10 Places to Visit In New Mexico

New Mexico is a state located in the Southwestern United States. It is one of the famous Mountain States of the southern Rocky Mountains, sharing the Four Corners region of the western U.S. with Utah, Colorado, and Arizona. It is home to one of the most amazingly varied and scenic landscapes in North America. Cut through with powerful influences of both Native American and Hispanic culture.

Here is a list of 10 Places you should visit in New Mexico:

1. Carlsbad Caverns

On this tour, we’d highly recommend taking the natural entrance into the caverns. You can hike your way down to the bottom, and then there’s an elevator to take you back up again. It’s a steep trail that enters a large network of caves, but it will prove to be among the best places to visit in New Mexico.

Composed of nearly 120 known caves, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is hidden rather neatly underground. Carved from limestone left behind in an ancient sea, the aliens underground landscape is considered one of the top places to visit in New Mexico. Visitors with a capacity for bravery can experience bat tours, trips to certain caves, and walk through the outlandish geological formations.

2. Santa Fe

One of the great places in New Mexico to visit, Santa Fe is known as “the City Different,” showcasing a mix of Hispanic, Anglo and Native American cultures. This amazing city contains 250-plus art galleries, over 100 of which can be found lining Canyon Road. Furthermore, Santa Fe is home to the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, where you can view hundreds of the famous artist’s works,

And unique art experiences, for example, interactive exhibits designed by Meow Wolf. You can also sample the area’s cuisine featuring international bites and dishes made with local red and green chiles.

3. Albuquerque

Long considered one of the best places to visit in New Mexico, Albuquerque’s nearness to the Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande river make a popular area for outdoor vacations. Bike the Paseo del Bosque Trail, or hike La Luz Trail to the top of Sandia Peak and you will easily see why this is one of the must places to visit in New Mexico. Ride the Sandia Peak Tramway back down to the city. If you want an extra special memory, then come in early October to view hundreds of colorful balloons hit the skies during the Albuquerque Intonations Balloon Fiesta.

4. Taos, NM

One of the truly great places in New Mexico to visit. Located at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos displays an amazing arts scene and rich cultural heritage that helped to earn its nickname “Soul of the Southwest. During the summer the town also provides chances to enjoy outdoor activities such as rock climbing, ballooning and even llama trekking.

Meanwhile, there are many places to visit in New Mexico in winter. You have Taos highly respected ski destinations — Taos Ski Valley, Angel Fire Resort, Red River Ski & Summer Area and Sipapu Ski & Supper Resort — welcome skiers by the masses. When travelers need to soothe their aching muscles, they can visit one of several local hot springs.

5. White Sands National Park

While it probably isn’t one of the places to visit in New Mexico in winter, this is one of America’s newest national parks. Nestled securely in the Tularosa Basin, the park features more than 73,000 acres of white gypsum sand, making it the world’s largest gypsum dune field. Visitors can sled down the dunes or go on foot to explore in the park, by horse, by car, or by bike. A fun place to visit in New Mexico.

6. Silver City

Named for its former existence as a silver mining town, Silver City still has some of its former charm in its central Historic District, which spotlights Victorian, Queen Ann, and Italianate-style buildings. Those who are interested in history can learn about the town’s ties to legendary 19th century figures like Geronimo and Billy The Kid at the Silver City Museum. If you prefer the outdoors, you can hike part of the Continental Divide Trail and trek on the paths in the boulder-filled City of Rocks State Park.

7. Roswell

Ever since a UFO crashed in a farm outside of Roswell in 1947, believers in the paranormal have poured into this town to search for evidence that aliens do indeed exist. Roswell’s alien culture is strong, with themed attractions and events like the International UFO Museum and Research Center and the annual UFO Festival. But there’s more than aliens to entertain in this town. Visitors can look for animals at Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, swim at Bottomless Lakes State Park, and view the exhibits at the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art and the Roswell Museum and Art Center. You certainly won’t have time to be bored here.

8. Los Alamos

Considered a center for scientific advancement, Los Alamos is infamous for being where the atomic bomb was created. But the Atomic City is also known as a gateway to fantastic parks and protected areas. Less than 17 miles southwest of Los Alamos check out Valles Caldera National Preserve, where you’ll find a 13 mile wide volcanic crater, mountain meadows and miles of hiking trails.

9. Bandelier Natioanl Monument

Thousands of amazingly well-preserved ancestral pueblo ruins can be found just 40 miles northwest of Santa Fe in Bandelier National Monument. With more than 33,000 acres, Bandelier contains over 70 miles of hiking trails such as popular choices like the Main Loop and Alcove House trails, which make it easy to reach several pueblo sites from Frijoles Canyon’s visitor center.

10. Petroglyph National Monument

This contains over 25,000 carved images from the area’s Pueblo people and Spanish settlers, who turned it into one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America. Take a short drive to one of these areas — Boca Negra Canyon, Rinconada Canyon, or Piedras Marcadas Canyon to hike on out and view various petroglyphs.

Conclusion

While we do seem to be neglecting New Mexico in favor of other more exciting and flashier places for vacations and sightseeing, it does us well to remember that there is a time and a place for everything. Gaining valuable information about the Roswell Incident, the Petroglyphs, visiting Santa Fe can all make for fun as well as educational experiences. So when you’re planning out your annual vacation, don’t hesitate to mark New Mexico down on your list as one of the possibilities. You will not be disappointed.