8 Of The Most Beautiful Fall Destinations In New Mexico

While some people are celebrating the arrival of fall with pumpkin spice everything, we prefer to revel in nature’s changing colors. If you also enjoy checking out the crunchy, warm tones of fall leaves and crisp, cool air in New Mexico, you’ll want to visit one of these beautiful fall destinations.

Guillermo Montoya/Google

As a wildlife refuge, this quiet location is the perfect getaway for anyone seeking calmness in nature. In the fall, the trees at Bosque del Apache are changing colors and watch various birds begin to migrate here. For example, sandhill cranes begin arriving in late October but you'll also spot red-winged blackbirds and even wild turkeys.

Location: Google Maps

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See the fall colors from above when you trek along the Catwalk Trail near Glenwood. This trail is part of a walkway that strolls across a portion of Whitewater Canyon, giving visitors a view of pools and the canyon from treetops.

Location: Google Maps

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Following the Rio Chama, this valley in far northern New Mexico is a peaceful location where you can find a lovely collection of yellow and orange leaves on the cottonwood trees that line the river.

Location: Google Maps

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Covering a minimum of 83 miles, this loop runs from Taos through Questa, Red River, and Angel Fire. You'll get an incredible view of the fall colors through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Curious about some of the sights you'll find along the way? Check out our article about the scenic byway.

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Fourth of July is synonymous with an explosion of colors, which is why we think this campground has that name. In the fall, you'll see a whopping number of colors all around.

Location: Google Maps

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This route measures just 16 miles but is filled with spectacular views! Start your journey at the Santa Fe Plaza and drive to Hyde Memorial State Park and up to Ski Santa Fe. Along the way, you'll see an incredible number of aspen trees with golden leaves swaying in the breeze.

Ski Santa Fe/Google

Located at the end of the Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway and near the top the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this location is a lovely view during the fall season. Hop aboard one of the ski lifts here to get a great view from the treetops.

Location: Google Maps

Dennis Behm/Google

Southern New Mexico has some spectacular fall colors and one such location is along the Sunspot Scenic Byway near Cloudcroft. This drive is just 15 miles long and runs through a portion of the Lincoln National Forest and is best experienced in fall when the aspens and other trees appear to glow in the light.

Are there any other lovely fall destinations you enjoy visiting in New Mexico?

If a day trip doesn’t quite cut it, an overnight or weekend stay in a cozy cabin might be just what you need this fall. You can read about a few of our favorite spots in 7 Must-Visit Airbnb Cabins That Are Ideal For A Fall Overnight Stay.