The 6 Can't-Miss Towns In New Mexico
The Land of Enchantment lies in the southwestern region of the United States. Prosaically known as New Mexico, this state is rich in arts and culture and is famous for White Sands National Park. Its deep cultural roots intertwine with the dramatic landscape to create a must-visit destination.
The best place to start is in small towns, where you’ll find Spanish colonial plazas and ancient pueblos within reach of desert basins and hot-spring valleys.
The following six towns capture New Mexico’s range, encompassing everything from vibe to natural beauty.
Truth or Consequences
The quirkily named town of Truth or Consequences is home to the first commercial spaceport in the world. Spaceport America lies 30 miles southeast of downtown, in a high desert expanse. Here, you can go on guided hangar tours and ride on the G-SHOCK, which simulates the forces of space travel.
The town also boasts the Sierra Grande Lodge and Spa, built in 1929. The hotel offers both indoor and outdoor pools filled with mineral-rich waters.
Five miles north of T or C lies Elephant Butte Lake. It is one of the largest lakes in the state and a popular location for sailing regattas and water skiing. Around the lake, there are 15 miles of hiking and biking trails.
The Hot Springs Historic District is another must-visit. The thermal springs here are among the most heavily mineralized in the country. You can enjoy soaking in the water at Blackstone Hot Springs, Charles Motel and Hot Springs, or the Hot Springs Glamp Camp.
Madrid
Madrid is a small town located approximately 46 miles from Albuquerque. As small as it is, Madrid made some big waves as a filming location for the Netflix show Longmire. The town limits are within the Ortiz Mountains, which stretch along the Turquoise Trail. Only around 248 permanent residents are here, but they welcome visitors who want to explore the art galleries and studios, including the Indigo Gallery.
They also direct visitors to the Mineshaft Tavern, a watering hole established in 1947. The Old West atmosphere here is as potent as some of the drinks.
The Madrid Old Coal Museum, situated behind the tavern, houses fantastic relics, including a steam locomotive and Thomas Edison lanterns. One section of the museum is decked out for Christmas, showcasing the town’s extensive Christmas light displays, which inspired the holiday lights at Disneyland.
Other things to do in Madrid include hiking the five miles of trails at Cerrillos Hills State Park and camping at the Turquoise Trail Campground and RV Park.
Tucumcari
Tucumcari is the first big(ish) town away from the Texas state line. This small town is known as one of the gateways to New Mexico and is home to the New Mexico Route 66 Museum. There are some wonderfully nostalgic neon signs to enjoy in this Route 66 stop, and it is the home of the Blue Swallow Motel, one of the best old motels in the state.
Tucumcari is also known for its decorative murals, which number nearly 100 and are mostly found along Tucumcari Boulevard. One of the most photo-worthy Mother Road-themed murals is at Tucumcari Boulevard and Second Street.
If you want to explore the outdoors, the nearby Ute Lake and Conchas Lake State Parks offer plenty of water and space for water skiing, hiking, boating, swimming, fishing, and picnicking.
Gallup
Gallup is substantially bigger, with just over 20,000 residents. But this gorgeous town is just as charming as its smaller counterparts. In Gallup, you can take an entire day and hike the Zuni Mountains or Red Rock Trails. If you are feeling adventurous, you can take in the sights from a hot air balloon.
You can even learn an authentic traditional tribal dance. Many descendants of the ancient Zuni, Navajo, and Hopi tribes still inhabit Gallup. The state is located in 19 New Mexican Pueblos, the biggest of which is the Zuni Pueblo.
Gallup is another Route 66 town, so you can stroll down part of the route and take in the sights (and signs). If you visit in June, you can watch a traditional rodeo competition, including bull riding.
Aztec
If it is history you are after, look no further than Aztec. This town of 6,000+ is filled with ancient heritage and Western charm. The Aztec Ruins National Monument is one of the best places to start exploring. This UNESCO-designated site features a massive Great Kiva and a three-story West Ruin built around 1100 and occupied until 1300 AD. You can explore the museum independently, or join a heritage garden walk group or ranger-led program.
The Aztec Museum and Pioneer Village features reconstructed frontier buildings, including a caboose, blacksmith’s forge, and a general store.
You can also explore the historic Main Avenue, where buildings from the early 1900s reflect Italianate and Classical Revival architecture.
For an outdoor experience, head to the natural arches, where you can hike and take pictures. There are more than documented formations in San Juan County alone, including arches, rock art, and ancestral ruins.
Red River
Red River is a year-round playground on the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. During winter, the Red River Ski and Summer Area awaits those who want to snowboard, tube, snowshoe, or ski. The terrain is ready for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking in summer.
The Red River is a great fishing spot for trout, and anglers head here during the colder months. The nearby Wild Rivers Recreation Area offers more hiking, biking, and camping opportunities.
The town also offers fun experiences, including cowboy-themed paintings and jewelry at the Kenneth Wyatt Gallery. Main Street comes alive during the year for the Fine Arts and Wine Festival, steampunk fairs, and Oktoberfest.
Together, the stunning small towns of New Mexico paint a complete picture of the state's offerings. Under wide desert skies, they combine the past and the present, inviting everyone to slow down and take in the absolute enchantment on offer.
