Camping In A Winterized RV

Above, camping in a snow-covered Red Rock Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I will be using my motorhome this week while in Albuquerque for the Mia Asano concert, I haven't yet winterized it.

Do It Yourself RV posted an article with a great topic asking if one can still go camping in an RV after winterizing it. I have done so a couple of times. I just don't use the water system and use instead the campground/RV park restroom facilities. 

The article begins with:

You’ve winterized the RV, put away the water hose, and figured the next trip would wait until spring. Then a mild weekend appears in the forecast, friends invite you along, or you realize you aren’t quite ready to give up camping for the season.

The RV doesn’t have to stay parked. You can camp with its plumbing still winterized, using portable water and separate bathroom arrangements. Or you can restore running water if the trip warrants it. The choice comes down to the conveniences you want and the conditions you’ll encounter.

To read more, go here.

Red Rock Balloon Rally December 4 To December 6

Above, balloons at the Red Rock Balloon Rally near Gallup. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

September is only days away and before we know it, it will be December soon.

This means that the Red Rock Balloon Rally will be coming in early December at Red Rock Park near Gallup, New Mexico.

The rally will be held December 4, 2026 to December 6, 2026.

Above, a campground is near the balloon launch area. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who are RVers, there is a campground right next to the balloon launch area. I have stayed there and it is a nice campground with water and electric hook-ups. There is also a dump station available. 

Open Rodeo Roughstock Buckout

Above, the junior bull riding event. Photo by Armand Vaquer

Last evening, I attended the Open Rodeo Roughstock Buckout at Red Rock Park's rodeo arena. It is part of the weeklong annual Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial. This is my favorite time of the year living in the Gallup-Jamestown, New Mexico area.

Upon arrival, I immediately noticed that a new awning had been built over the south grandstand. It is huge!

Here it is:

The awning will come in handy to shade spectators during rodeos on hot summer days. 

Naturally, I took some photos of the rodeo events.

2026 Gallup Rodeos

Above, bull riding during the 2025 Gallup Lions Club Rodeo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here's the rodeos that will take place at Red Rock Park near Gallup, New Mexico this year:

76th Annual Gallup Lions Club Rodeo & BBQ

Dates: June 18–20, 2026 

Highlights: Youth rodeo (June 18), Open show rodeos (June 19–20), and a downtown BBQ celebration

11th Annual Best of the Best Timed Event Rodeo

Dates: June 23–27, 2026 

Highlights: High-stakes team roping, $3,000 added per event, and exclusive prizes for winners

WildThing Championship Bullriding

Dates: Typically hosted in July (Mid-summer)

Highlights: One of the premier bull-riding events in the Southwest, featuring elite riders and the Wooly Riders youth division

Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial

Dates: August 1–9, 2026

Highlights: Daily rodeo events begin August 6 

Gallup Lions Club Rodeo June 18 - 20

Above, a past Gallup Lions Club Rodeo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This month marks the beginning of rodeo season in the Gallup, New Mexico area.

The first rodeo of the season is the Gallup Lions Club Rodeo that will be held this year at Red Rock Park Rodeo Arena.

The rodeo dates are June 18 through June 20.

It is a great rodeo and I haven't missed it since I moved to New Mexico.

For more information, go here. 

11 Of The Best Affordable Towns To Retire In New Mexico

Above, the Balloon Rally at Red Rock Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My decision to move to the Gallup, New Mexico area was made after I drove through it in late 2016. I came back a year later and met with a realtor. 

I bought the third home he took me to. I have not regretted the move. The property is 18 miles east of downtown Gallup. Besides the beauty of the area, the food is great!

World Atlas has posted an article on 11 of the most affordable towns to retire in New Mexico. Gallup is one of them.  

They begin with:

The arid, high-desert paradise of New Mexico isn't called the Land of Enchantment for nothing. This peaceful southwest state offers scenic views, rich cultural experiences, and incredible food. Every October, it also hosts the International Balloon Fiesta, which attracts nearly 1 million visitors from around the world every year.

New Mexico is certainly an underrated state, especially when it comes to affordability. According to Zillow, the state's average home value is $307,000, making it one of the most affordable states.

The state is also beautiful. Northern New Mexico has green, mountainous terrain that receives heavy snowfall each winter. The southern part of the state, though, is a vast desert, and sees summer temperatures climb into the triple digits. No matter the climate retirees choose, with top towns like Farmington, Gallup, Silver City, and Las Vegas, New Mexico offers many affordable towns worth considering for retirement.

To read more, go here. 

Successful Winter RV Camping Trips

Above, following a snowstorm at Red Rock Park's campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Besides living m my RV while waiting for the movers to bring my belongings to the new (to me) home in New Mexico, I did one other stint of winter camping.

That was in 2018 at Red Rock Park's campground during the annual balloon festival held in December. It snowed overnight while I was there, but with full hook-ups, I was snug as a bug in the RV. Needless to say, the hot-air balloons didn't launch.

RV Travel posted an article on having a successful winter camping trip.

They begin it with:

Successful winter camping? Yes! It’s easy to enjoy the solitude and beauty of winter camping—you just have to know how to do it safely.

