historical places to visit in new mexico

10 Historic Sites In New Mexico You Need To See

From charming monuments to unique exhibits and historical museums, here are 10 of the most historical places in New Mexico.

One of the most vibrant cities in the world, New Mexico is highly recognized for many reasons. There are a plethora of things to see and do, and it can almost be overwhelming. The city has great excitement and adventure awaiting not just tourists but natives too. There are also so many cultures to embrace and history to digest. From charming monuments to unique exhibits and historical museums, here are 10 of the most historical places in New Mexico.

10 Petroglyph National Monument

There is a certain charm to Petroglyph National Monument that continues to captivate the hearts and souls of both locals and visitors alike. It is one of the most compelling sites in New Mexico. It shields one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America. This entails five extinct volcanic cones, hundreds of archeological sites, and more than 22,000 images designed by Puebloans, Navajos, and ancient Spanish settlers over the last 200-700 years.

Related: Everything Worth Doing When Visiting Taos, New Mexico

9 Fort Union National Monument

New Mexico was not a United States territory until the Mexican American War . Since the army wanted to protect the locals and travel routes, it created garrisons in towns distributed along the Rio Grande. The commanding Military Department disintegrated the distributed garrisons and shifted them in pots closer to the Indians, where he established Fort Union. Nestled north of Watrous in Mora County, Fort Union National Monument offers a lot. From taking a 1.25-walk on the self-guided interpretive trail to seeing the remains of the second fort and third fort, as well as traces of the mountains and Cimarron Branches of the old Santa Fe Trail, visitors will never get tired of exploring all of its awe-inspiring sights.

Related: New Mexico Really Is The 'Land Of Enchantment' And It's Easy To See Why

8 Los Luceros

Situated north of Alcade on the east bank of the Rio Grande, this charming 148-acre ranch is a vibrant spot with a vast stretch of a farmyard, Victorian cottage, carriage house, and a guesthouse. The site is absolutely stunning, both when looking at it from near and far. Featuring picturesque river views, acres of apple orchards, and rolling agriculture fields, Los Luceros is one of those unforgettable gems that really sticks out.

7 El Santuario De Chimayo

A visit to New Mexico rewards guests with Instagrammable views at El Santuario De Chimayo. It is a tiny worship center set in the town of Chimayo, a charming location below the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. It is no surprise that the site emerges as one with high numbers of tourists in New Mexico, with more than 300,000 visitors yearly. The site has become increasingly popular due to the healing powers of the holy dirt that stays in the region. Visitors can experience the miraculous curative powers believed to cure a vast array of diseases. It is perceived as the most crucial pilgrimage site in the country.

6 Jemez Historic Site

Just a stone’s throw from Albuquerque and Bernalillo lies the Jemez National Historic Landmark, which is a charming historic site worth exploring . It continues to captivate the hearts and souls of both locals and travelers alike. The site features the stone ruins of a 700-year-old village and the San Jose de Los Jemez church dating to 1621/2. There is a heritage Center that possesses exhibitions that narrates the story of the site via the words of the Jemez people. The site also contains a 1,400-foot interpretive trail. Visitors coming to this impressive site ruins will have so much history to digest.

5 Taos Pueblo

Taos Pueblo is one of the most picturesque historic locations in New Mexico. It was established over 100 decades ago and is home to about 150 people. It is highly recognized for the stacked tan adobe buildings. This village is just a stone’s throw from the Taos mountains of the Sangre De Cristo Range. Visitors will not only enjoy the incredible mountain scenery but will also be pleasantly surprised by the steady stream running directly via the village, commonly known as Rio Pueblo de Taos.

4 Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

The stunning landscape of New Mexico in this destination begs to be explored. No wonder travelers can hike a short 11-mile loop trail up to prehistoric dwellings, precisely rooted directly into the cliffside. For many decades, this site has served as a temporary shelter for various groups of nomadic people. However, it was transformed into permanent homes by the individuals of the Mogollon culture. The Mogollon designed about 40 rooms scattered all over five huge caves accommodating different families. Later, the rooms were left as historic sites after the Mogollon left.

3 Bandelier National Monument

Full of intrinsic beauty, rich culture, and immense history, Bandelier National Monument boasts a range of picturesque sites that are just begging to be explored. With highlights such as petroglyphs, dwellings carved into the soft cliffs and standing masonry walls, who wouldn’t want to visit this site. Visitors can begin exploring Bandelier with a walk on the Main Loop Trail.

2 Lincoln Historic Site

The site was made popular during one of the most turbulent periods in New Mexico's history. Visitors will be pleasantly mesmerized by the Old Courthouse with exhibits describing the Lincoln County War. Visitors can experience the breathtaking atmosphere while walking in the footsteps of Billy the Kid, Pat Garret, and other attributes of the Wild West.

1 New Mexico History Museum

New Mexico History Museum is a perfect destination for visitors who hope to have more insights into the multiple experiences of New Mexico natives, the factors that have molded the state, and the associations that connect the locality with other global regions. Visitors will enjoy the historic palace of the Governors constructed in 1610, the Fray Angelico Chavez Library (1907), and the palace of the Governor's Photo archives.

11 Historical Landmarks You Absolutely Must Visit In New Mexico

Juliet White

Staff writer for Only In Your State and freelance writer. Juliet can be reached on Twitter @JulietWrites.

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New Mexico has a whopping 46 national historic landmarks. These sites are incredibly diverse. Some, like Santa Fe’s Plaza, are on the well-worn tourist trail while others, such as Fort Bayard, are a little further off the beaten path. All of these landmarks provide snapshots of New Mexico’s past. However, these 11 historical New Mexico landmarks, in particular, need to be seen to be truly appreciated.

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How many of these New Mexico landmarks have you seen? What are your favorite historical sites – on or off this list – in New Mexico? For more ways to immerse yourself in the past, head to some of our state’s most historic towns .

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What are some of the most incredible natural wonders in New Mexico?

Filled with spectacular scenery, it’s appropriate that New Mexico is referred to as the Land of Enchantment. And with all the natural wonders around the state, there’s a lot to see! White Sands, for one, is a sea of white sand that’s made of gypsum. Take a hike through or even sled down the dunes for a time you won't soon forget, Carlsbad Caverns and its many rooms are an absolute marvel to explore. Stalagtites and stalagmites fill the system of 119 caves. 

What is the best manmade attraction in New Mexico?

While natural wonders are must-see attractions, so are many manmade structures around the state. One such location is a set of manmade caves in Ojo Caliente. Formed by artist Ra Paulette, the caves carved into a sandstone butte are quite a sight to behold.

What are the weirdest places in New Mexico?

There are many quirky roadside attractions that are worth checking out. Certain streets of certain towns are lined with unusual, head-turning stops like the world’s largest chili pepper in Las Cruces, the world’s biggest pistachio nut in Alamagordo, and Fox Cave in Glencoe.

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A History Lover’s Guide to New Mexico

New Mexico is an unrivaled destination for any history lover, with protected monuments, rich traditions, and preserved historical wonders ready to be experienced.

Throughout the beautiful, high desert landscapes of New Mexico are some of the most historically rich destinations in the United States. From Pueblo ruins, ancient petroglyphs, and sacred Indigenous lands to Spanish, Mexican, and frontier settlements, the state is full of historical treasures.

Fortunately, it’s easy to visit these wonderful places and landmarks by road. With a little time and a trusty map, you can easily visit the historical places scattered throughout the state. Below are the best places in New Mexico to visit to get the most out of this historical region.

Dive into New Mexico’s Capital, Santa Fe

New Mexico’s capital is a breathtaking patchwork of historical places that are easy to visit. As soon as you set foot in the city, centuries of architectural styles surround you. From Spanish cathedrals, 17th-century adobe houses, and 19th-century Mexican haciendas to historical cathedrals, you can spend days just experiencing the buildings.

After thousands of years of Indigenous history , the colonizing Spanish established Santa Fe as a European settlement in 1610. Until 1821, the city was the capital of the Spanish colonial frontier and remained relatively cut off from the rest of the Spanish political territory because of its remoteness. After Mexico won its independence from Spain , Mexico expanded trade with the United States, using the city as the hub for a series of roads linking the city with Missouri that became known as the Santa Fe Trail.

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Throughout the city are well-curated museums that chronicle the city’s rich and complex history and mixture of cultures. Downtown’s New Mexico History Museum, Museum Hill’s Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, and Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian educate visitors on the area’s long Indigenous history.

Throughout the city, you’ll see relics of its past as the crossroads of the American West. First, browse through the centuries-old avenues surrounding the historic Santa Fe Plaza. Then, walk south down Old Santa Fe Trail Road to see the Loretto Chapel, San Miguel Chapel, and the Oldest House Museum. Finally, take some time to walk through the historic Santa Fe Railway Park.

Visit and Experience Taos Pueblo

Just over an hour and thirty minutes north of Santa Fe is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Taos Pueblo. The town is one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States and is a regional center for indigenous culture and cultural preservation.

Nestled on the Rio Pueblo de Taos River, Taos Pueblo has been the home of the Pueblo Indian community for at least 1,000 years. Many of the town’s well-preserved multi-story buildings were likely built between the 11th and 15th centuries.

When you enter the town, you immediately see the towering smooth walls of the adobe complexes. The ancestral Pueblo people built their adobe buildings from bricks or large walls made from soil, water, and straw. Today, each building has doors and windows, however before the modern era, people entered their adobe homes through the roof.

Taos Pueblos is the perfect destination to learn more about this historic region and its beautiful architecture. After parking at the parking facility on Pueblo Street, you can walk into the large open space in the center of town. Here, you can take your time to enjoy the beautiful original adobe buildings such as Hlaukwima and Hlauuma and the 17th-century St. Jerome Chapel. Afterward, you can shop for local jewelry or art pieces around town to take a piece of this incredible destination home with you.

Wonder Through Aztec and Gaze at Ship Rock

In the northwest corner of New Mexico is the town of Aztec , where you can visit the Aztec monument. Ancestral Puebloans built these stunning stone complexes in the 12th century and abandoned them for unknown reasons several hundred years before the Europeans arrived.

Today, you can easily visit the expansive UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll walk through the grounds, enter the buildings, and learn about Puebloan culture and architecture through curated exhibits.

The Aztec monument consists of several stone buildings, including a massive three-story central complex. Inside are hundreds of rooms with windows and hallways. Next to the main building is the Great Kiva, a large circular structure that was likely used for ceremonies and spiritual gatherings.

Just an hour and thirty minutes from the town of Aztec is the massive natural landmark known as Ship Rock. The 600-meter-high rock formation was formed by an explosive volcanic eruption that happened around 30 million years ago. The landform is sacred to the Navajo people, who call it Tsé Bit’ a’í , meaning a rock with wings. Because of this, hiking is not permitted, however, the monument is well worth viewing from the Indian Service Route 13.

Experience the Chaco Culture National Historical Park

About three hours west of New Mexico’s capital, Santa Fe, is the UNESCO World Heritage Site Chaco Culture National Historical Park. This large complex of Ancestral Puebloan ruins is a popular place for anyone looking to learn about the area’s original Indigenous cultures.

The Ancestral Pueblo, also known as the Chacoan People, built the complex in the 9th century, making it one of the oldest examples of Pueblo architecture to date. For centuries, it remained a center of trade and religious practices for the entire region. During this time, a massive urban complex of buildings sprung up from the dry landscape, featuring intricate masonry and roadways that led to other urban centers in the region.

When you visit this sacred landscape, you’ll get to walk through the grounds and visit the buildings and kivas. You’ll find magnificently carved stone and brick structures, petroglyphs, and curated exhibits at the Chacoan Museum.

Outside of its beautiful buildings and museum are several wonderful hiking trails. If you want to get even more out of this wonderful landmark, consider taking a guided tour led by a park ranger. You’ll get to walk around the sacred site and learn about its history and the complex culture that evolved here.

There are also exciting special events you can attend throughout the year. Visit in the summer to experience the special summer solstice celebration. During this event, held for several days around June’s summer solstice, you’ll see traditional dancers, speakers, and other special events throughout the day.

Hike the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

In the forested mountains of southwestern New Mexico are the Gila Cliff Dwellings. The  Mogollon People built these impressive complexes deep into the towering cliffs and caves between the 12th and 14th centuries.

Visiting these structures and the beautiful landscapes surrounding them is an experience unmatched anywhere else in the country. You’ll get the full perspective on the craftsmanship and ingenuity it took to build these structures inside the limestone caves.

Inside the complex of houses are a series of rooms and hallways that the ancient Mogollon People called home. The structures provided protection from the unforgiven landscape and allowed them to survive for almost two centuries before they abandoned the site.

Around the grounds are several wonderful hiking trails. These trials will take you through the Gila wilderness and give you plenty of views of the ruins and the flora and fauna that call them home. If you want, you can take a guided tour of the monument and its hiking trails to learn even more about the people who once lived here.

