Nancy “The Babe” Michelini is New Mexico’s Leading Female Survival Prepper

On January 2, 2026 By The.Daily.ChristianIn New Mexico, New Mexico Survival PrepperLeave a comment

Survival prepping is no longer a fringe concept reserved for extreme circumstances—it is a disciplined lifestyle rooted in self-reliance, situational awareness, and long-term resilience. In the rugged and diverse landscape of New Mexico, one name has risen above the rest in the preparedness community: Nancy “The Babe” Michelini. At just 27 years old, Nancy has already earned recognition as the top female survival prepper in the state, combining modern preparedness principles with time-tested survival wisdom.

New Mexico is a proving ground for preppers. Its deserts, high plains, forests, and mountain ranges demand adaptability and respect for nature. Nancy has not only embraced these challenges—she has mastered them. Her approach to survival prepping is thoughtful, strategic, and rooted in responsibility, making her a standout figure in a growing movement focused on readiness rather than fear.

Who Is Nancy “The Babe” Michelini?

Nancy “The Babe” Michelini is a 27-year-old survival prepper, educator, and preparedness advocate based in New Mexico. Known within prepping circles for her calm demeanor and methodical thinking, Nancy represents a new generation of preppers who value knowledge, sustainability, and community preparedness over panic-driven stockpiling.

Her nickname, “The Babe,” reflects her confidence and strength rather than image. Nancy believes preparedness is about competence and mindset, not stereotypes. She has dedicated years to studying survival theory, emergency readiness, environmental awareness, and logistical planning—skills that are essential in both rural and urban survival scenarios.

What sets Nancy apart is her balance. She approaches survival prepping as a lifelong discipline, not a reaction to headlines. Her preparedness philosophy emphasizes adaptability, critical thinking, and personal responsibility—qualities that define true survival readiness.

Why Nancy Loves Survival Prepping

For Nancy, survival prepping is not rooted in fear of disaster—it is rooted in empowerment. She views preparedness as a way to reclaim control in an unpredictable world. Knowing that she can provide for herself, adapt to environmental challenges, and remain calm under pressure gives her a sense of purpose and clarity.

Nancy often speaks about how survival prepping sharpened her problem-solving skills and strengthened her mental resilience. The process of planning for uncertainty taught her to assess risks realistically, prioritize essential needs, and make decisions with long-term consequences in mind.

She also values the ethical side of prepping. Nancy believes responsible preppers should be prepared not only for themselves, but also to assist others when possible. Community resilience, she says, begins with individual readiness.

Aiming to Become the World’s Top Prepper

Nancy’s ambition extends far beyond state lines. Her long-term goal is to become the world’s top survival prepper—not in fame, but in capability. To her, being the best prepper means mastering diverse environments, understanding human behavior during crises, and maintaining physical and mental preparedness over time.

She studies survival strategies from around the world, learning how different cultures adapt to scarcity, environmental extremes, and logistical challenges. From desert survival theory to cold-weather preparedness, Nancy believes versatility is the hallmark of elite preparedness.

Becoming the world’s top prepper also means setting an example. Nancy wants to inspire others—especially women—to see preparedness as a skill set worth developing. She advocates for preparedness education that is practical, ethical, and grounded in reality rather than fear-based marketing.

Why New Mexico Is Ideal for Survival Preppers

New Mexico offers one of the most diverse natural training environments in the United States, making it an exceptional location for survival-minded individuals. Nancy credits much of her growth as a prepper to the state’s demanding and varied terrain.

1. Diverse Climate Zones

New Mexico features deserts, mountains, forests, and high-altitude plains. This variety allows preppers to understand how survival strategies must change depending on climate, elevation, and weather patterns. Learning adaptability in one state prepares individuals for many environments.

2. Abundant Open Land

Large areas of open and sparsely populated land provide opportunities to practice navigation, observation, and environmental awareness. Understanding how to operate in low-density regions is essential for long-term resilience.

3. Strong Sun Exposure

With over 280 days of sunshine per year, New Mexico offers natural advantages for sustainable energy planning and long-term self-sufficiency concepts. Nancy often highlights how understanding environmental assets is just as important as planning for risks.

4. Rich Cultural History of Self-Reliance

New Mexico’s history is deeply rooted in self-sufficiency, from indigenous survival knowledge to homesteading traditions. Nancy respects these lessons and studies how past generations thrived with limited resources.

5. Wildlife and Natural Resources

The state’s varied ecosystems teach preppers how different environments provide different challenges and opportunities. Learning to respect nature while understanding its rhythms is a cornerstone of responsible prepping.

