16 Most Beautiful Places To Visit In New Mexico

2. White Sands National Park 

I thought this place is a dazzling gem! Located in the southern part of the state, White Sands National Park is a unique sea of stunning white sand covering around 275 square miles of dunes, attracting curious visitors, photographers, and Instagrammers from far and wide!

I thought the whole place was breathtaking and felt otherworldly and on my trip I explored the hiking trails and there were four main ones to choose from. I especially enjoyed the easy 1.5-mile Dune Life Nature Trail as well as the sledding down the dunes – it was a fun and popular activity to do here!

• Address: 19955 US-70, Alamogordo, NM 88310
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: spring and fall (for cooler temperatures)

My favorite highlights…

• Going on a really interesting ranger-led guided walk arranged from the visitor center – it was great to learn about the unique flora and fauna including the white sands pupfish and several types of yucca. We also learnt that the park is home to the largest gypsum sand dunes on the planet!
• Catching the Instagram-worthy views of the white sands glowing at sunset – it was a very magical moment!

3. Bisti Badlands 

I thought this place was unreal! Tucked away in the arid desert of the San Juan Basin, near Farmington, lies this unique wilderness covering over 45,000 acres of dramatic, colorful rock formations, petrified wood, and fossils shaped by wind and water over millions of years.

Once a coastal swamp of an inland sea, it felt so surreal and unusual—almost like being on a different planet! During my visit, I loved exploring the iconic formations and the adjacent De-Na-Zin Wilderness, which features fascinating fossil beds!

• Address: Bisti Access Road, Farmington, NM 87401
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: spring and fall (for cooler temperatures)

My favorite highlights…

• Seeing the incredible “Cracked Egg” formations by exploring the park from the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness parking area and heading east – I loved the surreal, fossil-like appearance they had!
• Finding an incredible scenic overlook and photographing the incredible hoodoos – I loved how the tall natural pillars of rock created dramatic shadows and shapes.

4. Wheeler Peak Wilderness

On my trip, I explored the scenic hiking trails (there are four main ones in total), picnicked by Williams Lake and camped out under the stars in the backcountry areas.

• Address: NM-150, Taos Ski Valley, NM 87525
• Map Location 
• Best time to visit: spring to fall (for best temperatures and scenery)

My favorite highlights…

• Exploring the Wheeler Peak Summit Hike which was a challenging 9 miles round trip and took me 5 hours to complete – the superb panoramic views from the summit of Wheeler Peak (the highest point in the whole state) made it worth it!
• Wildlife-watching in the Williams Lake Area and the Alpine meadows and spotting elk, bighorn sheep and even the red-tailed Hawk swirling above me! 

5. Shiprock

I think this place is just so special! Located in the northwestern part of the state it’s both a striking geological formation (around 1,583 feet tall) and sacred site for the Navajo Nation believed to have formed around 30 million years ago from a volcanic eruption! 

It’s an incredible place especially when standing underneath, and yes I thought it really did resemble a ship’s sail! On my trip, I loved exploring the surrounding hiking trails, capturing the stunning spot at sunset and stopped by the shops near the monument to browse locally made Navajo rugs, jewelry, and art.

• Address: Shiprock, NM 87420
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: spring and fall (for cooler temperatures)

My favorite highlights…

• Going on a guided tour with a Navajo guide which I arranged through Navajo Tours USA – it was great to learn about about the spiritual significance of the rock as well as it history and the folklore surrounding it.
• Hiking the 4-mile round trip which was the popular Shiprock Peak Trail – although it had some steep sections and rocky terrain, the views of the rock and surrounding desert landscapes made it worth it!

6. Bandelier National Monument

This is a surreal and interesting spot! Located in the northern part of the state (near the infamous Los Alamos) in the foothills of the Jemez Mountains, Bandelier National Monument is a protected area which preserves the remnants of an ancient Pueblo Civilization who inhabited the area over 11,000 years ago! 

I have to be honest, I was in awe of the unusual sight of ancient cave homes carved from the volcanic tuff in Frijoles Canyon! On my trip, I explored the scenic, historic hiking trails (there are more than 70 miles of trails), discovered the ruins of the Tyuonyi Pueblo ancestral village, checked out the educational exhibits at the Visitor Center, and marveled at the ancient petroglyphs and masonry walls left behind by the Pueblo people.

• Address: 15 Entrance Rd, Los Alamos, NM 87544
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: spring and fall (for cooler temperatures)

My favorite highlights…

• Climbing wooden ladders into ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings carved into the canyon walls – I loved that it gave me a glimpse into the daily lives of the past inhabitants!
• Seeing ancient petroglyph drawings etched into the tuff along the Main Loop Trail (which took me 2 hours to complete) – it was fascinating to see the symbolic language of the ancient Pueblo people!

7. A Road Trip Along the Rio Grande River

This is one of my favorite road trips in the state and it can be taken all year round – in summer or winter! I personally love the drive from Taos to Big Bend National Park and I stretch it out over a few days (there was around 9 hours in driving time in total). The scenery is superb here and filled with majestic canyons, lush river valleys, desert landscapes, mountain views, cultural landmarks and even bubbling hot springs!