Visit Los Alamos for Nuclear History

The hit movie Oppenheimer from 2023 showed the complex and nail-biting story of the inventor of the Atomic Bomb that was dropped on the Japanese cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima at the end of World War II. This moment in history took place in Los Alamos, New Mexico, and you can see firsthand the places where it all happened.

A team of scientists and engineers led the Manhattan Project , including the famous J. Robert Oppenheimer. This famous military project was put in place to develop and test the world’s first atomic bomb, with its headquarters in Los Alamos. You’ll be able to visit landmarks such as the Los Alamos National Laboratory, where the project took shape starting in 1942.

Throughout Los Alamos are museums and monuments dedicated to this moment in world history. At the Los Alamos History Museum, you can learn about the project through exhibits and view documents, photos, and other artifacts that bring you up close to the people behind the influential event.

In addition to the town’s Manhattan Project, landmarks are other places celebrating the town’s historical achievements. One of the top places is the popular Bradbury Science Museum. Here, you can learn all about the scientific discoveries that occurred here.

Other Must-See Historical Places in New Mexico

The state of New Mexico is full of hundreds of historical landmarks, towns, and ruins that are easy to get to and experience. Below are other impressive historical landmarks and places just a short drive from New Mexico’s largest cities.

1. Bandelier National Monument

Just an hour outside of Santa Fe is Bandelier National Monument, a large complex of Ancestral Pueblo structures built right into the large limestone cliffs. You can hike the trails and see these impressive structures, petroglyphs, and artifacts that are some of the oldest in the region.

2. Salinas Pueblo 

An hour south of Albuquerque is Salinas Pueblo National Monument. There are three impressive Ancestral Pueblo ruins to visit. In this region, early Spanish soldiers and the Indigenous tribes of the area encountered each other. Soon, the Spanish built missions which led to several conflicts and land disputes.

3. Albuquerque

New Mexico’s largest city is not without its fair share of historical places. While visiting, check out museums such as the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science and the Albuquerque Museum, which feature plenty of memorabilia and artifacts from the city’s long history.

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By Matt Dursum BA Geography and GIS Systems Matt is a freelance writer and journalist from Michigan who’s currently living in South America. When he’s not writing, Matt is studying languages — so far Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese, and French — visiting museums, surfing, and traveling.

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• 7 of the Most Beautiful Historic Towns in New Mexico

New Mexico is a melting pot of cultures, a mix of Native American, Spanish, and American history. With a population that celebrates its multicultural heritage, New Mexico invites travelers to discover its storied past and historic landmarks and experience the unique blend of traditions that define this southwestern gem. From Taos to Tucumcari, you have the chance to see time from the Pueblo people up until the heydey of America's Route 66.

Taos Pueblo, UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Taos sits at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and is known for embodying the artistic and cultural spirit of New Mexico. The Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest continuously inhabited community in the U.S., is a must-visit site for anyone interested in the history and traditions of the Pueblo people.

In town, you can visit the historic Taos Plaza which is surrounded by adobe structures and is full of shops and galleries showcasing local art. Nearby, you can visit the Kit Carson Home and Museum, which is a great way to learn about the famous frontiersman's life. 

Lincoln is a historic town frozen in time that originally gained notoriety during the Lincoln County War. Today, the Old West comes to life at the Lincoln Historic Site which is comprised of 17 structures and is recognized as a National Historic Landmark.

The Torreon is a unique circular defensive tower that once protected settlers from raiding Apaches in the mid-1800s.

The Tunstall Store, a commercial landmark, witnessed the conflict that involved figures like Billy the Kid. As the town where Billy the Kid made his infamous escape, Lincoln preserves the ambiance of the Wild West but in a much more peaceful way. 

Socorro County Courthouse, 200 Church Street, Socorro, New Mexico.

Socorro is situated along the Rio Grande and has a history intertwined with Spanish colonization and the Santa Fe Trail. The San Miguel Mission initially established in 1626, stands as one of the oldest missions in the United States.

The Socorro Plaza, surrounded by adobe structures, is a great spot to experience the town's Spanish colonial charm. The Very Large Array (VLA), a cutting-edge radio astronomy observatory, is a landmark unlike any other. As a hub for scientific research and a guardian of colonial legacies, Socorro is a great place to explore the convergence of tradition and innovation.

Old Town Mesilla Village Square, Mesilla, New Mexico, USA. Editorial credit: EndeavorMoorePhotography / Shutterstock.com

Mesilla is located in the fertile Mesilla Valley and has a rich history rooted in Spanish colonial influence and also in the Butterfield Overland Mail route.

Visitors can experience the Basilica of San Albino, a historic church dating back to the 1850s. In town, visitors can walk through the Mesilla Plaza, which is surrounded by charming historic buildings and serves as a focal point for local events and festivities.

The Double Eagle Restaurant is housed in an opulent heritage building and is a great spot to sit and eat before continuing on with your adventure. 

Silver City

Downtown Silver City, Bullard Street, New Mexico, USA. Editorial credit: Underawesternsky / Shutterstock.com

Silver City is surrounded by the rugged landscapes of the Gila National Forest and flourished during the mining boom of the late 19th century. The town's historic downtown district is adorned with Victorian-era architecture, giving visitors a glimpse of the town's mining heyday. The Western New Mexico University Museum has exhibits on regional history and is a perfect stop for any history buff. 

The Big Ditch Park, a historic flood control project turned green space, is a unique tranquil retreat that runs right through the heart of the town.

Nope, we're not in Nevada. New Mexico's Las Vegas is distinguished from its flashy Nevada counterpart by a rich history shaped by the Santa Fe Trail and the railroad. The Las Vegas Plaza is surrounded by historic buildings and captures the essence of the town's Spanish and Victorian influences.

The Castaneda Hotel, a Fred Harvey Hotel, harks back to the era of luxury rail travel. Another building of note is the Montezuma Castle which was once a luxurious resort but today is a prestigious boarding school. 

Blue Swallow Motel, Tucumcari, NM: Historic Route 66 landmark since 1939. Editorial credit: Andrey Bayda / Shutterstock.com

Tucumcari  is situated along the historic Route 66 and encapsulates the spirit of mid-20th century America. The Blue Swallow Motel, a vintage motor court, serves as an iconic symbol of Mother Road's golden era.

The Tucumcari Historical Museum, housed in a former railroad station, showcases the town's past as a railway hub. The Tucumcari Mural Tour is an excellent addition to any trip as it's self-guided, and there are over 100 murals to visit around town. Tucumcari, with its neon-lit nostalgia and roadside charm, invites travelers to experience the allure of Route 66 and the bygone era it represents.

Discover New Mexico's History

From adobe missions to bustling plazas, each town preserves a unique chapter of the state's past. New Mexico, with its vibrant cultural fusion, invites travelers to explore the landscapes where indigenous traditions, Spanish colonial legacies, and American frontiers converged. With diverse landmarks and a rich history, the Land of Enchantment is waiting for you. 

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The 10 best places to visit in New Mexico

Oct 28, 2022 • 5 min read

In southern New Mexico, White Sands National Park preserves 275 sq miles of ice-white gypsum dunefields © Katie Chang / Stocksy United

If you’re looking for a deep dive into historical, cultural and ecological diversity, New Mexico might be as enchanting as its license plates suggest.

From the northern tip of the Chihuahuan Desert to 9000ft above sea level at the Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico has diverse climates – and all the sites and activities to go with it. 

1. Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a colorful tapestry of living history and progressive vision, home to one of oldest churches and houses in the United States, just to give an example of how deep its roots go.

Over the 400 or so years it has existed as a non-Indigenous settlement, the state’s capital – called Oghá P'o'oge in the Tewa language – has gone through many transformations. The layers of each period can be seen throughout the historic Plaza , from Spanish colonial and pueblo architecture to galleries and museums filled with traditional and contemporary art to a counterculture vibe leftover from the 1960s.

Santa Fe is also home to everyone’s favorite interactive art adventure, Meow Wolf , and some of the most eclectic and celebrated cuisine in the state.

2. White Sands National Park

This national park in southern New Mexico preserves 275 sq miles of ice-white gypsum dunefields. Hike through the otherworldly vistas, or buy a sled at the gift shop and take a run at the loop portion of Dunes Drive. 

Book a reservation and permit for camping as well. It’s worth the extra legwork to spend a night under the stars and even experience a full moon. As one of the darkest places in the US, you’ll feel transported to another planet during the day and night. Be sure to pack your camera!

Take a drive from Santa Fe to Taos for even more art and culture. Stroll the historic plaza, which is lined by galleries and museums aplenty, or head out to Taos Ski Valley for skiing in winter and hiking in the summer.

The Rio Grande Gorge is a breathtaking site and makes for a nice photo op on your way to the Mesa for a tour of the EarthShips  community – a collection of unique, sci-fi-looking dwellings that are 100% self sustaining and off the grid. You can also take a tour of one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the world at Taos Pueblo , though be sure to read up on proper etiquette and cultural expectations when visiting this sacred place.

4. Albuquerque 

The state’s “big city,” Albuquerque is known around the world as the site of the annual International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in October. Albuquerque’s location between the Rio Grande and the Sandia Mountains creates an ideal climate for hot-air ballooning, and visitors can enjoy this magical experience all year long.

A late-afternoon trip up the Sandia Peak Tramway is the perfect way to take in a  world-famous sunset. Plan to have dinner and a drink at the top of the peak, but remember to plan for the extra-high elevation and drink plenty of water. 

For unique shopping, check out Old Town, Los Ranchos and the Nob Hill areas for lots of locally owned businesses and quality vintage and mid-century modern stores.

5. Rio Grande

The section of the Rio Grande between Taos and Española is an excellent place for a little white-water rafting – you’ll find many companies along the river offering the experience. But if you’re not interested in a wild ride, head south. Between Albuquerque and Socorro the river gets lazy and becomes the perfect place to float or kayak. You’ll also find several wineries along the river that are open to the public.

A great day-trip destination between Santa Fe and Albuquerque, Madrid is an old mining town turned funky art village. Book a horseback ride at Broken Saddle Ranch, just north of Madrid, or spend some time driving along the scenic Turquoise Trail, which runs from Cedar Crest to Cerrillos. Just plan to be off the grid – there’s still no cell service in Madrid.

7. Ghost Ranch

Located in Abiquiu, which is a beautiful red-rock-filled wonder of its own, Ghost Ranch was the home of painter Georgia O'Keeffe. Here you’ll find workshops, retreats, hiking rails, museums and 21,000 acres of wild space, including landscapes that change with the daylight, making it clear why so many artists have made northern New Mexico their home.

8. Truth or Consequences 

Yes, that’s actually the city’s name! If you’re a fan of hot springs, Truth or Consequences – aka T or C – has some of the best in the state. While you can find hot springs in various other places, the spas in T or C are the least crowded and most budget-friendly, so you can truly relax and let the minerals work their magic.

9. Sky City

Another of the 19 pueblos found throughout New Mexico – and another of the longest-inhabited communities in the world – Acoma is called Sky City because of its location atop a sheer-walled, 367ft sandstone bluff. It offers museums, a cultural center and guided tours. As with visiting any Indigenous nation, be sure to dress and act respectfully and follow local protocol. 

10. Tent Rocks

There are simply too many amazing national parks in New Mexico  to list them all, but in addition to White Sands, be sure to make time for Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument . Located at Cochiti Pueblo, between Santa Fe and Albuquerque , this park features incredible cone-shaped rock formations created by volcanic eruptions, which occurred six to seven million years ago and left pumice, ash and tuff deposits more than 1000 feet thick.

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18 Best Places to Visit in New Mexico, According to Locals

Come to see historic small towns, scenic hiking trails, the "Grand Canyon of New Mexico," and more.

For a true taste of the American Southwest, consider a trip to New Mexico. Spanning approximately 121,000 square miles, the state is famous for its rich Indigenous history, vast landscapes (from towering dunes to subterranean caves), amazing archaeological sites, national landmarks (cliff dwellings, well-preserved adobe buildings, and centuries-old churches, to name a few), and an incredible arts and culture scene. It’s no surprise, then, that New Mexico is nicknamed the Land of Enchantment.

To narrow down the state’s best attractions, we reached out to local experts for their top recommendations. Without further ado, here are the best places to visit in New Mexico, from sprawling national parks to tiny towns and everything in between.

White Sands National Park

Mary Robnett/Travel + Leisure

Spanning 275 square miles, White Sands National Park is the world’s largest gypsum dune field, and it looks and feels like an entirely different planet . The wave-like, powder-white sand dunes resemble mounds of snow, and visitors can hike or sled down them any time of year. It’s also worth noting the park is home to a handful of white-hued animals — which have changed to a lighter color over time to adapt to the environment — including mice, lizards, crickets, spiders, and moths. 

Couse-Sharp Historic Site

Visit New Mexico

Angelisa Murray, CEO of guided tour operator Heritage Inspirations in Taos, describes the Couse-Sharp Historic Site as a “true gem” and “one of [her] favorite museums.” Here, you’ll find the former homes and art studios of Taos Society of Artists (TSA) founding members Joseph Sharp and E.I. Couse. “Our guests can see the actual moccasins and pottery that Couse painted in his paintings ... and journey back in time to get a real feel of Taos in the early 1900s,” says Murray.

