Very Large Array Trip.  May 3-10, 2023

                  Total miles:  1071+

1.      May 3     Deming, NM.      235 mi.

2.    May 4    Magdalena, NM                180 mi.       

3.    May 5.  Very Large Array.   Magdalena.  

4.    May 6     Cinco de Mayo.     Magdalena.   

5.    May 7.   Milan-Grants NM area.   Volcano and Ice Caves 160 mi. 

6.    May 8.   Milan-Grants  NM. area  Chaco Canyon   80mi.       

7.    May 9. Holbrook area.   Petrified Forest. 127 mi. 

8.  May 10.     Oro Valley.   221 mi.

This trip visits very interesting areas, and it is a “Jump in or Join later” trip.  There are about 4-5 destinations where that could happen. 

We start with a southern part of our loop, from Oro Valley to Deming, NM.  If you have time, there is a wonderful museum in Deming that used to be a National Guard Armory!  Of the 40 exhibits offered is one of the best collections of early Native pottery both donated and unearthed by the farmers in the area.  Next day we head north to the small town of Magdalena, which seems to be more of an artist community. 

A few miles away from Magdalena  is the Very Large array.  It is 27 parabolic antennas on tracks (82’ in diameter), and is the most versatile, widely used telescope in the world.  It is only open Thursday-Sunday.  Reservations for tours need to be made in advance of the trip.

Cinco de Mayo can be spent in Magdalena or you can drive to the nearby larger town of Socorro for many more celebrations.  More info later.

From Magdalena we drive up to the Milan-Grants area.  Nearby you may want to stop by the Bandera Volcano and Ice Caves.  This is on the way to the RV Park. 

Next day is an 80 mi. Drive to the remote Chaco Culture National Park.  Chaco Canyon served as a major center of ancestral Puebloan culture. Remarkable for its monumental buildings, distinctive architecture, astronomy, artistic achievements.

The last day for the trip is a stop in Holbrook.  From here you can access the Prettified Forest National Park.  Since this is only 127 mi., you’ll have time to explore before heading home the next day.  You may even want to stay an extra day to spend more time int he park!

Last road day is home to Oro Valley.