While most people know that there is desert in New México, many may be surprised to find that we have many high, forested mountains in our state. One of the special places in the Manzano Mountains near Albuquerque is Fourth of July Canyon. 

What makes this place special and magical is that it is one of the few places in the Southwest that comes ablaze with the fall color of maples in the fall. Bigtooth maples, which are rare in the area, are plentiful here. The bright colors reminded someone of fireworks, hence the name Fourth of July Canyon.

If you are in the area in mid-October (around the 10th most years), it’s about an hour’s drive from Albuquerque to Fourth of July Canyon. Take I-40 east through Tijeras Canyon and exit at Tijeras. Take NM 337 south. When you reach the T intersection of NM 55, take a right, which takes you west and into the small town of Tajique. Once you’ve gone through Tajique, look for a sign for FS 55, a forest service road to the Canyon.

Here are some pictures of the colors in October 2020: