Visit Socorro County: The Very Large Array

Imagine a place where the silence is so profound that you can almost hear the universe breathing. Towering white dishes, resembling giant cosmic sunflowers, stand sentinel against the endless New Mexico sky, listening for whispers from billions of years ago. This isn’t a scene from a science fiction epic; it’s the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) in Socorro County, waiting for the explorer in you.

Located just 50 miles west of Socorro, the VLA is a marvel of human ingenuity, nestled in the windswept high desert of the Plains of San Agustin. Twenty-seven massive radio dishes, each 82 feet across, work in silent harmony, combining their signals to create a single, super-sensitive ear that tunes into the universe’s most exotic phenomena: quasars, pulsars, black holes, and galaxies so distant that their light has traveled for eons to reach us. It’s a place where cutting-edge astrophysics meets the stark, surreal beauty of the Southwest.

Your journey begins at the VLA Visitor Center, where an award-winning documentary narrated by Jodie Foster (whose character famously wandered among these very dishes in the film *Contact*) introduces you to the wonders of radio astronomy. Various exhibits unravel the mysteries of the cosmos, and then you can step outside. A self-guided walking tour allows you to approach one of these towering telescopes, giving you a true sense of their immense scale and the silent choreography they perform daily. The air is thin at 7,000 feet, and the quiet is nearly palpable, broken only by the occasional hum of machinery or the desert breeze. Be sure to bring water and snacks, and prepare for unpredictable weather, as cell service is minimal, contributing to the feeling of being truly off the grid.

But the adventure doesn’t end at the VLA. Socorro County is a treasure trove of unique experiences, making it the perfect hub for a New Mexico getaway.

Just 20 miles north of Socorro lies the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, one of the largest refuges in the lower 48 states. Here, four major biomes converge—the Chihuahuan Desert, Great Plains Short Grass Prairie, Colorado Plateau Shrub Steppe, and Pinyon-Juniper Woodland—creating an incredible diversity of landscapes and wildlife. The Rio Grande flows through its heart, forming vital riparian areas. While much of the refuge is dedicated to research, designated areas offer over seven miles of trails for hiking and photography, allowing you to spot pronghorn, mule deer, various bird species like bald eagles and sandhill cranes, and even reptiles such as the endangered horned lizard. The Visitor Center provides an orientation video and exhibits to help you plan your exploration.

For birding enthusiasts, the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge offers expansive vistas and the chance to get close to wildlife, with bird songs filling the air in every season.

On your way to or from the VLA, consider stopping in Magdalena, a charming village named for Magdalena Peak, where a rock formation is said to resemble a woman’s profile. This former ranching town now features art galleries, antique shops, and unique rock and mineral stores. It is also home to the annual Enchanted Skies Star Party, while the nearby Ghost Town of Kelly offers a glimpse into the past.

For a truly quirky detour, head west on Highway 60 to Pie Town. Yes, it’s real! This small community is famous for its delicious pies, with local cafes like the Pie Town Cafe and The Gatherin’ Place serving a plethora of flavors. You might even spot one of the VLA’s smaller VLBA antennas here.

Back in Socorro, you can delve into history at the San Miguel Mission or explore the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (NM Tech), a hub of science and technology since 1889, which also houses a fascinating Mineral Museum. The historic Socorro Plaza is a vibrant community gathering spot, surrounded by other notable attractions. For the adventurous, nearby Box Canyon and San Lorenzo Canyon offer opportunities for hiking and rock climbing.

A visit to Socorro County is not just a trip; it’s an immersion in a landscape where ancient history, groundbreaking science, and breathtaking natural beauty converge. From listening to the universe’s oldest secrets at the VLA to exploring diverse ecosystems and charming small towns, this corner of New Mexico promises an unforgettable journey that will leave you with a profound sense of wonder.