Discover Socorro and Surrounding Areas: 2013 Visitors Guide

Table of contents
Welcome ......................................................................... 7 Our Rich History ............................................................. 8 Free State of Socorro ..................................................... 9 2012 Calendar of Events ............................................ 10
HERITAGE
Archaeological Finds ................................................... 12 Gran Quivira Ruins ....................................................... 13 El Camino Real International Heritage Center & Museum ......................................................................... 14 San Miguel Mission ....................................................... 16 Ghost Towns .................................................................. 17 Civil War Battles ............................................................ 18 Fort Craig ....................................................................... 18 Hammel Museum ........................................................ 19 Toy Train Show................................................................ 20 Socorro County Fair and Rodeo ................................ 21
OUTDOORS
Bosque del Apache NWR ........................................... 23 Rio Grande Bosque ..................................................... 24 Sevilleta NWR ............................................................... 24 Camping in the County................................................ 25 Hiking in the County .................................................... 27 Quebradas..................................................................... 29 Going Horseback........................................................... 30 Rock Climbing................................................................ 31
On the Cover: The cover of this years visitors guide

designed by Rebecca Apodaca reflects some of the elements that make Socorro County worth discovering.
Discover Socorro is a copyrighted publication of El Defensor Chieftain, a part of Number Nine Media, Inc.
COMMUNITIES
Magdalena .................................................................. 34 Alamo Navajo Reservation ........................................ 36 Kelly ................................................................................ 37 Lemitar & Polvadera .................................................... 38 San Antonio .................................................................. 39
El Defensor Chieftain
David B. Puddu
Vice President/COO
Departments Elva K. sterreich. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editor Lindsey Padilla . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reporter Laura London. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reporter Jonathan Miller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reporter Karen Bailey-Bowman. . . . . . . . . . . . . Reporter Rebecca Apodaca. . . . . . . Production Manager Trish Aragon. . . . . . . . Administrative Assistant Desiree Herndon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Advertising Joe Nendza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Advertising Paul Ulibarri Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Distribution Melissa Montoya . . . . . . . . . .Business Manager
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Fire Academy ............................................................... 40 Trinity Site ...................................................................... 41 New Mexico Tech ......................................................... 43 Astronomy...................................................................... 44 Jansky Very Large Array ............................................. 45 Bureau of Geology ...................................................... 46 M Mountain ................................................................... 47
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Historic Plaza.................................................................. 48 Music Town...................................................................... 49 Macey Center ............................................................... 50 Performing Arts Series .................................................. 51 Socorro Community Theater........................................ 52 Garcia Opera House ................................................... 52
SPORTS AND RECREATION
Some essays in this publication are excerpts from articles written for El Defensor Chieftain by historian Paul Harden.
2013 El Defensor Chieftain
New Mexico Tech Golf Course ................................... 53 Aviation........................................................................... 54 Collegiate sports............................................................ 55 Ballooning ..................................................................... 56 Mountain Biking ........................................................... 56
DIRECTORIES
Contact us at 200 Winkler St., Socorro, NM 87801 Telephone: 575-835-0520 Fax: 575-835-1837 www.dchieftain.com
3 Visitors Guide 2013
Business Directory ......................................................... 57 Education ....................................................................... 60 Churches ........................................................................ 60 Maps ......................................................................... 61-62
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Visitors Guide 2013
Enjoy your visit
Bienvenidos!
WELCOME
Welcome to Socorro County, home of community spirit, glorious views, live music and plenty of activity. From the mountains, to the desert, to the river valley a diverse landscape offers everyone something to love. Socorro offers a close-knit but welcoming community. People here are never in too much of a hurry to stop and chat for a moment with a friend or acquaintance, and always have a smile even for those they dont know. Some families have been here for hundreds of years and some for one or two, but they all are willing to stop and listen to a new point of view. The city boasts an active village plaza surrounded by shops, eateries and government buildings bringing a focus to the area rare in the world today. Many community events are centered at the plaza including the community music parties Hot August Nights and SocorroFest; car shows; Christmas luminaria stroll; and the farmers market. Looking west, one finds a history of mining and ranching as well as modern technological marvels. While old-timers return to Magdalena each year to celebrate the villages glory days as a cattle railhead, just a few miles away on 10,600-foot Magdalena Ridge stands a state-of-the-art, rapid-response 2.4-meter optical telescope for defense and private use. Magdalena Ridge Observatory received first light late in 2006. A few more miles west and there lies the Karl P. Jansky Very Large Array radio telescope. While much of the county is rural, it also plays host to one of the nations premier research universities, New Mexico Tech. The campus is home to the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources where a state-of-the-art mineral museum can be found. But its not just indoors that Tech shines; its golf course brings in guests from all over in a constant flow to play in golf tournaments and events. Flowing through Socorro County, the Rio Grande is the center of the agricultural community and also affords numerous opportunities for nature lovers to explore unique environments. Thousands of visitors come to see the two wildlife refuges in the county many to attend the annual Festival of the Cranes at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. Hundreds more come to re-enact one of the most important Civil War battles for control of the West, the Battle of Valverde, and to visit the remains of 150-year-old Fort Craig, the Union fort associated with that battle. Others come to follow the route of El Camino Real, the Royal Road to the Interior that brought 16th century Spanish explorers through the valley. Their story is now told at the one-of-a-kind El Camino Real International Heritage Center south of Socorro. Socorro is a place to get away from the big city hustle yet still has access to a diverse spectrum of activity everything is here. Whatever the mood, there is a place in the county to go. Whether you feel like hiking in the mountains or sitting in a tavern listening to the blues, we have it here. You can go places to be with people, enrich your mind or be El Defensor Chieftain
alone with nature. Its free and open country, uncrowded and friendly. So, since we have too much to offer to cover in this short welcome piece, we have assembled some of the countys best places, activities and information in this publication to provide a gateway to your Socorro County adventure.
Visitors Guide 2013 7
Enjoy your visit
Our rich
Socorro and surrounding areas fled. The Piros did not participate in the revolt and headed south to El Paso, Texas, with the Spanish troops and settlers. When the Spaniards came back up the valley, they found the abandoned pueblos from Senec to Sevilleta had been pillaged by the Apaches. For the next 100 years, there were few settlers in the area. The resettlement of Socorro began in the early 1800s, and, in 1815, 21 families were given land grants to settle here. Socorro flourished because of the fertile farm land and grazing along the river. However, occasional attacks by the Apaches remained a constant threat. When New Mexico became a territory of the U.S. in 1848, the region saw some relief as the military established a series of forts for protection against the Apaches. In Socorro County, the Army established Fort Conrad in 1851, but found it indefensible and relocated to the newly built Fort Craig in 1854. The Civil War made its way into New Mexico and Socorro County. On Feb. 21, 1862, Union and Confederate forces engaged in a daylong battle south of Socorro near Fort Craig called the Battle of Valverde. On March 30, the Confederates met stiffer resistance and lost the Battle of Glorietta near Santa Fe, which forced their retreat from New Mexico back to Texas. The Battle of Valverde is re-enacted every year in Socorro, with hundreds of Civil War buffs in attendance to participate or watch the many demonstrations of warfare. Socorro and the surrounding area boomed after the Civil War, thanks to mining strikes lead and zinc in the Magdalena area and silver on Socorro Peak. The railroad arrived in 1882, fueled from the vast coal fields east of San Antonio. Socorro, with her mines, mills and
HISTORY
smelters, became the center to this diverse mining activity. In 1889, the government chose Socorro as the site for its new School of Mines (now New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, or New Mexico Tech for short), which opened in 1893. The glory days of mining are recalled each year in Socorro during the 49ers celebrations, events put on by New Mexico Tech to relive the schools early days and pay tribute to the areas mining history. Livestock, ranching and agriculture have always been integral to the fabric of the area and those who call it home. Huge cattle drives were commonplace, with thousands of cattle driven to Magdalena The Trails End where the cattle trail met the railroad. Magdalena still relives those days each July during its annual Old-Timers Days. Agriculture remains a mainstay of the area and is a key element of the annual Socorro Fest. Local farmers sell their goods on the Socorro plaza every Tuesday afternoon and Saturday morning during the city-sponsored farmers market. Today, a new economy has emerged in Socorro. It is based in part on New Mexico Tech, recognized as one of the nations premier research universities. Nature also plays a big role, since the county contains two of the nations most important national wildlife refuges. And the areas rich and varied history has spawned a number of annual celebrations that continue to grow in popularity. Sources: City of Socorro, Socorro County Chamber of Commerce, New Mexico Tech, Socorro County Historical Society, El Defensor Chieftain archives El Defensor Chieftain
ore than two centuries before Christopher Columbus fabled sojourn to the New World from Spain, Piro Indians the southernmost Pueblo tribe inhabited nearly two dozen villages along the Rio Grande from San Marcial to La Joya. The Piros, living in pueblos since at least the 1200s, werent the only Indians to call this land home Apache Indians also inhabited much of the area that today is called the Middle Rio Grande Valley. As the Spanish explorers in the mid16th century began to make their way north from Mexico, they followed the Rio Grande and established El Camino Real the Royal Road into New Spain. As a result, they were frequent visitors at the Piro villages. Socorro got its name in 1598 from explorer Juan de Oate, whose tired and hungry men were given food and shelter by the Piros. He renamed the Pilabo pueblo Socorro, which means help or succor in Spanish. In the early 1600s, Franciscan friars built missions at Socorro, Senec, near San Marcial, and Sevilleta, near La Joya. In 1680, when the Pueblo Indians of northern New Mexico staged their revolt against the Spaniards, the people of
Enjoy your visit
013 marks the 60th anniversary of the Free State of Socorro. This was a movement, started by accident, that placed Socorro in the spotlight across the country. For a time, Socorro declared itself a free sovereign territory from the State of New Mexico. It all started in February 1953, when Socorro resident Elmer Brasher was arrested and found guilty for driving while intoxicated. Brasher hired well-known local attorney Claron Waggoner to appeal the decision. In March, Waggoner presented his arguments in District Court. He argued that while DWI was against state law, he could find no law against driving while intoxicated in city of Socorro ordinances. Therefore, his clients DWI arrest by city police is null and void. District Judge Charles Fowler, intrigued by this unique argument, suspended court to conduct his own investigation into the matter. In the March 19 issue of the Socorro Chieftain, the headline read: Socorro Laws Are Probably All Null & Void Says Judge. Judge Fowlers investigation determined that the city of Socorro had virtually no laws at all, adding, City laws were indistinguishable from mere scraps of paper. One can imagine the buzz of activity this article generated around Socorro, and certainly at City Hall. Waggoner and a colleague, attorney Garnett Burkes, continued to investigate Socorros legal status. What they found was truly intriguing. When the Spanish Empire fell, in 1821, all Spanish lands were converted to Mexican land grants. With statehood, the constitution provided that all Mexican land grants become part of the state of New Mexico. Socorro was an exception. It seems the Spanish Provincia de Socorro land grant was never turned over to Mexican authorities and omitted from the 1848 annexation to the territory of New Mexico. Legally, Socorro remained a Spanish Land Grant. Therefore, the two attorneys concluded Socorro County is not and never was a legal part of the state of New Mexico, and possibly not even the United States. The next issue of the Socorro Chieftain
socorro
Free State of
announced these findings under the headline: Socorro May Establish New Free State. Chieftain editor Thomas Dabney speculated this could mean Socorroans were due a full refund of federal and state taxes since 1912 statehood. Without taxes, there would be a dramatic drop in the prices of liquor, cigarettes and automobiles to boost Socorros struggling economy. Dabney reasoned that with no taxes, Socorro would be a free state in which to live. The term Free State of Socorro quickly stuck as area newspapers picked up the story. The Truth or Consequences and El Paso, Texas, newspapers, for example, favored Socorros secession, as they worded it. On the other hand, Albuquerque expressed strong opposition, fearing Socorro would place armed patrols on the newly formed international border. Clearly, a phenomenon unique to Socorro was born. Over the following weeks, both newspapers in town the Socorro Chieftain and the Spanish language El Defensor published lengthy articles inciting the townspeople. Letters supporting secession from across the country were also printed. The official Proclamation for the Free Republic of Socorro, in English and Spanish, was published on April 9 in both newspapers. The authors of the proclamation were not identified. However, the language was clearly polished legalese, which suggests it was penned by attorneys Waggoner and Burkes, and possibly Judge Fowler. The people of Socorro had no intentions of seceding from the Union. They agreed they were all Americans and wanted to remain Americans. The Free State referred to taxes, not U.S. citizenship, although it provided some long-awaited leverage. All Socorro wanted to do was get the attention of lawmakers in Santa Fe. Little tax money was being returned to the county. Schools and the hospital were old and crumbling, and few of Socorros streets were paved. Even U.S. 60 from Socorro to Quemado was still a narrow dirt road. Socorros claim of
neglect by Santa Fe was not unfounded. Socorro gave a convincing impression of forming a sovereign republic by erecting a Port of Entry on U.S. 85 (now I-25) and charging 25 cents to pass through the county. Passports and citizenship certificates were printed. For one dollar, you could become a citizen and travel the countys highways for free. This got Santa Fes attention. It also got the attention of the rest of the country, climaxed by a three-page feature article in Life magazine in June. Almost overnight, Socorro went from an obscure desert town to a tourist destination. Thousands of travelers bypassed Santa Fe for Socorro to get their passport, citizenship certificates, and even an auto license plate, offered by the Chamber of Commerce as novel keepsakes. Nor did Socorro let the new wave of tourists down. Businesses, restaurants and bars offered discounts to those who brandished their certificates. Others entertained visitors at the Port of Entry with everything from small mariachi bands to snake handlers, or posing for photos in western garb all for a small fee. This generated needed revenue for Socorro and its people. The Free State of Socorro lasted into 1955. The antic movement was highly successful. Almost immediately, Santa Fe built new schools, a modern hospital and County Health Clinic in Socorro, and paved U.S. 60 to the Arizona border as well as improved most of Socorros major streets. It also put Socorro on the map with citizens eager to please the flood of visitors. The friendly people of Socorro County welcome you to our part of the world, whether you are here to enjoy the Land of Enchantment or the sovereign Free State of Socorro. Images and text courtesy of Paul Harden.
Bienvenidos
SOCORRO HERITAGE AND VISITORS CENTER
2013 Calendar
February 9 - Community Arts Party, Finley Gym, Ronna Kalish, 575-835-5688. February 22 - Battles for Socorro Civil War Re-enactments, Visitor Center, 575-835-8927. February 23 - Science Olympiad, NM Tech campus, 575-835-5678. March 25 - Seery Invitational Golf Tournament, NM Tech Golf Course, 575-835-5335. March 30 - Socorro County Arts Annual Open House, Alamo Gallery & Gifts, 575-835-ARTS. April 5-6 - NM State Science & Engineering Fair, NM Tech campus, 575-835-5678. April 6 - Trinity Site Open to Public, White Sands Missile Range, 575-479-6124. April 6 - Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array Open House, 575-835-7243. April 20-21 - Sun Country Amateur Senior Four-ball, NM Tech Golf Course, 575-835-5335. May 4 - Cinco de Mayo Celebration, Visitor Center, 575-835-8927. May 4 - Cinco de Mayo Rodeo, Socorro County Fairgrounds, 575-835-2460.
Just west of Plaza 217 Fisher Socorro, NM