My other stand-out highlights included the panoramic views from the steel bridge crossing Rio Grande Gorge, the red rock cliffs and hoodoos at Ghost Ranch (located outside Abiquiu), the intriguing Frijoles Canyon, the gorgeous backdrop views of Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the hot springs of the quirky town ‘Truth or Consequences’ and the dramatic cliffs of Big Bend National Park. It was an incredible and very Instagram-worthy trip! 

• Location: West of the state
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: spring, summer, fall or winter

My personal highlights…

• Staying overnight at The Inn at Ten Thousand Waves a unique mountain spa resort located near Santa Fe – I loved the zen-like vibe and the spa facilities (which included a relaxing Japanese style onsen).

8. Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

This places always wows me! This captivating protected area – covering around 4,000 acres – is located in the north-central part of the state (near the town of Cochiti Pueblo) and was in awe of the scenery at Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument which consists dramatic conical rock formations, narrow slot canyons, and incredible views of the surrounding high desert landscape, all framed by the striking backdrop of the Jemez Mountains.

Formed 6 to 7 million years ago from volcanic eruptions, I think the landscapes here are both extraordinary and highly photogenic and reminds me what an incredible state this is!

On my trip, I explored the two main hiking trails, marveled at the extraordinary formations, and learned about the geological history and cultural significance of the area through the fascinating exhibits at the visitor center. 

• Address: 6 Tent Rocks Rd, Cochiti Pueblo, NM 87508
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: spring and fall (for cooler temperatures)
  

My favorite highlights…

• Hiking the challenging 3-mile Summit Trail took me two hours to complete and led to a high ridge. The breathtaking panoramic views of the monument below made it all worth it, along with spotting cute lizards and a canyon wren along the way!

9. Acoma Pueblo Village

I thought this place was truly remarkable! Located in the west of the state (60 miles from Albuquerque) this unique village – otherwise known as Sky City – is sat perched atop a 367-foot sandstone mesa. 

On my trip, I took a guided tour to explore the adobe houses and learn about the Acoma people. I discovered more history and Pueblo pottery at the Haak’u Museum and visited the 17th-century Spanish mission church, San Esteban del Rey.

• Address: 1 Sky City Drive, Acoma, NM 87034
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: spring and fall (for cooler temperatures)

My highlights…

• Gazing the stunning views below the high-up village – it was great to see the sprawling cacti-dotted desert landscapes, the prominent Mount Taylor and dramatic sandstone cliffs below!
• Seeing inside a village home was very interesting – it was a simple place with thick walls (which helped to maintain a comfortable temperature inside), small windows, wooden beams and handmade pottery. 

10. Blue Hole of Santa Rosa

I’m totally in love with this unique beauty spot! Located in the small town in Santa Rosa (in the eastern part of the state), it’s a famous natural spring which draws divers, swimmers, and Instagrammers and I’m always wowed by its stunningly clear, blue waters starkly surrounded by desert landscapes!

The Blue Hole is part of the seven sister lakes, which are attached underground by an extensive water system and its visibility of up to 100 feet has made it one of the most sought-after inland dive sites in the whole country. It’s a great place to visit in spring, summer or fall and I love to come here to go scuba diving, swimming, snorkeling, cliff jumping and just relaxing around the edge! Honestly, it’s a gem of place!

• Address: 15 Blue Hole Rd, Santa Rosa, NM 88435
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: spring, summer or fall

My personal highlights…

• Picnicking in the shaded picnic area near the parking lot (which had picnic tables and shade) – it was great to be able to both people-watch and have easy access to the Blue Hole at the same time!

11. The Taos Mountain Trail

I’m a big fan of this challenging hiking trail! Located in the Taos area of northern part of the state it attracts both day hikers and backpacker with its breathtaking scenery of towering alpine peaks, lush aspen and pine forests, wildflower-dotted alpine meadows, and stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

I started the trail at Taos Ski Valley and ended at Wheeler Peak, the highest point in the state. The 7.5-mile trip took me four hours to complete, while other hikers choose to do the 15-mile round trip, which takes around 6 to 8 hours.

• Address: 6 W. D. Road, Taos Ski Valley, NM 87525
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: spring or fall (for most comfortable temperatures) 
  

My highlights…

• Finally reaching the summit of Wheeler Peak – the 360-degree views of the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the shimmering lakes, the Rio Grande Gorge, and expansive valleys made it a very special moment!

12. Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railway

I personally think this quaint gem is a highly underrated attraction! Located in the San Juan Mountains in the northern part of the state, this historic narrow-gauge railway has been operating since 1880. It primarily runs between Chama, New Mexico, and Antonito, Colorado, passing through the scenic Rio Grande National Forest.

I opted for a one way trip which I reserved in advance through the official Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad website and covered approximately 64 miles on a 6 hour trip! The nostalgia-inspired trip really felt like being transported back into into a more elegant time and I could see it appealed to both families and couples looking to do something different on a romantic date! 

I thought the scenery was just gorgeous too and we saw breathtaking views of the rugged Rocky Mountains, lush pine forests, and vibrant wildflower meadows, along with dramatic canyons. 