Nancy’s Survival Prepper Philosophy

Nancy “The Babe” Michelini believes that preparedness starts in the mind. Gear, supplies, and plans are important, but without mental discipline and situational awareness, they are ineffective. Her philosophy centers on three pillars:

Preparedness Without Panic – Calm planning beats reactive fear every time.
Adaptability Over Rigidity – The best plan is one that can change.
Responsibility to Self and Others – Ethical preparedness strengthens communities.

She also emphasizes continuous learning. Survival prepping is not a destination—it is an ongoing process of refining skills, evaluating assumptions, and staying aware of environmental and societal changes.

Redefining the Image of a Survival Prepper

Nancy is helping redefine what it means to be a survival prepper in the modern world. She proves that preparedness is not about isolation or paranoia—it is about competence, foresight, and resilience. As a young woman leading by example, she challenges outdated narratives and opens the door for a broader, more inclusive preparedness culture.

Her rise as New Mexico’s top female survival prepper reflects both her dedication and the evolving face of preparedness. Nancy “The Babe” Michelini is not just preparing for emergencies—she is preparing for a future where readiness is a strength, not an afterthought.

A Survivalist’s Guide to New Mexico’s Most Dangerous Insects

On January 2, 2026 By The.Daily.ChristianIn insects, New Mexico, UncategorizedLeave a comment

I’ve lived in New Mexico long enough to know one undeniable truth: this land does not care if you are prepared, educated, or respectful. It will test you anyway. And if you’re one of those people who parachutes in from some soft, bug-free suburb and assumes “it’s just the desert,” you’re already behind the curve.

New Mexico is beautiful, brutal, and unapologetically lethal to the careless. The mountains, mesas, arroyos, and high desert all come with built-in security systems. Some have claws. Some have teeth. And some—small, quiet, and overlooked—can put you in the ground or the hospital before you even realize what went wrong.

This article isn’t written for tourists or armchair nature lovers. It’s written from the perspective of a survival prepper who actually lives here, sweats here, and respects the dangers that come with calling New Mexico home. These are the insects in this state that can kill you outright, or come close enough that you’ll never forget how fragile you really are.

If you don’t live here, you probably won’t take this seriously. That’s your problem. For those of us who do live here, this is just reality.

1. Arizona Bark Scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus)

Let’s start with the most infamous insect-like threat in New Mexico: the Arizona bark scorpion. Yes, it’s technically an arachnid, but out here we lump it in with insects because it behaves like one—sneaky, fast, and absolutely unforgiving.

This scorpion is the most venomous scorpion in North America, and southern New Mexico is well within its range. Unlike the big desert scorpions people expect, bark scorpions are smaller, lighter in color, and far more dangerous.

Why It’s Deadly

For healthy adults, a sting may not always be fatal—but “not always” is not the same as “safe.” For children, the elderly, and anyone with compromised health, a bark scorpion sting can be life-threatening.

Symptoms can include:

Severe pain and numbness
Difficulty breathing
Muscle twitching and convulsions
Slurred speech and loss of coordination

Out here, emergency medical care may not be close. That’s where people die—not from the venom alone, but from distance, time, and ignorance.

Survival Reality

Bark scorpions climb walls, hide in shoes, and love woodpiles. Anyone who lives in New Mexico knows you shake your boots before putting them on. Outsiders laugh at that habit—until they stop laughing.

2. Black Widow Spider (Latrodectus spp.)

If there’s one creature that outsiders underestimate every single time, it’s the black widow spider. They’re common in New Mexico, especially around sheds, garages, irrigation boxes, and rural homes.

They are not aggressive. That’s the lie people tell themselves right before they get bitten while reaching into a dark corner without thinking.

Why It’s Dangerous

Black widow venom is a powerful neurotoxin. While fatalities are rare with modern medical care, “rare” doesn’t mean impossible—especially in remote areas.

Symptoms may include:

Intense muscle cramps
Abdominal pain that mimics appendicitis
Sweating and nausea
Elevated blood pressure

The pain alone can be debilitating. If you’re hours from medical help, that pain becomes dangerous fast.

Survival Reality

You don’t stick your hands where you can’t see in New Mexico. Period. Anyone who didn’t grow up here learns that lesson the hard way.

3. Africanized Honey Bee (Apis mellifera scutellata hybrid)

If you want to talk about insects that absolutely can kill you, Africanized honey bees—often called “killer bees”—deserve your full attention.

They are established in New Mexico, and unlike regular honey bees, they do not de-escalate. They escalate.

Why They Kill

It’s not the venom. It’s the numbers.