575-835-8927
June 3-8 - Socorro Open Golf Tournament, NM Tech Golf Course, 575-835-5335. June 8 - Elfego Baca Shoot, Socorro Peak, 575-835-5335. July 4 - Concerts & Fireworks Display, NM Tech campus, 575-835-5688. July 12-14 - Old Timers Reunion, Magdalena, 575-854-2261. July 15 - Sun Country Junior PGA Golf Tournament, NM Tech Golf Course, 575-835-5335. August 2-3 - 18th Annual Chile Harvest Triathlon, Socorro. Camille, 505-350-4116. August 10 - Hot August Night, Socorro Visitor Center, 575-835-8927. (Dates and events are subject to change; we recommend you confirm in advance)
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Visitors Guide 2013
Socorro celebrates History, Technology, Birds & Enchanted Skies

August 31 - Toy Train Show & Swap Meet, Jon, 575-418-7534. August 29 - September 1 - Socorro County Fair & Rodeo, County Fairgrounds, 575-835-0610. August 31 - Socorro County Fair Parade, Socorro Visitor Center, 575-835-8927. September 27-29 - San Miguel Fiesta, San Miguel Church, 575-835-2891. September 27-28 - Chile Chase Golf Tournament, NM Tech Golf Course, 575-835-5335. September 28 - Aviation Day and Fly-In, Socorro Municipal Airport, 575-835-2460. October 2-5 - 20th Enchanted Skies Star Party. Visitor Center, 575-835-8927. October 5 - Oktoberfest, Hammel Museum, 575-418-8132. October 5 - Trinity Site Open to the Public, White Sands Missile Range, 575-479-6124. October 5 - Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array Open House, 575-835-7243. October 10-12 - Alamo Indian Days, Alamo Navajo Reservation, 575-854-2635. October 11-12 - 10th Annual SocorroFest on the Historic Plaza, Visitor Center, 575-835-8927. October 12 - Sevilleta Refuge Day, Sevilleta NWR, 575-864-4021. October 17-20 - 90th Annual 49ers Celebration, NM Tech campus, 575-835-5618. October 26 - Hamfest, Socorro Amateur Radio Association, 575-835-3370. November 19-24 - 26th Annual Festival of the Cranes, Bosque del Apache NWR, 575-835-1828. November 22-24 - Festival of the Cranes Arts & Crafts Fair, Visitor Center, 575-835-8927. December 7 - 10th Annual Luminarias on the Plaza Art Walk, Socorro County Arts, 575-835-ARTS. December 7 - Christmas Electric Light Parade, Visitor Center, 575-835-8927. (Dates and events are subject to change; we recommend you confirm in advance) El Defensor Chieftain
www.socorronm.gov tourism@socorronm.gov
of Events
Heritage
Archaeological
finds
ife around Socorro has been here a lot longer than one might think. A recent, exciting archaeological find, near Water Canyon, proves the first New Mexicans were living in Socorro County long before the pyramids were built. A few years ago, an archaeologist exploring west of Socorro Peak for signs of possible Native American sites spotted stone fragments and a projectile point typical of the Paleo-Indian era more than 10,000 years ago. Nearby was a dark layer of soil indicating decomposed organic matter formed by an ancient wet marsh or cienega. The narrow layer pointed to a time about 12,000 years ago when climatic warming following the last ice age suddenly reversed to a 1,000-year period of cold climate. The find corroborates that more than 10,000 years
ago, the Water Canyon basin, the flat dry desert between the Socorro and Magdalena mountains, was once a giant wet marsh. The date of the ancient marsh is estimated to be 8,000 to 13,000 years old. Just below this layer of black sediment, remains of extinct megafauna the giant mammoths that once roamed North America can be found. In 2008, an excavation of the site recovered artifacts including ancient bison bones from the buried cienega. Using carbon dating techniques, the bison bones were found to be between 12,975 and 13,325 years old much older than first thought. Further excavations have indicated that the Water Canyon site was a kill site used by the Paleo-Indians 13,000 years ago, predating the Pueblo Indians along the Rio Grande by about 10,000 years. Of the few major Paleo-Indian sites that have been discovered and excavated in New Mexico, several are located in Socorro and Catron counties. These include the Bat Cave, Mockingbird Gap and the Ake site near the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array radio telescope and now, the Water Canyon site. All of these sites have yielded important archaeological clues to Paleo-Indian life in west central New Mexico.
Map by Paul Harden
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Visitors Guide 2013
Heritage
Gran Quivira
ocated in the far northeast corner of Socorro County, Gran Quivira is one of three Pueblo ruins that make up the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument. Abo, Quarai and Gran Quivira were home to a people who lived in stone apartment-style complexes for centuries until they abandoned the area in the 1670s. They forged a stable agricultural society and participated, through rule
Ruins
and ritual, in the cycles of nature. These Pueblo Indians were a mix of two ancient Southwestern cultural traditions the Ancestral Puebloans, or Anasazi, and Mogollon whose roots date back 7,000 years. When the Spanish came to the area some 400 years ago, they worked to Christianize the natives and had missions built at each pueblo. At Gran Quivira two mission sites can be found, although one was never completed. Remnants of kivas, used by the Pueblos in practicing their own religion, are located nearby. Gran Quivira, also known as Las Hermanas, is located about 20 miles south of U.S. 60 on state Road 55. A visitor center for the Salinas Missions is located at the turn off in Mountainair. For more information, call 505-8472585 or visit www.nps.gov/sapu.
Visitors Guide 2013
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Heritage
International heritage center

l Camino Real International Heritage Center and Museum, a New Mexico state monument, honors the contribution El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro The Royal Road to the Interior has had on New Mexico and its people. Located between Socorro and Truth or Consequences, the center overlooks the still pristine desert known as the Jornada del Muerto (the Journey of Death), a 100-mile stretch of the trail where no water could be found. When the Spaniards began their conquest of New Spain in the 1500s, thousands of Pueblo Indians lived along the Rio Grande in todays New Mexico. Trails along the river connected these pueblos. In 1598, Juan de Oate led the first expedition of colonists into New Spain. Establishing a trail from Zacatecas, Mexico, to near Santa Fe, he followed these Pueblo trails in places and blazed his own trail in others. For the next 300 years, El Camino Real was the dominant road into New Mexico. Over the trail came thousands of Spanish and Mexican colonists. Many of the old New Mexican families living here today are direct descendents of these early travelers. Along with these adventurous settlers came the culture and heritage of Old Spain and Mexico. El Camino Real International Heritage Center and Museum is open five days a week, and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. To get there, take Exit 115 off I-25 and travel east for about three miles. For more information, call 575-854-3600 or visit www. elcaminoreal.org.
Discover the forts along the ancient Camino Real de Tierra Adentro (the Royal Road to the Interior), the oldest trail in New Mexico. The event includes morning and afternoon excursions to Fort Craig and the site of the Battle of Valverde. Held at El Camino Real International Heritage Center 35 miles south of Socorro.
El Camino Real
E
Historic Forts Day
April 20
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Visitors Guide 2013
Heritage
San Miguel
La Sa gr
a ad
lia mi Fa
Magdalen - San Juan Mary Bau St. tist a-
Sa n
se Jo
- St. onio Ant an -S
mission
San Miguel Fiesta
Sept. 29 is the patron saint San Miguels feast day. The church celebrates the San Miguel Fiesta closest to the feast day as possible, and its a three -day celebration. The San Miguel Mission Fiesta begins at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27, and is held through Sunday, Sept. 29. This year there is a parade that starts at Sedillo Park and ends at the church grounds. The fiesta also includes a classic car show, food booths, music and prayer services, as well as a silent auction. The Masses are held on Saturday and Sunday and everyone is welcome.
ou nded by two Franciscan priests traveling with Don Juan de Oate in 1598, the historic mission now known as San Miguel orazon y La E El C was originally sper o anza called Nuestra De S o c o r r San Miguel Mission Senora del 1615-2015 Socorro (Our Lady of Perpetual Help). Since it was first built in 1615, San Miguel Church has stood for 398 years at the center of the community. San Miguel Mission is the mother church of Socorro County, and it represents the faith and life of the Catholic Church. San Miguel has 850 registered parishioners and is the mother church for the area mission churches located in Socorro County in Alamillo, Riley, Kelly, San Lorenzo, Polvadera, San Antonio, Magdalena, Lemitar Luis Lopez, which is the mission of San Jose and the Newman Center. San Miguel Mission has a unique history, founded by the Catholic Church as the Nuestra Senora del Socorro mission not long after Don Juan de Oate led a caravan of Spanish colonists up El Camino Real. It was abandoned during the Pueblo Revolt, but rebuilt and later renamed to honor the Archangel St. Michael under miraculous circumstances. The main church has been closed since 2010 because its being restored and there are structural problems that need to be fixed. Church services are currently held in the parish hall. The museum and gift shop is open to the public. Preparations for the historic quadricentennial have begun. The yearlong remembrance will begin with the annual San Miguel Fiesta in September 2014, and continue until September 2015.
Patrick Newman Ce nter
an ita - S ta R San
Antonio - Sa n
Lore nzo -
Sept. 27, 28, 29
Visitors Guide 2013
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Heritage
Ghost Towns
any ghost towns are scat tered throughout Socorro County, dating from the territorial days before New Mexico became a state in 1912. Some, like Council Rock and Rosedale, were founded on the promise of silver and gold, but were abandoned when the riches failed to materialize or the mines were depleted. Others, such as Adobe and San Pedro, began as stagecoach stops and trading posts that faded when trading routes changed over time. Still others, such as Riley, were victims of drought or, as with San Marcial, were drowned by floods. All of them serve as reminders of Socorros rich and varied past. However, not all of them are accessible to the public. When the U.S. government approved the establishment of the White Sands Proving Ground in 1945, several ghost towns located within the missile ranges boundaries became permanently off-limits. In other cases, the original town sites are located on private property and cant be visited without the permission of the property owner. A Ghost Town Guide, written by local historian Paul Harden and published by the Socorro County Chamber of Commerce, is available for visitors and gives driving directions and GPS coordinates to six sites open to the public that are accessible year-round by two-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicles. For more information, call the Socorro County Chamber of Commerce at 575-835-0424 or visit www.socorro-nm.com.
Visitors Guide 2013
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Heritage
Battle of
B
valverde
On the morning of Feb. 21, Sibley sent Re-enactment several companies The Battle of Valverde of Texas Mounted is recreated by the Battles Rifles upriver to for Socorro Committee the Valverde ford. each year near the town of Canby sent sevEscondida. The event draws eral companies of hundreds of Civil War reUnion soldiers and enactors from across the some New Mexico United States. Mounted Volunteers, This year is the 16th for with a few pieces of the re-enactment and the artillery to secure 151st since the Civil War. the river crossing. The Battle of Valverde took Both armies arrived place Feb. 21, 1862. at about the same Last weekend time and the Battle in February of Valverde was on. After the battle, both armies scoured the field, and collected their dead and wounded under the white flag of truce. Victory had gone to Sibley and the Texans, but they had lost control of the river and had not captured Fort Craig. After the battle, the Sibley Brigade, low on food and supplies, began its march to Albuquerque and Santa Fe, stopping in Socorro on Feb. 24. That evening, they fired a cannonball over the town, which reportedly landed between the plaza and San Miguel Church. The following morning, Union forces in Socorro surrendered. The Confederates established a hospital near the Socorro Plaza to treat those who were wounded at Valverde, and Socorro was occupied by the rebels for about nine weeks.
y New Years in 1862 150 years ago war was on the horizon. The American Civil War had come to New Mexico, and Socorro, and nearby Fort Craig, were in the crosshairs. Activities during 1862 put New Mexico, Socorro County and many of its citizens into the history books. As 1862 arrived, New Mexico found itself at the brink of war. There were about 2,600 mounted Texans under the command of Henry Hopkins Sibley stationed near Fort Bliss, in El Paso, ready to launch an invasion. Several miles south of Socorro, at Fort Craig, the Union Army was preparing for their impending arrival. Col. Edward Canby, in command of all Union forces in New Mexico, had shut down all Army posts and forts except Fort Craig and Fort Union. All men and supplies from these closed forts were consolidated primarily at Fort Craig. On Feb. 7, Canby received word that the Confederate Army was on the move. Over the next three days, the entire Sibley Brigade was on the trail. All troops camped in the area, from San Marcial to Paraje, were summoned to the fort. Overnight, about 3,000 soldiers and their horses were crammed inside the newly erected walls of the frontier fort.
ort Craig was established in 1854, and like other forts of its day, was built to protect travel routes and settlements from Indian attacks. The location was chosen to guard both El Camino Real and the Jornada del Muerto, both of which were primary links between the Mexican port of Veracruz and cities of Albuquerque and Santa Fe. The fort is famous for the ensuing
Fort
Cr aig
In 1885, with the Indian Wars essentially over, the fort was permanently closed. Nine years later it was sold at auction. It was later donated to the Archeological Conservancy and was transferred to the Bureau of Land Management in 1981, but nearly a century of looters, scavengers and nature have taken its toll on the site. El Defensor Chieftain
Civil War Battle of Valverde on Feb. 21, 1862. Many consider the battle to have been a Confederate victory; however, the Union forces held the fort and destroyed a number of Confederate supply wagons. What supplies remained were destroyed later at the Battle of Glorieta, which forced a retreat that ended the Confederate push for military conquest of the West.
Heritage
Hammel
he Hammel Brewery and Museum, formerly known as the Illinois Brewing Company, was built in the early 1880s. It was established by the Illinois-based Hammel brothers after they headed west and settled in Socorro. The museum started out as a beer garden and progressed into a successful brewery. A June 16, 1893, Socorro Chieftain newspaper article said the brewery produced the best beer made anywhere in New Mexico. The brewery evolved into an ice plant and soda bottling plant after the Prohibition shut down beer production in 1919. Although electric refrigerators were introduced in the 1920s, the ice plant continued to prosper. The Hammel brothers introduced cola drinks and bottled products for Pepsi Cola and 7-Up, as well as such beverages as Nesbitt and Grapette sodas. Prohibition was repealed in 1933, but the brewery never went back to making beer. In 1986, Clarence Hammel donated the brewery, located on the corner of Sixth and Vigil streets, to the Socorro County Historical Society. The Historical Society has preserved the brewery as a museum, mak-
museum
ing it a must see attraction for visitors. Preservation protected the brewerys original adobe building, as well as the later additions made of stone. Eight rooms, each numbered, tell the history of the brewery that was a flourishing business for nearly a century. From the main office, where Hammel conducted business, to the mash room where the beer was made, the museum is a remarkable piece of history. New in 2012, the Hammel Museum dedicated a room to an exhibit being created by Jon Spargo and the Socorro Train Gang. The Train Gang has recreated the feel of a historic train depot and has numerous artifacts and photos illustrating railroad history in Socorro County. The Train Gang also maintains a room at the Hammel Museum dedicated to model railroading with trains that travel through diverse landscapes and historical sites. The museum is open the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information, contact the Socorro County Historical Society at 575-835-3183 or visit www.socorrohistory.org.
The cool nights of fall in Socorro bring with them the annual Oktoberfest celebration at the Hammel Museum, a traditional day of German food and beer, with a little oompah music and other live performances to boot. Volunteers give guided tours of the museum, once a brewery, and vendors sell crafts and trinkets.
Oktoberfest
Oct. 5
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19
Heritage
Train
T
Show
he annual Toy Train Show and Swap Meet will be held in Socorro at the Best Western Hotel Convention Center on Saturday, Aug. 31. The Convention Center is just off I-25 exit 150, behind McDonalds. Signs on California Street will direct you to show parking. The show will run from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and will feature toy and model trains of all sizes and gauges. In conjunction with the show Socorro Train Gang members will be available to take interested folks on a tour of the Hammel Museum to see the clubs layouts. If you are interested in the tour, you can sign up at the shows registration desk. If you have any questions please call 575-418-7534.
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Your Neighborhood Car Dealer Since 1962
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OPEN: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. 1261 NW Frontage Road, Socorro, NM 575-835-1190 Truth or Consequences, NM 575-894-3673 www.monetteford.com
Heritage
Socorro County
ith Labor Day weekend every year comes the Socorro County Fair, an event in which everybody in the county participates. More than 400 project classes are represented, ranging over 16 categories, from animal and plant sciences to computers and engineering to home economics, visitors can see exhibits of all kinds from cookies to flowers and sheep to rabbits. The cake competition is particularly popular with winning cakes auctioned off in the sales ring bringing hundreds of dollars to the baker. Expect a wide variety of food, art, animals, crafts and plants. Commercial
Fair & Rodeo

exhibitions have a place in Kelly Hall and vendors throughout the fairgrounds bring plenty to eat and drink from Navajo tacos to turkey legs. The midway offers rides and excitement, with thrills for the small fry and for the taller company. The rodeo begins at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. On Saturday, St. Pauls United Methodist Church hosts a pancake breakfast and the Socorro County Fair parade takes place at 10 a.m. starting at Sedillo Park in Socorro. On Sunday, a pet parade and more rodeo events wrap up the event as everyone goes home tired and happy.
Socorro County Fair and Rodeo

