17 Incredible Natural Wonders In New Mexico That Defy Explanation
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
There’s a reason why it’s called The Land of Enchantment. If you’ve ever visited the state and noticed its deserts, mountains, and other remarkable natural attributes, you would agree that it is, in fact, enchanting. With its awe-inspiring nature, this is one state that’s meant to be explored. Discover some of the most enchanting natural wonders in New Mexico.
Best Gorges & Canyons In New Mexico
Carved out by rivers over the course of thousands of years, the state’s canyons and gorges are among the most stunning nature places in New Mexico. Discover the vast, incredible, and oh-so-beautiful canyons around the state.
1. Leasburg Slot Canyon
Slot Canyon, 17198 N Valley Dr, Las Cruces, NM 88007, USA
Located within the Robledo Mountain Wilderness Study Area, the Leasburg Slot Canyon requires a hike to get to. Make sure you have proper footwear for this hike as you'll have to cross the Rio Grande at some point! However, it's absolutely worth it to experience this natural wonder in New Mexico. The slot canyon is found on the western side of the river. Just follow the wash and you'll find it!
2. Rio Grande Gorge
Rio Grande Gorge, New Mexico 87529, USA
For stunning natural beauty, a trip to the Rio Grande Gorge is a must. At 50 miles in length and 800 feet deep, you won't believe your eyes once you see it. While you're in the area, be sure to check out the Gorge Bridge.
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3. Cimarron Canyon
Cimarron Canyon State Park, 28869 US-64, Eagle Nest, NM 87718, USA
Not only is the canyon at Cimarron Canyon State Park incredible but it's one of the best nature spots in New Mexico. And the views here will make you feel like you're in a dream!
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Best Caves In New Mexico
Home to Carlsbad Caverns, the state of New Mexico has an impressive number of caves. While not all of the caves around the state are as vast as the ones in Carlsbad, they are no less extraordinary. Here are the best caves in New Mexico:
4. Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA
Have you ever wanted to explore below the earth's surface? Well, there's no better place in New Mexico than at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Located in the Chihuahuan Desert, Carlsbad Caverns is a series of limestone caves formed over 250 million years ago. If you have yet to visit these caves, you should add them to your bucket list!
5. Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano
Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano, 12000 Ice Caves Rd, Grants, NM 87020, USA
The Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano offer some of the best nature in New Mexico. Why? Well, you'll get to see two natural wonders in the same place. Discover the Bandera Volcano, a cinder cone and lava field that was last active 10,000 years ago. Then you can explore the 0.25-mile-long Ice Cave which is a collapsed lava tube of Bandera Volcano. It's known as the "Ice Cave" as ice has been forming here for over 3,400 years and layers of ice have formed over time. The year-round temperature averages 31 degrees Fahrenheit.
Best Waterfalls In New Mexico
If you enjoy chasing waterfalls as much as I do, you must discover some of the most magnificent cascades around the state. Tucked away in canyons or forests, the following are among the best waterfalls in New Mexico:
6. Sitting Bull Falls
Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area, 742 Sitting Bull Falls Rd, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA
There's no doubt that Sitting Bull Recreation Area is like an oasis in the desert. Home to Sitting Bull Falls, there are trails, natural pools, and one of the most gorgeous waterfalls in New Mexico. At nearly 180 feet, Sitting Bull Falls is among the tallest in the state. If you visit during the summer, come prepared to swim in one of the park's pools.
7. Jemez Falls
Jemez Falls, New Mexico 87025, USA
Jemez Falls is found within the Santa Fe National Forest and is the tallest falls in the Jemez Mountains. Take a short hike to the Jemez Falls Overlook before heading down to the waterfall's pool where you can go swimming on a hot day. During the winter months, the road leading to the trail parking may be closed so keep that in mind, or you can wait until spring to visit!
8. Nambe Falls
544 Poechunu Poe, Santa Fe, NM 87506, USA
If you enjoy chasing waterfalls as much as I do, you'll have to make plans to visit Nambe Falls. Located at Nambé Waterfalls & Lake Recreation Area in the Pueblo of Nambe, this waterfall is considered one of the most beautiful in the region. Two short trails lead to Nambe Falls. However, this area is closed seasonally in winter so make your plans to visit accordingly.