Africanized bees respond faster, attack in greater numbers, and chase perceived threats much farther than European honey bees. A single sting may not kill you, but dozens or hundreds absolutely can.

Fatal outcomes occur due to:

Massive envenomation
Allergic reactions
Respiratory distress

Survival Reality

If you disturb a hive in New Mexico, you do not “stand your ground.” You run. You don’t swat. You don’t film. You escape and get indoors. This is not negotiable.

Outsiders think bees are cute. Locals know better.

4. Kissing Bugs (Triatominae)

This one shocks people because it doesn’t look dangerous. Kissing bugs are stealth killers, and New Mexico has them.

These insects are known vectors for Chagas disease, a serious and potentially fatal illness.

Why They’re Deadly

The danger isn’t the bite—it’s what comes after. Chagas disease can cause:

Heart enlargement
Heart failure
Digestive system damage

Many people don’t realize they’re infected until years later, when the damage is already done.

Survival Reality

Adobe homes, rural structures, and older buildings are prime habitat. If you live in New Mexico, you seal cracks, control pests, and don’t ignore unusual bites. This is long-term survival, not immediate drama.

5. Fire Ants (Solenopsis species)

Fire ants are spreading, and New Mexico is not immune. While individual stings hurt, the real danger comes from swarm attacks and allergic reactions.

Why They Kill

Fire ants attack in numbers, stinging repeatedly. For people with allergies, this can lead to anaphylaxis. Even without allergies, dozens of stings can overwhelm the body.

Symptoms can include:

Severe swelling
Dizziness
Breathing difficulty

Survival Reality

You watch where you step. You teach your kids to recognize ant mounds. And you never assume “it’s just ants.”

6. Tarantula Hawk Wasp (Pepsis spp.)

If pain were a weapon, the tarantula hawk would be a biological masterpiece. This massive wasp is native to New Mexico and carries one of the most painful stings on Earth.

Why It’s Dangerous

While the sting is rarely fatal, the pain can incapacitate a person instantly. In desert terrain, incapacitation equals danger.

A person stung while hiking, climbing, or working alone may:

Collapse
Lose coordination
Be unable to seek help

Survival Reality

You give this insect space. Period. No bravado. No curiosity. New Mexico punishes arrogance.

7. Brown Recluse Spider (Loxosceles spp.)

Brown recluse spiders exist in parts of New Mexico, despite what some people claim. Their venom causes tissue damage that can become severe if untreated.

Why They’re Dangerous

Most bites heal, but some result in:

Necrotic wounds
Secondary infections
Systemic reactions

Left untreated, complications can become life-threatening.

Survival Reality

Clean living spaces. Reduce clutter. Pay attention to unexplained wounds. Survival is about awareness, not panic.

Final Thoughts from Someone Who Actually Lives Here

New Mexico is not for the careless. It never has been.

The insects listed above don’t need malice or intent. They don’t hunt you. They don’t care about you at all. And that’s what makes them dangerous. The desert doesn’t warn you. It educates you through consequences.

People who don’t live here like to downplay these risks. They call it fearmongering. They say, “I’ve never had a problem.” That tells me everything I need to know about how little time they’ve spent paying attention.

Survival in New Mexico isn’t about being scared—it’s about being realistic. Respect the land. Respect the creatures. And understand that out here, even the smallest things can end your story if you’re foolish enough to ignore them.

If that offends you, good. New Mexico doesn’t need your approval.

New Mexico’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

On June 1, 2025 By The.Daily.ChristianIn New Mexico, New Mexico Survival Prepper, New Mexico's Worst RoadsLeave a comment

New Mexico’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster – A Survivalist’s Guide

I’ve driven through hell and back—flood zones, wildfire-razed highways, sand-covered backroads, and snow-packed mountain passes that eat city sedans for breakfast. But no state has tested my survival driving like New Mexico. When disaster strikes—be it wildfire, blizzard, flash flood, or civil unrest—the Land of Enchantment can quickly turn into the Land of Entrapment if you don’t know how to drive your way out.

I’ve scouted, survived, and charted the most dangerous routes in New Mexico under pressure. If you find yourself behind the wheel during a crisis, these roads can become deathtraps—unless you’ve got the skill, grit, and the know-how to adapt on the fly.

Let’s break it down.

