Category: Camping

Whether youre heading out on trails for the first time or youre a seasoned hiker, New Mexico has a little bit of everything and a lot of the unexpected for you to enjoy. The state is easily among the places that those who enjoy hiking should add to their bucket lists.

After all, where else other than New Mexico could you hike along trails where youll see hot springs, glacial lakes, gorges, and geological shapes such as hoodoos that would make you think youre on an entirely different planet? The sites youll see are astonishing and unlike any other place on Earth.

Moreover, there are lots of opportunities to hike in New Mexico, since it is the state in sixth place for public lands. The trails are loved, but not crowded and can be easily accessed from small towns or large urban centers. This really does let you get the best of both worlds, particularly if youre traveling to the state from elsewhere.

Choose your trail based on the terrain that suits your fitness and the scenery you want to enjoy. They can include anything from alpine to high desert, so your options are as vast as the sights youll see.

Some of the trails are meant to be on the easy side, which means that they are well maintained and dont involve much in terms of increasing or decreasing elevation. More moderate trails will take you out for longer distances. They will have some changes in elevation, which means youll need to be more fit than you would for the easiest trails. Trails for expert hikers are more strenuous. They will need you to be in good shape because theyll cover quite a distance and will need you to take on some shaper changes in elevation.

Before heading out on a trail, make sure to consult any resources available to let you know its difficulty level, updates about the trail itself, facilities youll see along the way, the weather and other conditions that may vary while youre out.

Among the top places to hike in New Mexico include:

* The Rio Grande Gorge This year-round trail is well maintained. The full seven-mile loop at the Wild Rivers Recreation Area (located near Questa) is easy nearly the entire way around, with one expert level stretch available.

* The Continental Divide Trail This trail is available from spring through fall and has an eight-mile loop in San Pedro Parks Wilderness, not far from Cuba. It is a moderate difficulty level.

* The Pueblo Alto Trail This trail is open in spring and fall and provides a five-mile round-trip hike at Chaco Culture National Historic Park, close to Nageezi. It is also a moderate difficulty level.

From fantastic zoos and parks to desert museums and hot air balloon rides, New Mexico is an incredible source of outdoor entertainment for fun and unique family activities. It doesnt matter if you are a local or a tourist, these activities will give you something to do and are a great way to create some incredible family memories.

With that in mind, here are the top 5 must-do outdoor New Mexico activities:

1. Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park This incredible outdoor establishment in Carlsbad has more than 40 species and 300 plants and cacti native to the Chihuahuan Desert. Opened to children of all ages, visitors can explore the fascinating variety of New Mexicos wildlife. Plus, of you happen to visit in May, youll be able to see a beautiful array of colorful wildflowers.

2. Spring River Park and Zoo Although its not the largest zoo in New Mexico, this park and zoo located in Roswell is free, which is always a win! Families are invited to enjoy the parks natural and relaxing setting. They can stroll through different parts of the zoo, including Prairie Dog Town and Longhorn Ranch. Theres also picnic areas, a miniature train, carousel, playground and the opportunity to fish at the lake for younger children.

3. Ojo Caliente Mineral Hot Springs & Spa Filled with sulphur-free, geothermal mineral waters derived from a subterranean volcanic aquifer, the hot springs in Ojo Caliente are the only ones in the world that offer four different types of minerals in their waters to create both a relaxing and healing (without the harsh smell) experience. The springs are open daily and all children are welcome, including non-potty trained children for whom there are required swim diapers available.

4. Santa Fe Childrens Museum More than just an indoor museum that is filled with lots of activities, Santa Fe Childrens Museum also features an outdoor gardens and play area that has been built in the southwestern style of the Santa Fe region. The museums outdoor area is fill with a variety of flowers and plant species native to the area as well as a huge sandbox. Plus, theres a snake and bug section for children who are fascinated by these creatures, as well as a unique Airstream trailer that doubles as a food truck with a variety of food options.

