6 Undisturbed Towns To Visit In New Mexico
New Mexico provides epic outdoor adventure opportunities and features some of the most attention-holding pieces of earth on the planet. Few states can hold a candle to a state aptly nicknamed “The Land of Enchantment.” Its red rock cliffs and sprawling mesas look like stuff plucked straight from a script writer's imagination. The truth is that the towns that most align with New Mexico's dramatic landscapes are typically small, authentic, and undisturbed. So if you want to explore the state that retains much of its frontier flavour, the following 6 undisturbed towns in New Mexico can be unique starting points.
Truchas
Perched on a ridge 8,000 feet above sea level, Truchas has largely remained unchanged through the rolling years. Even a paved road did not swing by until the early 1970s. Truchas was the setting for Robert Redford's Milagro Beanfield War (1988), a film that yanked the town from relative obscurity and introduced it into the American vacation landscape. It looks improbable, but in Truchas, livestock are permitted to share the roads with cars, further cementing the town's credentials as an undisturbed location. You can visit the Nuestra Señora del Rosario Mission Church, whose history dates back to the early 19th century, spend some time at the Truchas Overlook, the epitome of the stunning landscapes found in northern New Mexico, or explore Eight Million Gods, loved for its eclectic and whimsical collection of art and other knick-knacks from across the globe.
Chimayo
In a world with bills and bosses, where life is hectic and fast, Chimayo is a countercultural rebel. You will find traditional weaving shops (and you don't see this often), classic red-chile cuisine, and other fine crafts from the region. The town reclines in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, unbothered and unconcerned with what goes around it. Although the town's defining attraction is El Santuario de Chimayó, a nationally famous National Historic Landmark church known for its “healing dirt,” this town has a bunch of surprises. The 5-star rated Centinela Traditional Arts is certainly one such place. The many hand-woven pieces to see and buy here are incredibly beautiful. Plus, it is always awesome to meet and talk with the weavers, some of whom have been in the business for generations. Follow this with a visit to the Chimayo Museum, where you will learn interesting stuff about the town's weaving tradition.
Pecos
It is difficult to describe Pecos or wrap your head around the scale of its natural beauty and range of offerings. The history, the culture, and the outdoor activities that Pecos provides are vintage New Mexico. Few other towns come close. Pecos is a quiet village tucked into a river valley, with a backdrop of mountains and meadows, mesas and plains. After ambling through the town, work your way to the free-to-visit Pecos National Historical Park, where an ancestral pueblo and the remains of an adobe mission still stand. You will also find several trails to explore, including the historic Battlefield Trail. Not to be outdone, the nearby Pecos Canyon State Park is always cool and quiet and a nice place to get away from everything. After working up your appetite, nab a chair at Frankies at the Casanova on Main Street for an authentic New Mexican dish.
Los Cerrillos
It is interesting that Los Cerrillos, about 28 miles south of Santa Fe, was once considered for the capital of New Mexico. Had it been chosen, its look and character would have been decidedly different. Today, its dirt streets and time-kissed ambiance are picturesque reminders of the Old West. Cerrillos Hills State Park, an outdoor gem along the Turquoise Trail, offers a few short trails and walking paths that let you explore the beautiful high desert landscape along with the old mining history of the area. Keep in mind that Cerrillos was once known for mining, and the Cerrillos Turquoise Mining Museum celebrates this aspect of the town's heritage. Meanwhile, Seftel Gallery is another well-kept secret, where you will admire stunning paintings and have a friendly chat with knowledgeable owners.
High Rolls
As you drive up to the town of Cloudcroft from the Tularosa Basin on Highway 82, you will find the small, undisturbed town of High Rolls sitting snug where the desert flora transitions into beautiful evergreens and cottonwood trees. In the distance, the peaks of the Sacramento Mountains peter out into the undulating foothills from which the town gets its name. People come here to escape; it doesn't matter what they are escaping from. Bridal Veil Falls Trailhead, which rewards hikers with a refreshing waterfall at the end (not that it is arduous), is among the town's defining attractions. Taking the cue, Grandview Trailhead provides nice views of white sand and often deserves a detour. After exploring a few of the town's outdoor pleasure spots, pass by Off The Wall, an awesome gift shop with beautiful souvenirs to take back home.
Mesilla
It may seem tiny and undisturbed, but Mesilla was once the largest U.S. town between San Antonio and San Diego. When the railway was constructed a few miles away in neighbouring Las Cruces, its fate was sealed. But there was a silver lining. Mesilla today continues to be quaint and a tad more peaceful than many of its peers and contemporaries. You will find thick-walled adobe buildings, some of which are now repurposed into well-curated museums, mind-rousing art galleries, and inviting restaurants serving authentic Mexican dishes. Fountain Theatre, which has entertained area residents since 1905, is a cozy place to watch a matinee. There is the Gadsden Museum as well, an offbeat space with interesting Wild West memorabilia. As for the outdoors, Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park is an honored name in the birding and hiking circles. You just have to check it out.
The Takeaway
New Mexico's landscapes can be flat (but not dull) on one end, and unbelievably rugged on the other. If you are looking for a touch of personality mixed with raw beauty, you should visit New Mexico towns that are quaint, unapologetically slow, and uniquely undisturbed. Some of these towns are off the main highways and tucked into high ridges or sleepy valleys. Still, regardless of their locations, you will find places that are unbelievably undisturbed; where the breeze feels old and the scenery bold.
