Socorro, New Mexico

Socorro County, where Socorro is located, with its6,626 square miles, ranks third in size among the state's counties. A variety of vegetative types are found in the county, such as ponderosa pine and Douglas fir in the west, piņon-juniper in the northwest and east, and mesquite and creosote bush following the Rio Grande Valley. Irrigated lands are found in the Rio Grande Valley and some grassland appears among the other vegetation.

Socorro (population 9000) is located in the central Rio Grande valley, 76 miles south of Albuquerque and 194 miles north of El Paso. Air travelers can fly into Albuquerque's International Sunport and take a shuttle to Socorro. Commercial bus service is available from both Albuquerque and El Paso.

Socorro and its surroundings are enjoyed by mountain bikers, runners, astronomers, hikers, campers, rock climbers, birders, geologists, rockhounds, photographers, and people who like the slower pace of small-town life. Tech's Performing Arts Series brings a variety of entertainment to campus each semester, and students can participate in the Music Program's vocal or instrumental performing groups that present several public concerts and one musical production each year.