🚙 Roadtrip through New Mexico

Part 1: Stars, Science, and Silver City

How do you introduce New Mexico to Europeans? Do you begin with its vast desert skies, so clear they make you feel the universe is leaning in? Or with flavors of chile peppers that leave a lasting memory?

When my sister Irene and brother-in-law Joe visited from Switzerland, I wanted them to experience all of it: science and history, mountains and deserts, ancient dwellings and quirky roadside stops. So we packed the car and set off on a five-day road trip.

The Very Large Array – Listening to the Universe

We set out from home, driving through Mountainair, Socorro, and Magdalena before reaching the VLA (Very Large Array). This was our first highlight. 27 giant radio telescopes spread across the high desert in a dramatic Y-shape. Each dish is 25 meters across, weighs over 200 tons, and sits at nearly 7,000 feet above sea level.

From this remote plateau, astronomers have discovered black holes, mapped galaxies, and studied the birth of stars. It’s humbling to stand among them, knowing these silent giants are listening to the deepest reaches of space.

And the future? The next-generation VLA is planned for 2028, ten times more powerful than today’s array and even surpassing Chile’s famous ALMA.

Travel tip: Don’t miss the short film in the visitor center—hearing an astronomer explain the science makes the experience even richer.

Lunch in Rural New Mexico

After refueling at the last gas station for 100 miles, we stopped for lunch in a tiny café plastered with “Let’s Go Brandon” signs (the only restaurant around 😉). The food was hearty, the vibe purely local—a reminder that travel is about landscapes and people.

Into the Canyon – The Catwalk

From there, we drove to Whitewater Creek and walked the Catwalk National Recreation Trail. The short trail clings to a canyon wall above the rushing creek, offering a close look at the rugged geology of southwestern New Mexico.

Arrival in Silver City

After a long but beautiful drive, we arrived in Silver City, where we checked into our hotel.

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