Montosa RV Park - & Campground

* [[Cibola National Forest]] -- //"While there are no trails specifically designated as jeep trails or motorcycle trails on the Cibola, there are numerous old woods routes and logging roads throughout the districts, which may be enjoyed by mountain bike, motorcycle or jeep. Please inquire at the local ranger district office for information on trails, off-road vehicle use and areas closed to mechanized traffic."//\n* [[Mount Withington]]\n* [[Langmuir Laboratory]] / South Baldy Peak\n* [[Riley|http://www.ghosttowns.com/states/nm/riley.html]] ghost town\n* Check out the [[Fat Tire Trails|Mountain Biking]] for inspiration.\n* [[BLM Off Highway Vehicle page|http://www.nm.blm.gov/recreation/activities/activities_ohv.htm]] -- The Socorro BLM Field Office covers 786,180 acres open to ~OHVs.\n* [[Gordy's Hill OHV Area|http://www.nm.blm.gov/recreation/socorro/gordys_hill_ohv.htm]] - A 6,000 acre OHV area northeast of Socorro.\n* [[NMT Off Road Club|http://www.ee.nmt.edu/~offroad/]], Socorro\n* [[4x4 101|http://4wheeldrive.about.com/od/offroad4x4atv4wd/]]\n

Montosa RV Park sits on over 100 acres of Piñon, Cedar, Juniper and Ponderosa Pine trees at an elevation of 7200 feet, at the base of the Tres Montosas mountains. It is surrounded by a 32,000 acre working [[cattle ranch|Montosa Ranch]], situated above the San Augustin Flats and less than 6 miles from the [[Very Large Array]] visitor center. \n[>img[wildflowers|mon23.jpg]]\nOriginally built and used for cowboy camp meetings more than 60 years ago, Montosa Campground is now an RV park with complete hook-ups and beautiful RV or tent sites with lots of elbow room. There are miles of dirt roads to hike, and cool shade trees to relax under while enjoying a quite afternoon. Once the sun sets, you may want to gaze at a spectacular night sky or simply relax around your own campfire.\n\nAre you looking for a place where you can camp and have the convenience of hook-ups but not be packed in a parking space like sardines in a can? Check us out. You will find a very serene atmosphere and will understand why this setting was chosen by cowboys many years ago as a place to worship and spend several days renewing old acquaintances and making new ones.\n\n

[>img[moo|mon86.jpg]]\n* 20+ full RV hook-ups\n* Several partial hook-ups\n* Unlimited tent camping\n* Outdoor covered kitchen & dining area with seating for up to 300 guests\n* Cabins available for rent\n* Tabernacle (or barn) with seating for 300+ guests\n* Laundry facilities

[>img[spotted owl|spottedowl.jpg]]\nEnjoy the wide variety of birds on the ranch, or head for local birding hotspots:\n* Of the 41 sites of the [[Southwest New Mexico Birding Trail|http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/recreation/birding/index.htm]], one (site 38) is south of us in the San Mateo Mountains of the [[Cibola|Cibola National Forest]], and three more (sites 14, 16 & 17) are to the southwest at the far end of the San Francisco Basin, in the Gila National Forest.\n* The [[Bosque del Apache]] National Wildlife Refuge\nBirding Resources:\n* [[Macdonald's New Mexico Hotspots|http://www.camacdonald.com/birding/usnewmexico.htm]]\n* New Mexico Ornithological Society's [[rare bird hotline|http://www.nmosbirds.org/hotline.html]]\n* the [[weather|Weather & Climate]]\nAccording to [[Audubon New Mexico|http://www.audubon.org/chapter/nm/nm/rdac/iba/iba.html]]:\n<<<\nNew Mexico threatened species in this [Sierra Madre Occidental] Biological Conservation Region are the Common ~Ground-Dove, Buff-collared Nightjar, Elegant Trogon, Northern Beardless Tyrannulet, Willow Flycatcher (Southwestern), and Thick-billed Kingbird. Endangered species include Common ~Black-Hawk, Gould's Wild Turkey, Whiskered ~Screech-Owl, Broad-billed Hummingbird, White-eared Hummingbird, Violet-crowned Hummingbird, Lucifer Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Bell's Vireo, Gray Vireo, Abert's Towhee, Baird's Sparrow, Arizona Grasshopper Sparrow, Yellow-eyed Junco, and Varied Bunting. Other Partners in Flight priority species include Zone-tailed Hawk, Elf Owl, Spotted Owl (S. o. lucida), Whip-poor-will (C. v. arizonae), Montezuma Quail, Strickland's Woodpecker, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Hutton's Vireo, Bendire's Thrasher, Crissal Thrasher, Mexican Chickadee, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Verdin, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Lucy's Warbler, Red-faced Warbler, Painted Redstart, Olive Warbler, Botteri's Sparrow, Black-chinned Sparrow, Hooded Oriole, Summer Tanager, and Yellow-eyed Junco.\n<<<\n