A four-day celebration of heritage and agriculture with rodeo events, country-western music, livestock competitions, community parade, carnival fun, gardening and home economics displays, and plenty of food vendors.
Aug. 29, 30, 31 and Sept. 1
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Outdoors
Bosque del Apache

estled along the banks of the fabled Rio Grande just south of Socorro lies the expansive Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, one of the Southwests greatest natural treasures. Located on more than 57,000 acres at the northern tip of the Chihuahuan desert, the bosque is home to hundreds of species from mammals to birds and reptiles to fish. While this unique wildlife wonderland boasts extensive farmlands and riparian forests, perfect habitat for countless critters, its the 12,900-plus acres of moist bottomlands that serves as home to the bosques most famed residents the birds. Tens of thousands of ducks, Canada geese, light geese and sandhill cranes make an annual sojourn to the Bosque del Apache, where the often mild climate provides a perfect winter habitat for these majestic winged, part-time residents. Moving away from the water, the landscape changes dramatically. Rising from an elevation of 4,500 feet, where reptiles and amphibians share space with their feathered friends, up to more than 6,200 feet, the riparian and desert habitat welcomes a wide range of mammals, including elk, deer, bobcats, coyotes, javelina and even mountain lions. While its an easy destination to reach by vehicle, visitors will want to stop at the refuges visitor center where they can get some friendly advice about where to go, pick up a souvenir or two and glean some knowledge about this veritable paradise. In addition, a 15-mile tour loop offers hundreds, if not thousands, of spectacular viewing and photographic opportunities. A network of trails crisscrosses the bosque landscape, and strategically placed benches and observation points line the trails offering respite for weary sightseers. Picnic areas are popular for those who need to refuel before hitting the trail again. Three wilderness areas Indian Well, Little San Pascual and Chupadera boast plenty of options for hikers who want to further explore this outdoor paradise. Numerous free educational and instructional sessions, intended to arm visitors with knowledge and insight, are held throughout the year. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bosque del Apache NWR is one of the nations most progressively managed facilities. The refuges management works to ensure the Bosques goal of providing habitat and protection for migratory birds and endangered species is achieved. The Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is located approximately eight miles south of San Antonio, N.M. Take Exit 139 off Interstate 25, drive approximately two miles and take a right on state Road 1. The visitor center is located on the west side of the highway. For more information, call the Bosque del Apache NWR at 575-835-1828, visit www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/newmex/ bosque or visit the Friends of the Bosque website at www.friendsofthebosque.org. El Defensor Chieftain
National Wildlife Refuge

N
The biggest event held in Socorro County each year, the Festival of the Cranes will celebrate its 25th year this November. The event is a celebration of the sandhill cranes return to prominence in the Rocky Mountain flyway. Other featured guests of honor are the blue heron, Canada geese, light geese, bald eagles, American coot, owls, swans, American white pelicans and others. More than 100 special, festival-related events from hands-on workshops to informational presentations are held continuously over the course of the five-day event. Make plans early for this popular event, which is a collaborative effort among the Bosque del Apache NWR, the Friends of the Bosque del Apache and the city of Socorro. Visit the Friends website at www.friendsofthebosque.org/crane, or call 575-838-2120.
Festival of the Cranes
Nov. 19-24
Leo Rosas Catering: 505-573-5111
DRIVE THRU
105 Bullock, Socorro, New Mexico 87801 Hours: Mon. - Sat. 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. - Sun. 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Visitors Guide 2013
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Outdoors
Rio Grande Bosque

n the midst of the lazy, winding waterway of the Rio Grande lies an ecological system that a lot of people have come to know as a place for a peaceful stroll or a quiet horseback ride. But the Rio Grande bosque holds much more importance than that. The bosque is defined as the forested area from the rivers edge to the ditchbanks. At points, it can be a quarter-mile wide. At other points, it is only a few hundred yards. The Rio Grande bosque is the largest such ecosystem in the world, stretching 200 miles from Cochiti Lake to the northern edge of the Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge near Socorro. According to Tom Thorpe, the public information officer for the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, the bosque has international recognition. The bosque treed area along the river is the largest continuous cottonwood forest in the world, Thorpe said. It is quite unique and is a great natural resource. The bosque is a vast ecosystem that contains two endangered species,
he Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge is about 20 miles north of Socorro and encompasses 230,000 acres, 200 miles of roads and 130 miles of fencing. The refuge includes four major ecological zones, ranging from Chihuahuan desert to the riparian forest of the bosque. More than 1,200 species of plants are found on the refuge, along with 225 species of birds, 58 species of reptiles, 89 species of mammals and 15 species of amphibians. In 1988, the refuge became home to the Sevilleta Long-Term Ecological Research Program, conducted by the University of New Mexico. The refuge
Sevilleta NWR
This annual open house features guided tours, hikes, exhibitions and lectures relevant to the refuge. For more information call 505-864-4021.
large wildlife habitats and recreational opportunities for visitors. Due to fires and one small fish, the area has received national notoriety over the past decade. The most famous endangered species in the Rio Grande system, the silvery minnow, is responding to conservation efforts to restore its habitat. Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District planning specialist Yasmeen Najmi said what is good for the minnow is good for the bosques restoration as well. The bosque is a national and international important ecological resource, because it is such a big migratory flyway, Najmi said. It is rare in its size for a riparian area. That habitat is very important for a lot of species of wildlife. The bosque is noted as a natural flyway for migratory birds that range from sandhill cranes to various hawks and vultures. Carved out of the bosque are various refuge areas, including Bosque del Apache. The Southwest willow flycatcher
has been on the endangered species list since 1995. It is listed in the least concerned status of the endangered list and is a small insect-eating bird that is olive-gray in color. Although mostly sawgrass meadow, the wildlife area is attached to the bosque and its boundaries even extend to the river. Wildlife that needs wooded areas is seen in the bosque often, such as the Swainsons hawk that nests in the trees of the bosque and feeds in the sawgrass. The bosque provides an oasis for an otherwise arid region. The protection that it gives for wildlife makes it a natural habitat for hunting and fishing. But the sensitive ecosystem is guarded by some restrictions of activity that can happen within the bosque. The enjoyment of the bosque can be experienced by hiking, biking and horseback riding. Most of the trails are along the ditchbanks within the bosque. No motorized vehicles, including four-wheelers and off-road vehicles, are allowed in the bosque. It is mainly designed for foot or horse traffic.
Sevilleta Refuge Day
Oct. 12
plays host to dozens of research sites that monitor the slow ecological changes occurring on the refuge. At any given time there are 100 different research projects going on at the refuge conducted by students and scientists
from in and out of state. For information about the research conducted and photos of animals and wildlife at the refuge, visit http://sev.lternet.edu. While much of the refuge is off -limits to the public due to the researchoriented nature of the facilities, the site does have a visitors center and a short, informative hiking trail. Small sections are open to the public for limited hunting during the winter and for birdwatching, photography and other activities during the summer. For more information about visiting the refuge, visit www.fws.gov/southwest/ refuges/newmex/Sevilleta/index.html. El Defensor Chieftain
Outdoors
Places to go
ith more than 800,000 acres of U.S. National Forest and Bureau of Land Management areas located within the immediate vicinity, outdoor recreation opportunities abound in the Socorro area. Camping is allowed anywhere on National Forest and BLM land, but during the dry spring and summer fire season, camping, hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking may be restricted or prohibited. For up-to-date and complete information on National Forest trails and campgrounds, contact the National Forest office located on U.S. 60 in Magdalena, or call 575-854-2281. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and offers a variety of national forest and wilderness maps for sale. The Socorro BLM office is located on the Highway 85 business loop at the south end of town. Call 575-835-0412 or visit from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Since water is scarce, visitors should always plan to bring water for themselves and their animals. Many of these sites and trails are in the mountains, some above 8,000 feet, so temperatures can often fall below freezing at night even in the summer, and sudden storms in any season can be violent and chilly. Primitive roads require highclearance, four-wheel drive vehicles, and all unpaved roads can be impassible in wet or snowy conditions. The Cibola National Forest has six no-fee campgrounds in Socorro County for people to enjoy that are open in the spring and summer months. El Defensor Chieftain
Camping
Arguably the most popular camping and picnicking spot is Water Canyon, about 20 minutes west of Socorro on Highway 60. The Water Canyon campground, accessible via graded dirt roads, is open from April to October, has 14 sites for overnight camping and has one reservation-only large-group site that can accommodate up to 70 campers. Call the Magdalena Ranger Station to reserve the group site. Water and restrooms are available at the campground. Walk up the intermittent stream to a small perennial spring in a green mudstone formation. Many hiking/biking trails start off from Water Canyon into the Magdalena Mountains, offering spectacular views and seasonal birding-watching and wildflower viewing. Secluded Bear Trap campground, located at 8,000 feet in the rugged San Mateo Mountains, has restrooms, camping and picnicking sites, and trailer parking. Access is via a primitive road, but high-clearance, two-wheel drive vehicles should have no problems in good weather. There is no water source at the campground. Horses are allowed, but there are no corrals nor water tanks. Elk, deer and bear are plentiful. No established trails are in the area, although campers could drive, walk or bike up a primitive road to the 10,000-foot summit of Mount Withington, which has a fire lookout station, picnic table and view points. Hughes Mill, south of Bear Trap
Water Canyon
Bear Trap campground
on Forest Service Road 549, offers rest ooms, camping and picnicking areas, and trailer parking. A stream is nearby, but it is not a reliable water source. Horses are OK, but there are no horse facilities. No established trails are in the area. Springtime Campground is located on the east side of the San Mateo Mountains. Campers can access shady Springtime via graded dirt roads from an interchange on Interstate 25 south of Socorro. There are six campsites, all with log shelters, tables and fire pits. Water and restrooms are available. The campground also has two large horse corrals. The spring-fed horse water tanks may not be full during dry months. Springtime is the starting point for hiking, horseback riding and backSee page 26
Springtime Campground
Hughes Mill
Outdoors
Camping
contd.
From page 25
packing up an established trail to San Mateo and Apache Kid peaks in the lightly used Apache Kid Wilderness area. Twenty-nine Yard Spring is the only reliable water source on the San Mateo Peak trail. Luna Park Campground is at the south end of the San Mateo Mountains, accessible from Springtime Canyon via a rugged, primitive road. It has three sites with tables and fire pits, but no restrooms nor water, not much shade and no horse facilities. One campsite does have a nice view. No established trails are in the area.
Luna Park Campground
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Outdoors
Magdalena Mountains
n abundance of scenic trails and wildlife viewing opportunities are available in Socorro to hikers who want to trek their way to spectacular vistas and hidden springs. Hikers have more than 200 miles of established trails through the back country to experience, and even more options for non-motorized exploration of open country on U.S. Bureau of Land Management and national forest land. The Magdalena Ranger District in the Cibola National Forest offers several trails in the Magdalena and San Mateo Mountains. Many trailheads branch off from Forest Road 235. To get to FR 235, drive west from Socorro on Highway 60 about 20 minutes to the sign marking the Water Canyon turnoff. A couple of popular Magdalena Mountain trails are the Water Canyon Mesa Trail (Trail 13) and the more challenging Copper Canyon Trail up to South Baldy (Trail 10). The mountain heights help to provide cool relief for hikers during the summer months, but be prepared for rapidly developing rain storms and strong winds at the higher elevations. Water is scarce in the mountain ranges and deserts of Socorro County and the New Mexico sun, particularly at high altitudes, can quickly cause dehydration. Hikers should pack plenty of water and dress appropriately for the conditions. Before starting up the trails, hikers should visit the National Forest Service office located on Highway 60 in Magdalena or call 575-8542281 for information about trail conditions and closures. The office is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and offers a variety of national forest and wilderness maps for sale. Water Canyon Mesa Trail (Trail 13) Proceed south on FR 235, and continue about two-thirds of a mile past the Water Canyon picnic area until you reach the Trail 13 parking area on the right. There is a pit toilet at the parking area. The trail starts across the road, and proceeds up to the top of the mesa and west to a view point, offering vistas of the Rio Grande valley and the mountain ranges beyond. El Defensor Chieftain
Hiking in the
Copper Canyon Trail (Trail 10) From FR 235, turn right, following the signs to the Water Canyon campground. Proceed on FR 406 past the campground to the end of the road (a high-clearance vehicle is usually required past the campground). The Copper Canyon Trail (No. 10) follows a small creek in an open meadow area before climbing to the ridge and on to the summit of South Baldy (elevation 10,783 feet) . Hiking in the San Mateo Mountains The huge and lightly used San Mateo Mountain section of the Cibola National Forest is still part of the Magdalena Ranger District. While there are plenty of off-trail hiking opportunities in the region, a popular choice is Trail 43 that leads hikers from Springtime Campground up to the summit of San Mateo Peak (elevation 10,139 feet). Springtime Campground is accessible from Interstate 25 south of Socorro via Old Highway 85 and Forest Road 225. Most passenger vehicles can make the graded dirt road up to the campground, but drivers should call the Magdalena Ranger District for road conditions before proceeding. The hike up the established trail to the peak will take several hours one way, so hikers should plan their trip to be back at the trailhead before afternoon storms erupt on the high ridges. The peak offers views of several mountain ranges and the valleys See page 28
Outdoors
From page 27 below. An old fire lookout tower is at the top, which is closed to the public. A popular destination for Socorro hikers is the 7,247-foot Polvadera Peak northwest of Lemitar. The shortest and easiest route to the peak begins at a microwave tower visible from the Lemitar Exit 156 off Interstate 25, about 10 miles north of Socorro. From the Lemitar exit, go north on the west frontage road past the old cotton gin to a chain-link gate with a yellow BLM sign on it, about 0.6 miles. Proceed left through the gate and onto a dirt road suitable for high-clearance vehicles. Head north by following the power line road and then left on a maintained dirt road to the microwave tower. Park at the tower unless you have a high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicle. Walk or drive west from the tower up the arroyo to the end of the road, and then walk up an old jeep track to a ridge east of the peak. Hike cross-country up to the summit, which will provide you with a fantastic view of jumbled desert ridges, the river valley, and a several mountain ranges and mountain tops, including rugged Ladron Peak. Rugged Ladron Peak (9,210 feet), visible as a double-peaked isolated mountain west of the Bernardo Exit on Interstate 25, is a rough and long crosscountry scramble up rocky and slippery terrain suitable only for strong, experienced hikers. The Ladrones Mountain Range is reputed to have been a hiding place for bandits, and ladron means robber in Spanish. Nowadays, the summit is a goal for hikers who like a challenge. Anyone attempting the hike should study the Ladron Peak, N.M., U.S. Geological Survey 7.5-minute quadrangle map before starting out. To get to one of the hikes starting points, exit Interstate 25 at the Bernardo exit 30 miles north of Socorro. Proceed southwest on Old Highway 85 from the Kiva RV Park, crossing the bridge over the Rio Puerco. Then take county Road 12 (the Riley Road) west from the locked gate. At approximately 22 miles from the locked gate, take a left. After another three miles, take a left at a fork and drive approximately half-mile to a water tank. From there, bushwhack up the steep ridges about three miles to the peak. County Road 12 is passable for high-clearance vehicles, but hikers should check with the Socorro BLM field office for road and mountain conditions, since sand and washouts can make the road hazardous.
Polvadera Peak
Ladron Peak
San Lorenzo Canyon is a beautiful high-walled slot in the hills north of Socorro that is popular with Socorroans and visitors as a camping, hiking and picnicking destination. The BLM managed site is located about 15 miles north of Socorro. Take the west frontage road north from the Lemitar exit on Interstate 25 and drive about five miles to a maintained dirt road that will take you west to the main canyon. The road follows the sandy arroyo bed, which can be challenging, although high-clearance passenger vehicles should have no trouble. Interesting side canyons, some with springs, branch off from the main arroyo. The road ends at a volcanic pour-off. Scrambling up the pour-off affords an interesting hike further into the canyon that sports a small intermittent stream wetting the sand in places. Hikers should avoid the canyon when thunderstorms threaten. For more information and to download a brochure, visit the BLM Socorro Field Office Outdoor Recreation website at www.nm.blm.gov or visit the BLM Field Office, 901 California St., or call 575-835-0412 Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The BLM-managed Socorro Nature Area provides an easy and informative stroll on a developed half-mile long path in the Rio Grande bosque or a pleasant picnic at a shady table amid the cottonwoods. There is no entrance fee. More adventurous hikers can hike east across the low-flow conveyance channel via a metal footbridge to access the river. To get to the nature area, take the Lemitar exit 156 off I-25and head east on State Road 408 for 1.1 miles to the railroad tracks. After the tracks, turn right at a T intersection and follow the signs directing you to a maintained dirt county road that leads to the parking area. El Defensor Chieftain
San Lorenzo Canyon Recreation Area
Socorro Nature Area
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Visitors Guide 2013
Outdoors
Quebradas
he Quebradas, which means breaks in Spanish, describes a rugged desert area of broken hills, buttes and canyons east of the Rio Grande between two national refuges, the Sevilleta to the north and the Bosque del Apache to the south. The Quebradas Back Country Byway is 24-mile graded dirt road that traverses the scenic region, mostly U.S. Bureau of Land Management public lands. The byway can be accessed from Interstate 25. Take the Escondida exit north of Socorro, turn right and proceed on Highway 380 north toward Escondida Lake. Look for the Back Country Byway signs. From the byway, visitors can climb to scenic overlooks, discover interesting minerals and fossils, explore hidden canyons or just stop the car to admire the views. The byway ends at Highway 380 east of San Antonio. From San Antonio, visitors can drive to Bosque del Apache to end a winter day watching sandhill cranes and snow geese fly in to roost for the night. Unless precipitation has eroded the road, the byway is accessible by passenger vehicle. Call the Socorro BLM office for road conditions at 505-835-0412. The Quebradas is popular with mountain bikers and off-road vehicles. Motorized vehicles must stay on established roads. The Geologic Guide to the Quebradas Back Country Byway, published jointly by the BLM and the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, is an invaluable guide that describes the geology of the area from different stops on the byway. Obtain the brochure at the Socorro BLM office or the Bureau bookstore at New Mexico Tech, or download it from the BLM website at www.blm.gov/nm/ El Defensor Chieftain
Back Country Byway

