We set out to write this article in order to check whether New Mexico really deserved to be called the Land of Enchantment. Can this state located between Texas and Arizona, which is famous for its great natural parks, be “enchanted”? Many people underestimate it or, when it is convenient, they use it just as a starting or finishing destination for a tour of the great parks of the West or the West Coast.
Many people may be wondering what is there to see in New Mexico? Let’s find out together and hope that once you read this article, you will not only get an answer to the question, but you can also decide if it really deserves to be called the Land of Enchantment.
Contents
As you can tell from the title, in this article, you will find only a selection of the main natural beauties of New Mexico. To consider them all would certainly be dispersive if not impossible. By reading this article, you’ll be able to get a general idea of what you will find in New Mexico, while still leaving you room for personal discovery.
Shiprock Rock Formation
Commonly known as Monadnock, it is a ridge or small mountain that stands out in the middle of a flat area. It is over 6,500 ft tall and is located about 10 miles from the town also called Shiprock. Originally it was located in the center of the territory inhabited by the Anasazi and was considered to have magical properties. Its current name (Ship-Rock) derives from its resemblance to a type of boat from the 19th century, in this case, the “Clipper”.The ridges that branch out from the rock formation are also incredibly fascinating.
Because it is sacred to the Navajo, it is not possible to climb the mountain or get too close. A dirt road (be very careful if you don’t have a suitable vehicle) will take you close by, where you will be able to take some remarkable souvenir photos. In any case, be respectful of this place.
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White Sands National Park
Like No Place Else on Earth. That’s what the National Park Service’s official website header says. In fact, if you think of a desert, the first image that comes to mind is probably that of an expanse of golden sand dunes. Here, the sand dunes are completely white. Does that seem strange enough to you? Well, I haven’t told you yet that from time to time the park is closed for safety reasons, because of the missile tests that are carried out in the White Sands Missile Range. A further remarkable fact concerning the missile area is that at the so-called Trinity Site (about 60 miles north of the White Sands National Park) on July 16, 1945, the first atomic bomb in the world was detonated.
Do you think the Trinity Site area is completely off-limits? Of course not. In fact, twice a year (usually on the first Saturday of April and October) the Alamogordo Chamber of Commerce organizes tours of the area. If you are in the area during that period why not consider this option? You will surely have an anecdote to tell for the rest of your life.
If I have piqued your curiosity enough and you want to know which are the most beautiful trails in White Sands, as well as all the other important information, I invite you to read our article entirely dedicated to White Sands National Park.
Abiquiu
We are not talking about a natural attraction; rather, this is a small town that offers incredible views to all those who decide to visit its surroundings. This is no ordinary place. Let’s start by saying that these were the main sources of inspiration for the works of the American artist Georgia O’Keeffe, who decided to live in this town most of her life. I highly recommend that you visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Home & Studio, where you can admire the same views that the artist found herself contemplating.
While I am still on the subject of fascinating landscapes and places that inspired Georgia O’Keeffe, I want to mention Ghost Ranch, located about 12 miles away from Abiquiu. At the Ghost Ranch, a structure now managed by the Presbyterian Church, there are incredible trails that allow you to walk among the beautiful red rock formations. One trail that is certainly worth mentioning the popular Chimney Rock Trail.
The areas surrounding Abiquiu also have the advantage of not being very frequented by tourists, so you can enjoy a more authentic and pristine experience of the West. They are also places that Hollywood film producers have chosen as the setting for, among other things, scenes from Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Cowboys & Aliens, and No Country for Old Men.
Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness
If you are familiar with the American West and with the United States in general, you shouldn’t be surprised by the natural oddities you may encounter. In this case, we are referring to an expanse of rock formations, canyons, and pinnacles with the strangest and most unpredictable shapes that, combined with the particular color of the rocks, give the area a mysterious and fascinating, almost alien aura.
Words cannot describe this place as well as the images you can in this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAG8Lib-UOk
If you are planning to visit this area you should keep in mind that there are no marked routes. Before venturing too far from the parking lot, make sure that you bring a large supply of water and wear suitable clothing. This is also because, after leaving your car in the parking lot, you will have to walk for at least an hour before seeing anything interesting. If you need a place to stop for the night, the nearest town is Farmington.
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Bandelier National Monument
If you picture a beautiful natural setting where you can also touch the ancient houses carved out of the rock by those who populated this area, you’ll have a basic idea of what awaits you when you visit the Bandelier National Monument.
There are many trails that you can hike. For a good overview of everything in this park, take the trails that branch off along Frijoles Canyon. If you don’t have a lot of time, you can opt for the easier and faster Main Loop Trail and, halfway up, take the detour to the Alcove House, which will allow you to enter one of the largest rooms carved in the rock.