5. Balloon Flights at Pueblo Balloon Company Ever wished you could go on a hot air balloon ride? Taos is where you can do it. Take the family on a grand 60 90 minute adventure up in the skies where you can see spectacular aerial views of the Rio Grande Gorge and the Taos Valley!

And for numerous of us, it’s an ideal season for camping with our four-legged finest friends. Whether you’re an experienced backpacker or a casual car-camper, these ideas for camping with your pet dog will help you make the most of your summer. Prepare your pet dog, research the campsite, get the ideal gear, and have enjoyable.

Know your canine’s outdoor camping personality

Prior to you embark on a wilderness experience, it is necessary to assess your canine’s camp-readiness. Is she a lounge hound? An unwinded trip to a family-friendly camping area might be the best option. Is she a daring doggy athlete with lots of outdoor experience? Possibly it’s time to take that weeklong backpacking journey you have actually been thinking of!

Be honest about your pet dog’s character, and prepare your trip appropriately. If you doubt, attempt taking a couple of day trips and picnics before planning a campout.

Research study dog-friendly websites

There’s absolutely nothing worse than hitting the road with your four-legged good friend, only to reach your location and find a No Canines Allowed indication. Whatever sort of camping trip you have in mind, make certain to call ahead or research study online to find dog-friendly campsites and trails. Check on leash laws, too; some camping areas just welcome restrained pets, whereas others are fine with your pet dog being off-leash as long as she’s under voice control (and you get the poop, naturally).

Revitalise your pet’s camp-friendly training

Whether you’re moving towards a back-country trek or a camping area off the highway, your canine will need a reputable recall command to keep her out of danger (and far from other campers who might not be so into canines). You should likewise brush up on the “leave it” command in case you come across snakes, bears, or other wildlife on the trail.

It’s a great idea to do some outdoor training sessions prior to your huge camping trip.

Get ready for emergencies

Prior to you leave on your camping trip, make a laminated card with your pet dog’s recognising details, vaccination record, and health history, plus all of your contact details. You need to also ensure your canine’s microchip details and tags are updated.

Nature can be unforeseeable, therefore can pet dogs, so it is necessary to be gotten ready for anything.

The Australian Forest Service recommends carrying the following dog-specific emergency treatment products, many of which you probably currently have at house:

A bandana for a makeshift muzzle
Flat-bladed tweezers and a little container of mineral oil for tick removal
An emergency situation fold-up blanket (space blanket) for dealing with shock or cold
A folding tool that has needle-nose pliers for drawing out a big thorn or a porcupine quill

Booties for safeguarding injured paws (toddler socks work great!).
A small emergency treatment book with directions for treating animals.
The name, phone number, and directions of a neighbouring vet or pet emergency clinic.

Prepare (but pack light).

Camping with your canine means being gotten ready for anything, but you don’t want to overpack and risk having too much to carry, or no room in the Recreational Vehicle for your pooch! This camping packaging list for your pet dog will get you started:.

Devoted doggy water bottle and collapsible/lightweight food and water bowls (keep in mind to bring a packable filtering system if you’ll be counting on a water source at the site).
Canine backpack for day hikes.
Sleeping pad and blanket to keep your pooch relaxing at night (a kid-sized sleeping bag from your regional thrift shop is a great alternative).
Reflective leash/collar and clip-on flashing light.
Aid package as explained above.
Keep in mind, you do not need to break the bank to get your pet prepared for outdoor camping. If you’ll be hiking, take a look at our hiking gear guide for some valuable essentials. If you’re just headed out for a relaxing campsite stay, there’s an excellent chance you already have the “equipment” you require at house.

Practice great camping site rules.

Use a leash or that rock-solid recall command to keep your pet out of complete strangers’ camping areas, and be sure to select up and appropriately dispose of your pet dog’s waste. For maximum safety and pleasure, your dog ought to stick near you at all times, and should never be left unsupervised at the campground, in a lorry, or on the path.

