You don’t have to leave the Land of Enchantment to feel transported from everyday life. Whether you’re trying to entertain the family, out-of-town guests, or you just want to explore your own backyard, there is a day trip in New Mexico that will blow you away. From lava tube hikes to ghost towns and boat tours, there’s no end to the fun you can pack into this summer. Here are 12 of the best day trips in New Mexico you’ll want to do ASAP:

  1. Hike a lava tube. (Near Grants)

Tripadvisor/cdrocdoc At Malpais National Monument, a unique experience awaits. Here you can hike through a lava tube! This moderately difficult trail takes you underground, immersing you in New Mexico’s volcanic past… without the threat of molten lava. Just remember to pick up a free caving permit at the visitor center. El Malpais National Monument, Grants, NM, USA

  1. Stroll around Mesilla.

Tripadvisor/dragonflytw65 This town may be teeny, but it’s packed with things to do, from exploring the San Albino Basilica, to viewing the building where Billy the Kid was sentenced to death. The village is simply brimming with fascinating history. This is one historic town in New Mexico you can’t skip. Mesilla, NM, USA

  1. Relax in an origami sculpture garden. (Near Santa Fe)

Tripadvisor/Cathelijne Lamsvelt The Turquoise Trail Sculpture Garden and Studio features the work of Kevin Box, who casts paper in bronze to create enduring origami. This seasonal attraction is open from the end of May until Labor Day, so what are you waiting for? 453 NM-14, Los Cerrillos, NM 87010, USA

  1. Cruise along the Pecos River. (Carlsbad)

Facebook/Carlsbad Cruises Many people assume river cruises are ridiculously expensive, but that’s not the case when you ride the Bella Sera or Bella Notte. The cruise takes you past the lovely scenery lining the Pecos River. See the flumes and learn a little history, too. When you’re finished, you can round off your day with a pedal boat, kayak or paddle board rental. Check out our previous article to learn more about summer on the Pecos in New Mexico.

  1. Check out an adventure park. (Red River)

Facebook/Red River Ski & Summer Area Hidden Treasure Aerial Park in New Mexico is here for yet another season, and if you haven’t yet tried this sky-high playground that’s ideal for both adults and kids, then you’re going to want to. Stunning views paired with a fun ropes course, make for a day trip you’ll never forget. 400 PIONEER ROAD RED RIVER, NEW MEXICO 87558

  1. Drive along New Mexico’s longest state road. (Northeastern New Mexico)

Wikimedia Commons/Vacaypicts A day trip doesn’t have to have a set destination. Sometimes it’s all about the journey. That’s certainly the case when you cruise along State Route 120. This 119-mile long road trip in New Mexico guides you through charming rural landscapes, the towns of Wagon Mound and Roy, and to part of the Kiowa National Grassland. New Mexico 120, Ocate, New Mexico, USA

  1. Hike Tent Rocks. (Cochiti)

Flickr/KrisNM This is one of our favorite spots in the entire state. You can’t fail to be awed by the rock formations and slot canyons. It’s worth the effort to climb to the top of the mesa where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views in all directions. Come see why this is one of the best hikes in New Mexico. Tent Rocks, NM, USA

  1. Head to Bottomless Lakes State Park (Roswell)

Flickr/Joel Deluxe Visit New Mexico’s first state park this summer, which was founded in 1933. The sinkholes here are all dramatic, but in different ways. The intense color of the Devil’s Inkwell always wows, while water lovers will appreciate all the summer recreational opportunities available at Lea Lake. Bottomless Lakes State Park, Bottomless Lakes Road, Roswell, New Mexico, USA

  1. Tour Acoma Pueblo. (Acoma)

Flickr/Jacqueline Poggi Acoma Sky City and Taos Pueblo vie for the title of oldest continuously inhabited site in the US. Each place is gorgeous, but Acoma’s beauty is very dramatic – the settlement sits on top of a 367-foot high sandstone mesa. Pictured is the view from the top. To visit this special place, you need to take a tour. This is one day trip that’s sure to stay fresh in your memory long after summer vacation ends. Acoma Pueblo, NM 87034, USA

  1. Quiet Waters Paddling Adventures (Bernalillo)

Facebook/Quiet Waters Paddling Adventures Most people are aware that you can go whitewater rafting along the Rio Grande. Although great fun, that’s not feasible or appealing to everyone. But did you know that you can enjoy a much calmer experience with Quiet Waters, an outfit that offers family-friendly paddling tours through the Middle Rio Grande? Leave stress behind and soak in some divine scenery on one of these excursions. Bernalillo, New Mexico, USA

  1. Travel back in time at Steins ghost town. (Near Lordsburg)

Facebook/Steins NM Railroad Ghost Town New Mexico ghost towns usually got their start as mining camps. However, Steins is the exception. This railroad town once boasted 1300 residents and some pretty impressive amenities for its size. View this well-preserved town on one of the days it opens for guided tours. It’s just what you imagine when you think of the Wild West! Steins, NM, USA

  1. Possibly witness or experience a miracle at El Santuario de Chimayo! (Chimayo)

Flickr/Paul Gorbould This quaint, Spanish Colonial-style church has gained a reputation similar to that of Lourdes in France. People come here place seeking healing and some believe their prayers are answered. It’s one of our favorite hidden gems in New Mexico.

What’s the best day trip you’ve ever taken in New Mexico? Tell us about it in the comments!

