New Mexico travelers choose from 27 Best Western hotels.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe New Mexico, more than 400 years old, is the oldest capital city in the United States. A long history of cultural influences blend creating the Santa Fe of today – a beautiful mix of Native American, Mexican and American West heritage. This is the season for transitions in New Mexico’s capital region with spring temperatures taking hold over winter. A visit to Santa Fe in spring makes a delightful getaway. The high mountain city offers year-round culture and arts events, enjoyed in spring with smaller crowds and delightful cool weather. Skiers, take advantage of Ski Santa Fe spring now before the season ends.

Before warm weather dominates Santa Fe and northeastern New Mexico, be sure to get in the last of winter fun. Tentative closing date for the 2012 season at Ski Santa Fe is April 8. Like the moguls? Join the fun at the 25th Annual Gladfelter Memorial Bump Contest March 31 – watch or hit the slopes, it’s all good. Expert skiers, be sure to check out the new Richards Run black diamond slope while you are at Ski Santa Fe. Northwest of Santa Fe in Los Alamos, Pajarito Mountain offers excellent winter recreation. Pajarito sits on the western side of the Jemez Mountains overlooking the Rio Grande Valley and Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the east. As spring takes over, Pajarito and the Jemez Mountains make great hiking and biking destinations.

Taos, the well known New Mexico resort destination, sits 70-miles north of Santa Fe, just south of Red River. Travelers find Red River, 35 miles north of Taos a nice option for outdoor recreation and sports while exploring northern New Mexico. Taos Ski Valley closes the winter season mid-April with the Red Bull Schlittentag and the Bud Light Pond Skimming Championships. Celebrate the coming of spring in Taos – it doesn’t get more fun.

Historic Red River, home of Red River Ski and Snowboard Area, is a cool mountain retreat. Enjoy spring fishing, ATV riding and four-wheeling. The former mining town turned outdoor recreation destination, gears up for the 2012 warm season with the Northern New Mexico Hunting & Fishing Expo May 11 and 12. Put your winter training to the test at the Red River Half Marathon & 5K May 18 and 19. The half-marathon is a high mountain event in spectacular surroundings. The course is tough, but rewards with amazing views of Wheeler Peak, New Mexico’s highest point, and Valley of the Pines on the descent.

Celebrate spring with outdoor adventures in Red River. Memorial Day weekend brings the annual Red River Memorial Day Motorcycle Rally where you can unofficially welcome summer to New Mexico.

White Sands National Monument

Spring in Southern New Mexico arrives without delay. The states southernmost winter resort of Ski Apache knows spring skiing into April is a luxury. Visitors to Ruidoso, act quickly to catch the end of season winter fun in Lincoln National Forest. Southwest in Las Cruces, the fertile Mesilla Valley and surrounding Organ Mountains, Picacho Peak and Robledo Mountains come to life for spring hiking and outdoor activities. New Mexico State University wraps up  winter term and the dunes of White Sands National Monument are shining with gypsum crystals and primed for visitors. A spring visit to southern New Mexico offers an outdoor adventure for everyone.

White Sands National Monument is hosting visitors with its spring hours, before moving to 2012 summer hours April 18. Check sunrise and sunset times, as well as moonrise and moonset times. Visiting the white sand dunes during these times showcase the spectacular scenery at its best. White Sands Missile Range, part of the largest military installation in the US, kicks-off spring with the 2012 Bataan Death March. This annual event honors World War II service members with a march through the high desert terrain of WSMR. Join this solemn challenge March 25.

Las Cruces continues to take advantage of 350 days of sunshine each year with the first annual Las Cruces Metric Century Bicycle Ride. Sponsored by the Las Cruces Optimist Club, the Centennial Bike Ride takes places April 15, 2012. Events include the Metric Century distance, Half Metric Century – bring your helmet and join the fun at the start on the NMSU campus in Arrowhead Park.

Alamogordo and Ruidoso to the east of White Sands National Monument, are two more delightful towns to add to a southern New Mexico itinerary. Alamogordo is home to the New Mexico Museum of Space History. A must-see destination, exhibits include the International Space Hall of Fame and artifacts from 28 countries involved in space exploration. Outdoor exhibits include the Astronaut Memorial Garden with scenic views of the Tularosa Basin below.

The Clyde W. Tombaugh IMAX Dome Theater and Planetarium also are located in Alamogordo. Another must-see attraction, the IMAX wrap around motion picture is always an exciting experience. Current shows include “9 Planets & Counting” at the Planetarium and the IMAX movie “Mount Everest.” Check out the Rockets exhibit in the museum while you are waiting for the shows to start – don’t forget to press the buttons and hear the engines roar.

Spring in Ruidoso means transition from winter fun to the hiking, biking and outdoor fun of summer. End of spring brings racing at Ruidoso Downs with 2012 opening day May 25. Meanwhile try your luck and join in the fun at Billy the Kid Casino at the Downs or the nearby Inn of the Mountain Gods Casino.

International Balloon Fiesta

Albuquerque transitions in spring from the fun of winter slopes at Sandia Peak to the beauty of high semi-desert spring outdoor activities. Sandia Peak Ski & Tramway wraps up the winter season in March, while in the city heats up with events like the 24th Annual National Fiery Foods & Barbecue Show, The Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Festival 24th Annual Spring Show and the 2nd & 3rd rounds of 2012 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championships. At the intersection of Interstate 40 and Interstate 25, Albuquerque is a cross roads for New Mexico travelers. Also the state’s largest city – Albuquerque has a full calendar of events and activities.

Happy Birthday Albuquerque – visit Old Town April 21, 2012 to celebrate over three centuries of history and heritage. Founders Day Fiesta 2012 features seven stages of entertainment celebrating five historic eras of Albuquerque History. The 306th birthday events include United Native Council Drumming and Dances at the Old Town Gazebo, Romero at Church street hosts Buffalo Dancers and enjoy Yjastros Flamenco at Plaza Hacienda. The fun continues at Plaza Don Luis with Albuquerque’s Mexican Consulate hosting Piñatas and Lotería and remember kid’s activities at Plaza Don Luis. A big day of fun awaits visitors at Albuquerque’s Founders Day Fiesta.

A rich blend of cultures, New Mexico’s Native American tribes gather in spring at the 33rd Annual American Indian Week: Pueblo Days. The 2012 events are hosted at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center Plaza in downtown Albuquerque’s Old Town. Kick-off spring, April 21 through 29, at Pueblo Days featuring daily dance performances, art markets and children’s art show. Don’t miss the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow competitions the end of the week, April 26 through 28. While you are there, be sure to visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center showcasing exhibits of the 19 Pueblos and other tribes of the southwest.

Memorial Day visitors to north central New Mexico, check out the Albuquerque Wine Festival at the Balloon Fiesta grounds. The 2012 festival, held May 26 through 28, features New Mexico’s own wines. Taste the best pours from New Mexico’s burgeoning wine industry while enjoying live entertainment. The ABQ Wine Fest is a delightful start to the summer season and a great opportunity to familiarize the palate to New Mexico wines.

Albuquerque offers a diversity of events for active travelers. Looking for a challenge? Albuquerque hosts its Goruck Challenge April 14 and 15. A team event, the challenge features an unannounced course filled with various challenges. Led by a member of the Green Berets and inspired by Special Forces Training, the event features 15-20 miles of challenges over 8 to 10 hours. Not a competition, this is a wonderful and challenging team building experience for friends and families.