High Desert Sun

Trout streams stocked with cutthroat, rainbow, brown and brook trout abound in the lakes and streams of northern New Mexico. Outside Santa Fe, head for the waters of the Pecos Wilderness. Ask the rangers at the Santa Fe office for the best locations.

From Taos, try the Little Rio Grande watershed southeast of town, including the Rio Chiquito and the Rito de la Olla in the Carson National Forest. Here, too, the rangers at the Taos Forest Service office should be of help.

Taos, Santa Fe and the little town of Embudo in between the two are home to numerous whitewater rafting companies that will take you through a well-known stretch of the Rio Grande, the Taos Box, or on the less-traveled waters of the Rio Chama.

Windsurfing has grown into a popular pastime on Cochiti Lake south of Santa Fe. The Outdoors New Mexico booklet, available from the State Tourism Office, notes which state parks and other areas allow boats and other water craft.