Page 12 - 2019 Las Vegas & San Miguel Co. Visitors Guide
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SAN MIGUEL COUNTY
san MiGUel CoUnTy
Where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains
Outdoor recreation is abundant, and breath tak- ing scenery captures the eye of anyone with a camera. Artists find inspiration in the range of rusty reds, vi- brant greens and amazing blues painted across mesas, mountains and plains. Pristine lakes and streams make you want to get out your fishing pole and try your luck. San Miguel County is where music sings through the hills and pines, contributing to the melody of rural life.
Established in January 1852 as one of the original nine counties by the New Mexico territorial legislature, San Miguel County is also one of the largest. The more than 4700 square miles extends 118 miles to the east and about 57 miles north to south. With an average of 273 sunny days per year, every day is a good day to
enjoy what this northern New Mexico gem has to offer. The area and its water sources – the Gallinas, Pe- cos and Canadian Rivers – were inhabited by Native Americans as early as 1100 A.D., before the arrival of Spanish explorers in the mid-1500s. Spanish settle- ments in San Miguel County – separate from pueb- lo occupation – began in the late 1700s. By the early 1800s, Spanish and Mexican land grants supported an agriculture economy for many years before the rail-
road arrived.
Today the rural economy is driven by heritage – or
generational – farming and ranching, and by large cat- tle and horse ranches. These stewards of the land con- tinue a legacy of respect for nature, and the hard work
required to sustain a rural way of life. The owners of many cow/calf operations have built greenhouses and put in small farms, which support farmers’ markets that sell produce year around. The annual County Fair, held the second weekend in August, embodies the rich culture of the farming and ranching influence. This youth-centered event features small and large animal judging and sales, and indoor exhibits of handwork, baking, art and any number of other practical and home skills.
Enjoy San Miguel County. You will find some of the best outdoor experiences nature can provide and en- counter diverse cultures that blend into a harmonious mosaic.
A short list of things to do:
• Storrie Lake State Park: 5 miles from Las Vegas, this serene lake offers fishing, bird watching, and boating. Choose from a variety of camp- sites with utility hookups for RVs. (505) 425-7278
• Conchas Lake State Park: 11⁄2 hour drive east on NM-104, features secluded coves, canyons, and sandy beaches. Excellent for camping, boating, and fishing. (575) 868-2270
• Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge: 10 minutes from Las Vegas, this 8,672-acre refuge is one of the few sizeable wetland areas remain- ing in New Mexico. Open to the public for wildlife watching, hiking, hunting, educational and interpretive programs and special events. (505) 425-3581
• Pecos Wilderness: Within easy driving distance of Las Vegas, this 221,819 acre area features pristine lakes and streams that offer first-rate fishing. Hiking, horseback riding and camping for the experienced out- door adventurer. (505) 757-6121
12 | Las Vegas & San Miguel Co. Visitors Guide 2019
Photo courtesy Deanna Roybal
• Pendaries Village Golf Course: A beautiful 45-minute drive from Las Vegas, this 18-hole golf course sits in a lovely setting surrounded by beautiful scenery. Golf course open from late April to late October. (505) 425-3561
• Art and artist studios: Visit www.lasvegasartscouncil.org for informa- tion about studios open by appointment in rural areas. (505) 425-1085; for Pecos visit: www.pecosstudiotour.com
• Pecos Historical Park: 40 minutes from Las Vegas you can explore the cultural exchange of native peoples and geographic features that played crucial roles in the rich history of the Pecos Valley. (505) 757-7241
• Villanueva State Park: 40 minutes from Las Vegas, is located be- tween high sandstone bluffs that form a canyon along the Pecos River. Camp or picnic under the shade of cottonwood trees. Enjoy fishing, birding, wildflower viewing, or hiking the trails along the canyon walls. (575) 421-2957