Day 36 - (09/14) Elephant Butte, NM

We’ve had three delightful days at Ghost Ranch, but it’s time to move on. Our camp hosts (Kate Klein and Terry McMahon) shared some great suggestions about where to go and what to expect.

Today’s route was 276 miles south on US 84, US 285 and I-25. We passed Santa Fe and Albuquerque, ending at a wonderful state park at Elephant Butte, NM.

Highlights
NM has some wonderful traveler services. Their rest stop facilities include the common accessories … and covered picnic enclosures. Here’s an example. We think they have a great idea.

Rest stop south of Albuquerque on I-25

Buckhorn Bar in San Antonio, NM has been nationally rated as #7 in the top 20 best places for a hamburger. We both tried their award winning green chili cheeseburger and shared a basket of fresh, hand-cut fries. The place is small, the floors are uneven, and the meal was served on paper plates with no silverware. This is an out-of-the-way place to go for a sandwich, but it is well worth the stop if you pass this way.

Buckhorn Bar

Kate and Terry told us New Mexico has excellent state park camping facilities. Elephant Butte State Park certainly confirms their claim. We’re enjoying the site below for $14 a day. They provide electricity, water, rest rooms with showers and a great view.

Our site

A view of the lake from our site

Clouds and lightning roll in again today

We’re off to Silver City tomorrow.