Obviously, often you might need to confine your pup for security or benefit (state, while you’re roasting hotdogs over the fire and a particular four-legged friend is figured out to snag a sausage of her own). If your pet dog is cage trained, a portable, light-weight, fabric-walled cage is an invaluable addition to your camp kit!

Have fun!

Camping with your pet is a fantastic way to get away from it all and bond with your finest buddy. And absolutely nothing beats cuddling up with a dog in a relaxing tent, the aroma of campfire still lingering in the air.

Buying a caravan is a lot like buying a house. It’s a large space, completely furnished, but that does not mean it’s immediately ready for use. Do not let the beds, baths and kitchen trick you – there’s still a lot a caravan needs to make it seem like home.

That’s why in this post we’ll be diminishing the leading ten devices you’ll need to get the most out of your caravan. Some are cheap, some costly, however they’re all essential accessories for any trip.

10. Fire set

A dry powder fire extinguisher is an important caravan device, permitting you to handle category B and C fires, whether they’re brought on by petrol, cooking, gas or diesel fat. Some caravans will come with this essential piece of package, but there’s no informing the age or quality of pre-owned fire avoidance equipment, so it’s a great idea to buy your very own. Conscientious motorists will also buy a fire blanket or fire pail, both which are good for suppressing fires without distracting or troubling the driver. A great fire kit might simply conserve your automobile or your life, so make it among the first things you purchase.

9. Awning

Awnings fit to the side of the van, extending the comfy location outside a vehicle and including living space which you’ll be happy for in the long run. There are 2 primary sizes of awning: ‘canopy’ and ‘patio’, with the previous covering more space and costing more cash. Something many people have the tendency to forget is that awnings are typically planned to be used with a ground sheet. A basic one will do, however consider it as the bottom of a camping tent and you’ll see its requirement pretty quickly.

8. Sleeping bags

The sleeping bag/duvet argument is a typical one in caravan circles, but for our loan sleeping bags are just more versatile. If you like, you can splash out on both, however only sleeping bags give you the option of sleeping away from your automobile for enjoyable or in an emergency situation. If you can stretch to water resistant sleeping bags then do – even if you have no objective of going outdoors, you never ever understand what situation is around the corner.

7. Coolbox

A coolbox offers you a lot of flexibility, but it can be time-consuming to create one utilizing ice or by freezing package before use. Happily for ⤠80 you can grab an electronic, battery powered coolbox that’ll spend for itself after the first couple of picnics.

6. Entertainment

It might appear frivolous, but having some easy home entertainment on board can keep travellers in high spirits. A little television or e-reader can be acquired for under ⤠100, and would be a practical purchase for anyone preparation long journeys. E-readers like the Kindle are especially helpful for caravans, enabling you to bring a library of books at a feather-light, mileage-friendly weight.

5. Leisure battery

Of course, you’ll require a battery to power that home entertainment. A 70ah to 115ah battery will do the job, and expenses from ⤠60 to ⤠90.

4. Dishware

A vital but frequently ignored caravan accessory, lots of is the visitor who has stockpiled on food and after that discovered mid-journey that they don’t have a way to eat it. A simple melamine set of plates and cutlery ought to suffice, given that they’re difficult to break and simple to tidy.

3. Locks

A caravan is halfway between a home and a vehicle, but many people treat it as no more than a vehicle. Caravans are usually very safe, but on hectic sites or journeys where you’ll be away for a while it helps to have some additional defense. Make certain you have the right security devices.

2. Actions

Another crucial however commonly forgotten item, steps can slip your mind if you’re fairly healthy. Just bear in mind that it will not constantly be simple to jump down from or heave yourself up into a caravan, and the day you’ve twisted an ankle or you’re carrying some shopping is the day you’ll rue not purchasing something durable to step on.

1. Containers

Containers are lifesavers on a caravan vacation, and will genuinely pay for themselves before long. Bring excess weight will cost you in gas loan, so make sure to transfer water in a container to generate the saving. Two roller containers will make life much easier, allowing you to easily dispose and gather of water, no matter how far it is from your pitch.