* [[BLM: Socorro Nature Area|http://www.nm.blm.gov/recreation/socorro/socorro_nature_area.htm]]\n* [[Friends of the Bosque|http://www.friendsofthebosque.org/]]\n* [[Bird Checklist|http://www.friendsofthebosque.org/Bird%20Checklist%20for%20Bosque.pdf]] (PDF)

!!!!! About the Magdalena Ranger District\nRecreation and Wilderness\n<<<\nRecreational activities include hiking, camping, horseback riding, mountain biking, rock climbing, hunting, and four-wheeling to name a few. ... Primary recreational values are the many dispersed, primitive, and unconfined acres. Created in 1980, the Apache Kid and Withington Wilderness' are located in the San Mateo Mountains. Some 190 miles of trails are located throughout the district centered primarily in the Magdalena and San Mateo Mountains. Maintained roads total about 500 miles with another 600 miles of unimproved roads. Thompson Canyon is a noted popular rock climbing area with the challenging Enchanted Tower.\n<<<\nMountain Bike, Motorcycle and Jeep Trails\n<<<\nSome trails on portions of the Cibola are closed to use by all kinds of mechanized/motor vehicles. Motorized vehicles are not permitted in the four designated wilderness areas. While there are no trails specifically designated as jeep trails or motorcycle trails on the Cibola, there are numerous old woods routes and logging roads throughout the districts, which may be enjoyed by mountain bike, motorcycle or jeep. Please inquire at the local ranger district office for information on trails, off-road vehicle use and areas closed to mechanized traffic.\n<<<\nWildlife\n<<<\nMule and whitetail deer, elk, black bear, mountain lion, turkey and pronghorn antelope are all common game species. An array of birds including small European falcons (kestrels) and golden eagles and small mammals can also be found throughout most of the District. Sensitive, threatened, and endangered Mexican spotted owls and peregrine falcons are also present.\n<<<\n* [[Magdalena Ranger District|http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/cibola/districts/magdalena.shtml]] (505) 854-2281\n* [[map|http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/cibola/maps/mag_quickref_map.pdf]] of the Cibola in the Magdalena Ranger District (PDF).\n!!!!![[Destinations]] in the Magdalena Ranger District\n* [[hiking trails|http://www.magdalena-nm.com/html/hikingtrails.html]]\n* [[mountain bike trails|Mountain Biking]]\n* [[Mount Withington]] Lookout\n* [[Langmuir Laboratory]] for Atmospheric Research, near the summit of South Baldy Peak\n* [[Enchanted Tower|Rock Climbing]]\n

* Site powered by [[TiddlyWiki|http://www.tiddlywiki.com/]] v2.0.11 by Jeremy Ruston\n* Montosa photos by William Stockton and Roland Cox\n* Banner image (c) 2006 [[George|http://flammer.com/]] [[Flammer|http://www.flickr.com/photos/flammer/]]

[[News]]\n[[About Us]]\n[[Contact Info]]\n

[>img[sign post|signpost.jpg]] \n| !road miles| [img[compass rose|compass_rose.jpg]] |!destination |!activities |\n| 0| N/E/S |[[Cibola National Forest]] |hike, hunt, 4x4, bike, photo |\n| 10| SW |[[Very Large Array]] visitors center |walk, photo, shop |\n| 14| E |@@[[Magdalena]]@@ ||\n| 18| SE |[[Kelly|http://www.ghosttowns.com/states/nm/kelly.html]] (ghost town) |rockhound |\n| 19| SE |[[Mount Withington]] Lookout|4x4, bike, hike, photo |\n| 21| W |@@Datil@@ ||\n| 22| W |[[Datil Wells Recreation Area|http://www.nm.blm.gov/recreation/socorro/datil_well_campground.htm]] |hike |\n| 29| W |[[Enchanted Tower|Rock Climbing]] |climb |\n| 35| NE |[[Riley|http://www.ghosttowns.com/states/nm/riley.html]] (ghost town) |4x4, rockhound |\n| 36| E |[[Box Canyon|Rock Climbing]] |climb, hike |\n| 41| E |@@[[Socorro]]@@ ||\n| 42| SE |[[Langmuir Laboratory]], South Baldy Peak |4x4, hike, bike, photo |\n| 48| E |[[Quebradas|http://www.newmexico.org/place/loc/favorites/page/DB-place/category/158/place/722.html]] [[Backcountry|http://www.nm.blm.gov/recreation/socorro/quebradas_byway.htm]] [[Byway|http://www.socorro.com/fattire/trail014.html]] |4x4, hike, bike, photo |\n| 50| SW |[[Bat Cave|http://www.southernnewmexico.com/Articles/Southwest/Catron/BatCavingonthePlainsofSan.html]] |cave |\n| 59| SE |[[Bosque del Apache]] National Wildlife Refuge |hike, bird, photo |\n| 59| SW |[[Gila National Forest|http://www2.srs.fs.fed.us/r3/gila/]] |hike, hunt, 4x4, bike, photo |\n| 60| NW |[[San Lorenzo Canyon Recreation Area|http://www.explorenm.com/hikes/SanLorenzo/]] |hike |\n| 77| SE |[[Fort Craig|http://www.nm.blm.gov/recreation/socorro/socorro_nature_area.htm]], [[Elephant Butte Lake State Park|http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/emnrd/parks/elephant.htm]] |hike, photo, fish, boat|\n| 83| W |[[Quemado Lake|http://www2.srs.fs.fed.us/r3/gila/recreation/attractions.asp?attid=2]]|fish, boat, hike, bike, photo |\n| 96| NW |[[La Ventana Natural Arch|http://www.americansouthwest.net/new_mexico/el_malpais_lavabeds/rockarch_l.html]], [[El Mapais National Monument|http://www.americansouthwest.net/new_mexico/el_malpais_lavabeds/national_monument.html]] |hike, photo |\n| 119| NE |@@Albuquerque@@ ||\n| 132| E |[[Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument|http://www.nps.gov/sapu/]] |photo, walk, bird |\n| 180| NE |@@Santa Fe@@ ||\n| 180| SE |[[Trinity Site|http://www.amwest-travel.com/awt_trinity.html]], [[White Sands National Monument|http://www.americansouthwest.net/new_mexico/white_sands/national_monument.html]] |hike, photo |\n| 187| SE |@@Las Cruces@@ ||\n| 324| W |@@Phoenix, AZ@@ ||\nNew Mexico Tech has a summary of [[outdoor recreation in Socorro County|http://www.ees.nmt.edu/orecn.html]].