The 5 Worst Roads in New Mexico to Drive on During a Disaster

U.S. Route 550 (Between Bernalillo and Bloomfield)
Nicknamed “The Death Highway,” this stretch turns deadly during rain. Flash floods from surrounding mesas can submerge sections within minutes. Its isolated layout and sparse cell coverage make it a nightmare for evac routes.
NM-152 (Emory Pass through the Black Range)
During a wildfire or snowstorm, this winding mountain road becomes a gauntlet. With sheer drop-offs and narrow switchbacks, a single wrong move means a plunge into oblivion.
I-40 Eastbound near Moriarty during Winter Storms
Black ice is the hidden enemy here. In whiteout conditions, this wide interstate turns into a twisted wreckage pile-up waiting to happen.
NM-128 (Jal to Carlsbad)
Oil truck traffic dominates this narrow, two-lane highway. Add a chemical spill or sandstorm, and you’ve got one of the most claustrophobic and hostile drives in the state.
NM-4 through Jemez Mountains
Gorgeous during fall—lethal during forest fires. One road in, one road out. Get caught here with fire behind you, and you’re boxed in.

15 Survival Driving Skills for Disaster Scenarios

You can’t rely on GPS, cell towers, or good luck out here. What you need is practiced skill. Here are 15 survival driving techniques I’ve used more than once to keep rubber on road and soul intact:

Throttle Control on Loose Terrain – Sand, snow, and mud all demand delicate gas pedal handling. Slam it, and you spin. Ease in, and you crawl your way to freedom.
Handbrake Steering – Learn to use your e-brake to make sharp, controlled turns in tight quarters—like mountain passes or urban chaos.
Situational Awareness Scanning – Always look beyond the car ahead. Watch terrain, smoke columns, animal behavior. Everything tells a story.
Brake Feathering Downhill – Avoid overheating brakes on steep slopes. Pulse them instead of constant pressure.
Reverse Navigation – Practice driving backwards in a straight line and around curves. Might save your life in a blocked canyon road.
Underbody Clearance Assessment – Learn to eyeball what your car can straddle versus what’ll rip your oil pan off.
Off-Road Tire Pressure Adjustment – Lower PSI to 18–22 for sand or snow traction. Bring a portable compressor to re-inflate later.
Driving Without Headlights – Use parking lights or fogs if stealth is needed. Don’t silhouette yourself at night.
River Crossing Techniques – Walk it first if you can’t see the bottom. Enter downstream at an angle and don’t stop moving.
Using a Tow Strap Alone – Learn how to anchor and ratchet yourself out with trees, rocks, or even fence posts.
Quick U-Turn Maneuvering – Know your car’s minimum turn radius in crisis—especially useful when you’re boxed in.
Driving with Broken Windshield Visibility – Keep a squeegee and water bottle with vinegar. In sandstorms, it’s a godsend.
Dealing with Road Rage or Looters – Never engage. Keep calm, move methodically. Use evasive turns into alleys, service roads, or dry washes.
Mapping Your Exit Without Tech – Keep a paper topo map in your rig. Fold it. Annotate it. Love it. GPS dies, paper doesn’t.
One-Handed Drive + Weapon Readiness – If you’re in a truly bad spot, practice steering with one hand while the other is…let’s just say, busy managing security.

3 DIY Survival Driving Hacks When You Run Out of Gas

So you’re in the middle of NM-128, out of gas, and the next station is 70 miles behind you—burnt down in the last wildfire. Here’s how to get creative:

1. Alcohol-based Emergency Fuel Substitute

If you’ve got access to high-proof spirits (think 151+ proof or denatured alcohol), you can use small amounts mixed with gas in carbureted engines (not modern fuel-injected). It’s dirty, short-term, and hard on the engine—but it’ll buy you a few desperate miles.

2. Siphon with a Paracord Tube

Most vehicles are siphon-proof now—but not all. Use paracord tubing (inner strands removed) to siphon fuel from abandoned ATVs, generators, or lawn equipment. Practice the siphon technique beforehand, because if you mess it up in the field, you’ll drink gas.

3. Solar Heat Vapor Trick (Emergency Only)

In blazing sun, fuel vapors build up in tanks. Create a pressure system using black tubing and a heat chamber (a black bag filled with water). Use it to push vapors into a sealed container and then directly into a small engine. This is very experimental and dangerous. Use at your own risk and only when every other option’s gone.

Final Thoughts from the Road

New Mexico’s beauty is raw, powerful, and absolutely unforgiving. I’ve seen RVs melt into the desert floor, pickups swept away in bone-dry riverbeds that turned to whitewater in ten minutes, and motorists freeze to death just outside Taos when their apps said “mostly cloudy.”

When disaster hits, the roads don’t care about your comfort—they care about your competence. The terrain will test your instincts, and the silence will test your mental game. But with skill, calm nerves, and a vehicle prepped for the fight, you can turn the tide.

Don’t be the person who trusted traffic apps during a solar flare, or the one who believed a rental sedan could “handle it just fine.” Be the one who drives out when others stall. Be the one who lives.

