Autumn is here! This means a whole slew of new activities just waiting to be enjoyed. In case you haven’t noticed, New Mexico really thrives in the fall, with a bevy of exciting and entertaining ways to spend the day. If you’re looking for the best things to do in New Mexico in October, read on!

1. Take a chairlift
Ski Basin Road, Ski Basin Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
Ski Santa Fe/Facebook
Ride among the trees and get magnificent views of the leaves from above. To see this unique view, drive up to the Santa Fe ski basin and ride their Chief Quad chairlift. If the scenic ride through the aspens and pines isn’t enough, catch some of the other autumn activities on the mountain too.
2. Navigate a corn maze
2 McCall Ln, Moriarty, NM 87035, USA
McCall's Pumpkin Patch/Facebook
Fall means we’re treated to spectacular foliage, pumpkin-flavored goodies and, of course, adventures through a corn maze. There are several in New Mexico, however, McCall’s Pumpkin Patch in Moriarty stands out. This massive attraction feels like a farm and a fairground rolled into one. Plus, their corn mazes are amazingly intricate.
3. Visit this inviting town
Los Alamos, NM 87544, USA
GlennProspectHts_Il /TripAdvisor
Our small towns are particularly beautiful in the autumn season, but one place you may not think about – Los Alamos – is especially inviting this time of year. Not only does this part of Northern New Mexico glow with exquisite fall color, there is plenty of open space in which to enjoy it.
4. Peep at some leaves
Enchanted Circle, Enchanted Cir, New Mexico 87001, USA
vicariouslythrulisa/TripAdvisor
If you are a New Mexico leaf peeper, get on the road! Fall is here and the leaves are already turning. Get the best views of the vibrant foliage by road-tripping along the Enchanted Circle, one of New Mexico’s scenic byways. This 85-mile loop connects Taos, Questa, Red River, Eagle Nest, and Angel Fire.
5. Get some air at Balloon Fiesta
Albuquerque, NM, USA
Duncan Rawlinson/Flickr
If it's fall, it's time for the hot air balloons to return to Albuquerque. While other states may have similar events, none of those spectacles are on the scale of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. It’s the largest ballooning event on the planet and also the most photographed. Each October, more than 800,000 people flock to Duke City to witness this once-in-a-lifetime sight and you should be among them! Get up early and make a day of it.
6. Drive a Scenic Byway
Corrales Road, Corrales Rd, Corrales, NM, USA
Linda Lupowitz/Flickr
Admire the golden cottonwoods along this 6.7 mile scenic drive. Corrales Road travels between the Rio Grande and the Corrales acequia, making the scenery appealing on both sides of the car.

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7. Pick a Pumpkin
3855 W Picacho Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88007, USA
Mesilla Valley Maze/Facebook
Pick a pumpkin at corn maze? Sure! The whole family will enjoy the trip to the Mesilla Valley Maze. In addition to the pumpkin patch and corn maze, there are more than 30 regular attractions. This southern New Mexico attraction is open all of October. Find the Mesilla Valley Maze at 3855 West Picacho Avenue, Las Cruces.
8. Be king for a day
Las Cruces, NM, USA
L Hoffheins/Flickr
Take off work and plan a trip to Las Cruces for the Annual Renaissance ArtsFaire. This weekend of merriment features entertainment, food, shopping and contests of yore, like jousting and a kid's scavenger hunt. Adults can enjoy feasting and festing (with beer and wine) and an artists market. For more about the event, see the Renaissance ArtsFaire's website.
9. Stay in a cozy cabin
Facebook/Pecos River Cabin
Fall is the perfect season to immerse yourself in nature. Cabins are typically situated in rustic locales, and renting one allows you to unwind, while soaking in the fall colors. Here are 11 cozy New Mexico cabins that you’ll want to stay in this fall.
10. Visit an eccentric town
Madrid, NM 87010, USA
Cowgirl Red/ Facebook
There are clusters of artists’ communities throughout New Mexico, but one of the most fun and whimsical is the tiny town of Madrid. Located off the Turquoise Trail (Highway 14), between Santa Fe and Albuquerque, Madrid is a convenient (and festive) destination for your next day trip. If you have never been, or want to visit again, fall is a perfect time.
11 Take a hike
15 Entrance Rd, Los Alamos, NM 87544, USA
Sally King/National Park Service
Try the Bandelier hike to the Frijolito Pueblo archeological site. Be ready for 2.5 miles of fairly strenuous hiking. The Frijolito Loop Trail starts in Cottonwood Picnic Area, just across the creek from the Bandelier visitor center at 15 Entrance Road, in Los Alamos.
12. Watch the Cranes
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 1001 NM-1, San Antonio, NM 87832, USA
Howard Ignatius/Flickr
Each fall the Sandhill cranes return to New Mexico's Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, near Socorro. You don't need to be a birder to enjoy the sight of these magnificent birds blanketing the bosque, especially when they take off en masse just before dawn. The official Festival of the Cranes typically occurs in mid-November, but the spectacle of the cranes can be seen most of the fall season.

What are your favorite things to do in New Mexico in October? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! And for even more fun, embark on this exciting New Mexico fall foliage road trip!

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things to do in New Mexico in October

Elisa Regulski | August 17, 2022

Where are the best places to see fall foliage in New Mexico?

Fall in New Mexico is simply astounding, with vibrant colors filling the trees. You can’t let leaf-peeping season pass you by! The Enchanted Circle, an 85-mile scenic byway, is one of the best places to see fall colors in New Mexico. This gorgeous roadway makes a large loop through a national forest, and the views will make you fall in love with this state all over again. 

If you love scenic drives, you’ll also want to explore Red River Canyon. This delightful little ski town looks good all year round. You’ll definitely want to stop and take pictures! Last but not least, head over to the Palisade Sills cliffs along Cimarron Canyon. When the stunning leaves rest against the rocky terrain, the views are nothing short of spectacular. 

Which hiking trails in New Mexico are best in the fall?

Nature lovers, celebrate! The Aspen Vista Trail is one of the best places to explore during fall in New Mexico. This out-and-back trail spans 11 miles, but don't worry, you don’t have to hike the entire length. If you’re up for an all-day adventure, however, you’ll be pleased to learn that the walkways aren’t too steep. You’ll gradually climb in elevation and soon see some of the most incredible fall foliage in New Mexico. Pack a picnic and get ready for one of the best possible autumn outings. If you loved this hike, you should also check out the Santa Fe Canyon Preserve Interpretive Trail. Unlike the previous hike, this trail is short and sweet. Only two miles long, this breezy walkway is the perfect mid-afternoon journey. 

What are the best fall day trips in New Mexico?

If you’re craving a quick getaway, head over to the Catwalk Recreation Area near Glenwood. Here, you can get a bird’s eye view of some of the best fall foliage in New Mexico. For more fun, visit the Chama Valley. This tranquil destination shimmers with color this time of year.

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