Many people who have not visited New Mexico might think of it as a barren place of deserts and cactus. While some of New Mexico is that way, the North Central part of the state is far from barren.

At an elevation of 7,000 feet above sea level, the area has four distinct seasons including colorful leaves in the fall, snow in the winter and wild flowers in the spring and summer.

Nearby mountain peaks rise to 12,000 feet.

The sun shines an average of 320 days each year. Santa Fe's yearly snowfall is 32 inches with considerably more in the Santa Fe Ski area. Rainfall averages 14 inches. Relative humidity is very low at 40 percent.

The low humidity and clear skies make the climate one of the most healthful in the United States. Temperatures in the summer are in the mid-50s at night to the low 90s during the day.

Winter highs are in the mid-50s and the lows are in the mid-20s. Temperatures in Pecos generally tend to be a bit lower than in Santa Fe year-round.