Quarai Mission Ruins in Torrance County, New Mexico part of a National Monument - Nikon D750 with Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 SP lens
I have spent a lot of time in Torrance County, New Mexico lately, mostly out at rural land properties. Recently, I had time to do a little exploring and I saw that Quarai Mission Ruins were on the way to a land photo shoot. Near the town of Mountainair, and part of Salina Pueblo Missions National Monument, the Quaria Mission Ruins remain the most intact. Approaching them on foot from the small parking lot, visitor center and museum, one does not expect the towering opening once passing through its main doorway. I marveled at all the stones and was told by the ranger on duty they were not quarried, there were enough just lying around on the ground to make that great structure!
These ruins are a quiet place to stroll and take a trip back al the way to the 1300s. I also walked the mile long trail loop through unusual fauna for this state. If you are looking for a meditative place to visit just over an hour from Albuquerque, Quarai Mission Ruins make for a peaceful and contemplative afternoon at a national monument.