“ Abiquiú is one of my favorite small towns to take our guests,” says Murray. The town, which was settled by the Spanish in the mid-18th century, looks and feels like it was plucked out of a classic Western, and visitors may even recognize it from fan-favorite flicks like Indiana Jones . However, it’s also famous for being the home of renowned American artist Georgia O'Keeffe. Don’t leave without visiting the O’Keeffe Home and Studio and Ghost Ranch (the artist’s summer home, about 20 minutes northwest). Murray also recommends popping into the state’s first general store, Bodes , which “offers an otherworldly experience for the intrepid traveler,” according to Murray.

Bandelier National Monument

JHVEPhoto/Getty Images

Known for its magnificent mesas, canyons, and ancestral Pueblo dwellings, this national monument spans more than 33,000 acres of rugged landscape, making it a must-visit for history buffs and nature lovers alike. The 1.4-mile Pueblo Loop Trail winds through various archaeological sites and is a popular hike. If you’re looking for more thrills, hop on one of the ladders along the route to climb into small human-carved alcoves. Alternatively, experienced hikers may opt to tackle the challenging Frijoles Canyon and Rim Trail (eight miles one way). Keep in mind those who wish to visit Frijoles Canyon and the Pueblo Loop Trail will be required to take a shuttle, which runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily (mid-June through mid-October).

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

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For a first-hand look at Pueblo culture, head to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque. Spanning more than 80 acres, the center is owned and operated by the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico. On-site offerings include a museum, exhibition galleries, murals from Pueblo artists, and the Indian Pueblo Kitchen , which serves freshly prepared Native American cuisine. Don’t leave without stocking up on some souvenirs, including Native American artwork and a wide selection of traditional and contemporary crafts, jewelry, pottery, rugs, and more. Pro tip: Check the events calendar for a schedule of the latest programming.

Santuario de Chimayo

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Marama Nengel, chef concierge at Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection , recommends taking an afternoon trip to Santuario de Chimayó , about 27 miles from Santa Fe. According to Nengel, thousands visit this picturesque adobe church — now a National Historic Landmark — each year. It’s best known for its holy dirt, which is believed to have healing properties. Per Nengel, no trip here is complete without a visit to the Centinela Traditional Arts gallery to see eight generations of Trujillo weavers. Finally, when hunger calls, tuck into some Southwestern fare at Rancho de Chimayó .

Puye Cliff Dwellings

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Located in Los Alamos, this National Historic Landmark was once home to 1,500 Pueblo Indians. It’s no surprise, then, that the site boasts some stunning Pueblo architecture and well-preserved cliff and cave dwellings. The panoramic valley views are an incredible added bonus. It’s worth noting that guided tours are available Monday to Thursday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Santa Fe Plaza

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Santa Fe Plaza is both a beloved tourist attraction and a popular gathering place for locals. This National Historic Landmark, established by the Spanish in the early 17th century, is renowned for its Spanish Pueblo architecture. The bustling location hosts a slew of events throughout the year, including the Traditional Spanish Market in the summer months. Come holiday season, the square gets decked out in twinkling lights, making it even more magical. In recent years, the area surrounding the Plaza has evolved into a buzzy hot spot with dozens of eclectic restaurants, shops, museums, and hotels.

El Rancho de Las Golondrinas

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El Rancho de Las Golondrinas (“The Ranch of the Swallows”) is a historic ranch-turned-living history museum near downtown Santa Fe, though its rural surroundings make it feel worlds away, What’s more, a visit to this 200-acre site, which is dotted with striking adobe buildings, feels like a step back in time to New Mexico in the 1800s. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the ranch served as an official rest stop for travelers on El Camino Real, which stretched from Mexico City to Santa Fe. Note the site is closed for general admission between November and March.

Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway

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The 65-mile Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway — named for the precious stone the Pueblo mined here centuries earlier — links Santa Fe and Albuquerque. As such, it makes for an excellent day trip from either city. The historic route winds through old mining and ghost towns such as Madrid , Golden , and Los Cerrillos . Carve out some time to stop at Casa Grande Trading Post , Cowgirl Red , and Tinkertown Museum , as well as Sandia Peak Tramway to soak up the postcard-worthy views from up high.

Sangre de Cristo Mountains

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According to Hans Loehr, adventure center architect at the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe , the Sangre de Cristo Mountains offer something for everyone, including scenic trails for hikers of all experience levels. Additionally, he tells Travel + Leisure , "Guests can enjoy exploring forests of aspen, ponderosa, and pinyon-juniper and meadows filled with colorful wildflowers, relaxing near alpine lakes, bagging some high mountain peaks, and pausing to take in breathtaking views from ridgetops and mountain summits.”

Rio Grande Gorge

Stretching nearly 50 miles, the magnificent, 800-foot-deep Rio Grande Gorge is considered the Grand Canyon of New Mexico. Soak in sweeping views of the rugged landscape from the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge , which, at 650 feet above the ground, is one of the country’s highest bridges. It’s also a popular spot for hiking.

Courtesy of Meow Wolf

Sontanna Sanchez, a concierge at the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe, recommends visiting Meow Wolf for a unique and immersive art experience. The kaleidoscopic “House of Eternal Return” features “more than 70 rooms, taking participants on a macrocosmic adventure only found in Santa Fe,” says Sanchez. All in all, the playful exhibit is sure to delight art lovers of all ages.

San Miguel Chapel

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Located along the Old Santa Fe Trail in Santa Fe’s Barrio de Analco Historic District , this Spanish colonial mission church is considered the oldest in the United States. While initially constructed in 1610, it has since been rebuilt twice (most recently in 1710). In terms of design, prepare to be dazzled by the adobe architecture; the interiors are equally spectacular with centuries-old wooden beams and the 750-plus-pound San Jose bell, which has its own fascinating history.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

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This national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in the Chihuahuan Desert in the southern part of the state. The enchanting attraction is home to nearly 120 caves. Travelers can easily spend the entire day exploring these captivating caverns, admiring the mystical stalagmites and stalactites, and spotting wildlife like bats and cougars. Don’t miss the Big Room, North America’s largest single cave chamber by volume. The 1.25-mile trail is a relatively easy 90-minute trek.

Old Town Albuquerque

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With its narrow winding streets and adobe architecture, Old Town Albuquerque oozes small-town charm. While lots has changed since its 1706 establishment, this dynamic destination has remained the city's heart. Despite its tiny 10-block radius, Old Town is packed with more than 150 independent restaurants and boutiques. It also hosts more than 40 events annually, including a car show, live music performances, and the world-famous Balloon Fiesta Week .

Taos Downtown Historic District

Despite its small size, Taos packs in plenty of charm and character. What’s more, this storied mountain town is renowned for its many galleries , scenic hiking trails, and, in the winter, world-class skiing. At the center of town is the Downtown Historic District , where you’ll find the 1796-era Taos Plaza. Here, locals and visitors alike gather to listen to live music and attend farmers markets and other events, including dozens of art-forward programming. An abundance of shops and galleries can also be found within easy walking distance. When it's time to refuel, head to one of the nearby cafes and restaurants . 

Taos Pueblo

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About three miles northwest of Taos Plaza lies the Taos Pueblo , which is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark. The Pueblo has been inhabited for more than a millennium, and many of the adobe structures appear the same as when the Spanish first arrived in New Mexico in the 1500s. Hlauuma (north house) and Hlaukwima (south house) are the location's most famous buildings, and they’re considered the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the country.

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Best places to visit in new mexico.

New Mexico offers visitors an authentic taste of the American Southwest. With its melting pot of cultures, archaeological sites and stunning landscapes , New Mexico has more than earned its Land of Enchantment moniker. To help you decide where you should go on vacation in this diverse state, U.S. News compiled a list of the best places to visit in New Mexico using factors like culture, accessibility and attractions. Have a favorite destination? Vote for your top spot below to help determine next year's ranking.

Albuquerque

Gila cliff dwellings national monument, white sands national park, carlsbad caverns national park, silver city, petroglyph national monument.

Known as "The City Different," Santa Fe showcases a mix of Hispanic, Anglo and Native American cultures. This artistic capital city features 250-plus art galleries, more than 100 of which you'll find lining Canyon Road. Additionally, Santa Fe is home to the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, where you can see hundreds of the renowned artist's works, and the New Mexico Museum of Art, which was the state's first building dedicated to art. When you need to satiate your appetite, get a taste of Santa Fe's fantastic food, including international bites and dishes made with red and green chiles, a New Mexico trademark.

Taos' "Soul of the Southwest" nickname can be attributed to the town's rich cultural heritage. Taos Pueblo embodies Taos' early history with 1,000-year-old adobe homes, while various museums in town reflect its Spanish influence and arts scene. With its location at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos also offers ample opportunities to enjoy summer activities like rock climbing, ballooning and even llama trekking. Meanwhile, winter is when Taos' highly regarded ski destinations – Taos Ski Valley, Angel Fire Resort, Red River Ski & Summer Area and Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort – welcome skiers in droves.

Albuquerque's proximity to the Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande make it a popular base for outdoorsy weekend getaways . Bike the Paseo del Bosque Trail, or hike La Luz Trail to the top of Sandia Peak before riding the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway back down to the city. After breaking a sweat, learn more about the city's culture and history at Old Town Albuquerque institutions like the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and Albuquerque Museum. For an extra memorable New Mexico experience, arrive in early October to see hundreds of colorful balloons take flight during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument in southwest New Mexico offers a glimpse into the lives and culture of the Mogollon people, who made their homes in its caves in the late 1200s. During your visit, you can tour the cliff dwellings and learn more about the site's former residents at its visitor center. You can also go hiking, bird-watching and fishing in the surrounding Gila National Forest. The area is home to several hot springs, so remember to bring a bathing suit with you. Keep in mind, this region does not have cell phone reception, so prepare to go off the grid.

White Sands may be one of America's newest national parks, but it has drawn travelers for decades with its otherworldly landscape. Nestled 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 wave-like dunes or explore the park on foot, by horse, by bike or by car. Note that Dunes Drive (the park's scenic thoroughfare) occasionally closes when missile tests occur at the park's missile range.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park's network of 100-plus caves delights visitors with its fascinating rock formations. Travelers can take their time exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site's caves via two self-guided trails or discover other areas on a ranger-led tour. To observe this southern New Mexico park's resident bats, visit between May and October to watch them exit the cavern during the free evening Bat Flight Program. The warmer months are also an excellent time to stargaze during a night hike or ranger-guided night sky program. (Note: Due to flood damage sustained in 2022, several roads and trails are closed.)

Named for its prior life as a silver mining town, Silver City still retains some of its former charm in its central Historic District, which features Victorian-, Queen Anne- and Italianate-style buildings. Here, history buffs can learn about the town's ties to legendary 19th-century figures like Billy the Kid and Geronimo at the Silver City Museum, and art lovers can pop into galleries or admire Silver City's 50-plus murals. Meanwhile, outdoorsy types can hike part of the Continental Divide Trail and trek the paths in boulder-filled City of Rocks State Park 33 miles southeast.

With the peaks of the Organ Mountains looming in the background, Las Cruces' Main Street charms visitors with its coffee shops, bookstores, local restaurants and nostalgic theaters. Attractions like the Museum of Nature & Science and the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum appeal to culture hounds, while shoppers can peruse stalls at the renowned Farmers & Crafts Market of Las Cruces. Beyond the city center, this southern New Mexico city's desert-meets-mountain landscape and ample sunshine allow for year-round outdoor activities, including hiking and biking, horseback riding and excursions to nearby White Sands National Park.

Outdoor adventures top the list of things to do in Farmington. Situated in the Four Corners region (where Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah meet), Farmington is a confluence for three rivers and is surrounded by wide-open spaces for fly-fishing, golfing, kayaking, mountain biking and driving off-road vehicles. What's more, the town is just more than an hour's drive from must-visit wonders like the Chaco Culture National Historical Park and the badlands of the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area. In town, visitors can partake in local festivals and learn more about the Native American tribes that have long called the area home.

Petroglyph National Monument contains more than 25,000 carved images from the area's early Pueblo people and Spanish settlers, making it one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America. Because the property offers so much to see, start your visit at the information center to learn more about the monument and its available activities. Then, take a short drive to one of three areas – Boca Negra Canyon, Rinconada Canyon or Piedras Marcadas Canyon – to hike to various petroglyphs. Be careful where you step, though, as the monument is home to several kinds of snakes, including venomous rattlesnakes.

Located on historic Route 66, the small town of Gallup attracts visitors seeking authentic cultural exploration and natural splendor. With trading posts selling jewelry, art, dolls and clothing made by Native American artisans; events like the Summer Indigenous Dance & Arts; and exhibits at the Gallup Culture Center, Gallup prides itself as being the "Gateway to Native America." Red Rock Park, a 640-acre park featuring awe-inspiring sandstone cliffs, is another reason to visit. Beyond its trails and scenic views, the park is also home to a rodeo arena, a museum with Native American artifacts and a balloon rally held every December.

