It’s impossible to spend time in New Mexico without being impressed with the state’s beauty. Although there are dazzling views throughout the Land of Enchantment, some of our natural wonders shine more brightly than others. Explore these 10 diverse yet magnificent places you can find in nature in New Mexico.

1. Valles Caldera, in the Jemez Mountains
Valles Caldera National Preserve, 39201 NM-4, Jemez Springs, NM 87025, USA
Flickr/dedalusj
Valles Caldera is the crater of a supervolcano that erupted 1,250,000 years ago. The debris spewed during this event landed as far away as Kansas. The crater's diameter is 13 miles across. In fact, it's so big that it's hard to grasp the the crater's scale when you're actually in it. (This is also a great place for spotting elk.)
2. Carlsbad Caverns, near Carlsbad
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Carlsbad, NM, USA
Flickr/zeesstof
Carlsbad Caverns are thought to be one of the most extensive cave systems on the planet. The aptly named Big Room is 1800 feet in length and 255 feet high.

Aside from wondrous stalactites, Carlsbad Cavern hosts 300,000 or so bats between the months of May and October. At nightfall, they swarm from the caves - it's an unforgettable sight making it one of the coolest natural wonders in New Mexico.
3. White Sands, near Alamogordo
White Sands National Park, New Mexico, USA
Flickr/Robert Shea
At approximately 300 square miles, White Sands National Monument is the world's biggest gypsum dune system. The dunes extend throughout the Tularosa Basin, as far as the eye can see. Plus, you can go sand sledding!
4. Rio Grande Gorge, near Taos
Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, New Mexico 87529, USA
Flickr/Dave Hensley
The Rio Grande Gorge is approximately 800 feet deep and about 50 miles long. Views from the top are stunning, if vertigo-inducing. The gorge provides a diverse environment for wildlife and plants and is a true New Mexico natural wonder.
5. Sangre de Cristo Mountains
Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Colorado 81152, USA
Flickr/David Herrera
The Rocky Mountains are the most impressive range in the nation and the Sangre de Cristos belong to the Southern Rockies. The peaks in this range are the tallest in New Mexico.

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6. El Malpais Lava Flow, near Grants
El Malpais Street, El Malpais St, Enterprise, NV 89118, USA
Flickr/Jason Cross
It's hard to appreciate the force and intensity of a volcanic eruption without seeing the aftermath. El Malpais is one of the few places where you can walk across a lava field. This national monument also contains a 17-mile long lava tube system.
7. La Ventana Arch, near Grants
La Ventana Natural Arch, El Malpais Ranger Station (BLM),, NM-117, Grants, NM 87020, USA
Flickr/Jeff Dzadon
La Ventana Arch is also inside El Malpais National Monument. This sandstone arch is one of the largest in the state and is gorgeous when the light hits it just right.
8. Rio Grande River
Rio Grande, Rio Grande
Stephen Johnson/ Google Local
The Rio Grande River is a less showy natural wonder than some of the others on this list but it's the lifeblood of New Mexico. This river is 1885 miles long and it's an American Heritage River.
9. Bisti Badlands, near Farmington
Bisti Badlands, New Mexico 87499, USA
Flickr/Ingrid Truemper
It's impossible to see the hoodoos and balancing rocks in the Bisti Badlands without experiencing a sense of awe.
10. Shiprock, in Shiprock
Shiprock, NM, USA
Flickr/bowie snodgrass
Although this formation does indeed look like a ship floating across a calm sea, it's actually a volcanic plug. Once upon a time, it served as a stopper, blocking a volcano vent.

Which of these New Mexico natural wonders is your favorite?

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What’s the most scenic hike in New Mexico?

Alkali Flat Trail

Alkali Flat Trail can be found in White Sands National Park and is quite possibly the most scenic hike in New Mexico. Clocking in at about 5 miles, this hike is the perfect length to get out and explore Southern New Mexico and all this amazing national park has to offer. There’s truly nothing like the bright white sand dunes this trail will lead you through, which is what makes this the most scenic trail in New Mexico.

What’s the most beautiful lake in New Mexico?

Lake Katherine

The most beautiful lake in all of New Mexico has to Lake Katherine. With crystal blue waters surrounded by rocky mountain peaks high up in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Lake Katherine is a sight that looks like it came out of a story book. If you brave the journey up to Lake Katherine, it will be extra special because it is not an easy walk! The hike clocks in at nearly 14 miles with lots of elevation and uphill climbing. However, you won’t be disappointed by the most beautiful lake in New Mexico if you push through the journey. Lace up your hiking boots and get walking!

What are the most well known parks in New Mexico?

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

The Carlsbad Caverns National Park is one of the most well known parks in New Mexico, and for a good reason. These caverns will take you below the surface of New Mexico where you can see all sorts of stalactites, stalagmites, and other cave features. This giant cave really is something else, and is absolutely fascinating to explore, making it one of the most well known parks in the entire state!

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