You don’t need to go out of state to have a great adventure. In fact, if you search “day trips near me in New Mexico,” you might just be surprised by the results. Save money and travel time with local trips that will blow you away. Most people know about Carlsbad Caverns National Park and White Sands National Monument, but here are some other unique destinations in New Mexico. Ready to start exploring? Let’s go!

1. Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa (Ojo Caliente)
Flickr/Marilyn Brinker
This hot spring resort offers both public and private bathing options. Every day, the springs here produce 100,000 gallons of hot water. There are four separate kinds of mineral water available: soda, arsenic, iron, and lithia, along with a mud pool. Can’t you picture yourself relaxing in this dramatic setting? Learn more about Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa.
2. The Catwalk National Scenic Trail (Glenwood)
Flickr/Denny Armstrong
This trail was built along the route of an old water pipeline through Whitewater Canyon, which was used for mining operations. The canyon catwalk reopened in 2016, so now you can explore it for yourself and admire gorgeous scenery that includes a small waterfall. Additional hiking opportunities abound in the Gila National Forest, making this an ideal locale for an active vacation. Learn more about what makes the Catwalk National Scenic Trail such an amazing day trip in New Mexico.
3. Farmington
Flickr/teofilo
Farmington may not be the first place that pops into your head as a New Mexico vacation spot, but there’s a surprising amount of things to do here. Check out Salmon Ruins, a Chacoan site, or enjoy the trails that the city has cultivated along the banks of the Animas River. Farmington Lake now has a swimming beach, making it appealing on hot, summer days. Farmington also makes a great base if you want to take day trips to remote locations like Chaco Canyon, the Angel Peak Scenic Area, or Bisti Badlands. Truly, Farmington is a jaw-dropping place.
4. Red Horse Vineyard B&B (Albuquerque)
Facebook/Red Horse Vineyard B&B
This hidden gem of a bed and breakfast is also a vineyard. Sounds like the perfect combination, right? Use this as a base for exploring Albuquerque or else escape here for a romantic getaway. Would you stay the night at this charming bed & breakfast in New Mexico?
5. Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad (Chama)
Facebook/Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Hop aboard the best train ride in the nation to wonder at the landscapes of Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado. Embrace a slower pace of life aboard this historic steam train. Stay across the street at the Chama Station Inn and, in keeping with the train theme of this trip, dine at Boxcar Café. This scenic train ride in New Mexico is one you won't want to miss.

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6. Madrid
Flickr/Images by Lane
This ex-ghost town is ideal for a day trip or weekend getaway. Trace the town’s history from its mining days to its reinvention as an artistic community by visiting the Old Coal Town Museum and moseying through the numerous galleries. Learn more about what makes Madrid such a fascinating day trip destination.
7. The Blue Hole (Santa Rosa)
Flickr/Deborah Lee Soltesz
You could fork out for plane tickets to Belize or you could discover the crystal-clear depths of the Blue Hole in Santa Rosa. Scuba divers and swimmers alike are wowed by this spot. Can you imagine a more magical swimming hole in New Mexico?
8. City of Rocks State Park (near Deming and Silver City)
Flickr/tivolatman
Take a trip that is both budget and family-friendly. At this state park, you can wander between forty-foot high volcanic boulders that have formed a literal city of rocks. Activities include hiking the 5.5 miles of trails, mountain biking, birding, and star-gazing (there are 52 developed campsites). Click here for more info.
9. State parks road trip
Google Maps
New Mexico’s state parks are some of our greatest treasures. We’ve combined several into an easy-to-follow route. This trip offers lakes, mountains, a zoo, trails, and more. Check out the full itinerary by clicking here.
10. Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort (Mescalero)
Flickr/MarieEly
Resorts are so relaxing because everything is on-site. Inn of the Mountain Gods provides entertainment (water sports, ziplining, fishing, golf, a casino), restaurants, and accommodations all in a serene setting. Would you spend the night at this picturesque New Mexico resort?
11. Grants
Flickr/jileon80
Grants is close to some of New Mexico's most unique attractions. Hike underground in the lava tubes of El Malpais, interact with wolves at Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary, or tour the Land of Fire and Ice, which features both an ice cave and a volcano!

Have you taken any of these trips? Is there a destination you’d add to this list? We hope we’ve helped provide some inspiration to the ever-pressing question, “what are some day trips near me in New Mexico?” If you have any other destinations that may have missed the list, be sure to share them with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!

For more fun places to go in New Mexico, check out our previous article: 12 Unforgettable New Mexico Day Trips, One For Each Month Of The Year.

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More to Explore

day trips near me in New Mexico

Beth C. | August 10, 2021

What are some more of the best day trips in New Mexico?

New Mexico calls to all kinds of travelers: foodies, outdoor adventurers, hiking enthusiasts, history buffs, art aficionados, and everyone in between. When planning an incredible day trip in New Mexico, you might be tempted to check out some of our tailor-made day trip itineraries. One of the most complete is the list of 12 day trips in New Mexico, one for each month of the year. Some destinations on this list include Billy the Kid Scenic Byway, Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, Bridal Veil Falls Trail, Chaco Culture National Historic Park, Chloride, Cimarron Canyon State Park, Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, Kingston, Madrid, Silver City, and Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge.

What are the must-visit places in New Mexico?

When it comes to the top attractions in New Mexico, White Sands National Park is an obvious choice, and for good reason. The mesmerizing beauty of the white sands will impress just about anyone. This striking color is due to the gypsum crystals that make up the fine, powdery sand. In fact, from far away, the sand looks more like snow than what you'd find on your typical dune-covered landscape. And speaking of snow, one of the most popular activities at White Sands National Park is sand sledding. That's right; you can hop on a sled and glide down the sand dunes for a totally adrenaline-pumping activity. Other popular recreational activities include bicycling, hiking, and camping. Learn more about what makes White Sands National Park such a top-rated New Mexico attraction.

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Explore New Mexico

Featured Addresses
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa, 50 Los Banos Drive, Ojo Caliente, NM 87549, USA
Catwalk Recreation Area, Catwalk Road, Glenwood, NM 88039, USA
Farmington, NM, USA
Red Horse BnB, 2155 Londene Ln SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105, USA
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, 500 Terrace Ave, Chama, NM 87520, USA
Madrid, NM 87010, USA
The Blue Hole, 1085 Blue Hole Rd, Santa Rosa, NM 88435, USA
City of Rocks State Park, 327 NM-61, Faywood, NM 88034, USA
Inn of the Mountain Gods, 287 Carrizo Canyon Rd, Mescalero, NM 88340, USA
Grants, NM 87020, USA