Albuquerque, New Mexico, Is a Literary Pilgrimage for Fans of Edward Abbey

If you love the great outdoors and specifically the American Southwest, chances are that you are at least somewhat familiar with the life and work of Edward Abbey. Born in Pennsylvania in 1927, Abbey is a famous author who was drawn to the West at an early age. After traveling to New Mexico to attend college, he never lived far from the state again.

Abbey died in 1989, but he had a very interesting life in his six decades on this earth. He was known for his advocacy of environmental issues, drive for conservation, and criticism of policies restricting the use of public land. He wrote nearly two dozen books, both fiction and non-fiction, and countless letters and essays. Many people find his work inspirational in the field of environmental protection.

Although Abbey spent most of his adult life in Arizona and Utah, his love for the southwest began in New Mexico—particularly in Albuquerque. Abbey fans traveling in the southwest will therefore find ABQ as a literary destination where they can celebrate the early years of this man's growing passion for the great outdoors.

How Edward Abbey Fell In Love With the Southwest

Edward Abbey was born in 1927 in Indiana, Pennsylvania. He grew up in that same small town and graduated from high school in 1945. Before he even finished his schooling, he had already become displeased with the industrialization of the East Coast.

Before he even turned 18, Abbey set out on his own to explore the West on foot, by bus, by hitchhiking, and by hopping freight trains. He eventually returned home, graduated from high school, and enlisted in the army. However, due to his opposition to authority, he was honorably discharged after just two years.

He then decided to return to the southwest. He never lived anywhere else again, outside of a brief stint of seasonal work for the National Park Service in Florida and California.

His long-term residency in this region began when he enrolled in the University of New Mexico, taking advantage of the G.I. Bill. He earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy and English in 1951, and later received a master's degree in philosophy from the school in 1956.

Explore Albuquerque and Beyond Like Edward Abbey

During his years at UNM, he explored New Mexico in his free time. He spent a great deal of time hiking and camping in the Sandia Mountains and nearby Tijeras Canyon.

He also enjoyed the Capitan Mountains to the south and the area that today is known as White Sands National Park outside of Alamogordo. During college, he also worked as a bartender in Taos to support himself.

Although Abbey spent most of his time after college in Utah and Arizona, his formative years in New Mexico truly left an impression on him as a person and on his work as a writer. His 1956 novel, "The Brave Cowboy," was written while he was in graduate school at UNM and was set in the natural areas in and around Albuquerque. It was later made into a film in 1962, "Lonely Are the Brave," which was filmed in the area as well.

His 1962 novel, "Fire on the Mountain," was also set in New Mexico and told the tale of a rancher who opposed the expansion of the White Sands Missile Range during that time.

Abbey was and is a hero to many people who feel passionately about the Southwest and public lands in general. Although he was just 62 when he passed away in 1989, he made a big impact on the environmental and conservation movement. It's no surprise that his love of the desert began in and around Albuquerque. Fans and admirers can visit this area and connect with him through all that this beautiful land has to offer.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.