st/fo/Socorro_Field_Office.html. If you decide to hike or bike in the Quebradas, remember to carry water and appropriate clothing. In the warmer months, rattlesnakes and scorpions are not uncommon. Cell phone coverage is spotty, so take a map or GPS to orient yourself. Dont miss these areas of special interest: Ojo de Amado Spring Known as Bursum Spring to locals, this oasis is an easy walk down from the byway. Park the car at Stop 1 (marked by a BLM sign on the right side of the road). Do not attempt to drive down the eroded dead-end road. Walk about 200 yards down the road to the locked gate that keeps livestock away from the springs. The springs are located in the drainage below the gate. Coyote Hills A view of several mountains and the Rio Grande valley rewards hikers who climb to the top of one of these hills. To access Coyote Hills, turn left at the flagstone area sign after Stop 1 and drive north on a four-wheel drive only road toward the hills to the northeast. Chupadera Mine The mine is off-limits, but beautiful green malachite and blue azurite specimens as well as fossils abound nearby. To get to the mine area, drive past Stop 1 to the first road leading off to the right. Park the car and walk
down the road. Go right at the fork. Stop at the worked area at a road cut on the right where you can find specimens. The defunct copper mine is located in the drainage down the hill from the old tank visible from the worked area. Look for fossils in the arroyos and along canyon walls. Box canyons Arroyo del Tajo, Arroyo de Tio Bartolo and Arroyo de la Presilla are all impressive slot canyons with tall limestone and granite walls accessible from the byway.
Outdoors
rail, dressage, eventing, rodeo horse enthusiasts of all persuasions have many choices in Socorro County. Bring your own horse, rent a horse, or buy a horse and saddle up!
Trail Riding
505-363-4943 or jyoung@ alumni.nmt.edu. Kiva RV Park and Horse Motel Park your RV and your horse (or just your horse) for a day, a week or a month at the Kiva RV Park and Horse Motel located on 15 acres in Bernardo, N.M., on the west side of Interstate 25 at the Bernardo Exit 175, 27 miles north of Socorro. Riders have many opportunities to explore the desert and mountain back country on guided trail rides. For more information, call 505861-0693. Acacia Riding Adventures Located in San Acacia, a small village 15 miles north of Socorro and east of Exit 163 on I-25, San Acacia Riding Adventures offers daily trail rides and special riding events for riders of all levels. Horses can be rented or boarded at the facility. For more information, call 575517-0477.
showing services as well as breeding, raising, boarding and sales. For more information or to schedule a visit, call 575-835-1845 or email information@ranchocorazon.us. Pembroke Farm Pembroke Farm is a breeding and training facility located in the Rio Grande valley 10 miles from Socorro. Pembroke Farm specializes in raising and training quality sport horses, especially Swedish warmbloods. To contact Pembroke Farm, visit the farms website at pembrokefarm.com.
Back Country Horsemen of New Mexico The Socorro chapter of BCHNM meets at 7 p.m. every third Thursday of the month. Meeting locations vary. The club sponsors monthly trail rides and educational programs for horse owners. For information about meeting or club activities, contact John Young at
Horse Farms and Training Facilities

Rancho Corazon Rancho La Querencia The ranches combine first-class training and
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Visitors Guide 2013
Outdoors
Rock
A
dding to the allure of an outdoor lifestyle in Socorro is the availability of stellar rockclimbing. Box Canyon, locally referred to as The Box, is a Bureau of Land Management holding located six miles southwest of the city of Socorro. The Box also allows for all levels of climbers to enjoy a fun but challenging climbing experience. The dozens of top-roped climbing routes offer a wide array of routs, and the diversity of the rock adds to the attraction. The rhyolite rock is rough and jagged in some spots and smooth in others. The 320-acre area can easily be described as highly scenic. If the five cliffs including the Waterfall Wall, Corner Block and the Fillet a Papillon Wall arent quite enough to sway a possible trip to the canyon, the fact that the area is developed with a
Climbing
trailhead, kiosks and a restroom might help. The site is open year round, there are no fees and camping is allowed in designated areas. If Box Canyon isnt enough of a challenge, a recently discovered granite playground near Datil, known as Monster Island, has gained some popularity over the past few years. East of Socorro in the Quebradas backcountry lie pockets of limestone, yet another option for the avid climber. For more information go to www.blm.gov/nm.
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Communities
Magdalena Tr ails End

icknamed Trails End, Magdalena was once the destination for those who traveled the Hoof Highway. The historic Stock Driveway was a thoroughfare used by ranchers and cowboys to drive cattle and sheep from as far away as Arizona, across the San Agustn Plains to the stockyard in Magdalena. The driveway began in 1885 as a livestock trail when a rail spur line was extended from Socorro to Magdalena. In 1919, the federal government designated the trail as an official Stock Driveway, setting aside land specifically dedicated to the movement of stock to the railhead. The driveway was five to 10 miles wide and extended about 125 miles
west to Springerville, Ariz. Another branch of the trail extended from Reserve and merged with the main trail at Datil. Cowboys could drive cattle about 10 miles a day, while herders moved their sheep about five miles a day, allowing them to graze along the way. Wells were drilled every 10 miles to accommodate the herds. In 1919, as many as 150,000 sheep and 21,000 cattle used the trail to reach the stockyard. In 1971, highway trucking supplanted transport by train. Ranchers drove cattle to the Magdalena Stockyards to be shipped by train until the 1973. The original stockyards are still intact. The village celebrates its history as an Old West town with its
annual Old-Timers Reunion in July. Acknowledging its past, the Magdalena Schools adopted the steer as its mascot. But Magdalena also owes its origins to the mining industry. The operators of Kelly Mine, located about three miles south of town in the Magdalena Mountains, were at least partly responsible for bringing the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad spur to Magdalena, so its ore could be brought to Socorro some 20 miles away by rail to be smelted. The Kelly Mine transported ore by rail to smelters until it closed in the 1950s. See page 35
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Visitors Guide 2013
Communities
From page 34 Serving both the ranching and mining industries, Magdalena was once a bustling Old West town. Saloons and hotels catered to the cowboys, miners and frontier families who lived in the area, and cattle rustling, shootouts on Main Street and barroom brawls are part of the towns legendary history. Today, the Magdalena Trail Drivers Association holds Cowboy Action Shooting events a few miles west of town. Much of the towns history is preserved at the Box Car Museum, located next to the restored railroad depot that now houses the villages library. The museum collection includes photographs, memorabilia and artifacts donated by residents that tell the story of miners, cowboys and the homesteaders and Navajo who settled the area. Many of the towns historic buildings are still in use, either as homes or businesses. Today, Magdalena is a quiet village of roughly 1,000 residents. Its history, galleries and outdoor recreation opportunities make it a popular tourist destination. There has recently been a growth of new services, and the villages lodges, inns, local marketplaces and restaurants have experienced a renaissance. Magdalena is also home to the London Frontier Theatre, housed in the old WPA building on Main Street. Theres plenty to see and do within easy driving distance of Magdalena. The National Radio Astronomy Observatorys Expanded Very Large Array is just 19 miles west on U.S. 60. The Alamo Indian Reservation is a half-hour drive down state Road 169. There are numerous hiking trails and camping facilities in the surrounding Cibola National Forest. Deer and elk hunters also are attracted to the area during hunting season. For more information on Magdalena, visit www.magdalena-nm.com.
For more than 30 years, the village of Magdalena has celebrated its history as an Old West mining and cattle-shipping center on the second weekend of July. The event includes a rodeo and street dance on Friday; a parade, barbecue cookout and more rodeo events on Saturday; a pancake breakfast and the Kelly Mine walk-run on Sunday; and arts, crafts and music throughout the weekend.
Old-Timers Reunion
July 12-14
We accept most insurances We operate on a sliding fee scale
Accepting new patients
SOCORRO COMMUNITY HEALTH

Paul L. Silva ~ Administrator Dr. Jill Campbell Dr. Sally Bodensteiner Dr. Christopher Campbell, PA
Family-Centered Care including Pediatrics, Geriatrics and Mens & Womens Health
1300 Enterprise, Mon-Fri 8-5 575-835-4444
MAGDALENA HEALTH CENTER

Paul L. Silva ~ Administrator Thomasine Sanguedolce ~ Nurse Practitioner
Family-Centered Care including Pediatrics, Geriatrics and Mens & Womens Health
801 Tenth Street, Magdalena, NM Mon-Fri 8-12; 1-5 575-854-3162

FAMILY-CENTERED CARE INCLUDING PEDIATRICS, GERIATRICS AND MEN & WOMENS HEALTH
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Communities
Alamo Navajo Reservation

early 30 miles from Magdalena on state Highway 169 is the Alamo Navajo Indian Reservation, an isolated portion of the Navajo Nation. Alamo Navajo encompasses 63,000 acres in the northwest corner of Socorro County, an area Alamo Indian Days that provides spectacular views of Alamo Indian Days celemountains, rolling hills and slanted brate the heritage and culture mesas. Bordered on the south by the of the people of the Alamo Gallinas Mountains, the landscape Navajo Indian reservation. The is dotted with chamisa, cactus, junievent includes the crowning of per and pion trees. Miss Alamo, a parade, dance, Sheep can be spotted grazing song, storytelling, cooking in secluded sections of the counand weaving demonstrations, tryside, even on the north side of exhibits and contests, most of which takes place at Walters Unnecessary Ridge so named Park. in a previous era when it blocked access to a trading post. Oct. 11-13 Other evidence of the past can
be found in petroglyphs engraved on rock bordering the Rio Salado. Fossils millions of years old are imbedded in rock and shark teeth have been found scattered over some of the lands flat, rocky areas. Today, roughly 2,200 residents live on the reservation and many of them carry on the traditions and language passed down from their ancestors. The bloodlines of the people living at Alamo are largely mixed. The territory roamed by the Apache and settled by the Navajo overlapped, and intermarriage between the tribes occurred. As a chapter of the Navajo Nation, Alamo is governed much like a state in the United States. Decisions affecting tribal members and Alamos infrastructure are made by elected officials at the Chapter House the center of the reservation. For more information on Alamo, call the Chapter House at 575-854-2686.
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Communities
Mining center Kelly

n 1910, Kelly was one of the states active mining centers with more than 1,000 residents. The Tri-Bullion company was producing heavily, and a man named C.T. Brown was said to be shipping about 2,500 tons of lead and zinc monthly from his lease. The high spirits in Kelly were dampened in May, when a fatal accident was reported. A miner was entering Kelly Mine through the tunnel when a rock struck him on the head and caused a fatal gash in the front of his skull. Rushed to an Albuquerque hospital by train, he died shortly after his arrival. It is significant in that over the years of active mining, from the 1890s into the 1950s, there were very few deaths in the mines at Kelly. Far more men perished in the coal mines at Carthage than the hard rock mines
at Kelly. The June 25, 1910, The Socorro Chieftain contained a summary of the activity at Kelly: The old Kelly mine has produced enormous tonnage of carbonate ores ... the new Graphic Mill has been completed and running two weeks ... the Cook lease has also opened up a 4-foot shoot of lead and zinc carbonate ores ... The German company have completed the installation of the new compressor and a mile of new pipe ... the Tri-Bullion mill is running night and day ... the Grand Tower property is still making good production of Sulphides and will be milled instead of shipped. Not a vacant house or idle man in camp at the present. Many new houses have been erected, but still insufficient to supply the demand. Although little is left of Kelly today, it was once a bustling town.
Runners compete at the annual 7K Kelly Run, an annual Magdalena Old Timers Reunion event held on second weekend of July.
Ag Country Propane
Better Pricing Locally Owned Better Service No Delivery Fees No Hidden Charges Our Service Department has over 20 years experience! with Ag Country Propane you get: Friendly Personnal Extremely Dependable Reliable Equipment Give us a try. Call our new Magdalena office at
575-854-2111 or 877-LPG-4YOU
www.agcountrypropane.com
Were not the biggest, just the Best.

