5 Best Places to Visit in New Mexico

Mexico is one of the most loved tourist destinations in North America. New Mexico is now becoming popular among Europeans and several other countries due to its scenic passes, highways, and national parks. Not only this, the place has various historical heritages, majestic mountains, beaches, and museums. 

If you are planning to travel this magnificent city in the upcoming season, then we have selected the 5 best places to visit in New Mexico for an unforgettable and enjoyable trip.

5 Best Places to Visit in New Mexico

1. Guadalupe Backcountry Scenic Byway

Guadalupe's backcountry is one of the best places to visit in Mexico for a scenic drive. Your journey will start from the desert and towards the mountains where you witness beautiful yet breathtaking scenic views. While passing through the highway you will can various places to explore and things to. 

Not only this, the byway has plenty of things to including hiking, mountain biking, horse riding and many more. You can also go hunting or just spot the wildlife or interact with them. 

How To Get There: Situated around 12 miles north from Carlsbad and 23 miles south from Artesia. The entrance of this scenic byway starts from US 285 and Queen Highway at Brantley Lake State Park. The Byway ends at the boundary of Lincoln Forest Guadalupe Ranger District 

You can reach here either via bus, cab or via bike. 

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2. Taos Ski Valley

Situated at the height of 9,200 ft, the Taos Ski Valley is the highest ski resort in New Mexico and also one of the best ski resorts in the United States. An ideal place to visit in New Mexico for Snow Sports lovers. The summer season is the best time for mountain biking in Taos Ski Valley while in winters tourists prefer snowboarding and skiing. 

The Snowsports are offered by Ernie Blake Snowsport School which is one of the best ski schools globally. Several weekly ski programs are offered that allow travelers to improve their skiing skills. 

Best Time to Visit: February and March 

Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Things To Do:

• Snowboarding
• Skiing
• Hiking
• Mountain Biking 
• Rafting 
• Hot Air Baloon Ride 

How To Get There: Below are the distance and driving duration towards Taos Ski Valley from different locations in New Mexico

• Denver 312 miles away: 5.25 Hours 
• Durango 230 miles away: 3.75 Hours
• Santa Fe 92 miles away: 1.5 Hours
• Dallas 694 miles away: 11.25 Hours
• Austin 895 miles away: 14.25 Hours
• Oklahoma 579 miles away: 8.5 Hours

Click Here To Purchase Ticket for Taos Ski Valley 

3. Carlsbad Caverns National Park

While touring the US for the first time, you just miss visiting a national park as the US has one of the best national parks in the world. If you are visiting New Mexico then don’t forget the hidden gem Carlsbad National Park. The national park is situated below the rocky canyons of the Chihuahuan Desert. The park also features ancient caves. Not only this, Carlsbad National Park has several other things to do including stargazing and hiking.

Best Time to Visit: September 

Visiting Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM 

Things To Do: 

• Hiking
• Stargazing

Entry Fee: $6 for adults 

How To Get There: Reach here either via car or bus from the US Highways 62 or 180 which is around 40 km away from Carlsbad Caverns. 

4. Cliff’s Amusement Park 

Cliff’s Amusement Park is one of the ideal places to visit in New Mexico while traveling with family. The park has various kinds of rides along with places to eat and drink. The Kiddyland situated within the park is a good place to enjoy with kids.

Visiting Hours: 11:00 AM to 6 PM

Entry Fee: 

Single: $94.99

Four or More: $89.99(per person)

How To Get There: Reach here via bus line 140, 141, 34, or line 93. Below is the nearest Bus Station from Cliff’s Amusement Park.

• San Mateo at Osuna
• Seagull at Osuna
• San mateo at Academy

5. Bandelier National Monument 

Bandelier National Monument is 40 miles away from the Santa Fe Proper. The monument contains more than 30,000 aces of canyons and desert mesas. Bandelier is a good place to visit with plenty of things to do and explore. The  National monument of Mexico is also an ideal place for hikers. 

As soon as you enter Bandelier, you will see some signs of human presence believed to exist 10,000 years ago. 

Visiting Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 

Things To Do:

• Hiking
• Sightseeing from the top of the cliff
• Climb the wooden ladders 140 ft above

How To Get There: You can reach here by hiring a private car as there are no buses or taxis available. Bandelier is easily accessible from Albuquerque Airport which is 150 km away. Another option is to reach here from Santa Fe via US Highway 285 north towards Pojoaque. As you reach State Highway 502, follow the signboards to complete the remaining route until State Highway 4 arrives.  

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