New Mexico: Enchanting, But Can You *Really* Live There?

Mortons on the Move explore the stark beauty of New Mexico in their latest video, but let's cut the fluff. Sure, the landscapes are stunning, the chili is spicy, and the sunsets are epic. But what's it really like to RV there? This ain't no vacation fantasy; we're talking about the nitty-gritty of living on the road in the Land of Enchantment.

Hatch Chili: Beyond the Hype

Hatch, New Mexico, bills itself as the chili capital. Okay, cool. But is it worth the detour? According to the Mortons, Hatch chiles are unique to the region due to the soil and climate. You can find them smothered on everything. They tried both red and green chili burritos. Red is smoky, green is fresh but both can range from mild to scorching hot. The verdict? They liked them! The red chili was smoky, and the green chili had a kick. I can appreciate authentic local eats, but remember that "authentic" doesn't always mean "delicious." Be ready for some serious heat. They had a good time, but remember, folks, novelty doesn't pay the bills.

And let's be real – tourist traps are tourist traps, no matter how "authentic" they claim to be. Is it a fun experience? Maybe. Is it essential for full-time RVers? Absolutely not. This sounds like a cool experience for a day or two, but it's more about the experience than practical considerations for long-term living. Plan your meals and don't rely on tourist attractions to provide consistent, affordable food.

Prehistoric Trackways: Fossils and Free Camping (Sort Of)

The Mortons camped at the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument, managed by the BLM, near Las Cruces. Dispersed camping is popular there, and the area is known for dinosaur fossils. They met up with fellow RVers, Getaway Couple. The landscape is cool and contains a lot of trails. "This is a pretty popular area for um campers to come dispersed camp right down there," says Craig. They found some fossils and enjoyed the scenery.

BLM land is a godsend for full-timers, offering free (or cheap) camping. But "popular" also means potentially crowded. Do your research beforehand. Check recent reviews on apps like Campendium or iOverlander. Cell service can be spotty, so download offline maps and directions. Be prepared to be fully self-sufficient, no hookups, water or trash services. And always follow Leave No Trace principles – pack out everything you pack in. I can appreciate that they found cool things. When choosing to go dispersed camping consider what you want out of it. Do you want to see wildlife and fossils or do you want hookups and to be around others?

Oregon Mountains: Beauty and Tight Squeezes

Next, they visited the Oregon Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument. Craig notes that the road to the BLM campground was "very, very tight and windy," warning against bringing big rigs. He suggests small trailers with small cars might be okay. He says the views were spectacular. They also mentioned a tap-to-pay station at the campground, which is a modern touch. I can say I am impressed with how modern some of the National Parks have become.

This is the kind of info we need, folks! Accessibility is crucial. A beautiful view is useless if you can't get your rig there. Take his advice – if you're in a larger RV, skip this one. Call the BLM office or check recent reviews for the latest road conditions. Also, tap-to-pay is convenient, but always have cash on hand as a backup. Technology can fail, especially in remote areas. Even though a tap to pay is nice, cash is the better option in case of problems.

White Sands: A Photographer's Paradise... With Caveats

The highlight of their trip was White Sands National Park. The dunes are made of gypsum, making them look and feel like snow. You cannot camp there or stay overnight. They learned about the park at the visitor center and found out that the dunes are young, and constantly shifting. The yucca plants are an interesting topic, growing up to 30 feet tall to stay above the shifting sands. Caitlyn commented how magical it was, but Craig noted how fast the sun goes down and how quickly it gets cold.

White Sands is undeniably stunning. However, the lack of camping is a major downside for full-timers. You'll have to find accommodation outside the park, adding to your expenses and travel time. Also, remember Craig's warning about the cold. Desert temperatures can fluctuate wildly. Pack layers, even if it seems warm during the day. Lastly, be aware of park closures due to missile testing at the nearby White Sands Missile Range. Check the park's website before you go.

The gypsum is not like regular sand, it's more grippy. New Mexico is really showing its layers of time from ancient to modern. This area is the land of enchantment.

Missile Range: Unexpected History (If You're a Citizen)

The Mortons visited the White Sands Missile Range Museum. They learned a lot about the history of the area and missile development. Important note: you must be a U.S. citizen and pass a background check to enter. They were initially told no photography was allowed, but later learned that photos and videos are permitted in the museum and the outdoor missile display area.

While a missile museum might not be everyone's cup of tea, it's a reminder that New Mexico has more to offer than just pretty scenery. The citizenship requirement is a key detail for international travelers. If you're interested in military history or technology, this could be a worthwhile stop. Just be sure to check the photography rules beforehand to avoid any hassle. It is good that you are able to learn the history of missiles.

Key Takeaways

• Hatch Chili: Worth a taste, but don't expect a gourmet experience. Be prepared for spice.
• BLM Land: Great for free camping, but do your research and be self-sufficient. It is very important to follow the Leave No Trace principles.
• Oregon Mountains: Beautiful, but potentially inaccessible for larger RVs. Smaller RVs might only be able to go up to the trail heads.
• White Sands: Stunning, but no camping inside the park. Be aware of temperature fluctuations and park closures. Pack warm items.
• Missile Range: Interesting history, but restricted to U.S. citizens with background checks. International travelers cannot go.
• Overall: New Mexico offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, but requires careful planning for full-time RVers.

Conclusion

New Mexico is undoubtedly an enchanting state with diverse landscapes and unique experiences. However, as full-time RVers, it's crucial to look beyond the pretty pictures and consider the practicalities of living on the road. Mortons on the Move provide a glimpse into the realities of RVing in New Mexico, but it's up to you to do your own research and decide if this destination is right for your lifestyle. For a more in-depth look at their adventure, be sure to check out their full video!