Chris Brutton-Magdalena Manager Shelby Saulsberry-CSR DelRae Kelly-CSR
Jimbo and Traci Williams - Owners
Our motto, WHATEVER IT TAKES!

Communities
n the 1820s, many settlers ventured along the river north and south of Socorro looking for good farm land. By the mid 1820s, farming settlements were cropping up along both sides of the river. Some of these settlers established farms about six miles north of Socorro. Word of the good farm land must have gotten out, and by 1831, additional families moved to the area. The descendents of these families remain to this day in Lemitar residences. These early settlers named their growing village Plaza Limitar, derived from lemita, the berried squashbush abundant in the area at the time. Others say lemitar is slang for sticks or twigs. Over the years, the spelling has changed from Limitar to Lemitarcito to the present form, Lemitar. Regardless of the spelling, historical sources cite 1831 as the establishment of Lemitar as a village. In 1854, the county seat for Socorro County was transferred from Socorro to Lemitar for undocumented reasons. By the 1860 census, Lemitars 780 people outnumbered Socorros 523 residents, which made Lemitar the largest town in Socorro County. During this time, Lemitar was a post for the New Mexico Militia volunteers under the approval of the American government for protecting the villages in Socorro County against the Apaches. The first U.S. Dragoons also quartered at Lemitar and Socorro to protect travelers along the Camino Real. The railroad arrived in the Socorro area in 1880. This meant Lemitar farmers could quickly ship their goods to market. This created an unexpected market in Lemitar grapes. Lemitar quickly became home to one of the largest vineyards in New Mexico. By 1890, more than 100,000 grapevines were producing grapes for distant markets and local wineries. This lucrative industry came to an end in 1895, when a Rio Grande flood devastated the area. Today, there are a few remnants of these historic vineyards. By the 1950s, farmers discovered cotton grew quite well in their silt-covered fields, and Lemitar became somewhat famous for its pure white cotton. This ended when the Lemitar cotton gin went out of business. The old cotton mill still stands north of the Lemitar Roadrunner Truck Stop.
Lemitar & Polvader a

olvadera is a rendition of the Spanish word polvoriento or pulverdero meaning dusty or pulverized dirt. It is believed the name Polvadera may also be based on the name of an old Piro Indian pueblo in the area of a similar-sounding name. Socorro, Luis Lopez, and Pulvidero are the oldest documented New World settlements in Socorro County. In 1680, all of the people in the Socorro region, both Spaniards and the Piros, abandoned their homes and pueblos and fled to El Paso during the Pueblo Revolt. Families from Belen and Tom were the first
pioneers to venture back into the region in the early 1800s. The region was known for grapes and wine, however, constant floods down the Rio Grande periodically destroyed thousands of acres of good farmland and vineyards, from San Acacia to San Marcial. Polvadera was always hard hit since so much of the farmland was only a few feet above the river level. Although the people of Polvadera seemed to always bounce back with their wines following a flood, it was Prohibition in 1920 that brought a centuries old industry in the area to an end.
Communities
eralded by some as the gateway to the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, and by others as the home of the worlds greatest green chile cheeseburgers, the tiny town of San Antonio, N.M., has achieved a certain notoriety worldwide. A quiet farming and ranching community 10 miles south of Socorro in the spring and summer, San Antonio is transformed every fall into a birders paradise with the annual arrival of hundreds of flocks of sandhill cranes at the refuge. Hard on the heels of these ancient and beautiful birds come twolegged visitors of a different sort, sporting a distinctive plumage of binoculars, cameras, tripods and field guides. During the third week in November, visitors from every continent flock to the
San Antonio
area for a week long tribute to birds of every feather, nesting in hotels, motels, bed and breakfast establishments and guesthouses for miles around. To a great extent, San Antonios economy rises and falls with the arrival and departure of the migrating birds and birders. Its a connection reflected in the names of some local businesses, such as the San Antonio Crane Mexican Restaurant, the Bosque Birdwatchers RV Park and the Dancing Cranes Guesthouse and Gallery, or in their seasonal operation, such as the Casa Blanca Bed and Breakfast which is only open from October to April. Two of San Antonios most successful businesses have been open at least as long as the refuge, if not longer, and although they draw their fair share of ecotourists, its gastrotourism that has
really put them on the international map. San Antonio has been known as the place to go for a world-class green chile cheeseburger. For decades, hungry travelers in the know have planned their itineraries to arrive at San Antonio just in time for lunch or dinner. San Antonio is the birthplace of Conrad Hilton, one of New Mexicos earliest legislators and founder of the Hilton hotel empire. Hiltons father managed the Harvey House in San Antonio and Hilton learned the hotel trade there. Hilton was one of the original legislators in the newly formed state of New Mexico. His name can still be seen C Hilton 1903 carved on the wall of what was once the schoolhouse, then a mechanics garage and now a barn.
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Science and Technology
i r ef ig ht e r s come from all over the state to train at the New Mexico Firefighters Training Academy in Socorro, which opened its doors in January 1989. The academy was created by legislative action in 1987 as a part of the State Fire Marshals Office. Approximately 4,000 first responders are trained each year by the academys permanent staff, guest instructors and adjunct instructors from fire departments throughout New Mexico. Although most of the students are from the 367 fire departments in the state, many come from other states, sovereign Native American communities,
Fire Academy
the private sector and Mexico. The academy offers a broad array of fire-related courses, ranging from entrylevel to advanced management for chief officers. In addition to fire suppression classes, there are courses in hazardous materials, various technical rescues, terrorist response, instructor qualifications and business management. The academy also provides courses in specialized training through partnerships with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Fire Academy. Classes are conducted throughout the state, as well as on the Socorro campus. Some larger fire departments with their own local academies also send their students to the Socorro facility to use the specialized burn props for the most realistic training experience possible.
Although the academy has a college campus look and feel to it, firefighters experience much more. The hands-on training facility on the northern end of the academy provides firefighters the opportunity to train in commercial and residential firefighting, flammable liquid fires, arson investigation, propane fires, and crash and rescue operations, as well as high-rise operations with the use of a four-story building made for rappelling training exercises. Each training station at the academy is also self-sustaining and was designed by firefighters in the late 1980s. They took into account at that time the importance of recycling, and nearly 90 percent of the water used in training is recycled. Firefighters can visit www.nmfireacademy.com to complete an online application for the academy.
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Trinity Site
rinity Site, on what is now White Sands Missile Range, is where the first atomic bomb was detonated on July 16, 1945. That morning at 5:29:45 Mountain War Time, the successful testing of the atomic bomb marked the beginning of the end of World War II. The bomb had been three years in the making. From a list of eight potential test sites in California, Texas, New Mexico and Colorado, Trinity Site was chosen. The area was already controlled by the government since it was part of the Alamogordo Bombing and Gunnery Range, which was established in 1942 as an artillery and bombing practice area. The secluded Jornada del Muerto provided isolation for secrecy and safety, but was still only about 230 miles from the Manhattan Projects headquarters at Los Alamos. Although what had taken place at Trinity Site was not revealed until after the weapon was used against Japan, the explosion was felt 160 miles away and windows were broken out as far as 120 miles away. Army officials told the public that a munitions storage area had accidently exploded at the Alamogordo Bombing Range. The second atomic bomb was exploded over Hiroshima, Japan, on Aug. 6, 1945. That day President Harry Truman told America what happened at Trinity Site. Aug. 9, 1945, the third atomic bomb devastated Nagasaki, Japan, and the Japanese surrendered Aug. 14. No nuclear weapons have been used in war since then. The El Defensor Chieftain
51,500-acre area was declared a national historic landmark in 1975. The landmark includes ground zero, where the atomic bomb exploded; the base camp where scientists and support staff were housed; the remains of one of the tower columns; and the Schmidt/McDonald ranch house south of the site where the core of the bomb was put together. In addition, one of the old instrumentation bunkers is visible beside the road just west of ground zero. A monument and various artifacts associated with the test are available for viewing, such as a sample of Trinitite, a glass-like substance left behind when the sand fused together from the heat of the blast. Trinitite contains several radioactive elements and is an alpha and beta particle emitter. Radiation levels in the fenced ground zero area are low only 10 times greater than the regions natural background radiation, on average. A onehour visit to the inner fenced area will result in a whole body exposure of one-half to one millirem. To put this in perspective, a U.S. adult receives an average of 360 millirems every year from natural and medical sources. The American Nuclear Society estimates people receive between 26 and 96 millirems every year from the sun, depending on what elevation they live, and about 40 millirems every year from food. Trinity Site is open twice a year to the public for a walk-through visit, on the first Saturdays of April and October. Open house dates for
2013 are April 6 and Oct. 5. There is no admission fee for this event, and no reservations are required. During the open house, visitors can enter through White Sands Missile Ranges Stallion Range Center, which is five miles south of U.S. Highway 380. The turnoff is 12 miles east of San Antonio, N.M., and 53 miles west of Carrizozo. The Stallion gate will be open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors arriving at the gate between those hours will receive handouts and will be allowed to drive unescorted the 17 miles to Trinity Site. The road is paved and marked. For more details on the site and requirements for visiting, visit the website at www.wsmr.army.mil.
The Fite Ranch Bed and breakfast is nestled east of the Rio Grande. It offers sensational views and sunsets, an abundance of wildlife, and borders the Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge.
For reservations, please contact:

Linda Brown PO Box 205, San Antonio, NM 87832 575-838-0958
fiteranch@fiteranchbedandbreakfast.com www.fiteranchbedandbreakfast.com Visitors Guide 2013 41
New Mexico Institute of

ocorro is home to the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, originally founded in 1889 as the New Mexico School of Mines. As the largest employer in the county, it is an important economic cornerstone to the area in addition to being a provider of world-class education. The student population at Tech was a record-breaking 2,100 for the fall 2012 semester. Graduate and undergraduate degrees are offered in technology, engineering, math, physics, computer science, earth sciences, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, biology, chemistry and more. Education isnt the only focus at Tech. Sometimes referred to, in jest, as a research institution with a university attached, the university has more than a dozen research divisions that allow for ground-breaking science experiments to be conducted. The Expanded Very Large Array radio telescope on the San Agustin Plains west of Socorro and the Magdalena Ridge Observatory on Mount Baldy in the nearby Magdalena Mountains provide astronomical research opportunities. Langmuir Laboratory, not far from the Magdalena Ridge Observatory, is a unique facility for studying thunderstorms and other atmospheric phenomena. The largest research division at Tech is the Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center, which conducts anti-terrorism training and land mine detection. Socorro residents are accustomed to earthshaking explosions and deep booms drifting down from the centers 40-squaremile field laboratory in the mountains El Defensor Chieftain
Mining & Technology

adjacent to campus. EMRTC has the ability to conduct tests involving over 20,000 pounds of explosives. New Mexico Tech is well known among scientists, engineers and employers; that reputation gives Tech graduates an advantage in the job market, often with higher-paying salaries. While education and research are top-notch at Tech, other opportunities for students and community members exist in abundance. The school has more than 40 clubs and organizations catering to such interests as rock climbing, caving, skiing, off-roading, ballroom dancing, rugby and more. The Performing Arts Series at Tech brings musicians and artists from around the world to the Macey Center, where more than a dozen shows are performed each year for students and the public at large. Techs yearround swimming pool and full-featured gym are available to students and faculty. The universitys outdoor facilities include a rock-climbing wall, tennis courts and intramural fields. Tech also offers classes to the general public through its Community College at Tech program. Offerings include, but are not limited to, fine arts such as photography, ceramics and metal art; fitness classes such as salsa aerobics and physical conditioning; martial arts classes in karate, taijutsu, kung fu and tai chi; and dance classes for salsa, countrywestern, ballroom and more. To find out more about New Mexico Tech, visit www.nmt.edu.
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20th annual Enchanted Skies Star Party
Bringing together stargazers from across the world for a fourday event packed with observing, photographing and lectures. www.enchantedskies.org
Oct. 2,3,4 and 5
dark skies
he Etscorn Observatory on the New Mexico Tech campus, built in 1993, is run by the New Mexico Tech Astronomy Club and is surrounded by earth berms to minimize light pollution from the campus and town. Telescopes include a 20-inch Dobsonian inside a 15-foot dome and a Celestron 14 on a Paramount GT-1100 mount. In addition to the annual Enchanted Skies Star Party, Etscorn is open to the public on the first Saturday of every month for Guided Night Sky Stargazing, as well as at many other times during the year.
Exploring
Enchanted Skies Star Party registered participants have the opportunity to observe at 10,600 feet on South Baldy and take insider tours of the Expanded Very Large Array, U.S. Air Force Ground-based ElectroOptical Deep Space Surveillance and Magdalena Ridge observatories, tours not currently available to the public at large. Weekend workshops providing family-centered, hands-on astronomy activities take place at various times during the year at area wildlife refuges.
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Karl G. Jansky
he Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array comprises 27 radio antennas standing 82 feet over the Plains of San Agustin. The signals from each antenna are combined electronically to simulate the resolution of an antenna capable of extending 22 miles in diameter. The VLA is among the most productive research tools in astronomy. The original Very Large Array was the backdrop to the 1997 film Contact starring Jodie Foster, Matthew McConaughey and Tom Skerritt. Since 2010, the VLA has been transformed by state-ofthe-art electronics and software to become the Expanded Very Large Array. EVLA, a much more capable research tool, has more than 10 times the original VLAs sensitivity. EVLA is sensitive enough to detect the weak transmission of a cell phone from as far away as Jupiter. The National Radio Astronomy Observatory operates the EVLA. The Pete V. Domenici Science Operations Center, located on the New Mexico Tech campus in Socorro, supports the EVLA; the Very Long Baseline Array, which is 10 dish-shaped radio telescopes spanning 5,351 miles from Hawaii to the U.S. Virgin Islands; and the Atacama Large Millimeter/ submillimeter Array in Chile. Radio telescopes observe spectrums outside the range of visible light, helping scientists make discoveries that would El Defensor Chieftain
Very Large Arr ay

never be detectable to the naked eye. Over 40 miles of steel train rails lay on 60,000 wooden ties to trace out a giant Y for the EVLA. The NRAO maintains a small staff of railway men who tend the tracks and a full suite of railroad vehicles that drive spikes, move and tamper ballast and replace the ties. The Very Large Array Visitors Center is 50 miles west of Socorro on U.S. Highway 60. From U.S. 60, turn south on state Highway 52, then west on the VLA access road, which is well marked. Signs indicate the way to the Visitor Center. The VLA is open every day from 8:30 a.m. to sunset for free, self-guided tours of the array and the Visitor Center. Leashed pets are welcome on walking tours. The VLA hosts free 30-minute guided tours on the first Saturday of each month at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. No reservations are required. These tours take visitors behind the scenes at the VLA. In addition, family friendly, hands-on activities led by VLA staff and volunteers are offered from 11 a.m. through 3 p.m. April and October First Saturday Tours are expanded tours to accommodate crowds coming from the Trinity Site tours. For more information, contact VLA education officer Judy Stanley at 575-835-7243. For information on the VLA and the research of the NRAO, visit www.nrao.edu.

