Gateway to Ancient Cities
Mountainair was founded in 1903 and incorporated by three Kansas men: Col. E.C.Manning, John W. Corbett and former Kansas Governor E.S. Stover. The town was built on what was to be the AT&SF Railways “Belen Cutoff”, which connected the Santa Fe line east to Texas. In 1907-1908, homesteaders began to arrive.
The newcomers, like the Indian and Spanish settlers before them, grew pinto beans. As the town grew, it became known as the “Pinto Bean Capital of the World”. The droughts of the late ‘40’s and ‘50’s and other economic factors caused the once numerous farms to be abandoned or sold. The livestock industry flourished in this area and ranching is still a main business activity.
The Mountainair mystique captures the imagination of writers, artists, and photographers. While remote and rural in feeling, Mountainair is about 40 minutes from major shopping, an hour from Albuquerque. and about an hour and a half to Santa Fe.
Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
Preserved within this monument are 17th-century Spanish Franciscan churches. The monument includes the ruins of three Indian pueblos and four large Spanish missions. Each site has spectacular walking trails. A stop at the visitor’s center on U.S. 60 in Mountainair will orient you to the three sites with museum display and an audio-visual program. The visitor center and ruins are open daily year-round except December 25 and January 1.
Abo
San Gregorio was one of the finest and most architecturally sophisticated churches of its time.
Gran Quivira
Over 300 pueblo rooms and two churches can be seen along the self-guided trail. The view surrounding Gran Quivira is breathtaking as you look out onto the valley below. One look and you will know why they chose this site to build.
Quarai
The red stone walls of the mission church offer striking insight into 17th-century church design. A spectacular De Profundis (men’s a capella) concert is held at the Quarai Ruins annually in the month of September.
Manzano State Park
Located 13 miles northwest of Mountainair off NM 55, this lovely park features 3 miles of interconnected trails and 18 campsites. The Manzanos are an excellent place for hiking, fishing, birdwatching, photography, and cross country skiing. From August 15th through November 5th, Hawkwatch International conducts its’ annual migration study of raptors at Capilla Peak. For more information log on to www.hawkwatch.org, or call 1-800-426-4295.
Mountainair Ranger District
This is a part of the Cibola National Forest. There are seven developed recreation areas in the district for those who like prepared camping or picnic site.
Downtown Mountainair
On a broad avenue (U.S. 60), reminiscent of a western movie, Mountainair boasts unique shops, art galleries, a saloon and restaurants from cafe to gourmet. Not far away are a landmark hotel, motels, an RV park and a luxury bed & breakfast.
Architecture
The Shaffer Hotel, on the State and National Register of Historic Places, and the decorative Rancho Bonito are unusual examples of Pueblo Deco Art that exemplify the independent and creative spirit of the area. The Robert J. Saul Recreation Center was built by the WPA in the 1930s.
Relaxation
After a rigorous day of horseback riding or exploring the Salinas Monuments, make an appointment to relax and while your cares away at Hair Enchantment and Day Spa, Mountainair’s new full service Day Spa and Hair Salon. The Spa and Salon provides a tranquil and relaxing getaway for both men and women. The highly trained staff are eager to pamper you with massages, facials, pedicures, manicures, hair care, and dry sauna.
Horseback Riding
Mountainair provides the perfect setting for scenic and majestic horseback rides. |