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Best Overlooks & Scenic Vistas In New Mexico
To get that “wow” factor we often seek out when traveling around the state, a hike or a drive to a scenic overlook for panoramic views is necessary. The landscape here is vast and there’s just so much to see! Here’s where you can find some of the best vistas in New Mexico:
9. Anderson Overlook
Anderson Overlook, NM-502, Los Alamos, NM 87544, USA
Anderson Overlook will show you panoramic views of the Sangre de Cristos and the Rio Grande Valley. Located off Highway 502, a stop at this overlook is worth it!
10. Rio Chama Overlook
Overlook Circle, Overlook Cir, Chama, NM 87520, USA
A tributary of the Rio Grande, Rio Chama makes its way through the Chama River Canyon Wilderness. And if you want to see what remarkable landscape scenery is created with the river and canyon, you must spend some time at the Rio Chama Overlook. Check out the Google Maps link to find the overlook (called "Roadside Viewpoint" on the map).
11. Fajada Butte Overlook
Nageezi, NM 87037, USA
Located within the Chaco Culture National Historical Park in the Four Corners region, you can get to the Fajada Butte Overlook via an easy 1.6-mile hike. Once you arrive at the overlook, spend some time taking in the vast landscape.
Best Rock Formations In New Mexico
Among the most fascinating rock formations in New Mexico are those left behind by volcanic activity millions of years ago. Others were shaped and molded by wind, rain, and other elements over time. Regardless of how they were formed, these geological wonders are magnificent sights to see.
12. Bisti Badlands
Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area, County Road 7297, Bloomfield, NM 87413, USA
Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area, known also as the Bisti Badlands, offers an otherworldly landscape of some of the strangest rock formations you've ever seen. The landscape is so unique that you'll want to spend all day here...and you should! Remember to take a camera with you for all those photos you'll want to take.
13. Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, 0 NM-22, Cochiti Pueblo, NM 87072, USA
(Editor's Note: Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is currently closed to the public. Check the BLM website for updates on reopening.)
There's no other place in the country quite like the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. Located between Santa Fe and Albuquerque, the landscape is chockful of natural wonders. The mesa, slot canyons, and rock formations make this one of the most mesmerizing landscapes in the state. This park is best known for its tent-like rock formations that were formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago.
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14. Shiprock
San Juan County, NM, USA
Shiprock is a stand-alone rock formation that makes quite a visual statement against the baron landscape that surrounds it. Made of volcanic rock, this monadnock towers 1,500 feet. It's also sacred to the Navajos, so you are not allowed to climb on or around it. However, just to catch a glimpse of this towering rock formation is worth a road trip.
Unique Natural Wonders In New Mexico
Not all natural wonders in New Mexico can be categorized. In fact, some stand out completely on their own. Here are some of the most unique natural wonders in New Mexico:
15. Capulin Volcano National Monument
Capulin Volcano National Monument, 46 Volcano Highway, Capulin, NM 88414, USA
Located in northern New Mexico within the 8,000-square-mile Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field, Capulin Volcano National Monument is where you can see four states. Take a hike to the top and you'll be able to see the four states that belong to the Four Corners region -- New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and Utah. Capulin Volcano is an extinct cinder cone volcano and you can hike to its summit for the views.
16. The Blue Hole
The Blue Hole, 1085 Blue Hole Rd, Santa Rosa, NM 88435, USA
The Blue Hole is an oasis of clear blue water. It's a place for swimming, snorkeling, jumping, and SCUBA diving. Located in Santa Rosa, this is a popular swimming destination, especially for cooling off in the summer. For those of you who enjoy diving, this swimming hole has a depth of 80 feet.
17. White Sands National Park
White Sands Visitor Center, 19955 US-70, Alamogordo, NM 88310, USA
As one of the most awe-inspiring nature places in New Mexico, White Sands National Monument is 275 square miles of white gypsum crystals. The pure white sand dunes make this otherworldly park one of the most popular places not only in New Mexico but in North America. Not only is it one of the best places in the USA for scenery but for recreation as well. You can even go sledding on the sand dunes here. Doesn't that sound like fun?
Have you ever visited any of these natural wonders in New Mexico? What are your favorite nature places in New Mexico? Let us know!
Explore some of the state’s more remarkable natural wonders on one of many hiking trails. Whether trekking through White Sands National Park of Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area you’ll need the proper gear. Check out our Ultimate Hiking Packing List to see what gear you need.
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