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17 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in New Mexico

Written by Becca Blond nd Michael Law Updated Mar 1, 2024

New Mexico lives up to its state moniker as the "Land of Enchantment" with its vibrant scenery, towns, culture, and attractions. New Mexico's history tells the stories of the Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo-American cultures that shaped it. It is a unique destination, with more open, empty spaces than people and boundless natural attractions.

Albuquerque , host of the world's largest hot air balloon festival , is New Mexico's largest city but still feels like a small town.

Its capital city, Santa Fe , is the oldest of its kind in the U.S., founded in 1610 and one of the country's most revered art destinations. It also boasts a thriving food scene, great skiing, and a one-of-a-kind all-adobe architectural style.

New Mexico is also home to quirky little towns like Roswell , famed for its alleged UFO crash in 1947 that still attracts devoted believers each year.

In New Mexico you never have to look far for adventure. This is a destination filled with ethereal high desert landscapes that have served as inspiration for numerous artists over the years, including renowned landscape painter Georgia O'Keefe, who had two homes here.

You can spend a day sledding down 60-foot dunes in White Sands National Monument or riding an elevator that drops the height of the Empire State Building into a bat-filled cavern in Carlsbad Caverns National Park . There is no shortage of things to see and do.

For ideas on the best places to visit, have a read through our list of the top tourist attractions in New Mexico.

1. Carlsbad Caverns National Park

2. santa fe, 3. white sands national monument, 4. albuquerque international balloon fiesta, 5. bandelier national monument, 6. petroglyph national monument, 7. taos pueblo, 8. cumbres-toltec scenic railway, 9. gila cliff dwellings national monument, 10. taos ski valley, 11. pecos national historical park, 12. the very large array, 13. chaco culture national historical park, 14. billy the kid museum, 15. wheeler peak wilderness, 16. international ufo museum and research center, 17. georgia o'keeffe museum.

Musty-smelling stone and fluttering Mexican free-tailed bats add to the creepiness as you descend 800 feet into the strange underground world of one of the planet's greatest cave systems in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. One of the country's most underrated national parks, Carlsbad is comprised of nearly 120 known limestone caves created by an ancient sea thousands of years ago.

Its most famous attraction is the Big Room , which can be accessed via a 1.25-mile walk through artificially lit subterranean darkness or by taking an elevator down the height of the Empire State Building. The Big Room is just that: a giant space. Running 1800 feet long with a 255-foot-high ceiling, it is filled with stalagmites and other alien-looking landscape features.

You can explore the Big Room on a self-guided tour or make reservations to join one of the ranger-guided tours . These are informative and provide access to parts of the cavern closed to the public. There are also more adventurous guided spelunking adventures to be had in backcountry caves.

The caves are also home to a colony of about 400,000 bats that roost here between mid-April and October. At sunset each evening during this timeframe the bats emerge from the mouth of the caves to hunt down buggy dinners.

It's a beautiful spectacle to watch thousands of bats flying from the mouths of the caves, cutting black lines through the crimson sky. Rangers also offer free Bat Flight talks nightly from late May at the cavern's entrance.

Up above, visitors will find a wide range of opportunities for back-country hikes and backpacking. Be sure to bring ample water.

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/cave/index.htm

New Mexico's intriguing, all-adobe capital city, Santa Fe, is one of the state's most interesting tourist attractions . With a history dating back more than 400 years, a modern legacy as one of the country's top art destinations , and a multi-cultural population, Santa Fe has a vibrant, unique energy about it. It's also a small city with a walkable downtown focused around its Plaza and the Canyon Road art district.

Head to the Plaza for a stroll and some shopping. With shops and restaurants set around a leafy and grassy center, the Plaza is the city's heartbeat. Arrive early morning and head to the portal fronting the Palace of the Governors to purchase high-quality, handmade jewelry directly from Native American artists.

After exploring around the Plaza area, it's about a 10-minute walk to Santa Fe's other top attraction: Canyon Road. Here you'll find around 80 galleries on a half-mile stretch of pavement. The galleries focus on various mediums from paintings to sculpture. There are also artisan jewelry shops, clothing boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants mixed in.

While in Santa Fe, make sure you try a dish with red or green chile (if you want both, order your entrée "Christmas style." New Mexico is famous for this dish made from locally grown chile peppers and served as either a sauce for enchiladas or burritos or eaten as a stew. Most restaurants offer vegetarian and meat-based versions as well as mild and hot options. The Shed , located near the Plaza, is one of the best New Mexican restaurants in Santa Fe and is famed for its red chile, although the green version is also excellent.

White Sands National Monument is one of the most stunning landscapes in the state, located a half an hour's drive southwest of Alamogordo in the south of New Mexico. It lies in the Tularosa Basin, a northern offshoot of the Chihuahua Desert, and is surrounded by rugged mountains. Here, gleaming white gypsum sand has built up into an extraordinary landscape of dunes up to 60 feet high, which are constantly displaced by the wind.

If you didn't know better, you may be fooled into thinking that sand dunes look like giant snowdrifts. Park your car pretty much anywhere and start your adventure by just walking out into the dune landscape and finding a huge sand dune to explore.

One of the most popular things to do at White Sands is sledding. Round plastic saucers work well, but any sort of plastic snow sled will do the trick. The round saucers are available for purchase at the Park Store.

To get a feel for the vastness of the park, take the 16-mile (round trip) Dunes Drive. This scenic trip takes about 45 minutes, but plan on much longer, as you'll be sure to stop at the hiking trails, picnic tables, and exhibits.

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/whsa/index.htm

Each autumn, Albuquerque hosts the world's largest hot air balloon festival, drawing crowds of more than 80,000 people.

The tradition, which started in a parking lot in 1973 with only 13 balloons, has grown to occupy a 365-acre park with more than 500 balloons participating.

This nine-day festival is kicked off by the breathtaking "Mass Ascension" and continues with unique displays of coordinated ballooning and nighttime presentations.

In addition to the brightly colored skies, the festival offers plenty of things to do, from kids' activities and live musicians to a juried craft show and dozens of street performers among the numerous vendors.

While in Albuquerque, tourists will enjoy sightseeing in the city's old town, where the Spanish first settled, also home to the Albuquerque Museum , which contains historical artifacts and exhibits about the area.

Address: 5000 Balloon Fiesta Pkwy NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Official site: www.balloonfiesta.com

Bandelier National Monument is a 33,677-acre preserve encompassing some of the most dramatic volcanic landscapes and archaeological ruins in the state. Former home of ancestral Pueblo people, the area was likely occupied from AD 1150 to 1600.

Among the remains of the indigenous habitats are structures such as masonry walls and dwellings that were carved from the volcanic rock, as well as petroglyphs that illustrate the Pueblo culture and daily life. This national park has an educational museum, hiking trails, and campsites.

To visit the most popular area of Bandelier National Monument between the hours of 9am and 3pm, you will need to take the free shuttle. The bus runs every 30 minutes during the week and every 20 minutes on the weekend. If you have a pet with you, an exception is made and you can drive to the site at any time.

Location: 15 Entrance Road, Los Alamos, New Mexico

Official site: www.nps.gov/band

The Petroglyph National Monument is managed jointly by the city of Albuquerque and the National Park Service, which help preserve this culturally significant site while educating visitors.

The area encompasses 7,244 acres consisting of a basalt escarpment, five dormant volcanoes, and an expansive mesa.

The park's most famous feature is its petroglyphs, images which were carved in the basalt by indigenous peoples and early Spanish settlers centuries ago. Approximately 20,000 petroglyphs are found within the park, many of which can be viewed from the hiking trails.

You'll find three main hiking routes, the least strenuous being Boca Negra Canyon , which has 100 petroglyphs along one mile of trails. Those who are up for a longer hike in the desert can take the 2.2-mile Rinconada Canyon trail or the 1.5-mile Marcadas Canyon Loop , each of which have around 300 petroglyphs.

Hikers should be aware of local wildlife, especially rattlesnakes, and should be well prepared with water for the longer treks.

Location: Western Trail NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Official site: www.nps.gov/petr

Just outside the city of Taos, the Taos Pueblo has the oldest continuously inhabited dwellings in the United States. These adobe structures have stood for more than 1,000 years, constructed of straw-reinforced mud bricks and timber-supported roofs.

These apartment-style homes are up to five stories high, and around 150 people live within the old town full-time. An additional 2,000 reside on the 95,000-acre property in a variety of traditional and modern homes.

Residents welcome visitors to take a tour of the community, which has been designated both a National Historic Landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Pueblo is closed to the public during several of its annual traditional events.

Address: 120 Veterans Highway, Taos, New Mexico

Official site: http://taospueblo.com/

The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a narrow gauge heritage railroad that runs between Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado. Constructed in 1880-81, this cozy train ride traverses the 10,015-foot Cumbres Pass and heads through the dramatic Toltec Gorge. The ride offers stunning views of the surrounding land, from grassy, deer-filled, hillside meadows to stream-laced mountains.

This is the highest steam-powered railroad in the nation, and the ride has thrilling moments as it crosses the Cascade Creek trestle 137 feet in the air, climbs the face of a cliff, and doubles back dramatically on the Tanglefoot Curve.

Passengers will see many of the Railroad's original structures along the journey and have the chance to stop in the rustic Osier, Colorado halfway through the trip for a lunch break and some exploring.

Official site: http://cumbrestoltec.com/

North of the old mining town of Silver City are the Gila cliff dwellings: 42 rooms in six caves, built into the cliff face by the Mogollon Native Americans around the year 1300. Tourists can learn more about the Mogollon culture and the region's natural history at the museum in the visitor center.

Among the park's geological features are numerous natural caves, as well as hot springs, some of which can be reached by trail from the visitor center. Tours of the cliff dwellings are available, although visitors should take note that the tours start at the cliff dwellings themselves, and it takes about a half hour to walk up to them from the trailhead.

Address: 26 Jim Bradford Trail, Mimbres, New Mexico

Official site: www.nps.gov/gicl

Northeast of Taos, in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, at 8,900 to 12,500 feet, is the magically beautiful and excellently equipped winter sports region of Taos Ski Valley. This resort is considered the best of New Mexico's ski resorts .

In recent years, the ski resort has come under new ownership and undergone over $300 million in upgrades that have included new lifts and a revamped base area. Fortunately, the new ownership was careful to preserve the charm and vibe of Taos Ski Valley even with the changes and improvements.

Taos has always been known as a skiers' hill, with outstanding intermediate and advanced terrain. Half of the trails are for experts, but don't let that dissuade you from a visit, the ski school here is top-notch, and they'll have you conquering runs you never thought possible.

Finding good conditions here is rarely a challenge with the 25 feet of annual snow the resort receives.

Official site: http://www.skitaos.com/

Pecos National Historical Park encompasses what was once one of the largest Native American pueblos in the state.

It was inhabited from the early 14th century until 1838, with a population over 2,000. In 1990, the park was expanded to 6,600 acres. The visitor center contains exhibits and park information and also offers an Ancestral Sites Walking tour, a guided 1.25-mile hike that explores evidence of the area's indigenous peoples.

The park is also home to the Civil War battlefield of Glorieta Pass, which can be toured via a 2.25-mile trail with or without a guide. The visitor center also offers van tours of the Civil War site, as well as tours of nearby Forked Lightning Ranch.

Address: 1 Peach Drive, Pecos, New Mexico

Official site: www.nps.gov/peco

In the remote rolling hills west of Socorro, about two hours from Albuquerque, lies the Karl G Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) - a radio astronomy observatory located on the Plains of San Agustin. The array is used to observe black holes and other astronomical phenomena.

A number of self-guided walking routes run through the site, and the VLA also hosts free, guided tours on the first Saturday of each month. Though reservations aren't required, it is worth checking ahead for times. Tours begin from the VLA Visitor Center.

Official site: http://www.vla.nrao.edu/

Perhaps one of the most stunning archaeological sites in all of North America, Chaco Canyon was occupied by ancestral Puebloan peoples from about AD 800 to 1200. It was a major center, comprised of 15 massive ruins and hundreds of smaller constructions. Located in a remote area northwest of Albuquerque, the park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Park facilities and activities include camping, an excellent interpretive center, interpretive and back-country hikes, and astronomy experiences from telescopes located in the canyon. Note that GPS and electronic directions in this area can be unreliable. Be sure to make a note of the directions on the park website.

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/chcu/index.htm

Out on the eastern plains of New Mexico is the small town of Fort Sumner, the resting place of the infamous Billy the Kid. The lanky youth was shot and killed at the nearby Fort Sumner State Monument by Sheriff Pat Garrett at the age of 21.

The museum hosts the Kid's rifle, horse-riding equipment and the original Wanted poster. Rumor has it they even have some of his hair. The museum also has a collection of cavalry swords, old firearms, and antique cars and trucks. Guided tours are available.

