New Mexico

We quickly visited New Mexico during a February 2017 road-trip, which included the four-corner states, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah as well as Nevada.

New Mexico is a fantastic destination with a rich blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Here are some top recommendations for places to visit:

Santa Fe: Known as “The City Different,” Santa Fe is famous for its vibrant arts scene, with over 250 art galleries and the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. Don’t miss the historic Santa Fe Plaza and the delicious local cuisine featuring red and green chiles.

Taos: This town offers a mix of cultural heritage and outdoor activities. Visit the Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy skiing in the winter or hiking and rock climbing in the summer.

Albuquerque: Known for the annual International Balloon Fiesta, Albuquerque also offers great hiking trails like the La Luz Trail and cultural sites such as the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.

White Sands National Park: Explore the stunning white gypsum sand dunes, perfect for hiking, sledding, and photography.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park: Discover the incredible underground limestone caves, with guided tours available to explore the impressive formations.

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument: Visit these ancient cliff dwellings to learn about the Mogollon culture and enjoy the surrounding wilderness.

Las Cruces: This city offers a mix of outdoor activities and cultural experiences, including the historic Old Mesilla village and the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument.

Petroglyph National Monument: Located near Albuquerque, this site features thousands of ancient rock carvings and offers several hiking trails.

Each of these destinations offers unique experiences, from art and history to outdoor adventures.

Check out our recommendations on Trip Advisor to help plan your next trip or to book a tour. You can also use Yelp and Open Table for more ideas as well as restaurant reservations. More photos from our visit are posted on Instagram and Facebook.