Along Highway 25, a lush ribbon of artificial green slashes the stark, surface-of-the-moon terrain of the American Southwest from Albuquerque to the Mexican border. Parallel to that, the incongruously verdant east slopes of the East Mountains describe a perfect rain shadow when viewed from overhead. The effect is arresting. If you'd like to see it for yourself, don't try to peer from the window of a plane -- head to Belen, where you can leap out over the scenery and drink in the view on the way down.
Skydive New Mexico is a small drop zone, lovingly run by a club of sport skydivers. Their facility is located in a hangar on Belen's Alexander Airport, about a half hour south of Albuquerque. The desert landscape provides more than interesting views: since the terrain is wide open and the airport is quiet, skydivers enjoy access to two roomy landing areas that safely accommodate less-than-accurate landings.
Experienced skydivers can rent or purchase from the on-site gear shop. The drop zone also offers an on-DZ canteen, rigging services, a packing area shielded from the scathing desert sun, coaching, load organizing and packing. Travelers are welcome to camp overnight on the drop zone property, though no RV hookups are available.
Skydive New Mexico's small fleet includes two Super Cessna 182 aircraft. Though small planes, the Cessnas have been modified with larger engines and extended wingtips to reach altitude in record time -- just over 20 minutes. In a "normal" Cessna, that ride can take more than a half hour.
Naturally, Skydive New Mexico offers tandem rides for thrill seekers who'd rather not operate their own parachute. For students who'd prefer to go it alone, the drop zone trains newbies to jump solo using the Instructor-Assisted Deployment method. IAD students wear their own parachute system and perform a safe solo skydive with the assistance of a rated instructor. Beyond the first jump, students in Belen may complete a multi-jump program to earn their solo "A" license through the United States Parachute Association.
As it's perched in the lofty elevations of the high desert -- the airfield sits at 5200 feet above mean sea level -- Skydive New Mexico is categorized as a high-altitude drop zone. When the air is thinner -- like it is at this altitude -- parachutes move faster. Experienced jumpers who visit Belen from lower-elevation drop zones must be aware that their landings will be faster than they're accustomed to.
