DONA ANA, MESILLA, LA MESA (PAST EVENT)

THIS TRIP IS FILLED TO CAPACITY. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ON THE WAIT LIST PLEASE WRITE TO fgraz@nuevo-mexico-profundo.com. 

DOÑA ANA, MESILLA, LA MESA  March 24-25, 2023

NUEVO MEXICO PROFUNDO is delighted to announce a new self-drive tour to historic churches and homes in southern New Mexico. The tour is led by Frank Graziano, together with our partners.

At 3:00 on Friday, March 24, 2023 we meet at Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria (Our Lady of Purification) in the historic village of Doña Ana. Village information is here. Our partners from the Doña Ana Village Historic Preservation Committee guide us on a visit of the church, the adjacent historic district, and a nearby votive chapel. Lodging (on your own) is recommended in old Mesilla that night, for easy access to Saturday’s visits.

At 10:00 on Saturday morning, March 25 we meet at the Guadalupe House in Mesilla’s historic district. This property from the mid-nineteenth century was purchased and restored by our hosts, Pat and Wendy Taylor. Guadalupe House information is here.

After lunch on your own—there are great options in walking distance—we meet at 2:00 about a half-hour south of Mesilla in the village of La Mesa to visit San José church. It was built between 1868 and 1877 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993. The drive to La Mesa is scenic, through farmland and pecan orchards, with distant mountain views.

At 4:30, having returned to old Mesilla, we visit the Taylor-Mesilla Historic Property on the plaza. Our visit is hosted by Mike Taylor and Pat Taylor and guided by Alexandra McKinney. The tour is followed by an informal reception (included in the ticket price) at the house, with tapas and soft drinks. Information on the property is here. The tour concludes after the reception.

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SUGGESTIONS FOR VISITS EN ROUTE TO/FROM MESILLA

ISLETA, ST. AUGUSTINE

St. Augustine is an exceptionally beautiful historic church located about fifteen minutes south of downtown Albuquerque, in Isleta Pueblo. The location is mapped here. Some information on the church history is here.

ALAMILLO, SAN ANTONIO

This church, just a few minutes off I-25, has a unique photogenic charm. While southbound, take exit 163 (San Acacia) and turn right into the village of Alamillo.

SAN LORENZO CANYON

At the same exit as Alamillo, San Lorenzo is a beautiful, winding sandstone canyon with hoodoos, arches, slickenside, and cottonwoods against the backdrop of cliff face. There are several side canyons, especially on the right (north) side as you enter, and one slot canyon near the entry is particularly rewarding. To find the side canyons look for footprints and tire tracks veering off the main trail. The route to the canyon, particularly when southbound on I-25, is a bit circuitous, with some driving on dirt roads. Directions are below. San Lorenzo Canyon is a remote site of the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge. Sevilleta’s visitor center and additional trails are at Exit 169. Also nearby is the Ladd S. Gordon Waterfowl Complex.

SOCORRO, SAN MIGUEL

Heading south on Business I-25, turn right onto Calle San Miguel. There is a parking area across from the church and the historic plaza is three blocks south. If you enjoy informal New Mexican restaurants, Sofia’s Kitchen (105 Bullock Blvd.) is recommended, as is its adjacent take-out shop and drive-up window, Burrito Tyme.

RODEY / ST. FRANCIS DE SALES

The Rodey church, in the Hatch area, was desacralized in 1963 when the property was sold for private use. It is currently operated as an inn and event venue, here.

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Visits to the suggested churches are exterior only, unless a church happens to be open.

White Sands National Park is about an hour from Mesilla. Information is here. The two-mile, moderate Backcountry Trail offers expansive views of white gypsum dunes. Even a small part of the trail puts you deep in an otherworldly landscape.

DIRECTIONS TO SAN LORENZO CANYON:

Heading north on I-25: Take exit 156 (Lemitar), turn left at the stop sign, go under the interstate, and turn right onto the frontage road. There is a San Lorenzo Canyon sign at this turn. Continue approximately 4.5 miles to the end of the paved road. Turn left onto the unpaved road; there is another canyon sign at this turn. Drive 2.1 miles to the next canyon sign, turn right, and continue approximately 2.3 miles to the canyon.

Heading south on I-25: Take exit 163 (San Acacia), turn left at the stop sign, and continue over the interstate. Turn right on the east frontage road, just past the entrance to I-25 north. Continue approximately 2.2 miles to the second road (County Road 94) that tunnels under I-25. Turn right, and just after the underpass veer right onto an unpaved road. Continue approximately two miles, turn right at the San Lorenzo Canyon sign, and drive approximately 2.3 miles to the canyon.