These 9 Scenic Overlooks In New Mexico Will Leave You Breathless
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Monica Spencer
Author
New Mexico isn’t called the Land of Enchantment for nothing! You’ll find some striking scenery around the state and one way to see it all at once is by stopping at an overlook. Consider this a starter list for some of New Mexico’s best overlooks, vistas, and viewpoints. Let’s take a look!
This scenic overlook near Los Alamos on Highway 502 shows off some spectacular scenery of the Rio Grande Valley. Now, just imagine it covered in a dusting of snow and you'll have one insanely beautiful landscape.
There’s something enchanting about seeing the earthy color range of badlands that reminds you just how incredible the land can appear. This particular scenic area shows off the sprawling badlands that sit just off Highway 550, about 16 miles south of Bloomfield.
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Featured in paintings by Georgia O'Keefe, the Rio Chama Valley showcases the very best of unexpectedly lush riparian areas we have here in the Southwest. The rugged landscape covered in trees, bushes, and grass also has perfectly layered mountains and buttes in the background to make any picture impressive.
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This overlook is found in the Chaco Culture National Historical Park in Nageezi. While most people may immediately think of the ancient dwellings, we like to also remember the stunning landscape here. That would be one amazing sunset to watch!
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Finding forests in New Mexico often takes tourists by surprise but you’ll find quite a few areas dense with pines, juniper, and other trees. This particular overlook provides an impressive view of San Diego Canyon, located just off the Jemez Mountain Trail Scenic Byway in northern New Mexico.
El Malpais National Monument is home to some of the most impressive ancient lava flows you will ever set eyes on. At this overlook, you'll get a dramatic view of the bluffs as well as some of the lava flow below.
Found in the Wild Rivers Recreation Area about 39 miles north of Taos, Sheep Crossing is one of several overlooks in the area that allow you to peer down to the Rio Grande. This particular overlook is one of the first you'll encounter when visiting the area, so be sure to set aside some time when entering or exiting!
Can you think of a more perfect image that captures the warm tones and stark beauty of New Mexico?Taos Valley Overlook can be found along Route 68, offering this jaw-dropping view of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.
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Sometimes photos don't quite manage to capture the vastness of the land out here but this one actually does a pretty good job. The overlook can be found on the outskirts of the town of White Rock, and 32 miles northwest of Santa Fe via Route 84 and State Route 502.
Wow, those places certainly look stunning! Where is your favorite place to watch the sun rise or set in New Mexico?
If you want to check out more beautiful places around the state, be sure to read 11 Unimaginably Beautiful Places In New Mexico That You Must See Before You Die.
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