Summer suggests playtime! And for much of us, it’s an ideal season for camping with our four-legged friends. Whether you’re a skilled backpacker or a casual car-camper, these pointers for camping with your pet will assist you take advantage of your summertime. Most significantly? Prepare your pet dog, research the camping site, get the ideal equipment, and have a good time. We have actually got all the information listed below.

Know your pet’s outdoor camping personality

Before you embark on a wilderness experience, it is necessary to assess your pet’s camp-readiness. Is she a lounge hound? A relaxed journey to a family-friendly campground might be the best choice. Is she a daring doggy athlete with a lot of outside experience? Possibly it’s time to take that weeklong backpacking trip you’ve been thinking of!

Be honest about your dog’s character, and plan your trip accordingly. If you’re uncertain, attempt taking a couple of day trips and picnics before preparing a campout.

Research study dog-friendly sites

There’s absolutely nothing worse than hitting the road with your four-legged good friend, just to get to your destination and discover a No Pet dogs Permitted indication. Whatever sort of outdoor camping journey you have in mind, make sure to call ahead or research study online to find dog-friendly camping areas and routes. Examine leash laws, too; some camping sites just welcome restrained pets, whereas others are alright with your pet dog being off-leash as long as she’s under voice control (and you pick up the poop, obviously).

Revitalise your dog’s camp-friendly training

Whether you’re headed for a back-country trek or a campground off the highway, your dog will need a dependable recall command to keep her out of danger (and away from other campers who might not be so into canines). You must likewise brush up on the “leave it” command in case you experience snakes, bears, or other wildlife on the path.

It’s a good idea to do some outdoor training sessions before your big outdoor camping trip.

Prepare for emergencies

Before you leave on your camping trip, make a laminated card with your pet dog’s determining information, vaccination record, and health history, plus all your contact details. You need to likewise make sure your canine’s microchip details and tags are updated.

Nature can be unforeseeable, therefore can pets, so it is necessary to be gotten ready for anything.

The Australian Forest Service advises carrying the following dog-specific first aid products, many of which you most likely currently have at house:

A bandana for a makeshift muzzle
Flat-bladed tweezers and a small container of mineral oil for tick elimination
An emergency situation fold-up blanket (area blanket) for dealing with shock or cold
A folding tool that has needle-nose pliers for extracting a large thorn or a porcupine quill

Booties for protecting injured paws (toddler socks work great!).
A small emergency treatment book with instructions for treating family pets.
The name, contact number, and directions of a neighbouring vet or family pet emergency clinic.

Prepare (however pack light).

Camping with your pet indicates being prepared for anything, but you don’t want to overpack and run the risk of having too much to bring, or no room in the RV for your pooch! This camping packing list for your canine will get you began:.

Dedicated doggy water bottle and collapsible/lightweight food and water bowls (remember to bring a packable purification system if you’ll be depending on a water source at the website).
Pet dog knapsack for day hikes.
Sleeping pad and blanket to keep your pooch comfortable in the evening (a kid-sized sleeping bag from your local thrift store is a great option).
Reflective leash/collar and clip-on flashing light.
First aid set as described above.
Keep in mind, you do not need to spend a lot to get your pet got ready for camping. If you’ll be hiking, have a look at our trekking equipment guide for some useful essentials. If you’re simply headed out for a relaxing camping area stay, there’s an excellent opportunity you currently have the “equipment” you need at home.

Practice excellent camping site etiquette.

Utilise a leash or that rock-solid recall command to keep your pet dog out of strangers’ camping sites, and be sure to choose up and properly dispose of your canine’s waste. For maximum safety and enjoyment, your pet dog should stick near you at all times, and need to never ever be left without supervision at the camping area, in a lorry, or on the path.

