Cool Places In New Mexico

There are many cool places in New Mexico that you will find interesting. If you plan on visiting New Mexico, find some time to explore some of the places listed here and you will not regret it.

Cool Places In New Mexico

New Mexico offers endless opportunities and adventures. There are many cool places to visit whether you are a solo traveler or you are in a group.   

I visited the region with my family and still have so many memories from the trip. Remember to carry a camera and take lots of pictures.   

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns is a well-known National Park in the region. There is a steep and winding trail that descends into the main cavern.

As we explored the area, the cavern swallowed the light and it’s like we were heading direct to hell. We later found out that many people call the place road to hell.

Other people used a route called the righteous path where the park’s external surface landscape is home to flowering cactus and desert wildlife.

We started with the Carlsbad Caverns cave which formed after hydrogen sulfide-rich waters migrated through fractures and faults.

As its waters mixed with rainwater and oxygen, sulfuric acid evaporates on the limestone and forms caverns. It left behind huge gypsum deposits, clay, and silt.

There is Lechuguilla cave which is not open to the public. You can only visit three out of more than a hundred different caves. There is Slaughter Canyon cave, Spider Cave, and the one we explored, Carlsbad Cavern.

Cavern also has different types of wildlife including bats. They have a bat flight amphitheater. You may be lucky to see black bears, fox squirrels, deer, and cougars.

White Sands National Park

White Sands National Park is encircled by White Sands Missile Range. Great wave-like hills of gesso sand have engulfed 275 square miles of desert.

The Park rose from the heart of the Tularosa Basin and produced the world’s largest gypsum dune field. Gypsum is scarcely found as sand because it dissolves in contact with water.

You will find different hiking trails that are open to the public.  There are also educational programs and sled down the dunes in designated places. Plants and animals constantly adapt to the changing environment.

The visitor center will help you grab information on daily events. Get an adventure pack that includes binoculars, a compass, and an animal track guide from the visitors’ center.    

We visited in March and were able to enjoy the wildflowers and yucca which were in bloom. There are more than 60 covered picnic tables that have grills on a 1st come 1st served basis.

Pecos National Historical Park is responsible for conserving cultural exchange and geography. The Park has 3 miles of the Pecos River that can be reserved for fishing during spring.

Pecos Pueblo controls a major trading route between the farming Pueblo Indians and Great Plains’ hunters.

The Park retains evidence of the life of the prehistoric southwest people and Spanish exploration of America.

Visitors are allowed to climb down into two kivas, ceremonial and social spaces that Indians believe allow them closer communion with underworld spirits.

We followed a self-guided trail to Pecos Pueblo, two reconstructed kivas, and the mission church.

Wheeler Peak Wilderness

Wheeler Peak Wilderness is a high rugged terrain lying at the top of Sangre De Cristo Mountain. The wilderness was established in 1964. As we walked, we were able to see a marmot, elk, mule deer, and golden eagle.

The wilderness has maintained trails that lead to alpine lakes. There are many more peaks to summit and ridges that include fine class 3 scrambles.

The peak is so high that you will see a true alpine with beautiful bright colored flowers. We came to some burnt orange patches covering the talus rocks called lichens.

They are used as indicators of air quality and acid rain. There are pre-existing campsites where you can camp.

Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument

Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument takes you back to the lives of the nomadic people. The people used Gila River caves as temporary shelter.

The Mogollon culture-built rooms, crafted pottery, and raised their kids in this place. The cliff dwelling was their home for more than 2 decades.

These walls provide us with a unique opportunity to enjoy a glimpse of the past. The monument is surrounded by the Gila National Forest and lies at the edge of the Gila wilderness.

Rainy seasons can bring powerful lightning and rainstorms. This happens from July to September.

Roswell

Roswell is believed by some people to have been invaded by an alien spacecraft. We decided to go and see whether we can get the truth of the 1947 crash.

Some people said it was a flying saucer at a ranch, and others a weather balloon. We had time though to visit the Roswell Museum and art center that features exhibits about the art and history of the American Southwest.

The Spring River Park and zoo have educational programs and events. They enrich the lives of Roswell residents through exposure to wildlife. The staff works to keep the animals healthy.

We lastly relaxed at bottomless Lake State Park.

Taos Ski Valley

Tao Ski Valley is a family-friendly Ski resort in America. The valley is a rare oasis of cooler temperatures. Avid skiers flock to this snow-covered mountain for the best trails and riding experiences.

There is a children’s center that offers fun-filled activities for kids. Children between 8 weeks and 3 years are taken care of. Kids between 1 and 3 can snow play and have snacks. It is one of the cool places in New Mexico for kids.

You will enjoy other adventures like the Llamas, Hot Air Balloons, River Rafting, fly fishing, and climbing.

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Final Thoughts

I didn’t get enough of New Mexico and am planning to go back soon. There were some unforgettable experiences from the few places I visited.

The place has a Spanish colony and a Mexican Colony. The landscape is breathtaking and the food is incredible. They have a thriving cultural scene which makes New Mexico a great place all year long.

No matter your interests, New Mexico has countless opportunities for you and me to explore. Please share this post on cool places in New Mexico and also follow me on Pinterest. Enjoy your trip to New Mexico.

Cool Places In New Mexico guide

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