Official site: https://www.billythekidmuseumfortsumner.com/index.html

The highest point in New Mexico is the summit of Wheeler Peak, at 13,161 ft. The mountain is next to Moreno Valley near Angel Fire in the Carson National Forest, in the Sangre De Cristo mountain range.

The area is home to a variety of wildlife and visitors may be lucky enough to see marmots, pikas, elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and golden eagles. Hiking is one of the most popular things to do with several trails, most ranging from four miles to eight miles long.

Due to the elevation, Wheeler Peak Wilderness Area enjoys moderate summer temperatures and cold winters, when temperatures regularly fall below freezing. Most visitors come here during the summer months, which are warm but also a little wet. July and August are the rainy months, so be sure to bring a rain jacket to deal with passing showers.

Official site: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/carson/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5350403

A top tourist attraction in Roswell, the international UFO Museum and Research Center was opened in 1992 as an information center inspired by the 1947 " Roswell incident ."

This widely speculated event put Roswell on the map as a hub of UFO activity and curiosity. Despite this, the museum's intention is not to convince visitors to believe in extraterrestrial life or government conspiracy theories. Exhibits take an objective look at local events, as well as numerous others around the world, inviting visitors to come to their own conclusion.

The museum contains a variety of material, including documents, eyewitness accounts, and artifacts related to UFO research. Tourists interested in Roswell's alien mystery will also enjoy one of the many local "UFO tours" that visit spots like Building 84 at the former army base where the downed craft and its occupants were allegedly brought by military personnel.

Address: 114 N Main Street, Roswell, New Mexico

Official site: www.roswellufomuseum.com

Art lovers will want to make sure they visit the wonderful Georgia O'Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe. This icon of the modern art movement shook up the established art world with her incredible works of art depicting New York skyscrapers and her special take on illustrating flowers.

The museum is home to over 150 of her works and hosts special exhibits from private collections from time to time. In addition to the artwork, the museum has a very active roster of classes, speakers, and other events, making it one of the top cultural sites in Santa Fe.

If you'd like to learn more about the artist, tours of Georgia O'Keeffe's homes and studios are available in Abiquiu, approximately 50 miles from Santa Fe.

Address: 217 Johnson Street Santa Fe, New Mexico

Official site: https://www.okeeffemuseum.org/

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10 Amazing Historic and Cultural Attractions to See in New Mexico

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For over four centuries, New Mexico has been a cultural crossroads, a place where Spanish, Native American, Mexican, and American influences have co-mingled to create a rich and unique society. Fortunately, New Mexico celebrates its long and colorful history with a diverse mix of museums, national monuments, and other carefully preserved historical and cultural sites that are open to the public. From ancient cliff dwellings and the oldest continuously inhabited community in the U.S. to world-renowned art museums and churches where miracles seem to happen, New Mexico’s history and culture are truly amazing.

1. El Santuario de Chimayo

Tucked away in the little town of Chimayo along the historic Turquoise Trail, the El Santuario de Chimayo is world renown as a place where miracles occur. The tiny chapel, circa 1856, is built on a site associated with a miracle of the crucifix of Our Lord of Esquipulas. A small room in the complex contains a pit of Holy Dirt that many believe possesses healing powers. A shrine just outside that room is lined with discarded crutches and numerous moving testimonials from people who claim they were cured after rubbing the Holy Dirt on themselves. An annual pilgrimage to El Santuario during Holy Week involves some 30,000 people from around the world. Some people walk from as far away as Albuquerque (about 90 miles away), taking up to a week of walking before they arrive at El Santuario de Chimayo.

2. New Mexico History Museum/Palace of the Governors

Encompassing the oldest continuously occupied public building in the U.S., the New Mexico History Museum/Palace of the Governors is a remarkable piece of living history. The sprawling, adobe-style palace was originally constructed in the early 17th century as Spain’s regional seat of government. It chronicles nearly 400 years of New Mexico history involving U.S., Spanish, and Confederate States of America soldiers, Mexican and New Mexican territorial governors, and Pueblo peoples. Included in the palace exhibits are fascinating viewing portals where significant archaeological finds were unearthed. Adjacent to the palace is a dazzling new history museum that opened in 2009 with three floors of displays about the legendary Santa Fe Trail and other eras of the state’s colorful history. Native Americans sell their handmade art and jewelry under the palace portal daily. These artisans must be members of New Mexico tribes and pueblos, and their work is certified for its authenticity.

3. Bandelier National Monument

Walking underneath the towering cliffs framing Frijoles Canyon can be a spiritual experience for visitors to Bandelier National Monument. Stretching for several miles along the canyon are dozens of ancient cave dwellings that were carved into the cliffs by ancestral Puebloan people. While 70 miles of hiking trails wind through the rugged 50-square-mile national monument about 50 miles northwest of Santa Fe, Bandlier’s Main Loop Trail’s 1.2-mile, mostly level loop offers a great overview of the area where evidence of human activity dating back more than 10,000 years has been found. Short ladders provide entrance to some cave dwellings, and petroglyphs and remnants of a two-story, multi-room pueblo that housed 100 people can be seen. A half-mile trail extension leads to Alcove House, a large cave perched 140 feet above the canyon floor where approximately 25 people lived. It can be accessed via a series of stone steps and ladders.

4. Museum of Indian Arts and Culture

Located on picturesque Museum Hill just outside downtown Santa Fe, the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture contains an amazing 10 million artifacts from some 12,000 excavated archaeological sites across New Mexico. The Museum’s permanent “Here, Now and Always” exhibit tells the history and present life of the Pueblo, Navajo, Apache, and other indigenous cultures in the American Southwest through Native American voices, artifacts, and multimedia. The Buchsbaum Gallery showcases modern and historic pottery from the region’s pueblos, and changing galleries explore other aspects of Native American life in the Southwest such as the history and significance of turquoise in their cultures. A majestic outdoor sculpture garden features rotating exhibits of works by Native American sculptors. Also located on Museum Hill is the Museum of International Folk Art which houses the world’s largest collection of folk art with some 150,000 artifacts from more than 150 nations.

5. Albuquerque Museum of Art and History

Located in the heart of Old Town, the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History is a treasure trove of Southwestern art, culture, and history. Its impressive art collection includes works by renowned Taos and Santa Fe artists Ernest Blumenschein, John Sloan, and Georgia O’Keeffe. Its permanent collection exhibition, “Common Ground: Art in New Mexico,” explores similarities and innovations in the Southwest among early Native American traditions, colonial Spanish and Mexican settlers, and contemporary regional art. Pieces include Native American jewelry and ceramics as well as Hispanic religious and folk art. The museum’s equally impressive outdoor sculpture garden has over 60 pieces, many created by local sculptors. The history exhibits include a Colonial Period European armor collection that is considered one of the top collections of its kind in the U.S. Museum docents regularly conduct free walking tours of Old Town.

6. Taos Pueblo

Pueblos are scattered throughout New Mexico, but the oldest one is Taos Pueblo. Continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years, the multi-story adobe buildings from the oldest inhabited community in the U.S. Located just a few minutes from the historic Taos Plaza, the pueblo appears much as it did when Spanish explorers first arrived in Northern New Mexico in 1540. Many of the structures have walls that are several feet thick, and they were all constructed in the traditional adobe method of mixing earth with water and straw to form sun-dried bricks. Visitors get a glimpse of Native American life and culture from both today and yesterday, and authentic Pueblo pottery and jewelry are sold at shops onsite. The UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site is open daily but it’s best to call before visiting because it closes for about 10 weeks during late winter/early spring and sometimes for tribal ritual ceremonies.

7. Old Town Albuquerque

The area that’s known today as Old Town Albuquerque dates back to 1706 and while much has changed, there is still a strong sense of history there. Consisting of about 10 blocks of historic adobe buildings with a tree-lined plaza in the center, Old Town remains the cultural heart of bustling Albuquerque. Some 150 shops, restaurants, and art galleries fill the old buildings today. San Felipe de Neri Church stands on the north side of the plaza. The present-day church was built in 1793 and has walls several feet thick. Many special events take place at the plaza throughout the year, and live music typically can be heard from its covered gazebo on weekends. Several museums are located in Old Town as well, including the Turquoise Museum and Rattlesnake Museum. Fun ghost tours of Old Tour are conducted nightly, and several other types of tours are also available.

8. Georgia O’Keeffe Museum

The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum is the only museum in the U.S. dedicated to an internationally-known female artist. The downtown Santa Fe museum documents the groundbreaking life of the 20th-century modernist painter who became world-famous for her stunning interpretations of the spectacular New Mexico landscapes. The museum, the world’s largest repository of O’Keeffe’s work, showcases 1,149 O’Keeffe paintings, drawings, and sculptures from 1901 to 1984, including works from her years in New York before she came to live in New Mexico. It also has exhibited works by over 140 other artists, including Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock. Special exhibits often include works by O’Keeffe and some of her modernist contemporaries. It also presents a “Living Artists of Distinction Exhibition Series” that honors artists who have made significant contributions to American art. Recent series have featured notable artists such as Jaune Quick-To-See Smith, Anne Truitt, Susan Rothenberg, and Sherrie Levine.

9. Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

One of the great things about New Mexico is the ability to “get out in the middle of nowhere” in short order from about any spot in the state. Nowhere is that more evident than Rio Grande del Norte National Monument (formerly called Wild Rivers). Located about an hour outside Taos just off the majestic Enchanted Circle, the remote yet easily accessible landmark is where the Rio Grande and Red Rivers converge in a spectacular, 800-foot-deep gorge. A trailhead at La Junta Overlook descends to the rivers’ confluence in only 1.2 miles. Several other trails lead into the gorge or meander along the rim of the Grand Canyon-like gorge that extends for several miles below a plateau that’s situated at an elevation of 7,000 feet. Signs of human activity since prehistoric times have been found in the national monument area including ancient dwellings and petroglyphs.

10. Loretto Chapel

The Loretto Chapel in downtown Santa Fe is famous for a miraculous staircase that stands 20 feet tall and has two complete 360-degree turns, yet has no visible means of support. Legend has it that shortly after the chapel was built in 1878, sisters of the chapel prayed to St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters, for a way to access the choir loft 22 feet above without interfering with the interior space of the tiny chapel. A mysterious and still unknown man appeared on the ninth and final day of prayer who said he could build a spiral staircase and months later, he brought the staircase to the chapel. Some say it was St. Joseph himself. Whoever it was, he produced a spectacular masterpiece of design that has been the subject of movies and TV shows like “Unsolved Mysteries.” The Gothic Revival-style chapel was patterned after Sainte-Chapelle in Paris.

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10 Of The Most Unique Places To Visit In New Mexico

• New Mexico offers remarkable diversity in exploring places, from vast white dunes to ancient Pueblo dwellings, creating a captivating blend of nature, culture, history, and imagination.
• Some of the most unique places to visit in New Mexico include White Sands National Park, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, and Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, each providing breathtaking landscapes and intriguing histories.
• Ghost Ranch, Bisti Badlands, and Shiprock offer otherworldly landscapes that are perfect for outdoor exploration and experiencing the mystical and surreal beauty of New Mexico. Additionally, attractions like Taos Pueblo, Meow Wolf, and Tinkertown Museum provide opportunities to engage with Native history, art, and quirky roadside attractions.

New Mexico is full of incredible landscapes, rich cultural history, and unique attractions, making it a must-visit destination in the American Southwest. From vast white dunes to intricate underground cave systems, ancient Pueblo dwellings, and eccentric roadside museums, New Mexico offers remarkable diversity in exploring places. Though famous cities like Santa Fe and Taos are obvious tourist spots, venturing off the beaten path reveals some of New Mexico's most fascinating hidden gems.

Whether visitors are history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, art lovers, or enjoy immersing themselves in the peculiar and extraordinary, visitors will find plenty of intriguing spots to pique their curiosity in the Land of Enchantment. Home to some of the most scenic drives in the Southwest , along with stunning national parks and towns, here are some of the most unique places to visit in New Mexico that give people a taste of the state's captivating blend of nature, culture, history, and imagination.

Related: 10 Beautiful Places In New Mexico Where You Can See Fall Foliage

White Sands National Park

Rising from the heart of the Tularosa Basin is one of the world's most captivating natural wonders – the gleaming white dunes of White Sands National Park. Over 275 square miles of gypsum sand compose this otherworldly landscape, creating the largest gypsum dune field on the planet.

Walking along the soft, powdery dunes, the landscape looks like snow as far as the eye can see but with a distinctly sandy texture underfoot. The brilliant white color results from the ultra-fine gypsum crystals that make up the dunes, reflecting the sun's light and creating a dreamlike alien atmosphere.

One of the best ways to experience the white sands is by taking a scenic drive along Alamogordo, an 8-mile paved loop with numerous pullouts. Indeed, visitors can explore White Sands National Park and Alamogordo for a superb day trip; get out and stroll into the sea of white, where one will quickly lose sight of the road behind the rippling peaks. For a more immersive experience, take the 1.5-mile Alkali Flat Trail into the heart of the dunes – winding through white waves and soaking in spectacular views. As visitors hike further out, the silence becomes almost deafening without a glimpse of civilization.

