As I left Socorro, U.S. 60 headed upward through the Magdalena Mountains.

Before the real huffing and puffing started, I paused to look at this dry creek.

Here is another view of the dry creek

Despite having litter barrels strategically located along major routes, New Mexico was perhaps the worst state I visited for roadside trash.

Maybe this is why--only foreign trash could be dumped in the litter barrels.

Water Canyon Lodge was once an oasis between Socorro and Magdalena. The building was gutted, so I was surprised to see the glass windows intact.

The old motel looked even worse for wear than the cafe.

I was glad I wouldn't have to climb the road snaking up this mountain near Magdalena.

This close-up shows the road leading to the tower at the top.