• Address: 500 Terrace Ave, Antonito, CO 81120
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: the rides typically run from late May to mid-October.

My highlights…

• Dining in the buffet cart when we stopped at Osier Station – I especially loved the Green Chile Enchiladas, Pinto Beans and sweet potato salad! 
• Experiencing the Open Gondola which we could wander into when our tickets had been checked – seeing the scenic views from an open-air carriage was a very memorable experience!

13. El Malpais National Monument

This is a very dramatic natural attraction! Located in the western part of the (near the town of Grants), I’m always captivated by this extraordinary place. 

The El Malpais National Monument covers over 115,000 acres of rugged terrain and on my trip I was in awe of the unique volcanic formations, dramatic cliffs, huge lava flows, juniper forests and unusual geological features.

I hiked the scenic trails, which include 20 miles of designated hiking paths, explored the fascinating lava tubes—El Malpais Lava Tube was one of the highlights—learned about the area’s geology at the El Malpais Visitor Center, marveled at the incredible La Ventana Natural Arch, gazed at ancient petroglyphs in the dramatic Cebolla Canyon, and spotted mule deer and coyotes!

• Address: 5051 New Mexico 117, Grants, NM 87020
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: spring and fall (when the temperatures are cooler)
  

My favorite highlights…

• Hiking trails through unique volcanic crater landscapes on the challenging 2.6 mile long The Lava Falls Trail – being in the middle of an incredible lava field was an experience I haven’t forgotten about yet!
• Discovering Bandera Ice Cave lava tube which were formed by volcanic activity approximately 1,000 years ago – it was freezing inside but seeing the frozen thick ice tinged with green and huge icicles was awesome! 

14. Carlsbad Caverns National Park

I think this is a superb family-friendly attraction! Located in the southeastern part of  the state, the protected area covers over 46,766 acres (about 73 square miles) and includes jaw-dropping caverns as well as diverse ecosystems and beautiful desert landscapes and rugged mountains scenery above the ground. 

Once a coastline of an inland sea, it’s home to 119 rare caves and my jaw literally dropped at the sight of the extraordinary limestone formations and dramatic stalactites and stalagmites that reside in them! 

I especially loved the Big Room chamber (one of the largest underground chambers in North America!), watching a short film and learning about the caverns in the visitor’s center and hiking down what is known as the ‘Natural Entrance’ – a 1.25 mile trail which descends spectacularly 750 feet into the cavern below! 

• Address: 727 Carlsbad Caverns Hwy, Carlsbad, NM 88220
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: spring, summer or fall
  

My highlights…

• Joining their bat flight program and seeing thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from the cave at dusk (during the summer months) – it was a seriously surreal and slightly scary moment! 
• Hiking the 1.5 mile Rattlesnake Springs Trail (located above ground) which took me to the incredible rare oasis, Rattlesnake Springs which is fed by natural springs – it was great to see the iconic limestone formations! 

15. Chaco Culture National Historical Park

This is an awesome attraction for history lovers! Located in a a remote area within the San Juan Basin northwestern part of the state (between Albuquerque and Farmington) I found Chaco Culture National Historical Park to be mystical and really fascinating! 

The UNESCO World Heritage Site is an archaeological network of ancient Pueblo architecture and buildings dating from 900 and 1150 AD. I was in awe of the striking blend of sprawling desert landscapes, rugged mesas, and intriguing ancient stone ruins set against clear blue skies!

During my visit, I explored the best-known structures of Pueblo Bonito, which features over 600 rooms, and Chetro Ketl, known for its large sunken kiva. I also visited the unique Casa Rinconada, hiked the ancient trails – there are nine main trails – and discovered the canyon’s spiral petroglyphs at Fajada Butte, located high on a hill.

• Address: 1808 CR 7950, Nageezi, NM 87037
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: spring and fall (for cooler temperatures)
  

My favorite highlights…

• Hiking the challenging 5.4 mile round trip on the Pueblo Alto Trail which took me three hours to complete and had a moderately steep elevation and rocky terrain – it was great to see the awesome panoramic views of the ancient ruins along the trail as well as the fascinating rock art of the Chacoan people.

16. Taos Gorge Bridge

This bridge is wow-inducing! This bridge – which is also known as the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge – is located in the northern part of the state (just 10 miles from Taos) and was completed in 1965. I think the scenery here is extraordinary and consists of the deep and rugged Rio Grande Gorge surrounded by steep cliffs and striking earthy landscapes.

The fifth-highest bridge in the USA, it spans the stunning Rio Gorge and is so photogenic it’s even been featured in several famous films including Natural Born Killers and The Long Kiss Goodnight! To me, the bridge embodies everything I love about this unique state: it’s scenic, photogenic, and always evokes a sense of adventure in me every time I cross it!

• Address: NM-570, Taos, NM 87571
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: spring, summer, fall and winter
  

My highlights…

• Gazing over the gorge from the bridge’s walkway 650ft above Rio Grande River below and hearing the rushing of the river echoing off the canyons – it was definitely an incredible moment!