There are many great reasons to come and experience the enchantment of the Southwest.  New Mexico has a vastly different culture, breath-taking landscapes, and wonderful people.  Don't miss your opportunity to experience the Land of Enchantment. Our local history is also very rich and unique to our area. Grants was originally a railroad base camp, established by brothers Angus, Lewis, and John Grant. It was known as Grant's Camp, then Grant's Station, and finally just Grants beginning in 1936. In 1950, Paddy Martinez discovered uranium in the Haystack Mountains west of town, launching a 20-year-long-mining boom.

Milan is named for founder Salvador Milan. Salvador and his sister Mary were exiled from Mexico during the revolution in 1913. Mary married Walter Gunn, who ran the trading post at Villa de Cubero. Salvador built the Motel Milan with help from his brother-in-law Wallace Gunn in 1946.  
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Some of the sites you must see include; The Zuni Mountains, Mt. Taylor, El Morro National Monument, El Malpais, Chaco Canyon, Guadalupe Vineyards, Zuni/Acoma Trailhead, Continental Divide Trailhead Acoma Pueblo / Sky City, Chaco Canyon National Historic Park, Guadalupe Vineyards, and the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.

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Directions & Fun Things to Enjoy.

 

The Zuni Mountains - From Grants take Santa Fe Ave. aka Route 66 Westbound until you reach Sawmill Road.  Take a left on Sawmill Road and continue up Forest Rd. 50 until you reach the desired destination.

 

Mt. Taylor - From Grants take Lobo Canyon Rd. 16.7 miles, which will turn into NM 547, continue on Forest Service Road 453 to your destination La Mosca Lookout Pt.  One of the highest vantage points of this upper Northwest Region of New Mexico.

 

El Morro National Monument - From Grants take exit 81 go south on highway 53 for 42 miles and continue until you reach your desired destination. Contact Info. - Visitor's Center 505-783-4226.

 

 

El Malpais National Monument - El Malpais is located south of Grants, two major state highways - NM 53 and NM 117 - border the monument.  The most convenient place to check in is at the NW New Mexico Visitors Center at I-40 exit #85 just east of Grants.  There is also another visitors centered 24 South of Grants on NM 53. Contact Info.  El Malpais Information Center 505-783-4774.

 

 

Acoma Pueblo (Sky City) - Acoma is the oldest, continuously inhabited settlement in America. It is a truly fascinating place to visit here in the Southwest.

 From Albuquerque, head west on I-40 to exit #108.  From here, drive southwest on Reservation Route 23 about 13 miles to Acoma.  The Sky City Cultural Center is on the corner when you connect with Reservation Route 38.  It is the nicest building in town.

 

 

Chaco Canyon National Historic Park - From the North, turn off US 550 at CR 7900-- 3 miles southeast of Nageezi and approximately 50 miles west of Cuba (at mile 112.5). This route is clearly signed from US 550 to the park boundary (21 miles). The route includes 8 miles of unpaved road (CR 7900) and 13 miles of rough dirt road (CR 7950). The 4.5 miles before entering the park are quite rough, but worth every second for the historic views!

 

 

Guadalupe Vineyards - This local vineyard is a surprising and unique feature of the area. Grapes do very well in the volcanic soil, and the Trujillo's have developed some great wines from these rare New Mexican grapes.

 Interstate I-40 to exit #100- San Fidel (East or West on I-40) Turn North (towards Mt. Taylor). First stop sign is located on Old Route 66/RT.124. DO NOT TURN LEFT OR RIGHT. Proceed straight ahead on the gravel road- this is San Jose Loop. Drive 1 3/4 miles, Turn into the gate with the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe on the stucco wall. Follow signs to the TASTING ROOM. Contact Information: 505-552-0082

 

 

Continental Divide National Scenic Trail - Drive/Hike north from the Mt. Taylor Ranger District Office on Lobo Canyon RD (state highway 547) for approximately 3 miles. Turn right (south) onto a short gravel road that leads to the parking lot and trailhead at the base of Horace Mesa.

 

Zuni Acoma Trailhead - Two state highways offer access to the trail. From the west, the Zuni Acoma trail begins on NM 53, 16 miles south of I-40. From the east, the route begins on NM 117, 15 miles south of I-40. Be sure to carry a lot of water and snacks. You will need sturdy hiking shoes to conquer this trail. Also be sure to let someone know of your plan of action in case of emergency. 

 

Cibola County Chamber of Commerce- For more info to help plan a trip to the area, or if you are planning on relocating to Cibola County check out the Chamber of Commerce website