The Definitive Guide to New Mexican Day Trips

Whether you are passing through or a New Mexico local itching to explore, the Land of Enchantment offers no shortages of adventure and beauty.

Photo via Good Free Photos

Rio Grande Gorge
The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is a steel bridge that spans the Rio Grande 10 miles northwest of Taos. At 565 feet high, it is the seventh highest bridge in the United States. The enormous chasm in the desert floor is a sight to behold, and you are sure to get a surge of adrenaline as you look over the edge of the Bridge to the river far below. While you are in the area, be sure to check out nearby Taos, New Mexico for great galleries, museums, and restaurants.

Sheila McClune. Wikimedia Commons

Madrid
You will fall in love with the charm of this recovered ghost town. Madrid is located on the northeast side of the Sandias. What was nearly a doomed mining town, has been restored with artisan shops and a vibrant culture. Grab lunch at the Mineshaft Tavern, where you will find the town’s original saloon pine and oak bar top. Perhaps you will be lucky enough to stop by during one of Madrid’s festivals, which turn the tiny town in to a party, such as their Gypsy Festival in June or their October Chile festival.

White Sands
White Sands National Monument is a must-see. There’s no place on earth quite like the ethereal, white dunes. Miles of rare white gypsum sand dunes provide ample opportunities for sledding, picnicking, and photography. If you are hiking through this unusual landscape, be sure to plan ahead and bring plenty of water.

NPS.nps.gov

El Malpais National Monument
Another example of the diversity and beauty offered in the New Mexican landscape, El Malpais showcases the distinct volcanic landscape of the area. Ancient volcanic activity left behind lava flows, cinder cones, and numerous caves available for your perusal. Caving and hiking not your thing? Even a scenic drive through the area offers great views of the dramatice sights in this one-of-a-kind land. After you’ve had your fill of the natural beauty, head over to nearby Grants for lunch. El Cafecito and La Ventana are two local favorites.

Sascha Brück.Wikimedia Commons

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks
Another national monument in this Land of Enchantment, Tent Rocks is located about 40 miles southwest of Santa Fe. Like El Malpais, Tent Rocks offers an extraordinary example of geological processes creating distinct landscapes. The surreal landscape of the cone-shaped tent rocks is truly awe-inspiring.

Bob Wick, BLM California.Flikr

Turquoise Trail
Take the Turquoise Trail (also known as NM-14) as the scenic route from Albuquerque to Santa Fe. With many interesting stops along the way, such as Sanda Crest (the panoramic peak of the Sandia mountains), Tinkertown (an elaborate museum of dioramas and antique toys), and Hollywick Farms (an alpaca farm that welcomes tours), there is an abundance of fun and fantastic views along this journey.

Bosque Del Apache Wildlife Refuge
This stunning wildlife refuge is home to a large variety of birds, notably cranes and geese. It is a favorite place of the sandhill crane during migratory season, and the wildlife refuge hosts a festival in mid-November to celebrate the beauty of this spectacular bird. The wetlands of Bosque Del Apache offer stunning views of both sunrise and sunset, when you are most sure to see the variety of birds that call the refuge home.

Marvin De Jong, USFWS volunteer.Flikr

Gila Cliff Dwellings
These incredible cliff dwellings offer a glimpse into the live of the Mogollon people who once lived there. The Gila Cliff dwellings are pre-columbian ruins that are remarkably well preserved due to the hot, dry climate of the area. Archaeologist have discovered 46 rooms that have been painstakingly carved in to the sides of these cliffs. The cliff dwellings are surrounded by the Gila Forest, which includes many campsites and hiking trails.

Gillfoto.Wikimedia Commons

Spence Hot Springs
If instead of adventure, you are seeking a little pampering, New Mexico is home to numerous hot springs. While you can have a resort experience with the hot springs at many locations in New Mexico, you can also enjoy the natural beauty of the state and indulge in a hot springs dip al fresco. Spence Hot Springs is clothing optional and requires a moderate 3 mile hike to reach the springs, so children may need to stay at home for this day trip.

Very Large Array
Want to feel like you’ve been transported to the setting of a sci-fi movie? Then head just west of Socorro to the Very Large Array. The VLA is a radio astronomy observatory which consists of 27 radio antennas. They offer daily walking tours where you can learn about the role of the VLA and other telescopes in astronomy research.

Chuck Coker.Flikr

Whatever you are looking for in your day trips, New Mexico is bursting with unforgettable experiences.So grab your camera and your cowboy boots, adventure awaits!