|>|>|>|>| !Directions from Albuquerque |\n|>|>|>|>| Summary: 2 hours, 119 miles |\n|>|>|>|>| [img[ABQ directions|abq_directions.jpg]] |\n| !Time | !Mile | !Instruction | !For | !Toward |\n| 0:00 | 0.0 | Depart Albuquerque on I-25 South | 76 miles | Socorro |\n| 1:07 | 76.0 | At exit 150, take ramp (Right) onto California St. [I 25 Bus.] | 1.8 miles | Spring St. [~US-60] |\n| 1:09 | 77.9 | Turn Right (West) onto Hwy 60 [Sprint St.] | 40.6 miles | Magdalena |\n| 1:59 | 118.4 | Arrive at Montosa RV Park on Right (Mile Marker 98.5) ||

|>|>|>|>| !Directions from Las Cruces |\n|>|>|>|>| Summary: 2 hours 52 minutes, 186.5 miles |\n|>|>|>|>| [img[Las Cruces directions|las_cruces_directions.jpg]] |\n| !Time | !Mile | !Instruction | !For | !Toward |\n| 0:00 | 0.0 | Depart Las Cruces on I-25 North | 144.5 miles | Socorro |\n| 2:00 | 144.5 | At exit 147, turn Right onto ramp | 0.5 miles | California St. [~US-60] |\n| 2:01 | 145.1 | Take ramp (Right) onto California St. [I 25 Bus.] | 0.9 miles | Spring St. |\n| 2:03 | 145.9 | Turn Left (West) onto Spring St. [~US-60] | 40.6 miles | Magdalena |\n| 2:52 | 186.5 | Arrive at Montosa RV Park on Right (Mile Marker 98.5) |||

|>|>|>|>| !Directions from Magdalena |\n|>|>|>|>| Summary: 14 miles, 17 minutes |\n|>|>|>|>| [img[Magdalena directions|magdalena_directions.jpg]] |\n| !Time | !Mile | !Instruction | !For | !Toward |\n| 0:00 | 0.0 | Depart Magdalena on ~US-60 (West) | 14.2 miles | Montosa RV Park |\n| 0:17 | 14.2 | Arrive at Montosa RV Park on Right (Mile Marker 98.5) |||\n

|>|>|>|>| !Directions from Phoenix |\n|>|>|>|>| Summary: 6 hours 17 minutes, 324 miles |\n|>|>|>|>| [img[Phoenix directions|phoenix_directions.jpg]] |\n| !Time | !Mile | !Instruction | !For | !Toward |\n| 0:00 | 0.0 | Depart Phoenix on ~US-60 [Superstition Fwy] East | 323.7 miles | Magdalena |\n| 4:18 | 225.3 | //Entering New Mexico// |||\n| 6:17 | 323.7 | Arrive at Montosa RV Park on Left (Mile Marker 98.5) |||

|>|>|>|>| !Directions from Socorro |\n|>|>|>|>| Summary: 50 minutes, 41 miles |\n|>|>|>|>| [img[Socorro directions|socorro_directions.jpg]] |\n| !Time | !Mile | !Instruction | !For | !Toward |\n| 0:00 | 0.0 | Depart Socorro on I-25 Bus. [California St.] South | 0.4 miles | Spring St. |\n| 0:00 | 0.4 | Turn Right (West) onto Spring St. [~US-60] | 40.6 miles | Magdalena |\n| 0:50 | 41.0 | Arrive at Montosa RV Park on Right (Mile Marker 98.5) |||\n