The park is open from dawn to dusk and you can find useful information about the history of the area and the trails at the Frijoles Canyon Visitor Center (you can check the hours of operation on the official website). Admission is not very cheap ($20 per vehicle), but it is free if you have the America the Beautiful park pass.
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Kasha Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
Here is yet another unconventional natural attraction with an unpronounceable name, but this time you will be faced with particularly unusual rock formations.
These hoodoos, some are over 100 ft tall, were caused by volcanic eruptions that occurred from 6 to 7 million years ago. Both because of their white color and their picturesque shape, they are definitely a “photo opportunity” not to be missed if you want to bring home an original memory of this part of America.
You will have the opportunity to go on many trails to observe this unusual spectacle of nature up close. I especially recommend, though it is challenging, the Canyon Trail (1.5 miles one way) with an elevation gain of more than 1,970 ft. The trail will take you to the top of the mesa where you can overlook the entire area below. An easier alternative would be the Cave Loop Trail, which will allow you to walk through the high pinnacles. Another easily accessible viewpoint that I want to mention is the Veterans Memorial Scenic Overlook.
Although this national monument is managed by the Bureau of Land Management, you can access it by presenting your America the Beautiful parks pass. Otherwise, you have to pay $5 per vehicle.
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Jemez Springs
New Mexico is not only a state where you can find historical evidence, natural attractions, and beautiful cities, but it is also a place renowned for hot springs. So if you are looking for a way to relax during your busy itinerary, you may consider a stop in Jemez Springs. In addition to offering a regenerating break, this place is also worth visiting due to the natural attractions in the vicinity.
- Soda Dam: AÂ natural dam created thanks to the mineral deposits brought to the surface by the thermal springs that flow underground. It is easily accessible from Route 4.
- Battleship Rock: A rock formation that stands out above the river as if it were the bow of a ship.
- Jemez Falls: Waterfalls that flow from the polychromatic Jemez Mountains. The walk to reach them is short and pleasant.
- Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway: A route that passes through the Valles Caldera National Preserve and reaches the Bandelier National Monument. It offers picturesque mountain and forest views that you can capture with your camera. If you have a day to spare, you can consider taking the entire scenic route to discover the best that northern New Mexico has to offer.
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Capulin Volcano National Monument
Capulin Volcano is an inactive volcano that rises in the middle of a flat area in the northeast of New Mexico. It is perfect even for those who prefer not to exert themselves too much, because the road will lead you to a parking lot practically on the edge of the volcano. Once you are at the top, you can enjoy a 360° view of the entire surrounding area and go on a trail that will take you all the way to the crater.
To enter, you must pay a $7 entrance fee or show your America the Beautiful park pass.
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Carlsbad Caverns National Park
One of the most visited parks in the entire state, but at the same time not directly on the main tourist road trip routes, is the Carlsbad Caverns National Park. You must be determined to go there if you decide to visit it.
What can you expect from these caves? In addition to a myriad of stalactites and stalagmites with the strangest shapes caused by water erosion, there is also the home of about a million bats. If you are not that frightened by bats, every evening from April to October at sunset, you can sit in the amphitheater and watch these creatures come out to hunt insects in the plains below.
The cave complex is also accessible to those with limited mobility, or those who don’t want to walk too much, thanks to an elevator that leads to and from the Big Room of the Carlsbad Caverns. You can find updated operating hours, which vary depending on the time of year, on the official website. Admission costs $10 per person unless you have your America the Beautiful park pass with you. If you want to know more, read our article dedicated to the Carlsbad Caverns National Park Tours.
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El Malpais National Monument
El Malpais National Monument is an area covered with lava material that is one thousand years old where you can observe one of the most amazing architecture of nature, the Ventana Natural Arch. Given the direction it faces, the best time of day to visit it is from midday onwards, when the colors of light reflecting on the rock are incredible and it’s the ideal moment to take unforgettable souvenir photos.
Considering that there is no need to pay an entrance fee, and its proximity to I-40 and to Acoma Pueblo, this can be a stop to admire two of the most unusual attractions of this region. The best reference point in the area may be Albuquerque, which has a wide selection of hotels.
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Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
Located near Silver City, this national monument has cliff dwellings as its main attraction. We are talking about particular dwellings built inside natural caves where the ancient Mogollon people that inhabited this area of New Mexico lived. If you’ve been to Mesa Verde National Park or Canyon De Chelly, you’ll have an idea of what the cliff dwellings look like.
Despite the beauty of the place, it is one of the least visited natural/historical sites in the region, also because it is a bit out of the way for those who are traveling on the classic tourist routes. For this reason, there is a good chance that, even during the high season, you can enjoy this place in complete tranquility.
Admission costs $5 per person unless you present America the Beautiful park pass.