For the ultimate White Sands adventure, consider backcountry camping and witness the dunes under billions of twinkling stars. No designated campsites exist, allowing visitors to sleep wherever they please in this emerald-white ocean. Watch the sunset create kaleidoscopes of color on the dunes before moonlight casts a ghostly pall over the otherworldly landscape.

• Location : Alamogordo, NM
• Top Attractions : White Sands , Alkali Flat Trail , Backcountry camping

For a stunning photo opportunity, arrive for sunset when the white sands glow pink and orange.

RELATED: Salinas Pueblo Missions In New Mexico Are 400 Years Old & Some Of The Oldest Buildings In The USA

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Deep below the Chihuahuan Desert lies a fascinating underground world – Carlsbad Caverns National Park, which is among the best places to visit in New Mexico for otherworldly subterranean wonders. A labyrinth of over 119 limestone caves winds through the darkness, adorned with intricate cave formations like glittering stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, and crystalline rock curtains. The park contains over 33 caves, but the main attraction is the Big Room – one of the largest cave chambers in North America.

Descending 750 feet underground, travelers can walk a 1.25-mile paved loop trail through the Big Room's colossal chambers filled with rock sculptures and formations over 300 feet tall. Gazing up at the vaulted ceilings dripping with thousands of cave formations is a jaw-dropping glimpse into the geological wonders beneath the New Mexico desert. For a more rugged adventure, take a ranger-guided tour into Slaughter Canyon Cave or the famously beautiful Lechuguilla Cave, which holds rare gypsum chandeliers and strontium needle crystals.

While the caves are the main highlight, Carlsbad Caverns also contains over 33,000 acres of Chihuahuan Desert wilderness to explore aboveground. Hike along desert trails through canyons and washes, watch for wildlife like golden eagles and mule deer, or stargaze from the park's Night Sky Amphitheater. From the desert highlands to the cavernous underworld below, Carlsbad Caverns reveals the natural diversity of Southeastern New Mexico.

• Location : Carlsbad, NM
• Top Attractions : The Big Room, Slaughter Canyon Cave , Lechuguilla Cave

Take the self-guided Natural Entrance route down into the cave to experience the 750-foot descent from the cave mouth.

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

To glimpse the lives of ancient Puebloan people, visit the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, which is one of the most unique destinations in Mexico to visit for history fans. Tucked high in the Mogollon Mountains, this remote site contains remarkable ruins of stone cliff dwellings that the Mogollon culture inhabited from the 1280s to early 1300s. The seven caves lie high on the cliffs, featuring original adobe walls and beams dramatically situated within the rock overhangs.

A 1-mile loop trail allows travelers to climb up and explore the interiors of the dwellings, getting a sense of the ingenious construction and compact living spaces inside. Visitors can peek inside storage rooms and living spaces with fire pits and see originals of grain storage pots and food bowls still within the dwellings. The show's stars are the House of Many Windows and Ledge House dwellings, containing multiple rooms and windows looking out over the Gila National Forest valley.

Beyond the dwellings, visitors can embark on scenic hikes through the Ponderosa pine forest along the West Fork Trail, keeping a lookout for wildlife like black bears and wild turkeys. The TJ Ruin archeological site also lets travelers see remnants of another small settlement with artifacts like metates and petroglyphs. Transport back 700 years at Gila Cliff Dwellings to glimpse the ancient history within these protected caves.

• Location : Gila National Forest
• Top Attractions : Cliff Dwellings , West Fork Trail , TJ Ruin

Visit in autumn when the surrounding maple, oak, and ash trees display vibrant fall foliage.

Ghost Ranch In New Mexico

With a name like Ghost Ranch, travelers know this unique place in New Mexico holds intriguing mysteries within its dusty slopes. Located in the northern region of the Piedra Lumbre Basin, Ghost Ranch's panoramic landscape of buttes, mesas, and cliffs has an unmistakably spiritual aura. The 21,000-acre ranch has drawn artists like Georgia O’Keefe and archeologists who uncovered dinosaur fossils dating back 200 million years.

Today, visitors come to hike the network of trails winding through otherworldly rock formations, canyons, and desert landscapes. Climb onto Chimney Rock for expansive views of the Piedra Lumbre Valley from atop this iconic mesa formation. The Box Canyon Trail carries travelers through a slot canyon lined with eroded sandstone walls in undulating shapes and textures. Take the four-mile Chimney Rock Trail for a more rugged adventure, summiting a mesa top with 360-degree vistas.

Beyond the spectacular hiking, Ghost Ranch offers interesting museums such as the Ruth Hall Museum of Paleontology, housing Triassic fossils and dinosaur bones unearthed here. The Museum of Anthropology contains artifacts from the ancient Pueblo tribes and Spanish settlers. With a vibrant history, geology, archaeology, and scenery, Ghost Ranch promises outdoor thrills and intriguing culture around every wind-carved bend.

• Location : Abiquiu
• Top Attractions : Museum of Anthropology , Ruth Hall Museum

Sign up for one of the ranch's paleontology tours to hunt for fossils and learn about excavations.

Bisti Badlands

In New Mexico's northwest region, the Bisti Badlands contain one of the most surreal landscapes in the Southwest. This remote 45,000-acre wilderness of alien rock formations and petrified wood creates a strange, almost unearthly atmosphere. The badlands formed after roughly 300 million years of geological activity eroded layers of shale to reveal these quintessential “bad lands” resistant to vegetation growth.

A lunar terrain of slickrock mounds eroded into wild shapes called hoodoos, rock spires, and mushroom caps remains. Strange ribbed and rippled rock textures cover the dusty earth in stripes of dark grays, beiges, and earthen reds. Scattered across the arid landscape, visitors will find thousands of petrified wood pieces in uncanny natural sculptures and designs. Like walking through an abstract art exhibit, the Bisti Badlands allow their imagination to run wild over how such an otherworldly landscape took shape.

With no established trails, Bisti offers full creative freedom to wander the open badlands how travelers wish. Trek a few miles out to immerse in the alien surroundings, where bizarre rock formations stretch in all directions. Come at sunrise or sunset when fading light casts a mystical glow over the multi-hued hoodoos. For an eerie night, camp under the stars and listen to coyotes howling as visitors ponder this surreal terrain. Of all New Mexico’s wonders, the Bisti Badlands truly deliver a landscape unlike any other.

• Location : Farmington, NM
• Top Attractions : Hoodoos , rock formations, petrified wood

Bring plenty of water and snacks since no facilities exist, as well as good shoes for scrambling over rough terrain.

Taos Pueblo

In the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains (famous for its 14ers) lies the ancient municipality of Taos Pueblo, continuously inhabited for over 1000 years. One of North America's oldest, always-occupied settlements, Taos Pueblo is among the most beautiful towns in New Mexico and provides unmatched insight into traditional Pueblo culture. The heart of the Pueblo is a multi-story adobe complex made from mud, straw, and water that houses people year-round.

Unlike typical tourist attractions in New Mexico, this is a vibrant community going about its daily life and traditions. Tours allow visitors to respectfully wander the exterior plaza and historic district, guided by a tribal member. They explain customs like the horno ovens, fetch water from the Red Willow Creek, and point out kivas – underground spiritual chambers where rituals take place. Nearby stands the historic San Geronimo Chapel, the oldest church structure in the US, with original adobe walls dating back to 1619.

Artists sell finely crafted micaceous pottery, turquoise and silver jewelry, and other traditional works throughout the Pueblo. Witness dancing ceremonies like the Corn Dances or January Pole Climb that outsiders rarely view. Staying overnight or dining at Pueblo’s guest housing gives travelers a deeply immersive impression of Puebloan heritage at one of its most authentic settlements. Taos Pueblo’s continuity through centuries makes it an unparalleled place to engage with Native history and culture.

• Location : Taos, NM
• Top Attractions : Adobe complex , San Geronimo Chapel , Micaceous pottery

Time their visit for one of the traditional feast days like San Geronimo Day or Taos Pueblo Pow-Wow.

RELATED: High Road To Taos: Experience The Views From 9,000 Feet Up

For a unique art experience unlike anything else, visit the fantastical exhibitions of Meow Wolf in Santa Fe. Meow Wolf is an arts collective that creates immersive multimedia installations based on science fiction and psychedelic environments. Their main campus is House of Eternal Return - an amalgamation of over 70 artists' works with a storyline about a mysterious Victorian house.

Upon entering, visitors find a two-story house filled with passageways and portals leading to wildly unique spaces like a forest, cave, control room, neon arcade, and alien worlds. Every room presents a barrage of sensory stimuli, from robotic sculptures to laser shows, music, and abstract video mapping. Unlike a typical museum, visitors can touch, play, and fully interact with the installations however they please.

Beyond the flagship house, Meow Wolf contains art studios, music venues, a cafe, and outdoor installations on its sprawling campus. Expanding the multimedia experience, they regularly host concerts, new exhibitions, artist talks, and workshops. Recent openings include The Goblin Garden, with immersive botanical jewels and Portals connecting to otherworldly realms. Meow Wolf offers complete imaginative escape through the power of creatively collaborated art forms and storytelling – a one-of-a-kind playground for minds of all ages.

• Location : Santa Fe, NM
• Top Attractions : House of Eternal Return exhibit , arts complex , music venues

Look for discount coupons online!

RELATED: This Is What Happened At Chaco Canyon (& Why It's Still Abandoned Today)

Visible from nearly 50 miles away, the imposing rocky structure of Shiprock abruptly emerges from New Mexico's remote northwest desert. Rising about 1,600 feet, Shiprock (or Tsé Bit’a’í in Navajo) is an arresting lone volcanic plug that has become a famous symbol of this Four Corners region. The sheer rock walls shoot straight up from the landscape, resembling a massive ship plowing through the desert sea.

For the Navajo people native to this region, Shiprock holds deep cultural and spiritual significance. Many myths and legends tell how this dramatic monolith came to be, featuring it prominently as a landmark. Navajo tradition tells of a great bird that carried the Navajo from the cold north to this southwestern land of promise. Exhausted from the long journey, the giant bird rested on the peak we now know as Shiprock.

While it's mostly off-limits for climbing, hikers can walk along the mesa at its base for closer views of the craggy volcanic rock walls. The rugged 17-mile loop BLM trail traces around Shiprock, rewarding with panoramic views of this geological marvel from all angles against the vivid high desert. For insights into Navajo heritage tied to this sacred peak, talk with a Navajo guide to hear stories passed down through generations about the origins of their cherished Shiprock.

• Location : Shiprock, NM
• Top Attractions : 17-mile loop BLM trail around Shiprock

For safe hiking, go with a Navajo guide who can shed light on cultural significance along the way.

Tinkertown Museum

Don’t miss Ross Ward’s Tinkertown Museum between Albuquerque and Santa Fe for a roadside attraction with incredible handcrafted charm. This 22-room eccentric place began in the 1960s as one man’s personal carved wooden dioramas, expanding over decades into a folk art extravaganza. Ross Ward spent over 40 years meticulously cutting around 50,000 figures to create entire Western scenes inside glass bottles, wooden boxes, and walls.

Visitors will find a Wild West saloon filled with cowboy figurines or a vintage sideshow stuffed with detailed carousel animals as visitors explore the various rooms. Other displays include a mini circus, Norman Rockwell-esque small-town scenes, and interactive penny arcade games. The bottle walls glitter with lit-up glass containing minute carvings. Surprises wait around every corner, from a carved fortune-teller machine to a wooden sailing ship.

Equally appealing is the museum’s quirky, nostalgic charm mixed with Ross’s quips and humor displayed throughout. Beyond the indoor curiosities, travelers will find a chapel, schoolhouse, jail, and Ross’s unique hand-built RV to explore. Tinkertown celebrates the power of one person’s imagination and diligence to create a magical handmade world for others to enjoy. Don’t miss this New Mexico original hidden gem.

• Location : Sandia Park, NM
• Top Attractions : Hand-carved dioramas at the Tintertown Museum

Chat with the friendly and quirky staff for amusing background stories on various pieces in the museum.

RELATED: Uncovering The Enigma Of The 'Center Of The Universe' In New Mexico: Myth Or Reality?

Loretto Chapel

In the heart of Santa Fe (a superb city with plenty to offer) stands the historic Loretto Chapel, home to one of New Mexico’s most intriguing curiosities. Built in the late 1800s, the chapel exhibits ornate Gothic Revival architecture with impressive buttresses, spires, and stained-glass windows. But the structure’s miraculous spiral staircase attracts most visitors’ attention and speculation.

Constructed with only wooden pegs and glue, the narrow staircase makes two complete spirals, stands 20 feet tall, and seems to defy physics and engineering. The Sisters of Loretto credit St. Joseph with miraculously answering their prayers for a solution after being told adding a normal staircase would disturb the chapel's walls. With no clear builder, the staircase's mystery perplexed architects and sparked legend.

