Vaughn, New Mexico
Bel-Air Motel
1004 East Highway 60-54
P.O. Box 68
Vaughn, New Mexico 88353
505-584-2241
IMHO Vaughn is a great place to stay when train watching on the BNSF main east of Belen. The town itself is kind of hurting, and I think the Bel-Air is the only motel that survived when US 66 lost almost all of its traffic when I-40 was completed 30 miles or so to the north.
I first stayed at the Bel-Air in 1974, and most recently last October. I don't think anything has changed over that time period, but it is clean and reasonably priced. The view is out the back window and the bathroom window. The view is partially obstructed from some of the rooms, but you are close to the RR and can keep track of traffic and power. The UP -- old SP Golden State Route -- crosses under the BNSF just west of town but is not in sight from the motel.
It can be tough to get a room at the Bel-Air if the RR or a utility is doing a project in the area, so I recommend a call ahead. It's a long way to the next motel in just about every direction!
Submitted by Jim Wright
Submitted by