Castillo Rancon
New Mexico is a land of stark beauty and quiet surprises. Ancient cliff dwellings remind residents and visitors of past civilizations, and surprise roadside wonders add a touch of the surreal. To truly experience the spirit of New Mexico, don’t miss these 10 unforgettable spots.
Shiprock
Rising nearly 1,600 feet above the desert floor, Shiprock is both a sacred site to the Navajo people and a geological marvel. This towering volcanic rock formation, steeped in legend, draws photographers and travelers seeking cultural depth and natural beauty.
El Malpais National Monument
Translating to ‘the badlands,’ El Malpais will draw you in with its vast lava flows, towering cinder cones, and ancient volcanic caves. In addition to exploring these unique geological formations, visitors can hike along scenic trails like the El Calderon Trail and the Zuni-Acoma Trail.
Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge
In the fall, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge offers a front-row seat to one of nature’s grandest spectacles—migratory birds gathered in thousands. The viewing decks offer elevated, unobstructed vantage points over wetlands to easily spot and photograph diverse bird species.
Lincoln Historic Site
Lincoln Historic Site immerses visitors in the rich history of the Old West and offers a vivid experience through its well-preserved buildings and authentic atmosphere. It’s a must-visit for anyone fascinated by frontier life and stories of famous outlaws like Billy the Kid’s.
Capulin Volcano National Monument
In northeastern New Mexico, a well-preserved cinder cone volcano provides panoramic views across five states: New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Colorado. This natural landmark was designated a national monument in 1916 and is carefully managed by the National Park Service to protect its unique volcanic features.
Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
Centuries-old walls still stand where Native communities once met Spanish missionaries in the heart of New Mexico’s desert. The Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument protects these weathered ruins and preserves a rare glimpse into the cultural crossroads that shaped the region’s early history.
Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
Discover the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, where Georgia’s vivid interpretations of New Mexico’s countryside come to life. Through her paintings and personal items, visitors gain insight into O’Keeffe’s artistic genius and her profound bond with the Southwest.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Monumental Ancestral Puebloan ruins and ancient astronomy sites define this park, revealing a culture that profoundly shaped the Southwest. Visitors can explore stone buildings, hiking trails, and petroglyphs to gain better insight into a remarkable chapter of American history.
White Sands National Park
Miles of glittering white dunes define White Sands National Park, a southern New Mexico treasure with 145,762 acres of gypsum. It covers 145,762 acres of stunning white sand made from gypsum crystals. Designated a national monument in 1933, it was upgraded to national park status in 2019.
Bisti De-Na-Zin Wilderness
Miles away from Farmington, you find the Bisti De-Na-Zin Wilderness, covering 45,000 acres of raw and unmarked terrain sculpted by wind and time. Bisti offers explorers a chance to immerse themselves in a rare expanse where solitude and surreal beauty converge.
