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We are doing it one way, into EP, out of SF
Okay, that puts a different spin on it. El Paso and the first few miles north, I don't have much to add.
Las Cruces supposedly has a Farm Museum that it very good. Continuing north on I-25, you pass Hatch, famous for chiles, but I don't know if anything happens this time of year.
North of Truth or Consequences (named after a TV game show) you can divert to Fort Craig. Not a lot to see, but one of the few Civil War sites this far west. Check if they are open, I think I saw that they were closing for a little while.
Bosque Del Apache is, as I said, popular with bird watchers. Sandhill crane and possibly whooping cranes should be there this time of year, I think. Again, check the web site.
San Antonio, New Mexico, plan to stop at the Owl Cafe for the original green chile cheeseburger. It was a hangout of the Manhattan Project workers and later astronauts and test pilots. The town is where HIlton Hotels began.
Far west of Socorro is the Very Large Array. Fascinating place and amazing science there, but it is a long diversion, and you need to check to make sure it is open.
Lots of places to eat in Albuquerque, Church Street Cafe is special, and it is in Old Town. We also love El Pinto, in the far NW corner of town. The Biopark/Zoo is very good. If you are into nuclear history at all, the National Nuclear Museum is a must see. The tram up to Sandia Crest is fun, but you can also drive up the backside of the Crest via Tijeras and get the same view for free.
From ABQ to Santa Fe, you can take the longer and more Scenic Turquoise Trail. Takes you through Madrid, where "wild Hogs" was filmed. If you take I-25, consider Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
Santa Fe must eat: Clafloutis French Bakery and Restaurant, and Gabriels, north of town on 285. At the latter, have guacamole made at your table.
You could easily spend all five days in the Santa Fe area. Los Alamos is full of Manhattan Project history and museums, and you need to take both highway 4 and 502 on your way in and out. Have morning coffee at the Smith's grocery, with the most spectacular patio of any grocery store ever.
West of Los Alamos is Valles Caldera, the prettiest place in northern NM. And you can keep going to Jemez Springs and the Gilman tunnels. Bandelier Monument is worth a visit. Consider Rancho de Chimayo for dinner. The Chapel at Chimayo is pretty famous.
Will talk about an eastern route to Santa Fe later.