34th Annual Mineral Symposium and 5th Annual Mining Artifact Collectors Association Symposium
A forum for both professionals and amateurs interested in mineralogy to share their cumulative knowledge. Informal pre-symposium socials and tailgating sessions are held at local motels beginning on Friday, Nov. 8, and typically last through the weekend.
Mineral
Museum
erence collection for scientific research. Access to the reference collection can be arranged by contacting the museum curator, mineralogist Dr. Virgil Lueth. The 34th annual New Mexico Mineral Symposium and the fifth annual Mining Artifact Collectors Association Symposium are scheduled for the weekend of Nov. 9-10. This annual forum held at the Macey Center is for both professionals and amateurs interested in mineralogy. The museum is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 575-835-5420 or visit geoinfo.nmt.edu/museum.
Nov. 8, 9, 10
he New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources Mineral Museum, located at 801 Leroy Place on the New Mexico Tech campus, features more than 15,000 specimens, with a special emphasis on minerals found in New Mexico. Highlights include a collection of gold, silver and precious gems referred to as Coronados Treasure Chest; smithsonite from the nearby Kelly Mine; and a stunning ultraviolet mineral exhibit.
Historic tools and equipment used in the mining industry throughout time are displayed in the main gallery. Other exhibits include meteorites; fossils; thematic displays illustrating the mineral wealth from the Las Cruces, Silver City, Bingham, Magdalena, Golden, Dixon and Grants areas; and more. Visitors may also purchase specimens displayed in a case by the entryway. Proceeds from the sales are used to purchase new materials for the museum. In addition to the display gallery, the Mineral Museum maintains a large ref-
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orace T. Lyons, of the class of 1913, is credited with the notion to put an M on Socorro Peak. He was enrolled as a freshman at the New Mexico School of Mines in 1908 before Socorro Peak was so adorned. During Lyons years in Socorro, he found out about two other Ms associated with western U.S. mining schools: The Colorado School of Mines M on Mount Zion near Golden, Colo., completed in 1908, and a similar M on Big Butte at the Montana School of Mines (now Montana Tech) completed in 1910. Lyons reasoned that if other prestigious mining schools in the Rocky Mountains had such mascots, shouldnt the most prestigious mining school in the Southwest have one as well? Of course, New Mexicos M needed to be even larger than its counterparts; the Colorado M is 104 by 107 feet, and the Montana M is about 90 by 90 feet. Socorro Peaks M is roughly 150 feet in height and 100-110 feet in width, and was laid out with compass and steel tape between 1911 and 1912. The lines of the M are roughly 30 feet in width. Two burros hauled the first loads of lime and water in 1912. Lime, being water-soluble, washes away with rain and snow, and it became tradition to repaint the M with lime at least once every year. School of Mines President Fayette Jones proposed in 1916 that two days be set aside for the event, but the interference of World War I and the resulting lack of students delayed the second whitewashing until 1919. Water was packed up the cliffs by burros until 1922. For a time after that, students relied on nature, and painted the M when there was snow to melt to make the water for the whitewash. By late 1937, M day became a regularly scheduled event, with students riding in a bus to the mouth of Blue Canyon, then hiking up the mountain together, carrying water and lime. However, packing water up the mountain was a grueling task, and M day resumed its dependence, at least in part, upon snowfall by around 1945. This remained standard procedure until water, and some lime, could be transported up the mountain with four-wheel drive vehicles. The tradition of painting the M continues today, with students competing to be the first to reach the summit carrying not lime or water but a 50-pound sack of marble dust. The event is now part of the annual 49ers Celebration in October. El Defensor Chieftain
M Mountain
Arts & Entertainment
Historic
New for 2013, events at the plaza include the dance series, which starts in July, said Jennifer Gonzales, director of the Socorro Heritage and Visitors Center. The new dance series includes country line dancing, country two-step, fox trot, merengue, salsa and a winter gala in December. The series gives people something they can do, she said. Held every October is SocorroFest, the biggest evente. Local performers,
Plaza
such as Roon, Audio Frenzy, Doug Figgs and Mariam Funke, perform on one of the three stages in the plaza so audiences can enjoy different music genres. The farmers market sells homemade goods and arts and crafts and is hosted on the plaza twice a week through the summer. In the winter the market is held in the Finley Gym complex. In December, the electric light parade and the luminarias on the plaza art stroll give people an opportunity to view artwork, listen to music and enjoy each others company. For more information, call 575-8358927 or visit www.socorronm.gov.
he city of Socorro hosts various music events, dances and the farmers market at the Old Town Plaza. Many plaza events include food, beer and wine vendors; free samples for tasting; jumping balloons for children and music to bring the community together.
SocorroFest
11th Annual FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11TH 6-10 p.m. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12TH Noon - 10 p.m. on the Historic Plaza
Music ~ Spirits Tents Family Fun Food ~ Arts & Crafts
HARMONICA CONTEST
www.socorrofest.com For more information call 575-835-8927
Music Town
ocorro is a music town. The music scene in tiny Socorro rivals those of many small cities. With two weekly open mics, numerous performance venues, an annual music festival SocorroFest and a terrific Performing Arts Series hosted by New Mexico Tech, theres something for everyone. The Socorro music scene is fortunate to have the support of many local businesses including: The Old Town Bistro features local and out-of-town performers on weekends, an open mic every Monday night and a song circle the last Thursday of every month. The Capitol Bar features regional blues and rock bands on weekends. Sofias Restaurant has performances Saturday nights and Sunday mornings, as well as an open mic every Friday. The Buckhorn Tavern in San Antonio features the Blue Monday Blues Band every other Monday. Bodega Burger Co. has live dinner music on occasional Fridays. If youre lucky, you may catch Bernie Romero and his band at El Matador on a Friday evening. Up the road in Bosque, the Blue
Door hosts open mics and performances on Friday and Saturday. And in Magdalena, the Golden Spur Bar and Bear Mountain Coffehouse feature live music. Socorro is home to many great musicians and bands, including Bernie Romero (Spanish), Doug Figgs and Mariam (countr y), The Remedy (variety), Roon (folk/ rock) and Suavecito (variety). You can find out whats happening musically in Socorro online at socorromusic.com. Opportunities for music lovers include: The New Mexico Tech Performing Arts Series, which showcases wellknown and up-and-coming acts from all over the world. Performances happen in the Macey Center Auditorium on campus. The Presidential Chamber Music Series fresented by NMT, featuring classical performances by some of New Mexicos finest musicians. SocorroFest, a two day music festival hosted by the city of Socorro. 2013 will be
the 11th year for this event featuring local, regional and national acts. A Fourth of July celebration hosted by NMT, featuring local and regional performers. The citys Cinco de Mayo celebration features local and regional Spanish music on the Saturday closest to May 5. Festival of the Cranes Arts and Crafts Fair, held the Friday through Sunday before Thanksgiving, shich features local solo and duos to accompany the many arts and crafts vendors.
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Macey
M
Center
acey Center is home to the New Mexico Tech Performing Arts Series, which brings a dozen highly acclaimed music, dance and theater performances to Socorro and the surrounding community every school year, from September to May. A spacious and versatile venue, the 615-seat theater is used for dance recitals and school concerts, as well as spring musicals and winter feasts, film festivals and workshops. The large lobby and meeting rooms accommodate a variety of functions, from weddings and banquets to first responder trainings and the annual Mineral Symposium every fall. The state Science Fair and the Science Olympiad are held there each year in the spring. Macey Center includes a 3,400-square-foot art gallery featuring exhibits by local photographers, painters and fiber artists, open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The gallery space is large enough to hold catered luncheons and the annual spring fashion show, and on some occasions, even local arts and crafts vendors. For information about upcoming events or available services, call 575-835-5342. The center is also home to classical music performances sponsored by New Mexico Tech President Dr. Daniel H. Lopez. The Presidential Chamber Music Series consists of four concerts per year, hosted by New Mexico Symphony Orchestra violist Willy Sucre. The concerts are free, and open to the entire community.
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Performing
N
Art Series
ew Mexico Techs Performing Arts Series has something for everyone who is interested in music, theater and dance. Shows are chosen each year with a little bit of everything of interest. The PAS all-year-round season includes 12 shows and five free classical concerts, making it popular in Socorro and surrounding areas. Shows are successful with attendance from audiences of all ages and people from all backgrounds, said PAS director, Ronna Kalish. More out-of-town people from Los Lunas, Belen, Truth or Consequences and Bosque Farms are attending shows because of the wide variety of performances, she said. PAS is like a diamond in the desert, there are shows for everyone, said artist Catharine Stewart-Roache, adding that the performers love coming to New Mexico because they say it has the best audience. PAS organizes a huge Fourth of July celebration with music, family events and a spectacular fireworks display. New Mexico Tech President Daniel H. Lopez also supports PAS with the Presidential Chamber Music Series, which is hosted by violinist Willy Sucre who performs with string quartets, piano sextets and piano quartets. This year the season is unique because there are more shows. Its very international, with music concerts and extravaganzas, Kalish said. Kalish said there havent been fewer than 300 people who come to PAS performances, and all shows are popular. The show that received the highest attendance in 2012 was Popovichs Comedy Pet Theater with 650 people in house. One thing that PAS wont change are the shows that appeal to the 20th Annual young people and seniors, 4th of July Celebration she said. Free live music and PAS is partnered with the entertainment, family activSocorro Consolidated School ities and food vendors sellDistrict, Magdalena Schools ing barbecue, snow cones, and Alamo Navajo School popcorn, cotton candy, Board to bring educationwatermelon, candy, baked al youth performances and goods and more. The eveworkshops to all the communing features New Mexico nities. Tech Club Macey is a Techs Famous Fireworks social gathering opportunity Display. held before all shows with The day long celebration food and drinks for people is sponsored by the New 21 and over. Mexico Tech Performing We think this is the Arts Series, city of Socorro coolest program in Socorro and EMRTC. County, Kalish said. The July 4 tickets are affordable and we want everyone to participate. El Defensor Chieftain
Socorro Coummunity
Theater
at Cottonwood Valley Charter School, and most of the shows at the theater are for a general audience. Socorro Community Theater brings people together, from all walkes of life and many cultures, Comstock said. The theater serves as a venue to making new friends, she said. The theater always needs volunteers and ideas for the plays and there are many people who contribute their talents on and off stage, she said. Volunteers help with costumes, sets, makeup, tickets, publicity and scenery.
he Socorro Community Theater is a community group and a nonprofit organization that performs a series of three or four plays a year, and a childrens workshop in the summer, says vice president for Socorro Community Theater Eileen Comstock. The Socorro Community Theater puts on shows such as Youre a Good Man Charlie Brown, Much Ado About Murder and The Odd Couple (female version). The Socorro Community Theater performs at the Garcia Opera House, Finley Gym, Macey Center or
Participating in the theater is a good way to meet other people, Comstock said. Socorro Community Theater attracts actors and actresses from high school to beyond college, and sells annual memberships for support, she said. Theater memberships include individuals, couples and patron memberships. The Socorro Community Theater is important because it creates a creative outlet for people to participate, Comstock said.
Garcia Opera
house
he Garcia Opera House was built in 1886. During that decade, the discovery of lead and silver in the nearby Magdalena Mountains transformed the quiet town of Socorro, with a population of a few hundred people, into a thriving center of commerce and industry, with a population of more than 4,000. The opera house opened on Dec. 1, 1886, with an event advertised as a musical festival composed of 100 musicians, followed by a grand dance and supper. Since that first spectacular extravaganza, the Garcia Opera House has been the setting for events including masquerade balls, political rallies, productions of the Socorro Community Theater, arts and crafts festivals, wellness fairs, school concerts, weddings and banquets. The Socorro Community Theater has staged an average of two productions a year in the historic Garcia Opera House, from Shakespearian plays to modern comedies and dramas, every year since 1994. For more information about Socorro Community Theater, call 575-835-2564 or visit www.socorro.com/sct/.
Sports and Recreation
New Mexico Tech

