My wife and I are planning to backpack in NM and have already figured on a hike in the Bisti Badlands, but are looking for another 2-4 day trip . Suggestions?

I hesitate to chime in, because I know very little about New Mexico, but maybe this will help. I did a backpack there in Bandelier Nat'l Monument a few years ago at the end of October and enjoyed it. Not hard, leads back to various backcountry archaeological ruins. It's good for a few days.

Thanks you VERY much for chiming in. We're very interested in archeological sites ! I looked it up before I replied, and it looks like it has moved to the top of the list. Just the kind of place we were looking for. Very cool, much appreciated. Even if it's still got a bit of snow, we'll be prepared and actually look forward to some SW winter hiking. We were also looking for a shorter trip, as the end of our vacation will be fly fishing on the San Juan and the Animas Rivers.

Strongly consider the Gila Wilderness in SW NM. Most popular trailhead begins beyond Silver City NM at Gila Cliff Dwellings NM.
Trekkerman