Although an impressive number of New Mexicans really do scale mountains, the reality is that most of us don’t – or can’t – make it to the summit of our state’s magnificent peaks. Curious about the views from the top? They’re just as breathtaking as you’d expect! So, here are images captured at the summit of seven mountains in New Mexico that will take your breath away:

1. Sierra Blanca Peak, near Ruidoso
Sierra Blanca, New Mexico 88340, USA
Flickr/TravelingOtter
At 11,973 feet high, Sierra Blanca is the tallest mountain in Southern New Mexico. You can experience this panoramic view of the Sacramento Mountains for yourself by taking a challenging 9.3-mile (round trip) day hike to the summit.
2. Sandia Crest, near Albuquerque
Sandia Crest, New Mexico 87008, USA
Flickr/mwwile
The Sandia Mountains are probably the most accessible in the state. You can drive right up to Sandia Crest, or ascend to a height of 10,678 feet via the Sandia Peak Tramway. Once you get up here, hiking opportunities abound!
3. Wheeler Peak, near Taos
Wheeler Peak, New Mexico 87525, USA
Flickr/Samat Jain
New Mexico’s tallest mountain is Wheeler Peak, the summit of which is at an elevation of 13,166 feet. To scale this peak in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, people hike a challenging, 15-mile (round trip) route, usually over two days.

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4. Signal Peak, near Silver City
Signal Peak, New Mexico 88061, USA
Flickr/KrisNM
Reaching the summit of Signal Peak (at an elevation of 8960 to 9000 feet) is an easier feat than you might expect. It involves a 5-mile long (round trip) day hike. This trail is moderately hard.
5. Santa Fe Baldy, near Santa Fe
Santa Fe Baldy, New Mexico 87506, USA
Flickr/Over The Arroyo Gang
Those who attain the summit of Santa Fe Baldy must leave Trail 251 and scramble up the unofficial route to the top of this 12,622-foot high mountain. This affords incredible views, including one of Lake Katherine.
6. La Mosca Lookout, near Grants
La Mosca Lookout, New Mexico 87020, USA
Tripadvisor/Bernie0405
La Mosca Lookout is at an elevation of 11,036 feet. It’s not as well known as nearby Mount Taylor (and a few hundred feet lower). This challenging hike is particularly pretty in the fall.
7. Mogollon Baldy, near Glenwood
Mogollon Baldy Peak, New Mexico 88039, USA
Flickr/Gila National Forest - New Mexico
Mogollon Baldy (at an elevation of 10,770 feet) lies deep in the remote Gila National Forest, so few ever see its summit. Reaching it requires a multi-day, 24-mile (round trip) journey into the wilderness.

Have you ever scaled a mountain? Perhaps these peak pics will inspire you to grab your hiking boots! If you’re looking for some shorter hikes, there are some great trails under five miles long in New Mexico.

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More to Explore

Mountain in New Mexicos

Tori Jane | June 17, 2022

Which New Mexico mountains should I camp out at?  

New Mexico is a camping enthusiast’s best friend. Rich with mountains, rivers, valleys, gorges, canyons, plains, and more, there’s almost no place you can’t go camping in New Mexico, and our favorite campsites happen to be in mountains. Visit Manzano Mountain State Park and enjoy a weekend of camping either in a designated tent, RV, or vehicle sites, or find yourself an awesome dispersed campsite for the night. Another amazing New Mexico mountain for camping is the unforgettable Angel Peak Scenic Area, where you can camp with a surreal view of the surrounding mountains, buttes, and cliffs. The terrain is rugged and perfect for getting away from it all.  

What are the highest mountains in New Mexico?  

There are an impressive 88 named mountain ranges in New Mexico. Some of them are particularly intriguing because they were born of volcanoes, and others came to be through erosion, seismic activity, and other mechanics. Perhaps the most famous mountain ranges in New Mexico include a portion of the Rocky Mountains known as the Sangre de Cristo Mountains; the highest mountains in New Mexico include Wheeler Peak, whose summit is an impressive 13,167 feet above sea level, and Truchas Peak is only slightly smaller at 13, 108 feet above sea level.  

What are the most beautiful New Mexico mountain ranges?  

The Sangre de Cristos are the Rocky Mountains and the Rocky Mountains are outrageously beautiful. The range is one of our favorite places to go camping in the United States, and for obvious reasons: they are particularly and especially beautiful, and it’s easy to become completely immersed in its wonder. In the winter, Sierra Blanca Peak, found near Capitan, takes the cake as the most beautiful, especially when covered in snow and seen with clouds obscuring the view just slightly. Chicoma Mountain is stunning, and so is Jicarita Peak.  

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