onsidered by many to be a vibrant desert oasis, the New Mexico Tech Golf Course offers golfers of all skill levels a fun, challenging and scenic experience. Set almost directly at the foot of Socorro Peak, the 18-hole championship course consists of rolling hills and breathtaking elevation changes, and allows for potent views of the Rio Grande Valley to the east. The course is generally considered a short one by golf standards, giving golfers the opportunity to work on their precision game, but varying fairway lengths also allow the big swingers to let loose with their drivers. New Mexico Tech Golf Course features three par-five holes. Hole No. 1 is 457 yards from the white tee, and the championship tee is a full 100 yards farther than that. Hole No. 5 is a true test of length and skill at 559 yards from the blue tee, and its wicked dog-leg right gives hitters a chance to lay up and play it safe, or go for glory over an unforgiving patch of scenic desert terrain. So golfers will likely use nearly every club in the bag to navigate the 6,688, par-72 course (5,887, 73 for women). The course carries a 71.0 rating for gentlemen at a slope of 129, and 69.7 with a 125 slope for ladies. Golfers will also contend with two dozen sand bunkers and 11 ponds that are in play on 10 holes. An especially challenging hole comes at No. 10, a par-4 351-yard straight shot from the white tee. But the green is completely surrounded by ponds, testing every golfers accuracy from the tree-lined fairway. The course is open year-round and is normally uncrowded, but the links fill up often for various tournaments and championships throughout the year. The annual Socorro Open, a Sun Country PGA-sanctioned event, will be held from June 3-8. The nearly weeklong tournament consists of a senior open, an open Pro-am and a professional open. Its also home to one of worlds more fascinating sporting events in the Elfego Baca Shoot. Brave golfers travel to the top of M Mountain, some 2,500 feet and three miles west of the course, and attempt to play a 50-foot wide hole near the base of the mountain. The course also plays host to the 2013 Furrs Buffet New Mexico State High School Class 1-3A Championship May 13-14, and the Junior Americas Cup Qualifier will take place May 19. The course serves as an ideal site for numerous other fundraising and charity events throughout the year. New Mexico Tech Golf Course is equipped with all the amenities including a pro shop, locker rooms, driving range, putting range and an adjacent chipping green. The M Mountain Grill offers tasty menus for breakfast and lunch, as well as snacks and beverages. El Defensor Chieftain
Golf COurse
Golf Digest named the course one of Americas 500 best places to play golf as well as one of the 10 best public courses in New Mexico, so come and find out for yourself how much this course has to offer. For more information on New Mexico Tech Golf Course call 575-835-5335, or visit www.nmt.edu/nmt-golfcourse. New Mexico Tech Golf Course #1 Canyon Road, Socorro, N.M. 87801 575-835-5335 We proudly offer: 18 holes Unrestricted walking Full practice facility Friendly, qualified staff Lesson with PGA Pros Available rental equipment
Visitors Guide 2013
53
Recreational
Flyers
ocorro County makes up an extremely large chunk of land in New Mexico, and luckily for pilots, recreational flyers and aviation enthusiasts the county houses two airports. Located on the southern edge of town, the Socorro Municipal Airport (KONM) was most recently renovated in 2009 and had an Automated Weather Observation System installed (AWOS). The airport has two runways and stands at an elevation of 4,875 feet. The north-south approach runway (15/33) is 5,841 feet long and 75 feet wide. The asphalt surface is in good condition. The single-wheel weight bearing capacity is 50,000 pounds, and the double-wheel is 75,000 pounds. The east-west approach runway (6/24) is 4,590 feet long and 60 feet wide. The asphalt surface is also in good condition and both runways have a medium intensity edge limit. The AWOS frequency is 118.325. For more information go to www.socorronm.gov/cityservices/airport. The presence of the Socorro Municipal Airport allows the installation and the city to play host to the annual M Mountain Fly-in. The fly-in, heading into its sixth year in 2013, gives attendees an opportunity to experience several different styles of alluring aircraft. The show has traditionally featured home-built planes, experimental aircraft, military style planes and helicopters and even vintage war birds. In past years aircraft such as the V-22 Osprey and AH-60 Blackhawk had shown up, and in 2012 a fully restored B-17 Flying Fortress dazzled the audience. Committee members plan on having another historical war bird on hand in 2013. Named New Mexico Airshow of the Year in 2012, the M Mountain Fly-in offers anyone who attends a unique experience. This years event will take place on Sept. 28 and 29 and will feature plenty of food, entertainment, music and fun. Organizers are also adding an
aviation career day the Friday before the official beginning of the fly-in. For more information find the M Mountain Fly-in page on Facebook. Not far to the west of the village of Magdalena sits Ambers Guin Field at an elevation of 6,727 feet. The natural soil runway is 5,650 feet long and 50 feet wide. The fields busiest days come in the fall and winter months during deer and elk hunting season. Call 575-854-2462 for more information. And definitely not forgotten in Socorro County are model airplane aficionados. The Chile Proppers Club hosts its own fall fly-in annually at New Mexico Tech, and dozens of radio controlled model airplane enthusiasts show up to demonstrate their piloting skills.
Collegiate Sports
mong the various extracurricular activities available to New Mexico Tech students, the sport club program is among the most active. The Tech gym staff facilitates sports activities for 14 officially sanctioned clubs, ranging from the rugby team, which competes intercollegiately, to other clubs that provide a forum for students with similar interests, like climbing. The five team sports clubs that travel to compete are mens and womens soccer, mens and womens volleyball and rugby. All the clubs provide students with the opportunity to improve their skills, learn teamwork and cooperation and pursue their sporting hobbies, like caving, martial arts and paintball. Club sports coordinator Dave Wheelock said many students find that sports offer an excellent avenue for stress relief, fitness and a positive distraction from the rigors of academic life. A recent survey of one club found that stress relief was the top reason for participating, with camaraderie and friendship coming in a close second and honing or learning new skills as another top reason. Some clubs come and go as student interests change over the years. In recent years, Tech had a womens rugby team, but no longer does. New clubs launched in 2009 are the tennis, cricket and fencing clubs. Other sports are limited to intramurals, like basketball and softball. The cricket club is becoming more active; the Tech cricketers will travel to Albuquerque to compete with the University of New Mexico team in coming weeks. The tennis club hosted three members tournaments this fall. While perhaps not considered to be competitive sports, the caving and climbing clubs are both very active organizations. The caving club travels across the state on weekends to explore the many caves of New Mexico. Wheelock said the club averaged two trips per month during the fall 2009 semester.
The climbing club mounts expeditions to many scenic areas of New Mexico, including Hueco Tanks, El Rito, and Enchanted Tower near Datil. Of course, the clubs favorite haunt is Box Canyon, jut 15 minutes west of Socorro. The shooting club meets weekly for air rifle practice in the gym and stages occasional marksmanship clinics at the city shooting range. The martial arts club meets throughout the year and performs demonstrations at various local and out of town events, such as last falls appearance at the New Mexico State Fair. They really take advantage of any time they can get together to meet, Wheelock said. That group never ceases to amaze me. Theyre always doing something different and Im impressed with their level of skill. The Martial Arts Club performs exhibitions and demonst rations are campus activities and at events in Albuquerque. Wheelock said the club serves as excellent ambassadors for the school. The golf club typically hosts an intercollegiate fun tournament every year with guest teams from other New Mexico and Colorado small colleges. They club also travels to courses around New Mexico periodically to play as a group. The Paintball Club has regular events also, using campus areas or the Rio Grande bosque to shoot it out. Students are welcome to form new clubs with a few provisos. Clubs must have at least 10 student members and must hold regular practices and meet regularly for planning and organizational discussions. For more information, contact Wheelock at 835-5854.
Heritage
Balloon R ally
n 1999, the first Socorro Balloon Rally was held with 23 balloons attending. It continued for nine years, in which it had as many as 43 balloons in attendance. After a four-year hiatus, the rally returned in 2012 to fly over Socorro. The 2013 event will take place on Nov. 30 and bring even more balloons and skydivers than the 2012 event which had 10 balloons participate. Organizer and Socorro balloonist Mike Shrum has been a pilot since 1998, and owns and operates the Chili Ristra balloon. He also operates the Space Shuttle balloon Patriot and the lighthouse special shape balloon FlightHouse, which are owned by Barry DillBero from West Vincent Township, Pa. Shrum said people could expect to see para-gliders at the 2013 event too. Shrum has flown more than 700 hours in balloons, is a commerciallyrated pilot and has participated in events in France, Japan, Thailand, Mexico and
the Phillipines. He has participated in the largest annual event in Albuquerque for 13 years. Beginning at 7 a.m. Saturday at the Socorro Recreation complex, hot air balloons and skydivers will ascend into the clouds and return to earth. Liftoff, weather permitting, is at the new city of Socorro recreation facility located on Highway 60, west of Socorro General Hospital. You cannot access the rally via Highway 60. To access turn west on the dirt road at the south end of Fairgrounds Road, just north of the Socorro County Fair Grounds. The event is free to the public. Passenger rides are available at reasonable prices. To book a ride, call 616893-3457 and ask for Mike.
Mountain biking &

iving in or around Socorro means youre never too far from an opportunity to get outside and take advantage of the diverse landscape. That terrain, paired with the abounding amount of open space in the area, is ideal for both the serious and the casual mountain biker, as well as trail runners and hikers. The 9.1-mile Quebradas Single Track offers a 700-foot elevation change, while the Socorro Single Track, set alongside the campus at New Mexico Tech, is a nine-mile venture varying roughly 600
Tr ail running
feet in elevation. For the adventerous mountain biker or trail runner who prefers to ride, walk or run in a more mountainous setting, the Chupadera Wilderness Track is an 8.9-mile ride on the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. It begins at 4,475 feet and peaks at 6,237 feet. The Copper Canyon/Magdalena Crest Loop is yet another high-elevation trail, looping to the crest of the Magdalena Mountains and back via a typically watered canyon. A more casual rider or jogger might
prefer any one of the numerous roads or ditch banks running south to San Antonio or north to San Acacia, or one can always zoom off to the San Mateo Mountains or embark on an adventure up to the 10,710-foot summit of South Baldy, located west of Socorro. The Socorro Striders and Riders (www.stridersandriders.blogspot.com). are the perennial local force behind many running, walking and riding events. For more info on regional mountain biking in Socorro Country visit www.socorro. com/fattire/trails. El Defensor Chieftain
Socorros finest shops, stores and merchants

The Chamber recommends these businesses because they exhibit quality, reliability, and excellence.
Socorro County Chamber of Commerce Member Directory
Welcome to Socorro!
Audio/Visual Services Auto Rentals Auto Repair
Pace Event Services, Inc., 505-881-7002 Landers Enterprises, 575-835-2678 Rental Car Momma, 407-396-4152 All Around Auto, 575-835-2667 Hicks Body Shop & Towing, 575-835-2973 Lesebergs Auto, 575-838-4101 Quick & Easy Auto Repair and Towing, 575-835-3215 Rudys Auto Repair, 575-418-0828 Ryan and Sons Auto Repair, 575-418-8833 Socorro Auto Clinic, 575 835-4611
Abstract & Title Accountants
Security Title and Abstract, 575-838-1440 Beckham & Penner CPA, 575-835-1091 Bookkeeping & Tax Service, 575-835-0963
Catering
Chartwells, 575-835-6710 El Camino Restaurant, 575-835-1180 Greens Kitchen, 575-418-1291
Adult & Childrens Services
Churches
Socorro County Community Alternatives, 575-838-2208 Tresco Inc, 575-835-0204
Advertising
Directory Plus, 575-937-4482 Local Pages, 907-720-9635 PenGwen Productions, 575-835-2127 RGVAM Rio Grande Valley Advertising, 505-504-0505 Sign Shop, 575-740-9015
Epiphany Episcopal Church, 575-835-1818 Family Christian Center, 575-835-0185 First Baptist, 575-835-0041 Ridgeview Independent Baptist, 575-418-3099 San Miguel Church and Missions 575-835-2891 Socorro Baptist Temple, 575-835-3306 Socorro Unitarian Universalists, 575-838-7113 St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 575-835-1372
Auto Sales Auto Parts
Aerospace Alpacas
Monette Ford, 575-835-1190 AGGI Bros. CarQuest, 575-838-4382
Civic Organizations & Community Service Groups
Aerojet, 505-322-3036 Puerta del Sol Alpacas, 575-835-2835
Awards & Recognition Bakery Banks
Akasas All About Trophies & More, 505-881-2504 Old Prospectors Bread, 575-418-1655 First State Bank, 575-835-8235 New Mexico Educators Federal Credit Union, 575-835-1522 Wells Fargo Bank, 575-835-2410
Alterations
The Christmas Store, 575-835-0575
Apartments
Lincoln Apartments, 575-418-7797 Loma Vista Apartments, 575-835-3393 Los Escondidos, 575-418-0793 Socorro Village, 575-835-8902 Vista Montao Apts, 575-835-0196
Appraisals Arts
Beauty/Skin Care
Winton Appraisal Company, 575-835-1857 Alamo Gallery & Gifts, 575-835-2787 Bernadette Ulibarri Photography, 575-418-8254 BJ Lesperance, 575 418-1848 Carver, Rick, 505-204-6636 Desert Glass Designs, 575-418-7330 NM Tech Performing Arts Series (PAS), 575-835-5688 Rice, Peter, 575-835-7345 Socorro Community Theater, Inc., 575-838-0379 Socorro County Arts, 575-835-2787 Socorro Picture Framing & Art Gallery, 575-835-3348 Scott Goewey Pottery, 575-648-2769 Susan Goewey Fiber Arts, 575-937-5700 Vertu Arts, 575-835-4487
AVON Carol Loar, 575-835-2842 Plaza Beauty Salon, 575-835-1485
Blinds
Hartwell Custom Blinds, 575-838-1677
Body Shops
Hicks Body Shop & Towing, 575-835-2973
Business Promotion
Elephant Butte Chamber of Commerce, 575-744-4708 Greater Belen Chamber of Commerce, 505-864-8091 Magdalena Chamber of Commerce, 575-854-3310 Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce, 505-892-1533
Amigos de la Sevilleta, 505-864-4021 Animal Protective Association of Socorro 575-835-0259 AYSO, 575-838-7076 Birthright of Socorro, 575-835-4236 Cinco de Mayo Rodeo, 575-835-2460 Disabled American Veterans, Chapter #24, 575-835-0843 Ducks Unlimited, 575-854-3365 Fraternal Order of Eagles 4017 Auxiliary, 575-835-9952 Friends of the Bosque, 575-838-2120 Friends of the Socorro Public Library, 575-835-1114 Literacy Volunteers of Socorro County, 575-835-0589 M Mountain Fly-In, 575-835-2460 Merry-Achi Christmas, 575-838-4696 Puerto Seguro-Safe Harbor, 575-835-2895 Rio Grande Valley CASA, 575-838-4031 Save Our Bosque Task Force, 575-835-3516 Socorro Amateur Radio Association, 575-835-3370 Socorro Civitan, 575-838-0052 Socorro County Community Alternatives, 575-838-2208 Socorro County Democratic Party, 505-359-8609 Socorro County Fair & Rodeo Association, 575-838-7174 Socorro County Republican Party, 575-835-2795 Socorro General Hospital Auxiliary, 575-835-8778 Socorro Lions Club, 575-835-3081 Socorro Right to Life, 575-835-2405 Socorro Rotary Club, 575-838-1309 Socorro Storehouse, 575-517-7194
Clothing
Attorneys
Car Wash Casinos
Jessies Fine Clothing, 575-835-1772
California Car Wash, 575-835-1872 Cities of Gold, 866-455-0515
Computer Sales & Service Conservation
Deschamps Law Firm, 575-838-0777 John R. Gerbracht, Attorney, 575-835-2520 Roscoe A. Woods & Associates, 505-401-2118
Computers By LTJ Services, 575-838-0576 LaJencia Ranch, 505-231-5180
Visit www.newmexico.org and www.socorro-nm.com

Business Directory:
Socorro County Chamber of Commerce Member Directory A-1 Quality Redi Mix Inc., 575-835-2417 LGE Construction, 505-449-7501 William H Hall, General Contractor, 575-835-3636
Construction and Contractors
Farms
Dance Instruction
A & J Family Farms, LLC, 575-838-0802 Armijo Farm, 505-550-7170 Rosales Produce, 575-835-3611 Sichler Farms Produce, LLC, 575-838-2839
Graphic Design
Lucky Signs, 575-854-2264 PenGwen Productions, 575-835-2127
Grocers
Coleman Academy of Irish Dance, 505-720-6979 Don Anderson Dance, 505-250-9116
Feed, Clothing Flea Markets
Western Mercantile, 575-835-1155 Socorro Flea Market, 575-835-1422
John Brooks Supermart, 575-835-1553 San Antonio General Store, 575-835-4594 Walmart Super Center #5492, 575-838-1415
Dentists
Hardware
Beers, Dr. Duane, DMD, 575-835-3662 Oates, Dr. C. Bonner DMD, 575-835-1623
Funeral Services
Gambles True Value Store, 575-835-1230 RAKS Building Supply, 575-835-1270 Randys Ace Hardware, 575-835-1872
Department Stores
Daniels Family Funeral Services, 575-835-1530
Walmart Super Center #5492, 575-838-1415
Furniture/Appliances
Health and Wellness
Disabled Persons Assistance