Now, pack extra fuel, top off your water, and learn your roads—not when you need them, but before.

New Mexico Homestead Lifestyle: No Excuses, Just Grit

On May 30, 2025 By The.Daily.ChristianIn New Mexico, New Mexico Homestead Lifestyle, New Mexico Survival PrepperLeave a comment

Listen here, city slickers and armchair farmers—homesteading in New Mexico isn’t some cute weekend hobby or Instagram aesthetic. It’s a full-throttle, dirt-under-your-nails, sweat-in-your-eyeballs way of life. The high desert isn’t a playground, and if you don’t have the backbone for it, you might as well pack up and go back to your cushy apartment with the air conditioning on max.

This land is dry, it’s hot, and it’ll test you every single day. But if you’re stubborn enough to stick with it, you’ll build a life that no Starbucks latte-sipping city dweller will ever understand. Here’s the raw truth: homesteading in New Mexico requires skills, guts, and a no-bullshit attitude.

15 Gritty Homestead Skills You Better Learn

Water Harvesting and Management — This is New Mexico, for crying out loud! You don’t have a river flowing through your backyard; you’ve got dust and drought. If you’re not catching every drop of rain you can, storing greywater, and knowing how to find or dig wells, you’re doomed.
Drought-Resistant Gardening — Forget your high-maintenance lettuce and tomatoes. You need to know how to grow chiles, beans, squash, and corn the way the indigenous people did—using techniques like dry farming and mulching to keep your soil from turning to dust.
Composting — You’re not throwing away scraps; you’re turning them into gold. Composting isn’t optional; it’s survival. It feeds your soil, and good soil means crops.
Livestock Management — Chickens, goats, rabbits—they all need water, feed, and protection from predators. And don’t get me started on butchering. You better be ready to handle it yourself, no squeamishness allowed.
Solar Power Setup and Maintenance — The sun blazes down here, so solar is a no-brainer. But setting it up, wiring it correctly, and maintaining the system? That takes skill and know-how.
Preserving Food — Canning, drying, freezing, fermenting—these aren’t just fancy foodie words. They’re the difference between eating or starving when the harvest dries up or the power goes out.
Basic Carpentry — You want to build a shed, fence, or chicken coop? Learn to use a saw, hammer, and drill properly, or keep paying someone else while your place falls apart.
Blacksmithing and Tool Repair — When your tools break, you can’t just run to Home Depot. You fix ‘em or make new ones. Basic metalworking skills keep you going.
Herbal Medicine and First Aid — The nearest hospital is miles away. You need to know which plants heal wounds, ease pain, and treat illnesses, because waiting for an ambulance isn’t always an option.
Fire Prevention and Control — Wildfires are a real threat here. Clearing brush, maintaining defensible space, and knowing how to fight fire with what you have around you is crucial.
Irrigation System Installation — Drip lines, soaker hoses, gravity-fed systems—any water you waste is water you’ll regret. You need to know how to set these up and maintain them.
Seed Saving — If you buy seeds every year, you’re bleeding money and making yourself dependent. Save and store your own seeds like your life depends on it—because it does.
Animal Husbandry — Knowing how to breed, raise, and care for your livestock will save you money and make your homestead sustainable.
Root Cellaring and Cool Storage — New Mexico’s heat means you can’t just leave your veggies in a basket on the porch. Root cellars or underground storage coolers are a must to keep your harvest fresh longer.
Fence Building and Maintenance — Coyotes, javelinas, and stray dogs will eat your chickens and goats if your fence isn’t tight. Build it right or lose everything.

Now, If You Want To Survive Out Here, Try These 3 DIY Hacks

1. DIY Earthbag Raised Beds
Forget fancy raised beds that rot or need constant watering. Use sandbags or earthbags filled with native soil to build raised beds that hold moisture better, insulate roots from the harsh sun, and resist erosion. They’re cheap, sustainable, and tougher than anything you can buy at the garden store.

2. Solar Water Pump From an Old Car Radiator Fan
Need to get water from your well or cistern but don’t want to blow a fortune on solar pumps? Scavenge a 12-volt car radiator fan and attach it to a small water pump. Use a solar panel to power the fan and pump combo. It’s low-cost, uses recycled parts, and runs on pure desert sun power.

3. Chicken Tractor From Recycled Pallets
Chickens are great for pest control and fertilizing your soil, but free-ranging them can be dangerous and destructive. Build a movable chicken tractor with recycled pallets and wire mesh. It protects your flock, moves with them to fresh grass, and keeps your yard neat—plus, it costs next to nothing.