Some records suggest it was carpentry master Francois-Jean "Frenchy" Rochas, though he worked without blueprints, nails, or center support. Others cite unidentified traveling carpenters. Skeptics suggest clever woodworking and physics created the illusion of impossibility. Regardless, the staircase has inspired wonder for over a century with its architectural curiosity.

Beyond the stairs, the chapel interior impresses with its ornate Gothic arches, columns, paintings, and glowing stained-glass telling biblical stories. While small in size, Loretto Chapel stands large in intrigue. Those intrigued by architectural mysteries and legends can decide if they believe in miracles while gazing at this gravity-defying wooden wonder.

• Top Attractions : Miraculous staircase , Gothic Revival architecture

Try to visit on a weekday early in the day to avoid crowds and have a quiet moment with the mystical staircase.

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Footprints discovered in New Mexico rewrite American history

Archaeologists have made a staggering discovery about American history and it's all thanks to some footprints.

The human tracks, unearthed in White Sands National Park, New Mexico , are the oldest ever to be found on the continent.

Scientists previously estimated their age as between 11,500 and 13,000 years, but new analysis has found out that the most ancient of them is, in fact, 23,000 years old.

This means that humans lived in North America at least 10,000 years earlier than experts had thought. And, indeed, experts say, it’s possible that they arrived earlier still: towards the end of the last ice age , more than 32,000 years ago.

“The site in New Mexico has rewritten history books,” Sally Reynolds, principal academic in paleoecology at Bournemouth University, said in a statement .

“These footprints provide a valuable window into the lives our ancestors lived and how much they were like us,” she added, explaining that they revealed “wonderful examples of human activity” and the way that humans “interacted with one another, with the landscape, and with the animal life there”.

Indeed, it’s not just the age of these prints that makes them so remarkable, it’s the fact that they offer an unprecedented snapshot of life at the time.

From children jumping and splashing in puddles to a group of hunters stalking a giant sloth, the 23,000-year-old tracks pull back the curtain on our Pleistocene past.

They were made by people walking on damp ground at the edge of a now-dry lake and whilst some are visible to the naked eye today, others can only be identified using ground-penetrating radar.

Matthew Bennett, also of Bournemouth University and lead author of two scientific papers about the footprints told Smithsonian Magazine that he knew of older human tracks in Africa and older human tracks in Africa and other parts of the world, but none, he insisted, “tell such a vivid, relatable story”.

His first paper , published in the journal Science in 2021, detailed how the footprints captured a perilous journey undertaken by what appears to be a small woman or adolescent girl, carrying a child on her hip, walking fast across the muddy lakeshore.

“There were hungry predators around, including dire wolves and sabre-toothed cats,” Bennett told the Smithsonian .

“We can see where she slipped in the mud at certain points [...] We can also see the child’s footprints where she set it down, presumably because she was tired and needed a rest.”

Based on the size of the footprints, the child seemed to be less than three years old and didn’t accompany their older female companion on the return journey.

This begs the question as to what happened to the child. Did the woman drop them off in a camp? And why were they walking among dangerous animals on the slippery lakeshore?

“There’s no way of knowing,” Bennett admitted. “But if you’ve ever rushed to get somewhere important while carrying a tired toddler, you’ve experienced a very similar emotion”– even if you weren’t looking over your shoulder for sabre-toothed cats.

“The footprints left at White Sands give a picture of what was taking place, teenagers interacting with younger children and adults," Bennett said in a separate statement.

“We can think of our ancestors as quite functional, hunting, and surviving, but what we see here is also activity of play, and of different ages coming together. A true insight into these early people.”

The Bournemouth University scientist also stressed that although the footprints provide exciting glimpses into what life was like in North America 23,000 years ago, he and his team now want to find out how humans got there in the first place.

“We need lots more sites to make sense of where they came from and by what route,” Bennett told the Smithsonian .

“The lasting legacy of White Sands is to point the way to a new archive of evidence.”

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The 10 Best Places to Live in New Mexico in 2024

Reading Time: 12 minutes

If you’re planning on moving to New Mexico, add these cities to your list.

New Mexico is a vast, mountainous state rich in history, charm, and natural wonders. For thousands of years, native Puebloan , Apache , and Navajo peoples have inhabited the land, deeply influencing the region’s culture and history. Ancient art, artifacts, and structures are displayed throughout the state , showcasing this heritage. Later, Spanish colonization introduced new architecture , religion , and traditions , which are still prominent today.

Renowned for its outdoor recreation, New Mexico boasts over 300 days of sunshine and unique landscapes at every turn. Geographically, the state can be divided into four regions : the Great Plains to the east, the Colorado Plateau to the west, the Rocky Mountains to the north, and the Basin and Range region in the southern third. The Chihuahuan Desert , along with the White Sands and Carlsbad Caverns National Parks , is also located in the south.

New Mexico’s climate is predominantly dry, with variable annual precipitation . While the mountains receive more rainfall, the state has faced prolonged droughts since 1999, leading to an increase in wildfires and heavier reliance on the Colorado River for municipal and agricultural water. It’s crucial to consider climate risks before moving to New Mexico. 

Despite its many attractions, New Mexico has not seen the population boom experienced by other southwestern states over the past decade. In fact, its population is expected to decline in the near future. This trend preserves the state’s unique character and quality of life, making it an attractive option for those looking for room to grow

But which cities in the Land of Enchantment are right for you? In this Redfin article, we’ve uncovered the best places to live in New Mexico, ranking them on qualities such as affordability, navigability, and number of amenities. You can find more information about our methodology here or at the bottom of the article.

1. Santa Fe, NM

A historic, outdoor haven nestled within the massive Sangre de Cristo mountains, Santa Fe tops our list as the best place to live in New Mexico. Top-notch amenities, a lively community, and a navigable layout helped the city earn top marks. 

As the oldest U.S. state capital , Santa Fe could be considered ancient. In fact, it was colonized by the Spanish in 1607 , well before Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. Importantly, native Pueblan , Apache , and Navajo peoples had inhabited the land for thousands of years prior. This unique cultural combination heavily influenced the region’s architecture, religion, and cuisine, which is still visible today.

While the city is home to dozens of centuries-old landmarks, including the oldest government and religious buildings in the U.S., a modern, hip population thrives. In fact, this mixture of the old and new has bred a uniquely creative population, helping Santa Fe to become a UNESCO Creative City . The Santa Fe International Folk Art Market , Traditional Spanish Colonial Market , and Santa Fe Indian Market are among the most famous and draw tourists from around the country.

Located at 7,199 feet, along with a dry and sunny climate, the city can be a great home for those with chronic pain. And with more than 320 days of sunshine throughout its four distinct seasons, everyone can find something to love. June is often the hottest month before the summer monsoon kicks in, while winters can be snowy. Four-season outdoor recreation is a must.

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The largest city in the state, Albuquerque (often abbreviated as “ABQ”) is located just 60 miles southwest of Santa Fe. Even though it’s the state’s cultural and economic hub, the city has a notably shorter colonial history, settled by the Spanish in 1706 .

The city originated along a bend in the Rio Grande River and has since spread east throughout the valley. Older neighborhoods like Old Town and Barelas line the Rio Grande, while newer neighborhoods like Eldorado Heights and Supper Rock stretch into the foothills of the Sandia Mountains. Adobe architecture is prominent throughout the city. 

Albuquerque is located in the high-elevation northern reaches of the Chihuahuan Desert, and thus has a very dry and sunny climate. Most of the city’s nine inches of rain falls during the summer monsoon season. All of the city’s water comes from underground aquifers, the Colorado River Basin, and the Rio Grande River, and water security is a major concern. Efforts to conserve and reuse water have been successful , though. 

While New Mexico’s population is expected to decline in the coming years, Albuquerque continues to grow . A pleasant climate, an affordable cost of living, appealing employment opportunities , and plenty of amenities have helped keep people coming for years. Events like the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and Route 66 Summerfest are an added bonus.

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3. Las Cruces, NM

Located just 45 miles north of the Mexico border, Las Cruces is a historic desert city boasting a relatively affordable cost of living, sunny weather, and easy access to the outdoors. The city is situated in the Chihuahuan Desert west of the Organ Mountains, within an hour from the White Sands National Park. Most land surrounding Las Cruces is owned by the government.

As the second-largest city in New Mexico, Las Cruces has long served as a midpoint for cars and trains traveling between San Diego, CA and Dallas, TX . However, today, the city is better known for its youthful atmosphere, agriculture , and diverse cuisine. New Mexico State University calls the city home, along with thousands of acres of farmland, vineyards, hundreds of hiking trails, and many historic neighborhoods .

The fertile plains surrounding the Rio Grande have supported farming for thousands of years, and continue to do so today. Additionally, as with many cities in the state, railroads played a pivotal role in Las Cruces’ development. You can learn all about these histories at the popular New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum and Las Cruces Railroad Museum .

Las Cruces has grown rapidly over the past ten years, adding over 13,000 residents. While growth is starting to slow, many people are still moving to the edges of the city to neighborhoods like Picacho Hills .

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4. North Valley, NM

North Valley, an Albuquerque suburb ,is the fourth-best place to live in New Mexico. Known for its riverfront trails, historic irrigation ditches, and lush greenery, the area is home to old adobe homes, local farms, and horse ranches . Fairly affordable housing and rental prices helped contribute to the city’s ranking, along with access to the outdoors and big-city amenities.

Importantly, North Valley is fairly spread out, so many errands will require a car. However, as you drive, you’ll get to enjoy the centuries-old tree-lined streets and buildings. Most of the city’s main attractions are along Interstate 25, but 2nd Avenue and 4th Avenue are hotspots as well. Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm , Indian Pueblo Cultural Center , and Casa Rondena Winery are great for a fun day out. 

Outdoor enthusiasts will also find North Valley appealing. The Rio Grande Nature Center State Park and the 16-mile-long Paseo del Bosque Trail offer excellent venues for walking, biking, and bird-watching. And with over 300 days of sunshine annually, residents can enjoy these activities year-round. 

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5. Rio Rancho, NM

The fastest-growing city in New Mexico, Rio Rancho is a gridded suburb 15 miles northwest of Albuquerque. Whether it’s because of the city’s ample room for growth, plenty of available homes, easy access to the outdoors, or a successful marketing campaign , people love Rio Rancho. 

Unlike many cities in New Mexico, Rio Rancho is very new . The city didn’t exist sixty years ago, but has since turned a dusty landscape into a great place to live. There’s a reason it’s called the City of Vision , after all. Similar to most suburbs, amenities are bundled together at malls, like the Rio Rancho Marketplace , and neighborhoods are built as separate developments. Unser Boulevard and Pat D’Arco Highway are the main strips in town. 

Employment opportunities are a plus of living in Rio Rancho. The city is home to the Intel Corporation’s large manufacturing plant, providing numerous job opportunities and contributing to the local economy. Many residents work outside of the city, though – out of 57,000 people in the labor force, just 20,000 work within city limits

The town ends to the north and west, beyond which you’ll see untouched wilderness along with natural beauty in landmarks like Revenger Rock and the Toadstool Hoodoos. 

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6. Roswell, NM

Located in isolated eastern New Mexico, Roswell loves the unknown. The namesake of the infamous 1947 Roswell Incident , Roswell is known for its small-town charm, wild-west atmosphere, and fascination with U.F.O lore. Since the incident, Roswell has embraced its role in popular culture and now hosts the annual U.F.O Festival on the incident’s original date. The International U.F.O Museum and Research Center is also located in town. 

Apart from extraterrestrial life, there’s a lot to love about the small city. Houses are extremely affordable, you have easy access to outdoor adventures in your backyard, and you can spend a day out on the town to look at local art and explore the region’s history. The flat, desert landscape also provides a nice backdrop for the miles of circular farmland to the southeast, verdant parks along the Pecos River, and long walking trails through town. The Spring River Parkway is the most popular trail. 

Roswell’s downtown is centered at the intersection of Main and Second, with nearby Pioneer Plaza serving as the primary venue for events and performances. 

Living in Roswell also means you see all four seasons. Summers are long and hot, while winters are cool and can be snowy. Spring and fall are generally the best times to be outside. In general, the climate is very dry, but the high plains provide a venue for strong summer thunderstorms.

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7. Farmington, NM

Sitting at the confluence of the La Plata, Animas, and San Juan Rivers in northwestern New Mexico, Farmington is surrounded by cultural treasures and serene, rugged landscapes. Housing prices at nearly half of the national median, plenty of amenities, and easy daily commutes helped earn the city a spot on our list.

Even though Farmington wasn’t incorporated until 1901, the region has a long history. The Anasazi, Navajo, Apache, and Utes peoples lived in the area for thousands of years prior to colonial settlement in the 1870s, which you can see evidence of just outside the city at the nearby Salmon Ruins and Aztec Ruins. Today, around 34% of students in Farmington are Indigenous, and the city celebrates its rich Indigenous history every year at the Totah Festival . The Navajo Reservation lies just to the west. 