The end of the season when it’s time to pack up the RV, winterize it, and put it in storage has always been a rather sad time. That is, until I was able to convince my husband that we could still RV—we just needed to do a little more prep and do without some of the fancy luxuries that an RV provides.

Let me tell you one thing about winter camping: There is no campground crowding! While the majority of private campgrounds close down in the winter, a lot of state and regional parks keep campgrounds open. They even plow a few select sites and have power on.

To read more, go here. 

Easy Winter RV Camping Tips

Above, winter camping at Red Rock Park Campground in 2018. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Over the years, there's one thing that I have rarely done with my RV: winter camping.

When I first moved to New Mexico, I lived in my motorhome that was parked in my driveway for about 11 days while waiting for the movers to bring my belongings. During this, it occasionally snowed.

The next time I did so was when I camped at Red Rock Park Campground near Gallup for the annual hot-air balloon festival. Well, due to snow overnight, the balloon launch was cancelled, but at least I was warm inside my RV.

RV Travel has posted an article of tips for easy winter camping.

To read what they are, go here.

Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial

Above, a tee pee set up near the exhibit hall's entrance. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday morning, I attended the 2025 Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial at Red Rock Park.

First, I went to the rodeo arena to watch women's barrel racing and, later, the calf take-down event. It was sunny and hot, so I limited myself to about an hour and a half out in the sun. 

Above, yours truly at the rodeo arena. 

Afterwards, I went inside the events center to view the art show. I was surprised that it was limited to just one large room (ballroom-sized) with no exhibits in smaller rooms. There was also very few rug displays that were a highlight in past years. It was mainly paintings, pottery, kachina dolls and jewelry.

The artwork ranged from kids art to adults. One painting was with a Godzilla theme called "Cheiizilla". In Navajo language, here is what cheii means:

In the Navajo (Diné) language, "Cheii" (pronounced "ch-ee-ee") translates to "grandfather" or "maternal grandfather". It specifically refers to the mother's father, according to Navajo tradition. The term is also used to refer to the horned toad, which is considered a spiritual grandfather figure in Navajo culture. 

A photo of the painting is below. 

Outside, there were some vendors, mainly food and drinks. There were very few vendors selling Native American goods. That was a disappointment. 

Anyway, it was good to get out and wander the Ceremonial. It goes on to August 10.

Some photos:

 

Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial Starts Today

Above, at the 2018 Ceremonial. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the annual events taking place in the Gallup, New Mexico area is the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial. I have attended every one (except during the pandemic) since I moved to New Mexico seven years ago. This year's Ceremonial starts today.

Above, pottery, rugs and artwork on display. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

What is the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial?

According to New Mexico Magazine:

Gallup gleams during its annual Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial, which has been happening for more than 100 years with Indigenous attendees from around the country. This year, it takes place August 1–10, featuring processions, powwows, parades, rodeo events, the Ceremonial Queen Pageant, arts and crafts, performances, and traditional dances that showcase the breadth and beauty of Indigenous culture in America. Most of the offerings take place at the under the rusty sandstone cliffs of Red Rock Park just outside of town, but some are in Gallup too. Find a complete schedule on the event’s website.

Above, from the 2019 Ceremonial rodeo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Generally, I attend the Ceremonial's rodeo and take in the art shows and check out what the vendors of various tribes have to offer. It is very enjoyable. 

Above, artist Richard Yazzie (a Jamestown resident) poses with his artwork. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For more information, go here. 

2025 Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial Schedule

Happy Independence Day!

 

Bull Rider Wade Tuni Is The Biggest Winner At Gallup Rodeo

Above, Wade Tuni's winning ride. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

At last Saturday night's Gallup Lions Club Rodeo, I lucked out and photographed the winning ride of bull rider Wade Tuni.

Above, another shot of Wade Tuni's winning ride. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Navajo Times reported that Tuni took home prize money totalling $4,440.

They reported:

CHURCH ROCK, N.M.

The annual Gallup Lions Club Rodeo never disappoints as cowboys and cowgirls compete for a shipload of cash.

The biggest winner to emerge from the 75th edition was Wade Tuni as he collected a whopping $4,440, which included ground money.

Of the 36 entries, Tuni was the only one to cover his bull as he rode 100X for 82 points in Saturday night’s performance.

“I was the first one out and it was a pretty nice one,” Tuni said of his draw. “He was a pretty good bull to start off with. I just came out with a bang, so it came out pretty good.”

To read more, go here. 

2025 Gallup Lions Club Rodeo

Rodeo season has opened in Gallup, New Mexico. I attended the rodeo last evening at Red Rock Park Rodeo Arena. It is the 75th year Diamond Jubilee rodeo.

As I've mentioned several times, this is my favorite time of the year in New Mexico. The rodeo last night also included a dance and fireworks. I didn't stay for them. But I did enjoy several events that took place.

The rodeo started at 7:00 last night. 

Rodeo season here continues next weekend when the Best of the Best Rodeo featuring contestants from junior high and high schools takes place at the same venue.

Naturally, I took many pictures. 

Here's some of them: