I became obsessed with this area. And while most people would look at me strange if they knew it is a vast desert of nothingness, I will still tell you that I fell in love. There is a reason why I took 3 1/2 hours to drive the 63 miles of road.
Being from New York City I’ve learned to appreciate places of total silence and isolation. My route was meant to drive past Co Road 55 (See Map) and continue North but when I passed the sign that said: “No Food, Gas, or Lodging”, I saw it as an opportunity to take a risk and go into the unknown.
I entered the road and immediately stopped my car in awe when I saw the incredible landscape. It was mesmerizing and seemed like something I would only see in books or movies.
I continued driving on the road, stopping every so often to take in the scenery, breathe the air, listen to the wind, look for animals, and get some sun.
Since then, I dream of this place almost every other day and it had such a profound effect on me. I walk around NYC knowing that there is so much more to life than all this hustle and bustle because I’ve seen it and experienced it with my own eyes.
Halfway through the journey I reached a very small town named Claunch. I thought, wouldnt it be amazing to meet someone who lives in this faraway town? I wondered what people were like, so I stopped my truck in the middle of the street.
I honked. I screamed out, “Hello!?” and waited but no one responded.
The town was dead. With its small church and “Elevator museum” (Which seems a bit ridiculous) the town of Claunch was like a ghost town only to be gawked at and viewed from afar. I’m sure people live there, but I didn’t meet them.
I wouldn’t recommend it for everyone but I’m almost positive most people haven’t experienced the world like this. Its a very unique and specific feeling of Isolation and Pure Emptiness that is incredibly beautiful.
There are even plenty of wildlife to catch. I saw 2 deer, a few hares, and plenty of large eagles. Better yet, If you like motorcycles, this road would be the perfect drive.
If you ever get the chance to see New Mexico and drive down one of these empty roads, take a risk, go beyond your limit, and explore areas that you would never think of exploring. You will thank me.
Came upon your site by accident. I am originally from Claunch, NM. My Dad was a pinto bean farmer there. Currently there are 8 people living in Claunch. I left in 1963 but go back every year around Memorial Day to decorate family graves in the little cemetery.
Amazing Sandy! I really fell in love with that Desert and stayed there for 4 hours just relaxing in the May sun. I never felt like that before in my entire life. I’m from NYC and its the complete opposite experience of being around thousands of people every day.
Thanks for writing me!
Dotan,
My sister Sandy (there are 3 of us sisters) told me about your site. So amazed that some one from NYC would visit Claunch. I realize that you can’t help but love it and find a peace there you will probably not find any where else. Growing up in N. Mex. is indeed magical and we are all the better for it. So glad you loved Claunch. Thanks for sharing your story.
Thanks for checking out my story. I hope to head out to Claunch once again sometimes in June… I just hope it isnt too hot (it probably is)… Maybe I’ll see you out there! haha
Hello Dotan,
Loved your site. I grew up in Claunch, NM. We owned a ranch there after the booming years of the pinto bean era. My mom spent many hours in the womens club quilting and we still stay in touch with dear friends from our childhood there. When we drive through there today, there are so many memories. The second picture of the long straight highway was one of those. It would rain so much that the entire valley would flood and we would be stranded until the water went down. It doesn’t rain like that anymore. As you turn off the main highway (54) about 2 miles down on the right, there is a chimney standing where my grandparents homesteaded. We still go there when we can. Thank you for sharing.
Sigh!
Beautiful! Its so wonderful that I connected with you and your siblings about the area where you grew up. I have those images of the road distinctly in my brain and I will never forget that time I drove down there. I was alone and it was such an incredible experience. New Mexico in general was a beautiful place and I knew nothing about it when I arrived. I hope to come there in June when I come back from Central America. I’m in El Salvador now playing piano on the streets here.
Be sure to visit all of Lincoln County, New Mexico when you return! Another interesting spot wher time stands still!
e-mail me if you are in the neighborhood again. I live about 60 or so miles east of Claunch, and there are many interesting things in the neighborhood.
Sounds great. Will do! Thanks for checking out my blog!
Sir, I’m so glad that you decided to take a tour of the awesome town of Claunch, NM…Wished ya could have meet the ranchers of this awesome community….I grew up on a ranch there….I have been a lot of places in my lifetime and I have never come across a place that will totally accept you for who you are and be willing to give you the shirt off their back to help….the people are so loving, kind hearted people…please stop in at one of the houses there and they will give ya all the tall tales….
I would love to stop by again and this time knock on someones door to say hello. It’s definitely a place that I will never forget. Thanks for reading my story, Lynette
I lived in that area for a number of years, Carrizozo to be exact. And yes those lonely desolate roads do have a draw…. So glad you fell in love with the NM desert… Lots of storys to be told about that area… Do return one day, and stay long enough to knock on some doors and sit and visit a spell…
I guess if you live there, its not as mesmerizing. I mean I’m from NYC and its not as mesmerizing to me as it is to others… The grass is always greener on the neighbors lawn… In this case, The Sand… Thanks Cherry!
I recently attended a funeral in Claunch and the church wasn’t big enough to hold the crowd, people stood outside with the wind howling while the service was conducted. He was then taken to the cemetery in a wagon pulled by two big black horses and his horse saddled led by his son and the people walked behind it to the cemetery . Just that sight left a feeling in you that you won’t ever forget. Afterward a dinner was held with the community and friends bringing dishes to share. A small community is one of the most beautiful things our country has! The people are very close and strong! So glad you were able to come to that part of the country. I live in Corona which is close to Claunch and also a very small community, and has the same kind of strength!
Wow. that must have been so interesting to see.
You are totally right. Community is pretty much non-existent in New York City. Everyone has their apartment and no one really talks to each other. At least thats what I’ve found in the places I’ve lived in Manhattan. Thanks for writing me!