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You can hike more than 300,000 acres of ranch and public land from the park without crossing any pavement. If that's not enough, you don't have to drive far:\n* Magdalena's Chamber of Commerce has descriptions of more than [[3 dozen hikes|http://www.magdalena-nm.com/html/hikingtrails.html]] in the nearby San Mateo and Magdalena Mountains.\n* [[Datil Wells|http://www.nm.blm.gov/recreation/socorro/datil_well_campground.htm]] has a 3 mile loop trail.\n* [[San Lorenzo Canyon Recreation Area|http://www.explorenm.com/hikes/SanLorenzo/]] -- BLM land north of Socorro. //"Interesting geology: arches, shelter caves, interesting inclusions of agate(?), and interesting rock formations, many contrasts from the cottonwoods."//\n* [[El Malpais National Monument|http://www.americansouthwest.net/new_mexico/el_malpais_lavabeds/national_monument.html]] hikes include [[Big Tubes|http://www.explorenm.com/hikes/BigTubes/]], [[Lava Falls|http://www.explorenm.com/hikes/LavaFalls/]], [[Narrows Rim|http://www.explorenm.com/hikes/NarrowsRim/]], and [[La Ventana Arch|http://www.explorenm.com/hikes/LaVentana/]].\n* Gila Wilderness hikes include [[Little Bear Canyon|http://www.explorenm.com/hikes/TJCorral/]], [[Cliff Dwellings Trail|http://www.explorenm.com/hikes/GilaCliffDwellings/]] and [[Purgatory Chasm Loop|http://www.explorenm.com/hikes/PurgatoryChasm/]].\n* the [[weather|Weather & Climate]]

[>img[elk hunt|elkhunt.jpg]]\n* Ken Cason Outfitting (505) 838-7347 -- "//The most experienced professional in this area.//"\n* Hunting and fishing licenses are available at Eagle's Nest RV Park (505) 854-3137, ~US-60 at ~SR-107, Magdalena\n* New Mexico Department of Game & Fish [[hunting information|http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/recreation/hunting/index.htm]]\n* New Mexico [[hunting news|http://www.biggamehunt.net/sections/New_Mexico/]]\n* [[Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation|http://www.rmef.org/]]\n* "Everything you need to know [[about elk hunting|http://members.tripod.com/%7eelkhunter2/index.html]]."\n* [[MonsterMuleys|http://www.monstermuleys.com/]] "Online Mule Deer and Elk Hunting Magazine"\n* the [[weather|Weather & Climate]]\n

[>img[Langmuir Lab & S. Baldy|langmuir.jpg]]\n<<<\nLangmuir Laboratory for Atmospheric Research was built in 1963 near the summit of 10,783-ft South Baldy Peak to provide a base for the study of cloud processes that produce lightning, hail, and rain.\n\nThe Magdalena Mountains offer favorable conditions for the study of storms because many occur there during the summer, and often the storms are isolated, stationary, and relatively small.\n<<<\n<<<\nLangmuir Laboratory welcomes visitors in July and August when the "monsoon season" arrives in New Mexico bringing frequent thunderstorms which are studied by researchers. The laboratory facilities are closed to the public other months of the year, but the Langmuir Research Site is open year-round for hiking and other permitted recreational activities, subject to National Forest regulations and specific closures which may be posted from time to time by the Magdalena Ranger District.\n<<<\n* [[home page|http://www.ee.nmt.edu/~langmuir/]]\n* [[driving instructions|http://www.ee.nmt.edu/~langmuir/drive.html]]\n* [[visitor info|http://www.ee.nmt.edu/~langmuir/visitor.html]]\n* [[Cibola National Forest]]\n