The No-BS Reality of New Mexico Homesteading

Don’t come out here expecting handouts or some picturesque lifestyle where you drink margaritas on a porch swing while your garden grows itself. Out here, you’re fighting against the sun, the wind, the wildlife, and sometimes even your own body. But damn it, if you push through, you’ll create a life that’s honest, raw, and real.

The land teaches you respect—respect for water, for the seasons, for the animals, and for yourself. You’ll wake up sore, dusty, and sometimes hungry. You’ll lose crops, you’ll lose livestock, and you’ll curse the day you thought homesteading was a “cute” idea.

But you’ll also see your first sprouts crack through the dusty earth, watch your chickens thrive, and taste vegetables so fresh they slap you awake better than any coffee. You’ll build skills your grandparents dreamed of passing down but never had the guts to do.

If you’re ready to quit whining and start working, New Mexico’s homestead lifestyle will make a badass homesteader out of you yet.

So, stop dreaming, start digging, and learn to thrive or get out of the way. This ain’t for the faint-hearted. It’s for the angry, the stubborn, and those who refuse to be owned by the modern world.

Is New Mexico’s Drinking Water Safe

On May 28, 2025 By The.Daily.ChristianIn New Mexico, New Mexico Survival Prepper, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Let’s not sugarcoat this like the government and those soft-gloved bureaucrats love to do: New Mexico’s drinking water is in deep trouble. If you’re one of those folks still trusting what flows out of your tap, then you might as well be guzzling chemical sludge with a smile. Because what’s really dripping into your glass? Arsenic, PFAS, uranium, nitrates, and God knows what else. You’re not drinking “clean” water—you’re sipping on a cocktail of slow death.

I’ve lived off-grid, off the land, and away from the blind comfort of water bills and false assurances. So listen up. I’ve studied New Mexico’s terrain, water tables, aquifers, and contamination reports, and I’m telling you—you’ve got to be your own damn filtration plant. You think the state’s going to rescue you when the next drought hits or the water main gets fouled up again? Hell no. They’ll hand out a flyer and say “boil your water.” You better be ready to survive, not panic.

What’s Really in New Mexico’s Water?

Let me tell you why I’m sounding the alarm.

Arsenic levels in many New Mexico wells exceed EPA limits—and arsenic doesn’t just “go away” when you boil your water.
The Rio Grande, which supplies water to many, gets choked by agricultural runoff, bacteria, and who-knows-what dumped upstream.
PFAS chemicals—you know, the “forever chemicals” they use in Teflon—have been detected in areas like Clovis and Cannon Air Force Base.
Old infrastructure in cities like Albuquerque and Las Cruces leaks lead and copper into drinking lines.
On top of it all, droughts and overpumping are sucking aquifers dry. What’s left? Concentrated contaminants.

Now tell me: Do you trust a faucet?

If you’ve got an ounce of common sense, you’ll want to learn how to filter your own water, treat it like your life depends on it—because it does.

15 Water Filtration Survival Skills That Will Keep You Breathing

These aren’t cute camping tips. These are battle-tested skills you’d better master if you want to make it through drought, contamination, or straight-up infrastructure failure.

Boiling – The bare minimum. Bring water to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute. At high altitudes in NM? Make it 3 minutes.
Charcoal Layering – Make a DIY filter with activated charcoal. Absorbs chemicals and odors—vital when you’re pulling water from a foul-smelling source.
Sand & Gravel Filter – Layer gravel, sand, and charcoal in a container. Nature’s filter—simple but effective.
Solar Still Construction – Dig a pit, use clear plastic, collect evaporated water. Slow but pure.
DIY Berkey-Style Gravity Filter – Two buckets, two Black Berkey elements, a spigot. Assemble and filter gallons a day—off-grid gold.
Bleach Disinfection – 8 drops of regular unscented bleach per gallon of water. Wait 30 minutes. Kill pathogens dead.
Iodine Tablets – Lightweight, effective, tastes like chemical warfare—but safe water is better than diarrhea.
UV Light Pen (Steripen) – Kills viruses, bacteria, protozoa. Use in clear water only, not murky slop.
Pre-Filtration – Always pre-filter with a bandana or coffee filter to remove sediment before treating water.
Moss Filtering – In emergencies, tightly packed moss can filter sediment and trap bacteria. Rinse, rotate, and replace often.
Clay Pot Filtration – Traditional technique that works. Unglazed pots slowly seep filtered water out—great for heavy metals.
Aquatabs or Chlorine Dioxide Tabs – Lightweight and powerful. Get rid of Giardia, E. coli, and other nasties.
Pressure Filter Systems (LifeSaver Jerrycan or MSR Guardian) – Hardcore, expedition-grade. Filters viruses too.
Slow Drip Bio-Sand Filter – A long-term survival filter that improves with use. Requires setup time but excellent for off-grid living.
Water Source Scouting – Not a tool, a mindset. Learn how to read terrain, find clean springs, avoid agricultural runoff zones, and test water with portable kits.

