By Rob Anthony
On Sunday, March 9, 2025, despite some unforeseen last-minute schedule changes, eight BMWs gathered in Los Lunas for the the BMW Car Club of America New Mexico Chapter Cardinal Points West Drive to Acoma Pueblo. Richard Massey, driving his beautifully modified F31 wagon, earned the “Iron Butt” award for the event after making the long drive up from El Paso with his family and chapter member, Ronald Maus.
The group embarked on a leisurely drive along NM-6 before merging onto Interstate 40 westbound, eventually taking scenic NM-23 to the Sky City Overlook for a group photo shoot. While the bluff overlooking the Pueblo was quite windy that morning, many participants found shelter in their cars, while others braved the chill to take in the stunning views.
Next, the group drove down to the Sky City Cultural Center, where they enjoyed the Haak’u Museum while waiting to board the tour van. After a short drive to the top of Sky City Mesa, the 20 BMW club members met their tour guide, who led them into the historic San Estévan del Rey Mission Church. Built between 1629 and 1641, the church boasts 7-ft thick walls and Ponderosa pine vigas that were hand-carried from Mount Taylor, nearly 20 miles to the north.
The tour continued with a visit to local pottery stands, where participants learned more about the rich history of Acoma Pueblo. Afterward, members had the choice of taking the shuttle back to the Cultural Center or walking down a “short trail with stairs” to the base of the mesa. What was described as a short trail turned out to be more of a class 2+ descent, adding a touch of adrenaline to the adventure and offering a glimpse of what the Ancestral Puebloans experienced as they commuted between the mesa and the fields below.
Everyone made it down safely, and the group reconvened at Yerba Café for a well-deserved lunch before parting ways
We thank everyone for their patience with the last-minute date change and hope to see you all at future events!