!!! arts & crafts\n* Magdalena\n** ''Blue Canyon Gallery'' (888) 854-8337. Just east of Magdalena on ~US-60, Blue Canyon Gallery exhibits the works of local artists and holds art shows and other special events throughout the year.\n** ''Magdalena Arts Gallery'' (505) 854-3318. A wide array of arts and crafts of local artists, including bronze sculptures, glass and metal work, paintings, pottery, wood carvings, beadwork and fiber arts. The gallery is at 602 1st St. across from the Alamo Hardware. Hours are 9:30 to 4:30, Monday through Saturday and 11 am to 4 pm on Sunday.\n** ''[[Peppers|http://www.peppersgallery.com/]]'' (505) 854-3696. Local and New Mexico artists in a historic home setting. Open daily 8 am to 5 pm. 100 E. 1st St. (~US-60)\n** ''[[Quinones Glass Studio|http://www.jewelrybyvanessa.com/]]'' (505) 854-3637. Jewelry, rosaries, glass art, ink works. 205 Main St.\n** ''Route 60 Trading Post & Gallery'' (505) 854-3560, 400 1st St.\n** ''[[The Marketplace|http://ranchomagdalena.com/marketplace.html]]'' (800) 462-5489. Antiques, cards, kachinas, pots, jewelry, fine arts, Pendleton weavings. Gun dealer. 105 S. Main St.\n* Socorro\n** ''[[Fullingim-Isenhour & Leard Galleries|http://www.figalleries.com/]]'' (505) 835-4487\n** ''[[Socorro County Arts|http://www.socorrocountyarts.com/]]'' (505) 835-0424. More than 40 local artists display at a workshop gallery space at Finley Complex. The gallery is open: Fridays noon - 6 pm, Saturday 9 am - 3 pm and Sunday 10 am - 3 pm.\n!!! grocery\n* Magdalena\n** ''Trails End Market'' (505) 854-2205. This is the largest grocery from here to Socorro, located on the south side of ~US-60 as you enter Magdalena from the west. Closed Sunday.\n** ''Conoco'' (505) 854-3680, 705 1st St.. Mini-mart, fuel\n** ''Farmer's Market'' Seasonal, Thursdays 4 pm - 6 pm\n* Datil\n** ''Eagle Guest Ranch'' (505) 772-5612. Restaurant, mini mart, fuel. Intersection of ~US-60 & ~SR-12. Closed Sunday.\n* Socorro\n** ''Smith's Food & Drug'' (505) 835-2101, 901 N. California St.. Supermarket.\n** ''Walmart'' (505) 838-1415, 700 N. 6th St. Includes supermarket.\n** ''Farmer's Market'' (505) 835-8927. //"Buy fresh, locally-grown produce direct from the farmer. Featuring occasional entertainment, this friendly gathering is open July through October on Tuesday evenings from 5 pm - 7 pm and Saturday mornings beginning at 8 am on the Historic Plaza."// \n!!! hardware\n* Magdalena\n** ''Alamo Plumbing & Heating'' (505) 854-2595, 1st & Elm St.\n** ''Randy's Ace Hardware'' (505) 835-1872, 701 California St.\n!!! mechanical services\n* Magdalena\n** ''Troy Mechanical Services'' (505) 854-2083. Heating, cooling, etc.\n!!! medical\n* Magdalena\n** ''Magdalena Area Medical Center'' (505) 854-3161. 801 10th St.\n* Socorro\n** ''Socorro General Hospital'' (505) 835-2724. This hospital has the closest emergency room. It is on the south side of ~US-60 as you enter Socorro from the west.\n!!! movie rental\n* Magdalena\n** ''Eagle's Nest Motel & RV Park'' (505) 854-3137, just west of Magdalena on ~US-60 across from Big Bear Cafe. \n!!! post office\n* Magdalena\n** At the eastern entrance of town on the north side of ~US-60.\n* Datil\n** Across from Eagle Guest Ranch, intersection of ~US-60 and ~SR-12.\n!!! propane\n* Socorro\n** ''Action Gas'' (505) 835-0007. Delivers propane to the park.\n!!! ranger station\n* Magdalena\n** ''[[Magdalena Ranger District|http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/cibola/districts/magdalena.shtml]]'' (505) 854-2281. Mid-town on the south side of ~US-60.\n!!! restaurants\n* Magdalena\n** ''Big Bear Cafe'' (505) 854-3184, across from Eagle's Nest on ~US-60 just west of town. Open at 6 am for breakfast and lunch until 5 pm daily except Monday. Native American jewelry and decor. Ruidoso carved bears for sale.\n** ''Evett's Cafe & Grill'' (505) 854-2449. Corner of ~US-60 (1st St.) and Main St. Short order and take out lunches and dinners. Open daily 11:30 am to 8 pm. Features green chile cheeseburgers and old fashioned soda fountain (milkshakes and sundaes). Housed in an old bank.\n** ''Magdalena Cafe'' (505) 854-2696. Open for breakfast at 6 am and lunch until 1 pm daily except Sunday. Daily lunch specials and a variety of fresh homemade pies daily.\n** ''Mansell's Coffee Shop'' (505) 854-2040. In restored Magdalena Hall Hotel (circa 1917). Serving breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Art gallery and gift shop.\n** ''Ponderosa Restaurant'' (505) 854-9916. Across from Western B&B serving New Mexican cuisine.\n* Datil\n** ''Eagle Guest Ranch'' (505) 772-5612. Restaurant, mini mart, fuel. ~US-60 & ~SR-12. Closed Sunday.\n!!! saloon\n* Magdalena\n** ''Golden Spur'' (505) 854-2554. On ~US-60 across from Evett's Cafe,\n!!! visitor services\n* Magdalena\n** ''[[Magdalena Chamber of Commerce|http://www.magdalena-nm.com/]]'' (866) 854-3217\n* Socorro\n** ''[[Socorro Chamber of Commerce|http://www.socorro-nm.com/]]'' (505) 835.0424. 101 Plaza\n** ''[[Socorro Heritage and Visitors Center|http://www.socorronm.gov/]]'' (505) 835-8927. 217 Fisher Ave.\nFor more Magdalena services see the Chamber of Commerce [[Traveler's Guide|http://www.magdalena-nm.com/html/travelers_guide.html#area]]. For more Socorro services see the Socorro Chamber of Commerce [[directory|http://www.socorro-nm.com/Business.htm]].

