Not without reason, New Mexico’s nickname is Land of Enchantment.
With a large variety of cultural and geological diversity in the state, there are so many great things to see and do. We’ve rounded up 13 that are likely to leave you, well, enchanted, and we’ve left out Santa Fe since most people already know about the vibrant art scene there.
Ship Rock
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An immense volcanic plug rising above flat desert all around it, Ship Rock in the northwestern corner of the state is one of the four sacred peaks of the Navajo People. Climbing it is forbidden (and very difficult), but you can get good looks at it from nearby roads.
Visit Ancient Archaeological Sites
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Ancient Native Americans left behind ruins of villages and homes all around the country. In New Mexico, some of the best places to view and tour them are Chaco Canyon National Historic Park, Bandelier National Monument, and Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument.
View Ancient Rock Art
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The Ancients also left behind thousands of petroglyphs (rock carvings) and pictographs (rock paintings), and the meanings of many of them remain a mystery. Perhaps the prime spot in the state for seeing rock art is aptly named Petroglyph National Monument within the city limits of Albuquerque.
Taos Pueblo
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Taos Pueblo is the oldest continuously inhabited place in North America, going back more than a thousand years. On your visit, you can admire the historic architecture and also partake of authentic Native American arts, crafts, and foods.
Do Some Skiing
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Taos Ski Valley has some of the best skiing in the country, and without the crowds and astronomical costs of places like Aspen and Vail. Taos is in the northern part of the state, but there’s also skiing farther south in the Cloudcroft and Ruidoso areas.
Hike Up Wheeler Peak
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Wheeler Peak is the highest point in New Mexico. In the summer, you can hike a trail to its summit. This moderately difficult trail will test your legs and lungs, but it isn’t technical in any way, so anyone in decent shape with some good hiking shoes can get up it.
Experience the Sandias
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The Sandia Mountains tower above Albuquerque, forming what’s sometimes called a sky island, a cool oasis amidst the surrounding desert. A road climbs high into the mountains, which are also popular with hikers and rock climbers.
Walk the Catwalk
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In the Gila National Forest near Silver City, you’ll find this unusual trail. For half a mile, an elevated bridge hugs a canyon wall directly above a rushing stream below. Railings and regular maintenance make this hike perfectly safe.
Explore the City of Rocks
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Also near Silver City, City of Rocks State Park is named for the large boulders strewn all about, many of which you can camp right beside. Bouldering– climbing shorter rock objectives without using a rope– is popular here, but you can also just drive or walk around the formations to admire them, and kids love scrambling up the easier ones.
White Sands National Park
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New Mexico’s only national park, White Sands is famous for its powdery sand made of white gypsum, a type of salt. A couple trails take you into notable areas, but you can also just wander off on your own. Always have good eye protection since the bright white sand here can cause effects similar to snow blindness.
Seek the Truth at Roswell
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Do you believe in UFOs piloted by extraterrestrials, better known as aliens? Or do you at least have an open mind about them? Roswell is the epicenter of UFO and ET documentation and research, and a visit to the museum here might be a fun diversion or might confirm your priors.
Tour Carlsbad Caverns
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Open all year, the main cavern at Carlsbad Caverns National Park is accessible for self-guided tours. In the summer, gather at the amphitheater outside the cave opening at dusk to watch thousands and thousands of bats emerge to go out hunting for insects all night.
Cool Off at Sitting Bull Falls
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Also in the Carlsbad area, Sitting Bull Falls is reached by a long drive on Forest Service roads. It’s a tall, spring-fed waterfall in a desert setting, so it’s scenic on its own merits. In the hot summers, though, you can cool off in the shallow pool at its base.
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