23 Places in New Mexico That Are More Beautiful Than You Could Imagine
Unless you’re a diehard fan of Breaking Bad, New Mexico may not be the first state that comes to mind when planning a vacation. New Mexico is nicknamed the “Land of Enchantment,” and it surprisingly enchanted me.
I spent two years van-living and road-tripping across nearly 40 states, and New Mexico was one of the unexpected finds in the country. I took over 1000 photos at White Sands at every part of the day and had my own “alien” Area 51 experience near Bisti Badlands.
From mountainous trams to Pueblo perches, I’ve narrowed down the top 25 most beautiful places in New Mexico that will make you regret not visiting this state sooner.
1. White Sands National Park, Alamogordo
Did you know that White Sands is the largest gypsum dunefield in the world? These dazzling white gypsum sand dunes stretch over 275 square miles, creating an otherworldly landscape perfect for hiking, sledding, and incredible photo ops.
Just walk out into the dunes with your camera. The further you walk, the less footsteps there will be. And any day you come to White Sands, make sure you don’t miss the chance to catch the sunset and blue hour.
2. Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, San Juan County
Prepare to feel like you’re on Mars when you visit the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness. This place is famous for its bizarre rock formations that look like petrified mushrooms and alien landscapes.
You’ll definitely want to see the weirdness of “Alien Throne” and the “Cracked Eggs.” The Valley of the Dreams Hike is a favorite for some of the strangest formations.
Just know that there are no marked trails and very little service in a remote spot, so download an offline map. It’ll be hard to seek help all the way out here.
3. Shiprock, San Juan County
Shiprock is the rock star of New Mexico’s landscape, rising nearly 1,583 feet above the desert floor in an otherwise flat area.
Known as Tsé Bitʼaʼí, or “rock with wings,” by the Navajo, it’s steeped in myths and legends. The rock is a sacred site, so while you can’t climb it, you can photograph it from every angle.
The best views are at sunrise and sunset when the light paints it in golden hues. If you’re into geology, you’ll geek out over its volcanic origins.
4. Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks, Cochiti Pueblo
Another out-of-this-world landscape awaits at Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. This unique geological formation results from volcanic eruptions and erosion, creating cone-shaped “tents” made of layers of pumice, ash, and tuff.
The 1.5-mile Cave Loop & Slot Canyon Trail takes you through the tent formations and winds you through narrow passages to a breathtaking overlook.
Closure! Unfortunately, this attachment has been closed since the pandemic, with no new reopening date.
5. Meow Wolf Santa Fe, Santa Fe
Imagine stepping into an art installation so bizarre and immersive that you’d swear you’d fallen down the rabbit hole. That’s literally every Meow Wolf installation.
This place, officially known as the House of Eternal Return, offers 20,000 square feet of mind-bending rooms, secret passages, and interactive art. Created by a collective of over 400 artists, it’s part mystery house, part playground, and part surreal dreamscape.
Expect the unexpected, from a refrigerator that leads to another dimension to musical laser harp installations. It’s weird, it’s wonderful, and it’s totally worth the trip!
6. Acoma Pueblo (Sky City), Acoma Pueblo
Perched atop a 367-foot sandstone mesa, Acoma Pueblo, also known as Sky City, is one of North America’s oldest continuously inhabited communities.
With over 300 structures dating back more than 1,000 years, take a guided tour to learn about the Acoma history and culture. The views are breathtaking, both of the surrounding landscape and from the top of the mesa.
7. Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, Taos
The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge isn’t just any bridge; it’s the fifth highest in the United States and is built over a deep river gorge.
Standing 565 feet above the Rio Grande, it’s a favorite spot for travelers seeking that perfect photo op. Walk across the bridge, feeling the vertigo as you gaze down into the chasm below.
This bridge has starred in movies like “Natural Born Killers” and “Terminator Salvation.”
8. Taos Pueblo, Taos
Taos Pueblo is a time capsule of Native American history. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has been continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years and is still home to around 150 people.
Wander through the multi-storied adobe buildings and feel the ancient spirituality of the place. Places like the San Geronimo Chapel were rebuilt after the original was destroyed in the 1847 Taos Revolt. The Pueblo is famous for its beautiful crafts, so pick up some pottery or jewelry as a souvenir.
And yeah, there’s no electricity or running water here.
9. Bosque del Apache, San Antonio
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is your birdwatching paradise. Every winter, thousands of sandhill cranes, snow geese, and other migratory birds flock here.
The misty trees and picture-perfect mornings make this a great place to visit. However, the best time to visit is during the annual Festival of the Cranes in November, when the skies come alive with avian activity.
10. Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument, Las Cruces
Driving around Las Cruces, the jagged peaks of the Organ Mountains are a sight to behold. This national monument is a hiker’s paradise with rugged mountains and petroglyph sites.