!Location\nWe are located 14 miles west of Magdalena, New Mexico, on ~US-60, Mile Marker 98.5.\n\n[img[location|MontHiwayMap450x.jpg]]\n!Directions from:\n* [[Magdalena|Directions from Magdalena]]\n* [[Socorro|Directions from Socorro]]\n* [[Albuquerque|Directions from Albuquerque]]\n* [[Las Cruces|Directions from Las Cruces]]\n* [[Phoenix|Directions from Phoenix]]

* [[Village of Magdalena home page|http://www.magdalena-nm.com/]]\n* [[city facts|http://www.city-data.com/city/Magdalena-New-Mexico.html]] -- population: 913, median age years: 41.4, elevation: 6573 feet\n* [[Magdalena @ Wikipedia|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magdalena%2C_New_Mexico]]\n* [[Magdalena Mountains Ropes|http://www.magdalenacdc.org/html/ropes.html]] Challenge course, located 20 miles southwest of Magdalena at the Monica Cabin site.\n* The [[London Frontier Theatre Company|http://www.londonfrontiertheatre.com/]] offers upcoming [[performances|http://www.londonfrontiertheatre.com/html/schedule.html]].\n* The ''Magdalena Area Arts Council'', (505) 854-3451, hosts a biannual festival and gallery walk on the third weekend of November and the first weekend of June.\nSee our [[Local Services]] page for Magdalena services.

[img[windmill|windmill.jpg]]\n<<search>>\n----\n<<defaultHome>>\n[[News]]\n[[About Us]]\n[[Amenities]]\n[[Rates & Rules]]\n[[Park Uses]]\n[[Location & Directions]]\n[[Destinations]]\n[[Local Services]]\n[[Weather & Climate]]\n[[Site Map]]\n[[Contact Info]]\n----\n<<closeAll>>\n<<fontSize fontsize:>>\n<<permaview>>\n\n\n^^<<toggleSideBar "" "toggle sidebar" hide>>[[credits|Credits]]^^

[[The Montosa|http://montosaranch.com/]] is a large, beautiful slice of the old west barely touched by time. An extraordinary 27,000 acre conservation easement, described in the book [[Saving the Ranch|http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1559634731/sr=1-1/qid=1154380716/ref=sr_1_1/104-9579866-1919124?ie=UTF8&s=books]], declares on a stack of law books that this place shall keep its beauty in perpetuity. \n\n[>img[sunset squall|mon64.jpg]]\n<<<\nI consider myself to be the luckiest person in the world to be able to live and work in God's creation on the Montosa Ranch. I want the ranch to be protected so that it looks like this for the next fifty generations and beyond. I want the land left as it is. I don't want to see the kind of subdivisions that are being developed around Datil on this land. I want other people to see that nature can be managed for the future, and that it doesn't have to be abused.\n\n-- B.W. Cox, Rancher\nMagdalena, New Mexico\n<<<

* ''4x4'': Two miles east from the park on ~US-60, there's a sign marking the start of a 17 mile drive to the lookout tower at the top of 10,115 foot high Mount Withington. The top has great views, including back down on the Montosa and the VLA. The peak is in the 19,000 acre Withington Wilderness, at the northern tip of the San Mateo Mountains, in the [[Cibola National Forest]].\n* ''mountain bike'': [[Fat Tire Trail Guide|http://www.socorro.com/fattire/trail027.html]]\n* ''hike'': [[Mt. Withington Trail|http://internet.cybermesa.com/~swede/Lodge66/Trails/Veredas/mtwith.html]]\n* [[topo map|http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=33.880916&lon=-107.486163&datum=NAD83&s=50&size=l]]\n

[>img[San Mateo Crest|fattire.jpg]]\nCruise the Montosa's miles of dirt roads, or head for the local hills. The [[Socorro Fat Tire Trail Guide|http://www.socorro.com/fattire/]] has the details:\n* [[Area Trail Map|http://www.socorro.com/fattire/area-map.html]]\n* [[Events|http://www.socorro.com/fattire/events.html]]\n* Nearby Fat Tire Trails:\n** [[Morine and Durfee Canyons|http://www.socorro.com/fattire/trail026.html]]\n** [[Mount Withington|http://www.socorro.com/fattire/trail027.html]]\n** [[Water and Big Pigeon Canyons|http://www.socorro.com/fattire/trail028.html]]\n** [[Big Rosa Canyon|http://www.socorro.com/fattire/trail029.html]]\n** [[Gallinas Canyon Indian Ruins|http://www.socorro.com/fattire/trail025.html]]\n** [[Jordan Canyon - North Baldy - Kelly|http://www.socorro.com/fattire/trail024.html]] -- "//[[This|http://www.dirtworld.com/trails/trail.asp?id=418&trail_name=Jordan%20Canyon%20-%20North%20Baldy%20Peak%20Mountain%20Bike%20Trail]] is an extremely tough ride and possibly the toughest in the state.//"\n** [[Mill Canyon to Hop Canyon|http://www.socorro.com/fattire/trail023.html]]\n** [[South Baldy - North Baldy - Jordan Canyon|http://www.socorro.com/fattire/trail022.html]]\n** [[Magdalena Mountains Trail 11|http://www.socorro.com/fattire/trail021.html]]\n** [[Six-Mile Canyon|http://www.socorro.com/fattire/trail020.html]]\n** [[East Slopes of the Magdalenas|http://www.socorro.com/fattire/trail019.html]]\nCome prepared for the [[weather|Weather & Climate]] and the [[goatheads|http://www.socorro.com/fattire/goatheads.html]].\n\n

