As you drive around the Land of Enchantment, you’ll come across some amazing views, fabulous hikes, unique landmarks, and fascinating attractions. While many of these areas are popular tourist destinations, there are others around the state that are not as well known. These hidden gems in New Mexico can take your breath away, give you a look into life years ago, and help you create some unforgettable memories.

If you want to see what the Land of Enchantment has to offer, take this ultimate hidden gem road trip in New Mexico. Taking you approximately 14 hours, you’ll want to split this trip into two or three days. This will give you plenty of time to experience all of these remarkable sights. Check out our Google Map to help you plan your trip and don’t be afraid to customize it to match your starting location.

Google Maps
1. Capulin Volcano National Monument
Capulin Volcano National Monument, New Mexico 88418, USA
Tony Fernandez/Flickr
Did you know the Land of Enchantment was once home to an active volcano? The Capulin Volcano is a cinder cone volcano that experts believe erupted approximately 56,000 years ago. Today, you can spend time exploring the volcano crater, walk around unique lava rocks, and much more. If you love to spend time outdoors, this is a great stop on your road trip as there are more than five miles of hiking trails for the entire family to enjoy. The Crater Rim Trail is one of those hiking trails that you won’t want to miss.
2. Mesalands Community College's Dinosaur Museum and Natural Sciences Laboratory, Tucumcari
222 E Laughlin Ave, Tucumcari, NM 88401, USA
wannahike/TripAdvisor
Explore the age of the dinosaurs at Mesalands Community College Dinosaur Museum and Natural Sciences Laboratory in Tucumcari. This fascinating museum features 10,000 square feet of exhibits including a 40-foot-long Torvosaurus skeleton. This is a museum that everyone in your family will enjoy and want to revisit again and again. Visit this museum’s official website to learn more about the exhibits, hours, and more.
3. Smokey Bear Historical Park, Capitan
Smokey Bear Historical Park, 118 Smokey Bear Blvd, Capitan, NM 88316, USA
Kanbaatar/TripAdvisor
Smokey Bear is a character that is well-known throughout the country. However, many New Mexicans don’t know that this famous bear originated from our wonderful state. The Smokey Bear Historical Park pays tribute to Smokey Bear and tells his story. Make sure to spend time outside in the garden area and visit Smokey Bear’s final resting place.

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4. San Lorenzo Canyon
San Lorenzo Canyon, New Mexico 88415, USA
Derek Reibert/AllTrails
If you are looking for New Mexico landscape that is absolutely stunning, you will not want to miss San Lorenzo Canyon. This gorgeous, photo-worthy canyon features all types of hoodoos, arches, and sandstone cliffs. Bring adequate hiking shoes to explore this canyon as it can be sandy in many places and the rocks are an absolute blast to climb.
5. Petroglyph National Monument
Petroglyph National Monument Visitor Center, 6510 Western Trail NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120, USA
Jeff Dodd/AllTrails
Petroglyph National Monument will transport you back in time. This is one of the largest petroglyph sites in the country with many petroglyphs believed to be between 400 to 700 years old. As you visit Petroglyph National Monument, there are several areas you can explore to view these incredible petroglyphs such as Rinconada Canyon. By going on a 2.2-mile hike in this canyon, you can see up to 300 petroglyphs.
6. Fajada Butte, Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico, USA
Elaine P/TripAdvisor
As you visit the Chaco Culture National Historical Park near Nageezi, the Fajada Butte will immediately catch your attention. This butte is one of the first things you will see as you enter the Historical Park as it stands more than 400 feet tall. One of the many features that makes the Fajada Butte stand out is the three spiral petroglyphs that are believed to be a record of the sun's cycles.
7. Red Rock Park, Church Rock
Red Rock Park, 825 Outlaw Rd, Church Rock, NM 87311, USA
Scott/TripAdvisor
You'll want to have your camera ready at all times when visiting Red Rock Park. This park, located near Gallup, features bright red rocks that were formed more than 200 million years ago. Stop by the museum at this park or enjoy a picnic outside. You can also spend the night at one of the two campgrounds in the park. Give yourself plenty of time to hike one of the many trails in Red Rock Park and you'll capture some breathtaking views.

What do you think? Are you ready to hop in the car and experience the ultimate hidden gems road trip in New Mexico? What other hidden gems in New Mexico would you add to this road trip? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

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More to Explore

Hidden Gems In New Mexico

Courtnie Erickson | May 10, 2022

What are some of the best road trips in New Mexico I should take?

The Land of Enchantment is a terrific place to explore on a road trip. In fact, we have created multiple road trips to help you experience some of the best hidden gems in New Mexico. For example, if you love ghost towns, history, and to be spooked, check out this road trip in New Mexico that takes you through several ghost towns. This road trip covers 574 miles and takes more than 11 hours of drive time. However, you will see some unforgettable sights and learn much about New Mexico and the people who lived here decades ago along your way.

If located in the northern part of the state, take a scenic road trip that will make you fall in love with the beauty of New Mexico all over again. This road trip will take you to several hidden gems and scenic locations that you need to visit at least once. This road trip begins in Sugarite Canyon State Park and ends at Gallinas Peak.

What are some scenic drives I should take in New Mexico?

Another excellent way to view some of New Mexico’s hidden gems is on a scenic drive. While there are multiple options, one of our favorite scenic byways in New Mexico to explore is the High Road to Taos Scenic Byway. This beautiful drive will take you through Spanish villages and by ancient pueblos. It is one drive that you’ll want to take every season of the year, but particularly during the fall months when fall foliage is at its peak.

Another gorgeous scenic drive in New Mexico is the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway. This giant loop is 85 miles and takes you through North Central New Mexico. Along the way, you will enjoy some breathtaking views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains — it is remarkable!

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