New Mexico, part of the U.S. southwest region, shares the Four Corners region with Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. Its geography is varied with both the southern Rockies and the Rio Grande river and fertile valleys running north-south through the state. One-third of New Mexico is federally owned and there are many wilderness and protected areas, the most of any state.

Huge expanses of grasslands were prime for cattle ranching even back in the 19th century. Stockyards in Las Vegas NM distributed beef across the west via the Santa Fe Railroad. Today, ranching still figures as a major sector of the economy, along with timber and agriculture.

Check out some of the more unique New Mexico farm stays here.