81 miles from the Buckhorn Tavern you can find the amazing Quarau Mission.
Morgen and I hiked, we chased lizards, they were everywhere and we watched a caterpillar make its way up a branch.
Need more information https://www.nps.gov/sapu/learn/historyculture/quarai.htm
The best part: Entrance fees are not charged: Visiting Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument is free.
Operating Hours & Seasons From BLM
During the summer season (May 1 through October 31), the Main Visitor Center in Mountainair, Abó Visitor Center and Quarai Visitor Center are open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. During the winter season (Nov 1 through April 30), the Main Visitor Center in Mountainair, Abó Visitor Center and Quarai Visitor Center are open Thursday-Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. During the summer season (May 1 through October 31), the Gran Quivira Visitor Center is open Thursday-Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. From November 1-February 28, the Gran Quivira Visitor Center is closed. From March 1-April 30, the Gran Quivira Visitor Center is open Friday-Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The three park Mission Units (Abó, Quarai, and Gran Quivira) are open daily May 1 through Oct 31 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. During the winter (Nov 1 through April 30), the three Mission Units are open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The gates close promptly at the designated time, with the trails and visitor centers closing slightly prior. Camping is not permitted in Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument. Salinas Pueblo Missions is closed three days out of the year: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. The park may also be closed due to inclement weather. Please call ahead to check the status on days of heavy wintry weather.