Socorro is about 45 miles south on I-25. Beyond Socorro is the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, which is definitely worth a look, especially in winter.
The Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument (http://www.nps.gov/sapu) is near the small town of Mountainair, a 45-minute drive southeast. Three separate sites Abo, Gran Quivira and Quarai preserve the ruins of mission-era churches and Native American sites. The visitor center is in Mountainair.
