and ranchers have come in contact with the land. In the early 1900’s much of the Zuni Mountain range was purchased for watershed protection and placed under the care of the U.S. Forest Service. Forest and meadow conditions have gradually improved since then and Zuni Mountains are once again a jewel.
Bluewater Lake State Park
| 30 Bluewater State Park Road, Prewitt, NM 87045 | 505.876.2391
Bluewater Lake State Park is a state park of New Mexico, United States, located in the Zuni Mountains 40 miles west of Grants. The park itself encompasses approximately 3,000 acres, and the lake has a surface area of approximately 1,200 acres.
Gooseberry Spring Trail
Trail #77 climbs approximately 2.5 miles to the top of 11,301 feet high Mt. Taylor. The change in elevation of around 2,126 feet makes this a challenging round trip hike of 4 to 5 hours. The trailhead is located in the mixed conifer vegetation type at 9,175 feet. At 9,500 feet you enter the spruce-fir type, one of the highest vegetation zones in the Southwest. The hiker has the opportunity to see varied flora and fauna, as well as enjoy the interesting geological formations of the area. Summer and fall are the best times to enjoy the beautiful vistas of this mountain hike. Keep in mind weather conditions as you plan your hike. On a clear day you can even see into Colorado from the summit. Please remember that Mt. Taylor is sacred to American Indians and to respect their beliefs.
El Malpais National Monument
Come to the El Malpais Visitor Center located at 1900 E. Santa Fe Avenue, Grants, N.M. to plan your adventure.
El Calderon Area - El Malpais National Monument
Located in the El Malpais National Monument hiking and backcountry exploring can be found in the El Calderon Area. From the winding trenches that were once glowing rivers of lava, to the sloping hills of a long quite volcano, you can imaging the forces that created the area. Where else, but a volcano, can you see what created the rocks beneath your feet. This is where geology comes to life. Located 20 miles south of Grants on NM53, generally accessible year round.
Sandstone Bluffs - El Malpais National Monument
An easy drive leads to a ridge of sandstone offering excellent vistas of El Malpais lava flows and surrounding countryside. Excellent spot for photos or even to picnic.
The Narrows - El Malpais National Conservation Area
Where lava flowed near the base of 500 foot high sandstone cliffs, enjoy solitude and scenic views while hiking the Narrows rim trail. Travel down NM117 roadway to catch a glimpse of this majestic view.
Zuni-Acoma Trail - El Malpais National Monument
This ancient trade route crosses 4 of the area’s major lava flows. The hike is a strenuous 7.5 miles one way over rugged lava terrain. The Zuni-Acoma Trail crosses the lava flows of El Malpais and has been in use for… centuries.
Continental Divide Trail
From Canada to Mexico the 3100 miles of the Continental Divide Trail traverse remote and spectacular landscapes, a portion of this national trail crosses El Malpais. The Los Volcanos segment is 100 miles of unique and ruggedly beautiful terrain. Grants has been designated as a CDT Gateway Community.
Coyote del Malpais Golf Course
2001 George Hanosh Boulevard Grants, NM (505) 285-5544
Coyote del Malpais, designed by William Howard Neff, offers 18 holes of championship style golf. Narrow fairways and sixteen lakes make finesse and good aim imperative on the course. The good golfer will be rewarded!! This golf course sits on the foothills of a beautiful Horace Mesa and offers scenic beauty and native foliage and outdoor wildlife.
This ancient trade route crosses 4 of the area’s major lava flows. The hike is a strenuous 7.5 miles one way over rugged lava terrain. The Zuni-Acoma Trail crosses the lava flows of El Malpais and has been in use for… centuries.
Entertainment
Sky City Casino and Hotel
You’ll find over 640 of the newest and hottest slot and video poker machines, Las Vegas style table games, bingo and live entertainment. With fine accommodations and dining all in one place. Sky City is also a great choice for weddings, meetings and events. So whether you’re looking for a night out or a weekend escape, the Sky’s the Limit!
Located at Exit 102
Dancing Eagle Casino
Dancing Eagle Casino, located on I-40, Exit 108, offers Western New Mexico’s latest and greatest gaming experience.
Featuring a bigger and better experience with over 600 of the Hottest New Slots with more added monthly, the only true Non-Smoking Slot Room in Cibola County, the Café 108 Grill featuring our world famous Laguna Burger, our first-class Event Center featuring even more entertainment as well as any special event or occasion you may have coming up, a Bingo room with tons of specials, and our all new restaurant, The Great American Diner. Find out for yourself what all the excitement’s about. Makes plans to visit the new Dancing Eagle Casino today!
Cibola County War Memorials
Gulf War Memorial
City Hall Park off Santa Fe Avenue – Grants, NM
Korean War Memorial
Zuni Canyon Road – Milan, NM
Vietnam War Memorial - Friendship Park
Santa Fe Avenue – Grants, NM
Bataan Death March Memorial
Old County Complex on High Street – Grants, NM
Korean - Vietnam - Cold War Memorial
City Hall, 600 W. Santa Fe Avenue – Grants, NM
Veterans Memorial
Sky City Cultural Center & Haaku’ Museum, Haaku Road – Pueblo of Acoma, NM
Vietnam War Memorial & Khe Sanh Bridge
Route 66 – Seama, NM
Disabled American Veterans Memorial
Old County Complex on High Street – Grants, NM