Oil, natural gas , and agriculture are the largest industries in town. A few casinos are also in the area.

Outdoor recreation is also easy in Farmington. The city sits at nearly 5,500 feet high, just 50 miles from the peaks of the San Juan Mountains. This means easy access to 14,000-foot mountains, miles of trails, winding rivers, and deep canyons. The warm, dry climate makes for pleasant conditions most of the year, and about a foot of snow falls every winter – perfect for skiing, sledding, or sightseeing. 

Farmington homes for sale | Farmington houses for rent | Farmington apartments for rent

8. Clovis, NM

Clovis, a small city near the Texas border in eastern New Mexico, is the eighth-best place to live in the state. Originally incorporated as a railroad town , the city is still known for its trains but is also home to other industries, including cheddar cheese and agriculture . Endless flat, grassy plains stretch for as far as the eye can see in every direction, broken up by farmland, streams, and industrial buildings.

Perhaps the most important aspect of the Clovis area is its role in Indigenous history. A Paleo-Indian site was discovered around Clovis dating back some 12,000 years, at which multiple Clovis points were recovered. These were believed to be evidence of the first human culture in the Americas, but this is now known to no longer be the case .

There can be a shortage of things to do in Clovis proper, so many people head out of town for adventure and entertainment. Mountain biking at Osage Hills and Ned Houk Park, road cycling along Llano Estacado Boulevard, or visiting Ute or Fort Sumner Lake are great options. Joining a local softball team may also help you meet the city’s residents. 

Clovis’s climate is relatively dry and very windy . Importantly, the city is susceptible to strong storms during the spring and summer, with thunderstorms and some tornadoes occurring. Heavy rain often leads to localized flooding . Winter snowfall is common, and summers are hot. 

Clovis homes for sale | Clovis houses for rent | Clovis apartments for rent

9. Alamogordo, NM

Nestled against the imposing Sacramento Mountains in the Chihuahuan Desert, Alamogordo is famous for its outdoor recreation, military base, and beautiful landscapes. The city began as a railroad town and has since grown into a larger planned community with lively residents. Housing prices are relatively low, with median rent prices less than half the national median.

The nearby Holloman Air Force Base just to the west plays a major role in Alamogordo’s culture and economy. Holloman accounts for nearly half of the city’s economy , and a large community of veterans and active-duty service members live in Alamogordo and work at the base. 

People often head outside for fun – and it’s easy to see why. White Sands National Park, the Sacramento Mountains, and the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site are all within a half hour and are great places to explore with friends. Motorsports are popular along the many trails in the desert and foothills of the mountains, too. Skiing in the winter is also easy and affordable. And if you want to head to a larger city, El Paso is just an hour and a half to the south. 

Alamogordo’s climate is hot, dry, and stormy in the summer and cool and sunny in the winter. You will see all four seasons living in the area.

Alamogordo homes for sale | Alamogordo houses for rent | Alamogordo apartments for rent

10. Gallup, NM

What began as a railroad town along historic Route 66, Gallup is now a small city bordering the Navajo Reservation. Affordability, amenities, and navigability helped the city earn the number ten spot. The city’s climate is hot, dry, and stormy, with cool and pleasant winters.

Gallup has a remarkably affordable cost of living, but is also situated within one of the poorest counties in the country . Over 30% of residents live below the poverty line. The city’s economy used to revolve around mining and the railroad, but today is centered around healthcare and service. 

The Navajo Reservation borders Gallup to the north, west, and south, heavily influencing the city’s culture, cuisine, and economy. The region has an Indigenous history dating back thousands of years, and the Gallup Cultural Center showcases some of this history through exhibits and stories. 

Like many small cities, people often head out of town for a weekend or day trip. However, if you want to stay in town, there’s plenty to do, too. Red Rock Park provides opportunities for hiking, camping, and climbing among ancient sandstone cliffs, while the Rex Museum showcases the region’s mining and railroad history. You can’t miss local restaurants, either – Don Diego’s, Bombay Grill, the Railway Cafe, and many food carts during the Saturday Market are favorites. 

Annual events are also a big selling point of the city. For example, the Lion’s Club Rodeo is the state’s largest amateur rodeo club and has events during the summer, and the Red Rock Balloon Rally in December sees 200 hot air balloons fly over Red Rock Park.

Gallup homes for sale | Gallup houses for rent | Gallup apartments for rent

Your future home is just a tap away

Methodology.

Redfin’s Best Places to Live rankings are meant to help home searchers make an informed decision when choosing where to live. To attempt to measure the overall quality of a metro area, each ranking takes into account several key factors, including access to healthcare, open outdoor space, navigability, housing trends, employment statistics, income, and travel time to work. Only metros with a population of 10,000 or greater were considered for our New Mexico list. More information about our methodology can be found here .

Data valid May 2024. This article is for informational and educational purposes only.

Jamie is part of the content marketing team and is passtionate about climate change, housing affordability, and housing market trends. His dream home is a small, modern, and minimalist forested home where he can hear the wind blowing at night.

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FACT SHEET: President   Biden Announces New Actions to Secure the   Border

New actions will bar migrants who cross our Southern border unlawfully from receiving asylum Biden taking action as Congressional Republicans put partisan politics ahead of national security, twice voting against toughest reforms in decades

Since his first day in office, President Biden has called on Congress to secure our border and address our broken immigration system. Over the past three years, while Congress has failed to act, the President has acted to secure our border. His Administration has deployed the most agents and officers ever to address the situation at the Southern border, seized record levels of illicit fentanyl at our ports of entry, and brought together world leaders on a framework to deal with changing migration patterns that are impacting the entire Western Hemisphere.  Earlier this year, the President and his team reached a historic bipartisan agreement with Senate Democrats and Republicans to deliver the most consequential reforms of America’s immigration laws in decades. This agreement would have added critical border and immigration personnel, invested in technology to catch illegal fentanyl, delivered sweeping reforms to the asylum system, and provided emergency authority for the President to shut down the border when the system is overwhelmed. But Republicans in Congress chose to put partisan politics ahead of our national security, twice voting against the toughest and fairest set of reforms in decades. President Biden believes we must secure our border. That is why today, he announced executive actions to bar migrants who cross our Southern border unlawfully from receiving asylum. These actions will be in effect when high levels of encounters at the Southern Border exceed our ability to deliver timely consequences, as is the case today. They will make it easier for immigration officers to remove those without a lawful basis to remain and reduce the burden on our Border Patrol agents. But we must be clear: this cannot achieve the same results as Congressional action, and it does not provide the critical personnel and funding needed to further secure our Southern border. Congress still must act. The Biden-Harris Administration’s executive actions will:   Bar Migrants Who Cross the Southern Border Unlawfully From Receiving Asylum

• President Biden issued a proclamation under Immigration and Nationality Act sections 212(f) and 215(a) suspending entry of noncitizens who cross the Southern border into the United States unlawfully. This proclamation is accompanied by an interim final rule from the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security that restricts asylum for those noncitizens.
• These actions will be in effect when the Southern border is overwhelmed, and they will make it easier for immigration officers to quickly remove individuals who do not have a legal basis to remain in the United States.
• These actions are not permanent. They will be discontinued when the number of migrants who cross the border between ports of entry is low enough for America’s system to safely and effectively manage border operations. These actions also include similar humanitarian exceptions to those included in the bipartisan border agreement announced in the Senate, including those for unaccompanied children and victims of trafficking.

Recent Actions to secure our border and address our broken immigration system: Strengthening the Asylum Screening Process

• The Department of Homeland Security published a proposed rule to ensure that migrants who pose a public safety or national security risk are removed as quickly in the process as possible rather than remaining in prolonged, costly detention prior to removal. This proposed rule will enhance security and deliver more timely consequences for those who do not have a legal basis to remain in the United States.

Announced new actions to more quickly resolve immigration cases

• The Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security launched a Recent Arrivals docket to more quickly resolve a portion of immigration cases for migrants who attempt to cross between ports of entry at the Southern border in violation of our immigration laws.
• Through this process, the Department of Justice will be able to hear these cases more quickly and the Department of Homeland Security will be able to more quickly remove individuals who do not have a legal basis to remain in the United States and grant protection to those with valid claims.
• The bipartisan border agreement would have created and supported an even more efficient framework for issuing final decisions to all asylum seekers. This new process to reform our overwhelmed immigration system can only be created and funded by Congress.

Revoked visas of CEOs and government officials who profit from migrants coming to the U.S. unlawfully

• The Department of State imposed visa restrictions on executives of several Colombian transportation companies who profit from smuggling migrants by sea. This action cracks down on companies that help facilitate unlawful entry into the United States, and sends a clear message that no one should profit from the exploitation of vulnerable migrants.
• The State Department also imposed visa restrictions on over 250 members of the Nicaraguan government, non-governmental actors, and their immediate family members for their roles in supporting the Ortega-Murillo regime, which is selling transit visas to migrants from within and beyond the Western Hemisphere who ultimately make their way to the Southern border.
• Previously, the State Department revoked visas of executives of charter airlines for similar actions.

Expanded Efforts to Dismantle Human Smuggling and Support Immigration Prosecutions

• The Departments of State and Justice launched an “Anti-Smuggling Rewards” initiative designed to dismantle the leadership of human smuggling organizations that bring migrants through Central America and across the Southern U.S. border. The initiative will offer financial rewards for information leading to the identification, location, arrest, or conviction of those most responsible for significant human smuggling activities in the region.
• The Department of Justice will seek new and increased penalties against human smugglers to properly account for the severity of their criminal conduct and the human misery that it causes.
• The Department of Justice is also partnering with the Department of Homeland Security to direct additional prosecutors and support staff to increase immigration-related prosecutions in crucial border U.S. Attorney’s Offices. Efforts include deploying additional DHS Special Assistant United States Attorneys to different U.S. Attorneys’ offices, assigning support staff to critical U.S. Attorneys’ offices, including DOJ Attorneys to serve details in U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in several border districts, and partnering with federal agencies to identify additional resources to target these crimes.

Enhancing Immigration Enforcement

• The Department of Homeland Security has surged agents to the Southern border and is referring a record number of people into expedited removal.
• The Department of Homeland Security is operating more repatriation flights per week than ever before. Over the past year, DHS has removed or returned more than 750,000 people, more than in every fiscal year since 2010.
• Working closely with partners throughout the region, the Biden-Harris Administration is identifying and collaborating on enforcement efforts designed to stop irregular migration before migrants reach our Southern border, expand investment and integration opportunities in the region to support those who may otherwise seek to migrate, and increase lawful pathways for migrants as an alternative to irregular migration.

Seizing Fentanyl at our Border

• Border officials have seized more fentanyl at ports of entry in the last two years than the past five years combined, and the President has added 40 drug detection machines across points of entry to disrupt the fentanyl smuggling into the Homeland. The bipartisan border agreement would fund the installation of 100 additional cutting-edge inspection machines to help detect fentanyl at our Southern border ports of entry.
• In close partnership with the Government of Mexico, the Department of Justice has extradited Nestor Isidro Perez Salaz, known as “El Nini,” from Mexico to the United States to face prosecution for his role in illicit fentanyl trafficking and human rights abuses. This is one of many examples of joint efforts with Mexico to tackle the fentanyl and synthetic drug epidemic that is killing so many people in our countries and globally, and to hold the drug trafficking organizations to account.

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New Mexico's Scenic Byways

New mexico is home to 25 magnificent scenic byways, totaling over 2,900 miles across a diverse landscape..

In fact, eight of the 126 America's Byways are right here in our state. The America's Byways Program is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation , Federal Highway Administration, and was established to help recognize, preserve and enhance selected roads throughout the states. The U.S. Secretary of Transportation recognizes these designated roads based on one or more intrinsic qualities — archaeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational, or scenic. You don’t have to take their word for it. We’ll let you be the judge. Come see each unique scenic byway for yourself. Click on the images to view a map and video. 

Abo Pass Trail Scenic Byway

Billy the kid scenic byway, corrales road scenic byway, el camino real national scenic byway, enchanted circle scenic byway, geronimo trail national scenic byway, the guadalupe back country scenic byway, jemez mountain trail national scenic byway, la frontera del llano scenic byway, lake valley back country byway, mesalands scenic byway, tracks across borders scenic byway, quebradas backcountry scenic byway, route 66 national scenic byway, salt missions scenic byways, santa fe national forest scenic byway, santa fe trail scenic byway, socorro historic district byway, sunspot scenic byway, high road to taos scenic byway, trail of the mountain spirits scenic byway, trail of the ancients scenic byway, turquoise trail national scenic byway, wild rivers scenic byway.

Read more about scenic byways in New Mexico Magazine

Take The Scenic Route Through New Mexico : Hit some of the state’s classic scenic drives.

See Fall Color Shimmer Across the Jemez Mountains : In the Jemez Mountains, fire reshaped the landscape and taught us lessons made visible each fall.

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