This nice trip explores the diverse country west of Socorro.  In 55 miles of driving, along US 60, you will experience desert and high plains to 10,000 foot mountains.  Side trips can take you into the Water Canyon Campground with tall pines and mountain canyons, or to the mining ghost town of Kelly.  At the end of the trail is the Very Large Array (VLA) radio telescope with a nice visitor's center and exhibits.  This trip can vary from 3 hours to all day, depending upon the attractions you visit along the way.

 

Numbers (1), (2), (3), etc. refer to numbers on MAP - TRIP 3.

(1) From Socorro, drive west on US 60 towards Magdalena, 26 miles distant.  Highway 60 was the first "Coast to Coast" highway, predating Route 66.  You will see the original road bed, and the old railroad grade to Magdalena, along the drive.

 

Atop the 1000-foot climb of Sedillo Hill, the Magdalena Mountains come into view, with 10,800 foot Mount Baldy - one of southern New Mexico's tallest peaks.  In a few more miles, you will see the turn off for (2) Water Canyon.  In just a few minutes of driving, you will be in majestic mountains with tall cliffs and towering pines you wouldn't think exists in the desert.  It's a paved road to the (3) Water Canyon Campground - a beautiful, cool spot for lunch or a snack.  Suitable for all vehicles, though the narrow road and parking lot can be precarious for large RVs. Overnight camping is permitted unless otherwise posted by the Forest Service.  You're now at 7,000 feet - so take it easy if you're not acclimated to high altitude.

 

Another 25 miles west of Magdalena on US 60 is the turn off to the (6) Very Large Array (VLA) radio telescope. Of course, long before the turn off you will see the 28 dish antennas of the VLA scattered along the San Augustin plains. These flat plains were once the hunting grounds for the Warm Springs Apache, such as Geronimo, Victorio, and Chief Nana. Ancient Indian artifacts have also been found in the prehistoric lake beds of the plains.  The (7) VLA Visitor's Center is open during daylight hours, containing displays and exhibits.

 

 

Return to (1) Socorro along US 60, the way you came.  From the VLA to Socorro is an hour's drive.

 

For the more adventurous traveler, an alternative is to take (8) NM 107 from (4) Magdalena to (9) it's

junction with I-25. This is a well maintained dirt road, about 35 miles in length, running between the

Magdalena and San Mateo Mountains.  It is a nice drive through open range land peppered by old

homestead ranches, the rugged San Mateo Mountains to your west, and vistas that overlook the distant

Rio Grande valley and Jornada del Muerto.  Due to the long extent of dirt road, washboarded in places,

it is not recommended for large RVs.  NM 107 joins I-25 at Exit 115.  Only five miles away is(10) 

Magdalena railroad station is now the village hall and museum

Headframe, tailings and mill of the Kelly Mine

The Very Large Array (VLA)

radio telescope

 

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AREA DAY-TRIPS: Explore Socorro County New Mexico