For those that are interested in the great outdoors, local festivals, rodeos, and historical ruins, Mountainair has a variety of appealing activities.
Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument – With austere yet beautiful reminders of the early contact between Pueblo Indians and Spanish Colonials. Just minutes from Mountainair are the ruins of four mission churches, at Quarai, Abó, and Gran Quivira and the partially excavated pueblo of Las Humanas or, as it is known today, Gran Quivira are just minutes from Mountainair. Established in 1980 through the combination of two New Mexico State Monuments and the former Gran Quivira National Monument, the present Monument comprises a total of 1,100 acres of history to visit. Because of its close proximity to the ruins, Mountainair is referred to as the “Gateway to Ancient Cities.” www.nps.gov/sapu
Annual Sunflower Festival – Sponsored by the Manzano Mountain Arts Council (MMAC), this event features an arts and crafts show showcasing local and regional artists; live entertainment; art raffle; silent auction; sunflower hat competition; and lots of street vendors offering food and fun things for kids. Visit the Art Council web site for more information. www.mountainairarts.org
In addition, MMAC offers concerts and performances from a variety of genres throughout the year.
Annual Firecracker Jubilee – Celebrating the “spirit of America,” Mountainair hosts this 4th of July celebration. Beginning with a community parade, followed by Fun in the Park for kids with street vendors for all, and ending the day with a firecracker display and community dance, you are certain to attend one of the best celebration in the surrounding area.
Gymkhana Rodeos – Mountainair has a very active rodeo community that typically hosts local and regional rodeos for the cowboy at heart. These events offer competitions for family members of all ages and attendance is open to the public.
Camping/Hiking – The Manzano Mountains and Cibola National Forest offers outstanding beauty and scenic vistas during all seasons for any nature lover or outdoor enthusiast.
Manzano Mountain State Park – www.emnrd.state.nm.us/PRD/Manzano.htm
Fourth of July Campground, New Canyon Campground, and Red Canyon Campground are all located within the Cibola National Forest and within close proximity to Mountainair – http://www.forestcamping.com/dow/southwst/cibinfo.htm
Salt Mission Trail – In 1598 Juan de Oñate called this valley’s salt “one of the area’s four riches.” To travel the Salt Mission Trail is to take a journey back in time and visit ancient Anasazi and Mogollon Indian ruins, prehistoric trade routes, and awe-inspiring mission churches. www.heartnm.com/english/trip4_saltmission_lgmap.html