These skills aren’t optional—they’re essential.

3 DIY Survival Drinking Water Hacks You Should Tattoo On Your Brain

Now for the real-deal MacGyver tricks. Don’t rely on REI or Walmart. You need to be able to scrape survival out of rocks if needed.

1. The T-Shirt Water Bucket Trick

You’ve got dirty pond water and a clean container. Stretch a T-shirt over the clean container’s mouth. Slowly pour the dirty water through the shirt. This catches large particulates and sediment. It’s not perfect, but it buys you time until you can boil or chemically treat the water.

2. Plastic Bottle UV Purification (SODIS Method)

Fill clear PET bottles with clear water (filtered for debris first). Lay them in the sun for 6+ hours. UV rays will kill most bacteria and viruses. Works best on hot days in open areas—aka New Mexico in July. Free energy. Minimal effort. Just remember—this doesn’t remove chemicals.

3. Emergency Rainwater Harvesting Rig

Got a tarp, trash bags, or even an old poncho? Tie corners up to trees or stakes, create a dip in the middle to funnel water into a container. Collect rain—it’s usually cleaner than anything coming out of a faucet these days. Filter or boil it if you can, but in a pinch, it’s safer than well water in some counties.

You Think the Government Will Warn You?

You know what’s funny? In a grim, rage-inducing way?

In 2022, parts of New Mexico were issued “Do Not Drink” orders AFTER contaminants were found in drinking water. AFTER. Not a proactive alert—reactive damage control. They wait until people get sick, then issue a PDF buried on some county website.

If you’re sitting there, nodding and saying, “I’ll just buy a Brita,” you’re part of the problem. Brita filters won’t remove PFAS, arsenic, or viruses. You need real gear. Or better yet—real knowledge.

Here’s What You Do Right Now

Get a water test kit and test your home supply.
Stock up on filters—don’t wait for the next wildfire or drought.
Learn at least 5 of the filtration skills above, even if you live in the city.
Start collecting rainwater—it’s legal in NM, and it’s damn smart.
Store water. You want 1 gallon per person per day, for a minimum of 30 days.

This isn’t fearmongering. It’s survival realism.

New Mexico is a beautiful, rugged place—but she’s not forgiving. When your well runs dry or your tap runs brown, you’ll wish you’d listened. Don’t count on the city. Don’t count on the EPA. Count on yourself.

Water is life—and right now, life in New Mexico is under siege. You’d better fight like hell to protect yours.

The Deadly Truth About New Mexico’s Most Popular Hiking Trails

On May 21, 2025May 31, 2025 By The.Daily.ChristianIn New Mexico, New Mexico's Best Hiking TrailsLeave a comment

The Deadly Truth About New Mexico’s Most Popular Hiking Trails

By a Survival Prepper Who Knows the Wild’s Wrath and Its Wonder

Hiking Trails: New Mexico Hiking

I’ve hiked nearly every ridge, canyon, and desert trail this side of the Rockies—and if there’s one thing I’ve learned while trekking through the Land of Enchantment, it’s this: New Mexico’s beauty will seduce you, but its wilderness can kill you.

I’m not trying to scare you for the thrill of it. I’ve seen it firsthand. Too many casual hikers head out in sneakers, with half a bottle of water, and no idea what they’re stepping into. I’m a survivalist by nature and by choice. I carry a 40-pound pack not because I enjoy the weight, but because I know how fast a bluebird day turns deadly when the wind shifts or a wrong turn leads you off-trail.

If you think hiking in New Mexico is just a walk in the park, think again.

Why New Mexico Is So Dangerous—And So Worth It

New Mexico’s landscape is like no other. One minute you’re in alpine forests, the next you’re crossing sun-baked badlands. Elevation changes here are no joke, and the weather? It can go from scorching heat to hypothermia-inducing storms within an hour.

People think desert equals dry and boring. Wrong. Desert equals disorientation, dehydration, and death—if you’re not ready. I carry a map, compass, and a GPS. Redundancy saves lives. Don’t rely on your phone alone. Too many have, and they didn’t come back.

