Saturday, November 14, 2009

Seeing the Wild West by Car

Author: Lydia Kelly

Source: ezinearticles.com



Have you ever dreamt of journeying through the past and meeting up with the infamous specters of western heroes and villains such as Billy the Kid and Kit Carson? While you may not be able to meet them in person, New Mexico offers the chance to explore the ancient western frontiers, immersing you in the world of cattle rustling, train chasing, and general western mayhem.

The Billy the Kid Trail is a scenic drive through New Mexico that is dedicated to bringing the western adventures to reality.

Starting in Ruidoso Downs, visitors are drawn to the Hubbard Museum of the American West by the impressive horse sculpture by Dave McGary entitled "Free Spirits at Noisy Water". The Hubbard Museum's displays lead visitors to discover not only the nature of Wild West living, but also the contributions of the horse to the western way of life.

In Fort Stanton twelve incredible caves open the door to the world of prehistoric Indian culture and the geology of the time with over eight miles of recreational passages. The Fort Stanton Reservation was the home of many of the Wild West's most memorable personalities including Kit Carson, General "Black Jack" Perishing, and of course Billy the Kid.

Heading east, Lincoln is home to the Lincoln Jail and Court House, where many of the most infamous criminals of the Wild West were tried and imprisoned. With six museums operated by the Lincoln State Monument, Lincoln is considered the most authentic Old West town remaining in the United States. Another scenic trail worth traveling is the Geronimo Trail. Many of the towns along this scenic byway were built up around mines. Much of the land is still in its natural state, transporting travelers into the country's wild western vista as though it happened only yesterday.

The Jemez Mountain Trail is a scenic route that takes travelers into the past by exploring ancient Spanish and Indian ruins. Discover the history of the Jemez people at the Jemez State Monument which features the ancient ruin of a pueblo and the ruins of the Spanish mission called San Jose de los Jemez.

From Santa Fe you can hop onto the Santa Fe Historic Trail to follow in the footsteps of hopeful settlers who came West in search of fortune. To this day you can see the ruts left by westward-bound wagons on some parts of the trail. Numerous museums and historic kiosks dot the trail, introducing travelers to the history of the region. For a chance to immerse yourself in Western life, try stopping in at Bent's Old Fort, a living history museum with year-round activities.

Wherever you choose to travel in New, kit travel traile, Mexico's countryside, the unique history comes to life around you. Plan your trip with the many internet sites available to make the most of your experience. Whether you travel along a specific scenic route, or prefer to find your own way around the state, New Mexico is filled with fascinating places to discover and sites to see.





Nothing is more freeing than the open road! For generations, Americans have enjoyed the wind in their hair traveling from coast to coast seeking romance and adventure. Road trips are as American as baseball and apple pie. If you have always dreamt of taking that journey, Road Trip Journal has the information you need to plan that rite of passage. Visit us today at http://www.roadtripjournal.com.