Tresco, Inc., 575-835-0204
Aarons Sales & Lease, 575-838-2336 Gambles True Value Hardware, 575-835-1230 Plaza Furniture, 575-838-0499
Dry Cleaner Education
Gifts Shops/Florists
California Plaza Dry Cleaners, 575-835-4406 Alamo Navajo School Board, Inc., 575-854-2543 Cottonwood Valley Charter School, 575-838-2026 Magdalena Schools Auto Tech Program, 575-854-8017 New Mexico Tech, 575-835-5011 NM Tech Community College, 575-835-6581 Small Business Development Center, 505-925-8980
Electricians Electronics
Ross Electric Inc., 575-835-1320 Radio Shack, 575-835-3370
Alamo Gallery & Gifts, 575-835-2787 Bambis Flowers & Gifts, 575-835-2683 Bosque Nature Store, 575-835-1828 Case de Regalos, 575-835-0770 Christmas Store Gifts & Flowers, 575-838-0575 Favor-It Things, 575-838-0300 Harolds Southwestern Gifts, 575-835-3231 Socorro General Hospital Auxiliary Gift Shop, 575-835-8778 Sundance Gifts, 575-835-2498 Very Large Array Giftshop, 575-835-7410
Barclay, Dr. J. R., 575-418-5646 Chi Spa NM, 575-838-0376 JCB Healthy Green Enterprises, 575-517-7613 Jennifer Polle Hypnosis CDs & MP3s, 505-259-8332 Light Moves, 575-835-1109 Scielzi Consulting, 505-350-4116
Home Health/Seniors/Hospitals
Good Samaritan Society-Socorro, 575-835-2724 Socorro General Hospital, 575-835-8700
Homeless Support
Puerto Seguro-Safe Harbor, 575-835-2895 Socorro Storehouse, 575-517-7194
Honey
Beekeepers Honey, 575-973-0670
Golf Courses
Housing
Employment Energy
New Mexico Tech Golf Course, 575-835-5335 Rainmakers Golf Course, 575-336-7500 Sierra del Rio Golf Course, 575-744-4653
El Camino Real Housing Authority, 575-835-0196 Socorro Rentals, 575-835-3328
Aerotek, 505-342-5021 Solaro Energy, Inc., 575-201-2444
Government Agencies
Insurance
Engineering/Environmental Counsultation Exercise
AMEC Earth and Environmental inc., 575-835-3026 Curves for Women, 575-835-2646
Exterminators
Milton Ulibarri Pest Control, 575-835-2881
Fabric & Embroidery
Bobbies Bobbin, 575-838-0001 Bazar Brazil, 954-815-3311
Bosque Del Apache NWR, 575-835-1828 Bureau of Land Management (BLM), 575-835-0412 City of Socorro, 575-835-0240 County of Socorro, 575-835-0589 El Camino Real International Heritage Center, 575-854-3600 New Mexico Fire Fighting Training Academy, 575-835-7500 Socorro County Community Alternatives, 575-838-2208 Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, 505-864-4021 Socorro County Extension office, 575-835-0610 Socorro County Sheriffs Department, 575-835-0941 Socorro Heritage & Visitor Center, 575-835-8927 Socorro Municipal Court, 575-835-2558 Socorro Soil & Water Conservation, 575-838-0078 South Central Council of Governments, 575-744-0039
Brown and Brown, 505-821-5888 Michael Olguin, Insurance Agent, 575-835-1331 NM Health Insurance Alliance Agent, 505-989-1600
Internet Service Providers Jewelry
Century Link, 505-864-6522 Desert Glass Designs, 575-418-7330 Diamondback Designs, 575-418-8047 Tripps Jewelers, 575-835-2465
Land Surveyors Laundromat
Elliott Land Surveying, 505-280-6729 California Plaza Laundromat, 575-835-4405
Farm Equipment Repair
Fullingham Farm Services, 575-418-8461

Government Relations/Consulting
Matejka Santillanes Consulting, 505-270-0602
Libraries
Socorro Public Library, 575-835-1114
Visit www.newmexico.org and www.socorro-nm.com El Defensor Chieftain
Business Directory:
Socorro County Chamber of Commerce Member Directory
Liquor/Lounge/Package
Bodega Burger Co. & Lounge, 575-838-2087 Buckhorn Tavern, 575-835-4423 Capitol Bar, 575-835-1193 El Matador-El Camino Restaurant, 575-835-1180 Owl Bar & Caf, 575-835-9946
Photographers
Rick Carver, 505-204-6636 Bernadette Ulibarri Photography, 575-418-8254 Webb Photography, 575-835-0161
Television
Comcast Cable, 575-835-2424
Therapy/Rehabilitation
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, 575-835-4243 Socorro Mental Health Foundation, 575-835-2444
Physicians
PMS Socorro Community Health Clinic, 575-835-4444
Lodging
Americas Best Value Inn, 575-835-0276 Best Western Hotel, 575-838-0556 Casa Blanca Bed & Breakfast, 575-835-3027 Comfort Inn/Suites, 575-838-4400 Days Inn, 575-835-0230 Econo Lodge Motel, 575-835-1500 Economy Inn Motel, 575-835-2263 Fite Ranch Bed & Breakfast, 575-838-0958 Holiday Inn Express Hotel, 575-838-4600 Midway Mobile Home & RV Park, 575-835-1400 Motel 6, 575-835-4300 Prickly Pear Inn & Extended Stay, 575-838-2286 Rancho Magdalena Bed & Breakfast, 575-854-3091 San Miguel Inn, 575-835-0211 Sands Motel, 575-835-1130 Socorro Old Town Bed & Breakfast, 575-838-2619 Super 8 Motel, 575-835-4626
Plumbing/Heating/Air-Conditioning/Refrigeration
EAPCO Inc., 575-835-4723 Jaramillos Plumbing, Heating & AC, 575-835-1679
Thrift Store
Second Hand Rose, 575-835-2090
Travel Agencies
Paradise Travel, 575-835-2929
Propane
Action Gas, 575-835-0007
Utilities
City of Socorro, 575-835-0240 Socorro Electric Cooperative, 575-835-0560 Sun Zia Southwestern LLC, 602-808-2004
Radio Stations
KUFR Family Radio, 866-359-3147 Socorro Community Radio, 575-835-2382
Real Estate Agents
Vacation Rentals & Lodging

Vacation Home Rentals, 800-710-2755
Coldwell Banker Legacy, Realtor, 575-835-1422 Home & Country Realty, 575-838-4663 Socorro Plaza Realty, 505-838-0095
Veterinarians
Animal Haven Veterinary Clinic, 575-835-3545 Ark of Socorro Veterinary Clinic, 575-835-9002
Recycling
Amador Complete Recycling, 505-804-0793
Video Rentals
Video Shack, 575-835-3913
Restaurants
Medical Transportation Mobile Food Vendors
Air Medical, PHI, 575-835-0705
HF Old Fashioned Soda, 505-948-8979 Escondida Grill, 575-418-8461 Greens Kitchen, 575-418-1291
Newspapers/Publishing
El Defensor Chieftain Newspaper, 575-835-0520 Glenwood Gazette, 575-388-4806 Ink (The), 575-541-9770 Mountain Mail, 575-854-3500 New Mexico Tech -- Paydirt, 575-835-5996 Your Host NM - Diamond Publishing, 505-268-1793
Barbaras Dream Kitchen, 575-835-1234 Bodega Burger Co. & Lounge, 575-838-2087 Buckhorn Tavern, 575-835-4423 Dominos Pizza, 575-838-1111 Don Juans Cocina, 575-835-9967 El Camino Restaurant, 575-835-1180 El Sombrero Restaurant, 575-835-3945 McDonalds Restaurant, 575-835-3684 Old Town Bistro, 575-838-3976 Owl Bar Caf & Steakhouse, 575-835-9946 San Antonio Crane Cafe Restaurant, 575-835-2208 Socorro Springs Restaurant & Brewery, 575-838-0650 Sonic Drive-In, 575-835-2413 Subway, 575-838-3810
Water and Ice The Water & Ice Store, 575-838-9283 Website Resources
MsWisWorks Computer & Websites, 575-418-8190 Web Witchcraft Publishing, 575-838-0907
Individual Members
Mary Aguilar Bill Basham Susan Bieber Rick Carver Georgette Evans-Grey George and Rebecca Funkhouser Mary Gillard Carol Griswold Priscilla Cora Gwin Judge Ted Kase BJ Lesperance Judy Lovelace Vanetta Perry Barbara Romero Betsy Smith Byron Waxler
Road Maintenance Storage
Blue Collar Construction LLC, 505-553-0651 EZ Self-Storage by Tripps, 575-835-2465
Observatories Optometrists
NRAO/VLA, 575-835-7243 Dr. Steven Woodard, Optometrist, 575-835-2020
Septic Systems
J/N Pumping, 575-838-2889 S.M.A. Enterprises, 575-835-2417
Party Services
Favor-It Things LLC, 575-838-0300
Telecommunications
Century Link, 505-864-6522
Visit www.newmexico.org and www.socorro-nm.com

Directories
Socorro
WARRIORS
Public Schools
Socorro Consolidated Schools 700 Franklin 575-838-0300 Midway Elementary Grades K-5 9 Midway, Polvadera 575-835-1098 Parkview Elementary Grades K-3 107 Francisco De Avondo 575-835-1086 San Antonio Elementary Grades K-5 South Highway 380, San Antonio, N.M. 575-835-1758
Magdalena
STEERS
Zimmerly Elementary Grades 4-5 511 El Camino Real NW 575-835-1436 Magdalena Middle School Grades 6-8 575-854-8011 Magdalena High School Grades 9-12 575-854-8011
New Mexico Tech
MINERS
Socorro Cooperative Nursery School 304 McCutcheon Ave. Socorro, NM 87801 575-835-1336
Sarracino Middle School

Grades 6-8 1425 El Camino Real NW 575-835-0283 Socorro High School Grades 9-12 575-835-0700 Magdalena Municipal Schools 200 Duggins Dr., Magdalena 575-854-2241 Magdalena Elementary School Grades PreK-5 575-854-8006
Universities
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (New Mexico Tech) 801 Leroy Place Socorro, NM 87801 575-835-5011 New Meico Tech Community College 801 Leroy Place, Socorro, NM 87801 Cramer Hall 201 575-835-6581
Charter Schools
Cottonwood Valley Charter School 201 Neel Ave., Socorro 575- 838-2026
Pre-Schools
Headstart 239 Garfield 575-835-0008
Socorro
Calvary Chapel 701 S. Hwy 85 575-838-9535 Church of Christ 1001 El Camino Real 575-835-2272 Cops for Christ Non-Denominational Christian Fellowship Meets at Socorro Baptist Temple, S. Fairgrounds Rd. #2 575-835-3306 El Buen Pastor Park St. Behind BLM 575-835-2172 Epiphany Episcopal Church 908 Leroy Pl. 575-835-1818
church directory
Family Christian Center Assembly of God U.S. 60 and Fowler 575-835-0185 Seventh Day Adventist 218 Garfield 505-440-9587 (leave a message) Society of Friends (Quakers) 94 Hope Farm Road 575-835-0013, 575-835-0998 Socorro Baptist Temple South Fairgorunds Rd. #2 575-835-3306 Socorro Unitarian Universalists 908 Leroy Place, Parish Hall 575-838-7114 St. Pauls United Methodist 1000 Goad St. 575-835-1372 First Baptist Church 203 Spring Street 575-835-0041 First Presbyterian Church 304 McCutcheon Ave. 575-835-0942 Hope Lutheran Church 908 Leroy Pl. 575-835-9648 Jehovahs Witnesses 922 Ake Ave. 575-838-2049 San Miguel Mission 403 El Camino Real 575-835-2891, 575-835-1620 The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints El Camino Real 575-835-0570, 575-835-4806 Trinity Christian Fellowship 1403 El Camino Real 575-838-9000
First Baptist Church of Magdalena Kelly Road at Poplar 575-854-2389 St. Mary Magdalene Third and Elm St., Magdalena, NM 575-835-2891
MagdalenaDatil-Pie Town
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Pie Town 575-773-4623 Community Church in Magdalena Main St. at Fourth 575-854-2364 Datil Baptist Church 575-772-5577
VeguitaLemitarPolvadera
Chihuahua Bible Chapel 1 Carlos Maritnez Rd., Vegita, NM 575-861-0008 First Assembly of God Rt. 1, Box 156, Rd. 6 ABC, Polvadera 575-835-3817
Directories
For More information:

Socorro County Chamber of Commerce 101 Plaza, Socorro 575-835-0424 www.socorro-nm.com chamber@socorro-nm.com Socorro Heritage & Visitors Center 201 Fisher, west of the Plaza 575-835-2927 Socorro Public Library 401 Park 575-835-1114 Magdalena Chamber of Commerce 105 N. Main St., Magdalena 866-854-3217 toll-free www.magdalena-nm.com Magdalena Visitors Center (Bear Mountain Coffee House & Gallery) 902 W. First St. 575-854-3310 Magdalena Public Library 108 N. Main St. 575-854-2361
campgrounds
Bosque Bird Watchers RV Park 1481 N.M. 1 San Antonio, NM 87832 575-835-1366 Caseys Socorro RV Park 1101 S.Frontage Road Socorro 575-835-2234 Escondida Lake Park Escondida 575-835-2041 Montosa RV Park & Campground U.S. 60, Magdalena 575-854-2235 Santa Fe Diner & RV Park I-25 & Highway 107 575-854-2784 Toms RV Park 506 U.S. 60 Socorro 575-838-2075 Water Canyon Campground U.S. 60, Mile Marker 123.5 575-854-2281 The Western Bed & Breakfast/RV Park 404 First St., Magdalena 575-854-2417 Midway Mobile Home & RV Park 2206 N.M. 1, Luis Lopez 575-418-7475
Magdalena
Visitors Guide 2013
61
Directories Socorro County
Map by Paul Harden 62 Visitors Guide 2013

Discover Socorro and Surrounding Areas: 2013 Visitors Guide

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Discover Socorro and Surrounding Areas: 2013 Visitors Guide

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Table of contents

On the Cover: The cover of this years visitors guide

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

SPORTS AND RECREATION

We provide quality care for all ages and dental concerns.

One FREE Dental Exam (a $40 value)

Dr. C. Bonner Oates, D.D.S.

Visitors Guide 2013

Enjoy your visit

Enjoy your visit

Enjoy your visit

SOCORRO HERITAGE AND VISITORS CENTER

Just west of Plaza 217 Fisher Socorro, NM

Visitors Guide 2013

Socorro celebrates History, Technology, Birds & Enchanted Skies

Map by Paul Harden

Visitors Guide 2013

Visitors Guide 2013

International heritage center

Historic Forts Day

Visitors Guide 2013

Magdalen - San Juan Mary Bau St. tist a-

Sept. 27, 28, 29

Visitors Guide 2013

Visitors Guide 2013

Visitors Guide 2013

Save Money Save Gas!

MONETTE FORD INC.

Fair & Rodeo

Socorro County Fair and Rodeo

Aug. 29, 30, 31 and Sept. 1

Visitors Guide 2013

Bosque del Apache

National Wildlife Refuge

Festival of the Cranes

Leo Rosas Catering: 505-573-5111

Visitors Guide 2013

Rio Grande Bosque

Sevilleta Refuge Day

Bear Trap campground

Luna Park Campground

Visitors Guide 2013

San Lorenzo Canyon Recreation Area

Socorro Nature Area

Visitors Guide 2013

Back Country Byway

Horse Farms and Training Facilities

Visitors Guide 2013

Visitors Guide 2013

Magdalena Tr ails End

Visitors Guide 2013

We accept most insurances We operate on a sliding fee scale

Accepting new patients

SOCORRO COMMUNITY HEALTH

1300 Enterprise, Mon-Fri 8-5 575-835-4444

MAGDALENA HEALTH CENTER

801 Tenth Street, Magdalena, NM Mon-Fri 8-12; 1-5 575-854-3162

Visitors Guide 2013

Alamo Navajo Reservation

Visitors Guide 2013

Mining center Kelly

Were not the biggest, just the Best.

Jimbo and Traci Williams - Owners

Our motto, WHATEVER IT TAKES!

Lemitar & Polvader a