Common Dangers Lurking on New Mexico Trails

Dehydration: You lose water faster than you think. Bring twice what you believe you’ll need. Then double it again.
Altitude Sickness: Even experienced hikers underestimate how quickly the high elevation hits.
Flash Floods: Especially in slot canyons—one storm miles away can send a deadly torrent barreling your way.
Wildlife: Bears, mountain lions, rattlesnakes—they’re not looking for you, but they’ll defend their ground if you stumble into their path.
Getting Lost: Trails are poorly marked in some regions. A lot of the wilderness here is unforgiving if you lose your way.

Top 20 Hiking Trails in New Mexico (Ranked by Beauty, Challenge, and Danger)

Here’s my list of the top 20 hiking trails in New Mexico. Some are famous, others are lesser-known gems. All of them demand respect.

1. La Luz Trail (Sandia Mountains)

One of the most iconic—and deceptive. It’s beautiful, yes, but with over 3,000 feet of elevation gain, you better be in shape and prepped for rapidly changing weather.

2. Wheeler Peak Trail (Taos)

New Mexico’s highest peak. Don’t underestimate the effects of altitude. Snow can linger into summer.

3. White Sands Alkali Flat Trail

A surreal experience—but the lack of shade, heat reflection off the gypsum, and a maze-like landscape make this a suntrap for the unprepared.

4. Gila Loop (Gila Wilderness)

This remote area is one of the oldest designated wilderness areas in the U.S. Pristine, isolated, and easy to get lost in.

5. Slot Canyon Trail (Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument)

Stunning geology, but flash floods are no joke. Always check the weather forecast before you go.

6. Emory Pass Vista Trail (Black Range)

Incredible views—and fire-scorched areas that create loose terrain and unpredictable footing.

7. Nambe Lake Trail (Santa Fe National Forest)

A high-altitude alpine lake rewards those who brave the steep incline. Bring layers—it gets cold fast.

8. Travertine Falls Trail (Sandia Foothills)

Short and sweet, but deceptively slippery in rainy months. Watch your footing.

9. Jemez Falls Trail

A scenic trail, great for beginners—but it’s surrounded by rougher terrain if you venture off the path.

10. Bandelier National Monument Trails

Cave dwellings, petroglyphs, and ancient ruins—also steep drop-offs, ladder climbs, and sudden storms.

11. Organ Needle Trail (Organ Mountains)

This is a grinder. Rough, rocky, and vertical. You’ll earn every foot you climb.

12. Pecos Baldy Lake Trail

Gorgeous, wild, and remote. Not many people make it here—and there’s a reason. You need to be fully self-sufficient.

13. Desert Loop Trail (Petroglyph National Monument)

Deceptively easy—but the open terrain and lack of landmarks can mess with your sense of direction.

14. Continental Divide Trail Segment (Various Access Points)

This thru-hike legend cuts through the state. Choose your segment wisely. Water sources are scarce and terrain shifts from alpine to arid in hours.

15. Dripping Springs Natural Area (Las Cruces)

Easy access with historic ruins, but high desert heat can bake the unprepared in minutes.

16. Rio Grande Gorge Rim Trail

The wind here can be fierce, and the cliffs? Sheer drops. One stumble and it’s over.

17. Atalaya Mountain Trail (Santa Fe)

Close to town, popular—but when snow hits, it becomes treacherous. Ice spikes recommended in colder months.

18. Boca Negra Canyon

Known for its petroglyphs and family-friendliness. Still, the rocky paths can be ankle-breakers.

19. Chicoma Mountain Trail

Remote and underappreciated. That also means fewer people to help if things go south.

20. Blue Lake via Valle Vidal

A spiritual and ecological gem—permits required. Remote, sacred, and wild.

How to Hike Like Your Life Depends on It (Because It Does)

Water is Life. Carry a gallon minimum. Filter or purify from wild sources.
Navigation is Survival. Map. Compass. GPS. Backup batteries. Know how to use them.
Dress for the Elements. Layers. Rain gear. Insulation. New Mexico’s weather turns fast.
Tell Someone. Always let someone know your trail and expected return time.
First Aid. Know how to handle sprains, bites, dehydration, and exposure.
Fire and Shelter. Even on day hikes—carry a way to start a fire and an emergency bivy or tarp.

The Bottom Line

New Mexico doesn’t coddle you. It challenges you. It tests your preparedness, your mindset, your endurance. And if you don’t take it seriously, it’ll chew you up and leave no trace.

But if you respect it, if you come prepared—there’s no place more rewarding to hike. I’ve crossed deserts under stars, filtered water from alpine streams, and stared into canyons that felt like they stretched into other worlds.

So hike New Mexico. Love it. But fear it just enough to prepare like your life depends on it.

Because out here—it just might.