* ''@@We now offer free wireless high speed internet access!!@@\n

[>img[sunset|mon6.jpg]]\n* Camping (overnight, weekly, monthly, or permanent residency)\n* Family reunions\n* Rustic weddings\n* Corporate, religious, or artist retreats\n* Craft shows or farmer's markets\n* School campouts, dances, plays, ...\n* Scouting events\n* Base camp for [[hunting|Hunting]], [[shooting|http://magdalenatraildrivers.com/]], [[hiking|Hiking]], [[birding|Birding]], photography, archeology, [[4x4]] exploring, [[rock climbing|Rock Climbing]], [[mountain biking|Mountain Biking]], ...\n* [[Sky watching|Sky Watching]]\n* Reclusive getaways\n* Wildlife viewing\n* Sane asylum\n

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[>img[Enchanted Tower|climber.jpg]]\n* ''Enchanted Tower'' -- 29 miles west on ~US-60. //"The premier sport climbing destination in New Mexico." "Great steep sport climbs on volcanic tuff in the high desert. The area is small, but the routes are nearly all of exceptional quality."//\n** [[climbing routes & pictures|http://www.rockclimbing.com/routes/listArea.php?AreaID=300]]\n** [[directions|http://www.colororange.com/index.cgi?page=usaGPS.html#Enchanted]]\n* ''Box Canyon'' -- 36 miles east on ~US-60. //"Great bouldering, two minutes away from the car. Steep and powerful problems of varying difficulty. Definitely worth visiting"//\n** [[directions with map|http://www.socorro.com/fattire/place017.html]]\n** [[BLM: The Box Recreation Area|http://www.nm.blm.gov/recreation/socorro/the_box_rec_area.htm]]\n** [[bouldering guide|http://www.drtopo.com/newmexico/newbox.pdf]] (PDF)\n** [[Waterfall Wall trip report/photos|http://infohost.nmt.edu/~climbing/sept192002/sept192002.html]]\n

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<<tabs txtMainTab Timeline Timeline TabTimeline All 'All tiddlers' TabAll More 'More lists' TabMore>>

[>img[Tres Montosas vista|sitemap.jpg]]\n* [[News]]\n* [[About Us]]\n** [[Montosa Ranch]]\n* [[Amenities]]\n* [[Rates & Rules]]\n* [[Park Uses]]\n** [[4x4]]\n** [[Birding]]\n** [[Hiking]]\n** [[Hunting]]\n** [[Mountain Biking]]\n** [[Rock Climbing]]\n** [[Sky Watching]]\n* [[Location & Directions]]\n** [[Directions from Magdalena]]\n** [[Directions from Socorro]]\n** [[Directions from Albuquerque]]\n** [[Directions from Las Cruces]]\n** [[Directions from Phoenix]]\n* [[Destinations]]\n** [[Cibola National Forest]]\n** [[Very Large Array]]\n** [[Magdalena]]\n** [[Socorro]]\n** [[Mount Withington]]\n** [[Langmuir Laboratory]] & South Baldy Peak\n** [[Bosque del Apache]] National Wildlife Refuge\n* [[Local Services]]\n* [[Weather & Climate]]\n* Site Map\n* [[Contact Info]]\n* [[Credits]]\n

//& Campground//

Montosa RV Park

http://www.montosarvpark.com/

[>img[skywatching|skywatching.jpg]]\nThe Montosa is blessed with wonderful conditions for astronomy, for any instrument from the [[VLA|Very Large Array]] to a Mark 1 Eyeball. We have low horizons, high altitude, low humidity and frequent cloudless nights. Best of all, we have extremely dark skies: The park sits on the inner edge of the San Augustine Basin, a bowl 60 miles across with a population of just dozens. We are 14 miles over a mountain ridge from the closest [[village|Magdalena]], 34 miles from [[town|Socorro]] and 85 miles and several mountain ranges from a big city. The result is a moon bright enough to sew by, a milky way that can light a midnight walk and a nebula in Orion visible to the naked eye. Those surveillance satellites watching down on us? Here you can watch them right back.\n\nPlan your stay for [[moonlight|http://stardate.org/nightsky/moon/]], starlight or [[meteor showers|http://stardate.org/nightsky/meteors/]]. Check our [[weather & climate|Weather & Climate]] for clear skies and the right jacket.\n\n! Sunsets\nWarning: Montosa sunsets can trigger sudden episodes of rapture.\n|[img[sunset|sunset1.jpg]]|[img[sunset|sunset4.jpg]]|[img[sunset|sunset7.jpg]]|\n|[img[sunset|sunset2.jpg]]|[img[sunset|sunset5.jpg]]|[img[sunset|sunset8.jpg]]|\n|[img[sunset|sunset3.jpg]]|[img[sunset|sunset6.jpg]]|[img[sunset|sunset9.jpg]]|\n\n\n

