8 Tiny Off-Grid Towns In New Mexico
The American state of New Mexico has been drawing people to it for centuries. With its diverse landscape featuring mountain ranges, desert plains, and forests like the Cibola National Forest, it's easy to see why so many have called it home. The hot, sunny days and cool desert nights have given birth to countless off-the-grid towns that are just waiting for you to explore. Whether you are looking to beat the winter blues, walk the same streets as infamous Old West outlaw Billy the Kid, or sleep under the stars, you are sure to find a place that appeals to you.
Pie Town
Pie Town, home to around 111 people, is uniquely named. If you happen to visit during September, you'll be able to attend the annual Pie Festival! During your time at the festival, you can go on rides, play games, and of course, eat a wide variety of delicious pies. You might even find yourself as a judge in the pie-baking contest! If you have a hankering for pie during the rest of the year, you can eat your fill at Pie-O-Neer Pies. When you've had your fill, you can walk down the town's historic streets and imagine what life was like when the town was first founded. Pie Town is about 2.5 hours north of Albuquerque, making it perfect for a day or weekend trip. While you're in town, you can stay at the spacious Pie Town RV Park, where you can cook under the stars and enjoy a beautiful New Mexico night.
Cloudcroft
Like many towns that dot the United States of America, Cloudcroft began its life as a railroad town. The mountain town's unique location offers mild summers and chilly winters, making it a perfect place to visit year-round. While you're in Cloudcroft, you can go skiing, snowboarding, or tubing at Ski Cloudcroft! After that, you can warm up with a hearty meal at Mad Jack's BBQ Joint. From there, you can pick up a gift or piece of art Off The Beaten Path. The store showcases the amazing talent of the local artistic community. To view a stunning piece of Cloudcroft's history, you can stop by the breathtaking Sacred Heart Stone Mission Church. The stone-built church remains in operation and serves as a tangible link to the town's remarkable past. Fun fact: actor Ronny Cox, known for his appearances in Beverly Hills Cop I & II, RoboCop, and Total Recall, among others, was born in Cloudcroft.
Lincoln
Nestled in the Bonito Valley between the Capitan and Sacramento mountain ranges is the legendary old-west town of Lincoln. A simple stroll through town will make you feel like you've stepped back in time. Movie and history fans may know that Lincoln is a pivotal location in America's "Wild West lore", as this historic town was ground-zero for the Lincoln County War, as depicted in countless movies (like the shockingly accurate, but highly underrated) Young Guns films. During your time in Lincoln, you can visit the historic Courthouse that once housed legendary outlaw, Henry Antrim, aka Billy the Kid, as well as the Tunstall Store that was owned by the kid's former employer, Mr. John Tunstall. A short drive away from Lincoln is the legendary Fort Stanton, where you can view over 80 historic buildings on this 240-acre property. Once you've had your fill of amazing local history, you can enjoy the area's beautiful natural scenery by spending time at the sprawling Lincoln National Forest. Lincoln is about 3-4 hours from Albuquerque, making it perfect for a weekend visit. While you're in town, you can stay at the Old Wortley Hotel.
Jemez Springs
The picturesque town of Jemez Springs has been drawing visitors for thousands of years. All it takes is a look around to see why. The town's stunning location allows residents and visitors alike easy access to the Jemez Mountains and the Jemez River. Though for a really unique experience, make sure to visit the town's claim to fame: its natural Jemez Hot Springs. No matter the time of year you visit, relaxing in the naturally hot water will send you floating on a sea of bliss. Along with its natural resources, this town of fewer than 200 residents also has a thriving creative community. A visit to the Jemez Artisans Co-op Gallery & Shop offers the opportunity to view stunning art and select gifts for yourself or loved ones. To learn more about the town's amazing history, you can pay a visit to the Jemez Historical Site. Just remember your sunscreen!
Chama
Around 3 hours from Albuquerque rests the beautiful town of Chama. Currently home to around 917 people,this hidden gem of a town near the Rocky Mountains offers a bevy of unique experiences. While you're in town, you can stay at the charming Chama Inn Motel. For an amazing experience, you can take a trip on the historic Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. Even a short journey on one of these trains will take you back to a simpler time. Just make sure you have your camera ready to catch the beautiful scenery as it rolls by! During your time in town, you can do some shopping at the Tierra Wools store, where you can get some yarn or some locally crafted apparel. However, for a real hands-on experience, you can take a weaving or hand spinning class at Tierra Wools! The Edward Sargeant Wildlife Management Area Trailhead is a great place to go for a hike and enjoy the area's natural beauty. You may even get to see some of New Mexico's wildlife while you're there!
Capitan
Founded in the 1890s, the mountain village of Capitan is one of those places that is easy to miss, but hard to forget once you've been there. Nestled between the Capitan and Sacramento Mountains, this captivating small town is a great place to turn off your phone and recharge for a few days. While you're here, you can visit the Smokey Bear Historical Park, named, of course, after Smokey the Bear, who has been telling us all how to prevent forest fires since 1944! During your time at the park, you can see an assortment of exhibits dedicated to the famous Ursus. If you need a bit more Smokey in your life and have an itch the park can't scratch, then make sure to pop into the Smokey Bear Museum & Gift Shop. One of the best things about New Mexico is its incredible scenic beauty, which is on full display as you go hiking in the Lincoln National Forest. For a great meal while in town, make sure to stop in at the Smokey Bear Restaurant and have your photo taken with the mural of Smokey.
Carrizozo
The beautiful town of Carrizozo is an off-the-beaten-path community home to about 972 people. During your time in town, you can visit the Carrizozo Heritage Museum & Visitor Center to learn about the area's diverse history. From there, you can visit the awe-inspiring Valley of Fires Recreation Area, so called due to the 125 square mile dried lava flow that was left in the aftermath of a volcanic eruption that occurred in the area over 5,000 years ago. Nature's glory and destruction all in one place. Back in town, you can spend time at the Tularosa Basin Gallery of Photography, where you can view work from over 40 talented photographers. If you get hungry while in town, make sure to stop by Rosey's Pizza. Locals say it's the home of the best pizza in the south west, what say you?
Hillsboro
Founded in 1877, the idyllic town of Hillsboro has remained largely unchanged since then. But as the old saying goes, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," and that is just fine for the town's 124 residents. During your time in Hillsboro, you can relax and enjoy a coffee and a delicious meal at the Hillsboro General Store Cafe. From there, you can learn all about the area's amazing history of this former gold-rush town when you stop in the Hillsboro Historical Society. While you're there, you'll feel as if you've walked into the past, without sacrificing cell service. While in town, you can take a stroll through Hillsboro's historic downtown core and imagine what it is like in town during the gold boom. Would you have tried to stake your claim in the area during the gold rush?
New Mexico's Hidden Gems
As we've seen, New Mexico has a lot to offer! If you are a history/movie lover looking to retrace the steps of famous outlaw Billy the Kid," you can! If you want to relax in a natural hot spring under the stars or take in awe-inspiring natural wonders, New Mexico has you covered. Towns like the ones mentioned are part of the very fabric of American life and history, so we encourage you to visit any or all of them and create your own history. Just, and we cannot stress this enough, do NOT forget the sunscreen when going to New Mexico. Happy travels!