Obviously, sometimes you might need to confine your pup for security or convenience (state, while you’re roasting hot dogs over the fire and a certain four-legged pal is identified to snag a sausage of her own). If your pet is dog crate trained, a portable, lightweight, fabric-walled crate is a vital addition to your camp set!

Have fun!

Camping with your dog is a terrific method to get away from everything and bond with your finest buddy. Far from radiant screens and a million diversions, you’ll take in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature with a real connoisseur. And nothing beats snuggling up with a pet in a comfortable tent, the scent of campfire still lingering in the air. With a little preparation, you and your pet dog will be all set to observe the call of the wild and have a blast!

Buying a caravan is a lot like buying a house. It’s a big area, fully furnished, but that doesn’t suggest it’s immediately ready for use. Don’t let the beds, baths and kitchen deceive you – there’s still a lot a caravan has to make it feel like home.

That’s why in this article we’ll be diminishing the top ten accessories you’ll have to get the most from your caravan. Some are cheap, some costly, however they’re all essential devices for any journey.

10. Fire set

A dry powder fire extinguisher is a vital caravan device, permitting you to handle category B and C fires, whether they’re triggered by fuel, gas, cooking or diesel fat. Some caravans will include this essential piece of kit, however there’s no telling the age or quality of second-hand fire avoidance equipment, so it’s a smart idea to buy your own. Conscientious chauffeurs will likewise purchase a fire blanket or fire bucket, both which benefit stifling fires without bothering the driver or sidetracking. A good fire package might simply save your lorry or your life, so make it among the first things you buy.

9. Awning

Awnings fit to the side of the van, extending the comfortable area outside an automobile and adding living space which you’ll be glad for in the long run. One thing numerous people tend to forget is that awnings are typically intended to be utilized with a ground sheet.

8. Sleeping bags

The sleeping bag/duvet argument is a common one in caravan circles, but for our loan sleeping bags are just more versatile. If you like, you can sprinkle out on both, however only sleeping bags offer you the option of sleeping away from your automobile for enjoyable or in an emergency. If you can extend to water resistant sleeping bags then do – even if you have no objective of going outdoors, you never understand exactly what situation is around the corner.

7. Coolbox

A coolbox gives you a lot of flexibility, but it can be lengthy to develop one using ice or by freezing package prior to use. Happily for ⤠80 you can get an electronic, battery powered coolbox that’ll pay for itself after the first few picnics.

6. Home entertainment

It might seem pointless, however having some simple entertainment on board can keep visitors in high spirits. A small television or e-reader can be acquired for under ⤠100, and would be a practical purchase for anyone planning long journeys. E-readers like the Kindle are particularly helpful for caravans, permitting you to bring a library of books at a feather-light, mileage-friendly weight.

5. Leisure battery

Obviously, you’ll require a battery to power that entertainment. A 70ah to 115ah battery will do the job, and costs from ⤠60 to ⤠90.

4. Dishware

An important but often overlooked caravan device, numerous is the traveller who has stockpiled on food and after that found mid-journey that they don’t have a way to eat it. A basic melamine set of plates and cutlery should be sufficient, considering that they’re tough to break and easy to tidy.

3. Locks

A caravan is midway in between an automobile and a home, but lots of people treat it as no more than an automobile. Caravans are typically very safe, but on hectic sites or journeys where you’ll be away for a while it helps to have some additional defense. Make sure you have the proper security gadgets.

2. Steps

Another essential but typically forgotten item, actions can slip your mind if you’re reasonably in shape. Simply bear in mind that it won’t always be easy to leap below or heave yourself up into a caravan, and the day you’ve twisted an ankle or you’re carrying some shopping is the day you’ll rue not investing in something sturdy to step on.

1. Containers

Containers are lifesavers on a caravan vacation, and will really pay for themselves soon. Carrying excess weight will cost you in gas loan, so be sure to carry water in a container to generate the saving. 2 roller containers will make life simpler, permitting you to quickly get rid of and collect of water, no matter how far away it is from your pitch.