* [[Socorro Heritage and Visitors Center|http://www.socorronm.gov/]]\n* [[city facts|http://www.city-data.com/city/Socorro-New-Mexico.html]] -- population: 8,877, median age: 31.1 years, elevation: 4605 feet\n* [[Chamber of Commerce Visitors Page|http://www.socorro-nm.com/Visitors.htm]]\n* [[museums|http://www.socorronm.gov/socorro_rec/sites_museums.asp]]\nSee our [[Local Services]] page for Socorro services.

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[>img[VLA b&w|vla_b&w_.jpg]]\n[>img[VLA sunset|vla_sunset_.jpg]]\nThe [[Very Large Array|http://www.vla.nrao.edu/]] ([[VLA|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Very_Large_Array]]) is one of the most spectacular scientific instruments in the world. It is a single radio telescope composed of 27 antennae, each the height of a ten story building. The VLA was cast to detect the menace from outer space in the films [[Contact|http://imdb.com/title/tt0118884/]], [[Independence Day|http://imdb.com/title/tt0116629/]], [[Armageddon|http://imdb.com/title/tt0120591/]] and [[2010: Odyssey Two|http://imdb.com/title/tt0086837/]]. \n\nThere are quarterly guided [[tours|http://www.vla.nrao.edu/genpub/tours/]] of the VLA, and daily self guided tours, starting from the visitors center a short drive from the park.\n\nIn certain configurations (it moves!) we are actually within the radius of the array. Come and camp inside of a telescope!\n\n(//Secret Bonus Antenna//: Driving west on ~US-60, shortly before you get to Pie Town there's a dirt road heading north. A few hundred yards down that road is a shy 28th VLA antenna, not visible from the highway. With this antenna the VLA is 35 miles longer and more than double the resolution.)

![[Magdalena Weather|http://www.wunderground.com/US/NM/Magdalena.html]]\n<html>\n\n<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 271px; background-color: #FFF; border: 1px solid #999;"><tr><td colspan="2"><div style="height: 35px;"><a href="http://www.wunderground.com/US/NM/Magdalena.html?bannertypeclick=htmlSticker"><img src="http://banners.wunderground.com/weathersticker/htmlSticker1/language/www/US/NM/Magdalena.gif" alt="" height="35" width="271" style="border: 0px;"></a></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="width: 101px;"><div style="height: 22px;"><img src="http://icons.wunderground.com/graphics/smash/htmlsticker/html_linkT.gif" width="101" height="22"></div><div style="font-family: Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; background-image: url(http://icons.wunderground.com/graphics/smash/htmlsticker/html_linkBG.gif); text-align: left;"><div style="padding-left: 10px;"><a href="http://www.wunderground.com/history/airport/KTCS/1972/1/1/PlannerHistory.html?PlannerFrontPage=1&bannertypeclick=htmlSticker">Plan your trip</a></div><div style="padding-left: 10px;"><a href="http://www.wunderground.com/radar/radblast.asp?ID=ABX&region=c2&lat=34.09901810&lon=-107.29451752">Local Radar</a></div><div style="padding-left: 10px;"><a href="http://www.wunderground.com/US/NM/Magdalena.html?bannertypeclick=htmlSticker">Detailed Forecast</a></div><div style="height: 12px;"><img src="http://icons.wunderground.com/graphics/smash/htmlsticker/html_linkB.gif" width="101" height="12"></div></div><form action="http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast" method="get" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 0px; text-align: center;"><input type="hidden" name="bannertypeclick" value="htmlSticker"><div><input name="query" type="text" value="Find Weather" onFocus="this.value=''" style="width: 85px;"></div><div style="padding-top: 5px;"><input name="GO" type="submit" value="GO" style="width: 50px; background-color: #008; color: #FFF; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; border-top: 1px solid #CCC; border-left: 1px solid #CCC; border-right: 1px solid #000; border-bottom: 1px solid #000;"></div></form></div></td><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="height: 139px;"><a href="http://www.wunderground.com/US/NM/Magdalena.html?bannertypeclick=htmlSticker"><img src="http://banners.wunderground.com/weathersticker/htmlSticker2_cond/language/www/US/NM/Magdalena.gif" alt="" height="139" width="170" style="border: 0px;"></a></div></td></tr></table>\n\n</html>\n! [[Magdalena Climate|http://www.city-data.com/city/Magdalena-New-Mexico.html]]\n|[img[temperature|c_temp.png]]|[img[precipitation|c_precip.png]]|\n|[img[humidity|c_humidity.png]]|[img[wind speed|c_wind.png]]|\n|[img[snowfall|c_snow.png]]|[img[sunshine|c_sunshine.png]]|\n|>| [img[cloudy days|c_clouds.png]] |

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