After a quick drive through Magdelena I arbitrarily picked the High Country Lodge, and I'm glad I did. While an older property, it is extremely well maintained--the only clue to its age are the attractive mature trees which shade the rooms. The property is under new ownership, and the new proprietors enthusiasm for their role as innkeepers is apparent in the attention to detail.

Check in was prompt, courteous, and efficient. When I decided to stay over an extra day Kathy the clerk provided me with pamphlets on local tourist attractions--without being asked. She also showed me the motel's charming little dining room which should be open to the public within the month.

Housekeeping was excellent. Each room has a microwave, a small refrigerator, and above average quality towels. My room was small--but so was the price ($35 tax included) so I'm certainly not complaining. For those requiring more space, there are bigger accomodations at equally reasonable prices.

A word about Magdelena--it's a small town, with a small town atmosphere. The motel lobby doesn't open until around noon, so take that into consideration. For local attractions I recommend the Magdelena Cafe, the town's social center and a source of great New Mexican food. Nearby in the middle of the sidewalk was a large affable dog asleep on an easy chair--its that kind of laid-back place. The town library is also worth seeing. Located in the old railway depot, it is energetically maintained by Lucy Pino, who should get a medal for her efforts in providing library support to an isolated community. Ask to see her boxcar museum.

For anyone heading west on US60, I'd recommend forgetting about Socorro and staying at the High Country Lodge. It and Magdelena are wonderful places.