Horse Tail Trails

The Paolo Soleri Amphitheater at the Santa Fe Indian School is at risk of being demolished. 

In 1965, the Paolo Soleri was commissioned by the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) and designed by the Italian architect for which it is named.  Soleri, now 90-years-old, is a pioneer noted for his progress in the concepts of environmental architecture.  His designs are intended to mimic nature and go beyond the traditional square-base style of building.  Every structure he designs is a stunning work of art.  The Paolo Soleri Amphitheater has been the venue for countless events over the years, including concerts, the Native Roots and Rhythms Festival, and the location for IAIA graduation ceremonies.

Today, the 45-year-old building requires costly repairs that the Indian School can’t afford.  There is also concern that the behavior of the crowds attracted to the events held at the amphitheater are not helpful to the learning environment the school wants to maintain.

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June 21st, 2010, marks the first day of summer for the Northern Hemisphere.  The summer solstice is the longest day of the year, when the sun reaches its highest peak.  At noon the day of the solstice, the sun seems to stand still for a time, and in the days before, it seems to follow the exact same path rather than making slight shifts.  The word “solstice” comes from Latin, meaning “sun stands still,” as the result of ancient people witnessing this event.

The seasons that we experience are due to the rotation of the earth on its axis.  With the poles tilted at a 23.5 degree angle, we lean toward the sun in summer and away from it in winter.  This is also why the days become longer and shorted with the changing of the seasons.  It has been argued that the summer solstice should be called the “June solstice” instead, because to the Southern Hemisphere, it is actually the first day of winter.

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Imagine traveling through the rough deserts of New Mexico in the 1500’s, searching for the promised Fountain of Youth.  Now imagine that, in the middle of this dry, sandy land, you come across a natural hot spring bubbling out of the cliff side.  What a treasure to find!  While it may not be a fabled fountain that can turn back the hands of time, Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs has certainly been honored as a sacred healing place long before the Spaniards first came across it.  

A Tewa village known as Posi was once near to these hot springs, leaving evidence in the form of arrow heads and pottery shards.  The Springs have been noted in the journals and documents of many explorers, including Zebulon Pike in the 1800’s.  All who come across the place agree that it is a wonder and a treasure.  Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs was first founded as a business in 1868 by Antonio Joseph, a prominent businessman and politician in New Mexico’s history.  This was a ground-breaking move, creating “the first natural health spa in the country.”  It was also a sanitarium where it is said that many people were cured, earning Ojo Caliente recognition throughout the country.  Records indicate that Kit Carson often came to the general store that was opened along with the springs.

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With the first official day of summer closely approaching, we’re all feeling the urge to go reconnect with the great outdoors.  New Mexico has no shortage of great camping, hiking and fishing sites.  The following is a list of just some of the places you can go explore this summer.


Abiquiu Lake Campground
Abiquiu, NM
Abiquiu has a day-use area, but for actual camping, reservations need to be made in advance.  There are 54 available camp sites to be found near the lake at Riana Campground.  Enjoy boating and fishing on the reservoir or even wade in designated low areas.   There is a great view of the Cerro Pedernal that’s always a great photo opportunity.  Electric and water hookups are available, as well as showers, shelters and grills.  The day use area has a playground for the kids, so there are spur-of-the-moment options for those who just want to take a day trip. 

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