If you’ve been following Only In Your State for a while, you know how much we love discovering hidden gems across this great country of ours. While there are incredible places to visit all around the U.S., here in the Land of Enchantment, there truly is so much to see. Here are 12 hidden gems in New Mexico, one for each month of the year:

1. International UFO Museum & Research Center, Roswell

International UFO Museum and Research Center and Gift Shop, 114 N Main St, Roswell, NM 88203, USA
International UFO Museum & Research Center/Facebook
Whether or not you are a believer in extraterrestrial life, a trip to the International UFO Museum & Research Center in Roswell is a must. Back in 1947, there was a documented incident that involved metal debris from an unknown (at the time) source. This museum is dedicated to that particular Roswell incident as well as worldwide UFO sightings and events. To learn more, visit the International UFO Museum & Research Center's official museum.

2. Acoma Pueblo

Acoma Pueblo, NM 87034, USA
Atlantide Phototravel/Corbis Documentary via Getty Images
Also referred to as the "Sky City," the Acoma Pueblo sits atop a mesa off Route 66 approximately 60 miles from Albuquerque. Established in the 12th century, it is still inhabited. A visit to this fascinating community is one of the best day trips in New Mexico.

3. Very Large Array, Socorro

NRAO Very Large Array, Old Hwy 60, Magdalena, NM 87825, USA
Very Large Array/Google Local
If you've ever seen the movie Contact (1997) starring Jodie Foster, then this scene of giant satellite dishes may look familiar to you. The Very Large Array Radio Telescope facility is located about two hours from Albuquerque and is certainly worth the drive to see. This New Mexico hidden gem is quite remote but utterly fascinating. You can even take a self-guided walking tour with interpretive signs to learn more about what these massive dishes have discovered in our skies and beyond over the years.

4. El Morro National Monument, Ramah

El Morro National Monument, El Morro Nat'l Monument, New Mexico 87321, USA
Posnov/Moment via Getty Images
El Morro National Monument is known for its sandstone cliff with a hidden waterhole. Over the centuries, it was a popular place for travelers to stop. The evidence they left behind is written in the rocks, literally! Take a hike at El Morro National Monument and view more than 2,000 petroglyphs, messages, dates, and signatures.

5. Dwan Light Sanctuary, Las Vegas

Forest 263 Road, Forest 263 Rd, Las Vegas, NM, USA
John Zweifler/Google Local
If you had to pick one of the most peaceful places in New Mexico, it would have to be the Dwan Light Sanctuary. Located on the United World College campus in Las Vegas, the temple's use of prisms creates a rainbow effect and a serene place to spend some time meditating.

6. Meow Wolf's House of Eternal Return, Santa Fe

Meow Wolf Santa Fe, 1352 Rufina Cir, Santa Fe, NM 87507, USA
Meow Wolf Santa Fe/Facebook
Have you ever wanted to feel fully immersed in an art exhibit? Well, you will have your chance to do just that at Meow Wolf's House of Eternal Return in Santa Fe. Good for all ages, this is one incredibly fun and colorful place to explore.

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7. Blue Hole, Santa Rosa

Blue Hole, Santa Rosa, NM 88435, USA
sk/Flickr
As far as swimming holes in New Mexico go, this is one of the best. Not only does the Blue Hole in Santa Rosa have some of the clearest water in the state but it's a pretty epic scuba diving spot.

8. Lechuguilla Cave, Carlsbad

Lechuguilla Cave, 727 NM-7, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA
James St. John/Flickr
Located within Carlsbad Caverns National Park, this New Mexico hidden gem is awe-inspiring. It is one of the top 10 longest caves in the world and definitely worth visiting.

9. Glenrio

Glenrio, NM 88434, USA
Jasperdo/Flickr
For those of you who love visiting and photographing abandoned places, Glenrio is a ghost town in New Mexico worth visiting. Located on the Texas/New Mexico border, a railroad once ran through town and, then, Route 66 was built. It was a tourist destination for many years until the railroad station closed.

10. Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, Mimbres

26 Jim Bradford Trail, Mimbres, NM 88049
Jacob Gates/Google Local
Tucked in the Gila National Forest are the Gila Cliff Dwellings. Here you will find ancient caves that people once lived in. It's worth exploring to see the rooms as well as the pictographs on the cave walls.

11. Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary, Ramah

378 Candy Kitchen Rd, Ramah, NM 87321, USA
davidblackrageous/Google Local
Did you know that there is a wolf sanctuary in New Mexico you can visit? Located in Ramah, Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary is home to over 65 rescue wolves from around the country. The public is welcome to visit and learn about these wonderful animals.

12. The Museum of Space History, Alamogordo

The Museum of Space History, 3198 State Rte 2001, Alamogordo, NM 88310, USA
Eric Dunlap/Google Local
This museum and planetarium is a must-visit for anyone who is fascinated with space. See the International Space Hall of Fame as well as exhibits on rockets, astronauts, and more. Head to the Museum of Space History's official website to plan your visit.

Have you discovered any of these New Mexico hidden gems yet? Are there any hidden gems near me that you would add to this list? What about any hidden gems in Albuquerque? If so, let us know in the comments.

Any of these hidden gems would make excellent road trip stops. Just make sure that before any road trip adventure, you are prepared with the right road trip supplies and the best car-friendly snacks!

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What are some of the best scenic drives in New Mexico?

When many people visit the Land of Enchantment, they head to popular tourist destinations like White Sands National Park or the town of Taos. However, if you are looking for hidden gems in New Mexico, I strongly recommend you take a scenic drive. The best routes are not only full of beauty, but they are also full of unique destinations and roadside attractions. Some scenic drives in New Mexico I recommend include:

 

If you plan to spend plenty of time in the car, make sure you are prepared for the journey. Check out our ultimate road trip packing list. And there’s nothing like a scenic drive and delicious snacks. Take a peek at our list featuring the best road trip snacks for any drive.

What are some other natural wonders in New Mexico?

While the above list features many New Mexico hidden gems, it is just the beginning of natural wonders and must-see attractions in the state. The Land of Enchantment is home to remarkable natural wonders that will leave you inspired during your entire visit. As you search for a few hidden gems near me or natural wonders in New Mexico to check out, consider the following:

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