At sunrise or sunset, the mountains seem to glow. Look out for the Dripping Springs Natural Area and the historic Van Patten’s Mountain Camp.
11. Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Nageezi
The Chaco Culture National Historical Park is home to some of North America’s most significant ancient ruins. The Ancestral Puebloans built these massive stone structures over a thousand years ago, and their engineering prowess is nothing short of impressive.
Pueblo Bonito, the largest great house, once stood four stories high and contained around 600 rooms. Hike the trails to see petroglyphs and take guided tours to learn about the fascinating history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The park is also a dark sky sanctuary, so stick around for some of the best stargazing you’ll ever experience.
12. Jemez Springs
Jemez Springs is famous for its hot springs. Take a dip in one of the public baths or treat yourself to a private soak at a local spa. The nearby Jemez State Monument features ruins of a 14th-century pueblo and a 17th-century Spanish mission. There are also beautiful red rock formations along the Jemez Mountain Trail Scenic Byway to go see.
13. Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu
Ghost Ranch should be on every artist’s bucket list, not least because it was once home to Georgia O’Keeffe. The dramatic landscapes here inspired much of her work.
Explore high cliffs, striking canyons, and unusual rock formations. Take guided tours, go horseback riding, or even join an art workshop. Scientists have even found several species of dinosaur fossils here.
14. Sandia Peak Tramway, Albuquerque
Get ready for a ride of a lifetime on the Sandia Peak Tramway, one of the longest tramways in the world. This 2.7-mile journey whisks you up to 10,378 feet. On a clear day at the top, you can see up to 11,000 square miles with a tram ride, which is a lot more relaxing than scaling the mountain yourself!
15. El Malpais National Monument, Grants
El Malpais National Monument is the spot to find vast lava flows, cinder cones, and ice caves, all remnants of ancient volcanic activity. The La Ventana Natural Arch is one of the largest of its kind in New Mexico. Bring a flashlight to light up the lava tubes if you’re into caving.
16. Santa Rosa Blue Hole, Santa Rosa
Scuba diving in the desert? Yep, it’s a thing at Santa Rosa Blue Hole. This crystal-clear, bell-shaped spring plunges 80 feet deep where you can scuba.
Even if you’re not diving, the 61-degree water is perfect for a refreshing swim. The visibility is nearly 100 feet, so it’s like swimming in a giant aquarium.
17. Carlsbad Caverns, Carlsbad
Ready to go underground? Head to Carlsbad Caverns, an extensive network of more than 119 caves. The Big Room is the superstar here, a space the size of 14 football fields filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and cave formations.
Take the self-guided tour or join a ranger-led adventure to get the most out of your visit. There’s even an elevator that goes back up, so you don’t have to make the trek the same way out.
18. Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, Chama
All aboard for one of the most scenic train rides in America! The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a nostalgic journey through the mountains, crossing the border between New Mexico and Colorado.
This historic steam train covers 64 miles of vistas, including the dramatic Toltec Gorge and Cumbres Pass at over 10,000 feet elevation.
19. City of Rocks State Park, Faywood
Ever wanted to wander through a natural stone city? City of Rocks State Park was created by a volcanic eruption about 34 million years ago and has been sculpted by wind and water ever since.
Go hiking, stargazing, and rock climbing, or visit the Desert Botanical Garden on-site. The park also has a well-maintained campground if you want to make it an overnight adventure.
20. Valley of Fires Recreation Area, Carrizozo
The Valley of Fires Recreation Area is one of the youngest lava flows in the continental United States, just 5,000 years old, give or take a millennium. On the Malpais Nature Trail, you’ll see new growth forming through the black lava fields, including cacti and desert shrubs.
21. Red Rocks at Jemez Pueblo
The Red Rocks at Jemez Pueblo are striking sandstone formations are beautiful and hold cultural significance for the Jemez people. Hiking around here feels like stepping into a painter’s palette with shades of red, orange, and yellow everywhere. Just remember to respect the land as it’s sacred to the local community.
22. El Morro National Monument, Ramah
For centuries, travelers left their marks on this sandstone promontory, inscribing messages carved in stone. El Morro National Monument’s Inscription Trail leads you past messages from Spanish explorers, American pioneers, and indigenous peoples.
Hike up to Atsinna to an ancient pueblo ruin perched atop the bluff. The views from the top are absolutely worth the climb.
23. Capulin Volcano, Capulin
Explore an extinct volcano at Capulin Volcano National Monument. You can actually drive up to the rim and hike the Crater Rim Trail for views of the surrounding plains.
On a clear day, you can see four different states from the top: New Mexico, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Texas. The volcano’s visitor center has exhibits on its history and geology.
Catherine, a seasoned travel writer, has lived in 4 different states and explored 36 states and 28 national parks. After spending two years embracing van life, she's now dedicated to sharing her vast knowledge of day trips across America. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.
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