Tripadvisor/cdrocdoc

At Malpais National Monument, a unique experience awaits. Here you can hike through a lava tube! This moderately difficult trail takes you underground, immersing you in New Mexico’s volcanic past… without the threat of molten lava. Just remember to pick up a free caving permit at the visitor center.

El Malpais National Monument, Grants, NM, USA

Tripadvisor/dragonflytw65

This town may be teeny, but it’s packed with things to do, from exploring the San Albino Basilica, to viewing the building where Billy the Kid was sentenced to death. The village is simply brimming with fascinating history. This is one historic town in New Mexico you can’t skip.

Mesilla, NM, USA

Tripadvisor/Cathelijne Lamsvelt

The Turquoise Trail Sculpture Garden and Studio features the work of Kevin Box, who casts paper in bronze to create enduring origami. This seasonal attraction is open from the end of May until Labor Day, so what are you waiting for?

453 NM-14, Los Cerrillos, NM 87010, USA

Facebook/Carlsbad Cruises

Many people assume river cruises are ridiculously expensive, but that’s not the case when you ride the Bella Sera or Bella Notte. The cruise takes you past the lovely scenery lining the Pecos River. See the flumes and learn a little history, too. When you’re finished, you can round off your day with a pedal boat, kayak or paddle board rental. Check out our previous article to learn more about summer on the Pecos in New Mexico.

Facebook/Red River Ski & Summer Area

Hidden Treasure Aerial Park in New Mexico is here for yet another season, and if you haven’t yet tried this sky-high playground that’s ideal for both adults and kids, then you’re going to want to. Stunning views paired with a fun ropes course, make for a day trip you’ll never forget.

400 PIONEER ROAD RED RIVER, NEW MEXICO 87558

Wikimedia Commons/Vacaypicts

A day trip doesn’t have to have a set destination. Sometimes it’s all about the journey. That’s certainly the case when you cruise along State Route 120. This 119-mile long road trip in New Mexico guides you through charming rural landscapes, the towns of Wagon Mound and Roy, and to part of the Kiowa National Grassland.

New Mexico 120, Ocate, New Mexico, USA

Flickr/KrisNM

This is one of our favorite spots in the entire state. You can’t fail to be awed by the rock formations and slot canyons. It’s worth the effort to climb to the top of the mesa where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views in all directions. Come see why this is one of the best hikes in New Mexico.

Tent Rocks, NM, USA

Flickr/Joel Deluxe

Visit New Mexico’s first state park this summer, which was founded in 1933. The sinkholes here are all dramatic, but in different ways. The intense color of the Devil’s Inkwell always wows, while water lovers will appreciate all the summer recreational opportunities available at Lea Lake.

Bottomless Lakes State Park, Bottomless Lakes Road, Roswell, New Mexico, USA

Flickr/Jacqueline Poggi

Acoma Sky City and Taos Pueblo vie for the title of oldest continuously inhabited site in the US. Each place is gorgeous, but Acoma’s beauty is very dramatic – the settlement sits on top of a 367-foot high sandstone mesa. Pictured is the view from the top. To visit this special place, you need to take a tour. This is one day trip that’s sure to stay fresh in your memory long after summer vacation ends.

Acoma Pueblo, NM 87034, USA

Facebook/Quiet Waters Paddling Adventures

Most people are aware that you can go whitewater rafting along the Rio Grande. Although great fun, that’s not feasible or appealing to everyone. But did you know that you can enjoy a much calmer experience with Quiet Waters, an outfit that offers family-friendly paddling tours through the Middle Rio Grande? Leave stress behind and soak in some divine scenery on one of these excursions.

Bernalillo, New Mexico, USA

Facebook/Steins NM Railroad Ghost Town

New Mexico ghost towns usually got their start as mining camps. However, Steins is the exception. This railroad town once boasted 1300 residents and some pretty impressive amenities for its size. View this well-preserved town on one of the days it opens for guided tours. It’s just what you imagine when you think of the Wild West!

Steins, NM, USA

Flickr/Paul Gorbould

This quaint, Spanish Colonial-style church has gained a reputation similar to that of Lourdes in France. People come here place seeking healing and some believe their prayers are answered. It’s one of our favorite hidden gems in New Mexico.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Day Trips in New Mexico May 19, 2022 Tori Jane What are some unique things to do around New Mexico?  New Mexico is a delightful place to visit, no matter who you are or what you’re fascinated by. There are so many fun and interesting things to do around New Mexico that you may not really know where to begin, but no worries – we have some ideas! Check out the amazingness that is the White Sands National Monument, which is a stunning field of white gypsum sand dunes totaling 275 miles of breathtaking landscape. The wind is constantly shifting, and dunes range from six to 60 feet high! When you’re done there, be sure to visit the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, where you’ll come face-to-face with some life-sized dinosaur skeletons, replicas of real-life volcanoes, lots of shiny gemstones, and more. Finally, if you happen to be around at the right time, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is held every fall and is a New Mexico must-experience.   Where can I go for nice day trips near me in New Mexico?   There are plenty of locations that are perfect for a day trip near me in New Mexico! Among our favorite day trips in New Mexico are the awe-inspiring Petroglyph National Monument, which is one of the largest collections of petroglyphs on the entire continent of North America – how lucky are we to call it our own. Be sure to also check out the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, which is 3,100+ miles of awesomeness that goes through Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana and, of course, New Mexico. It makes for the perfect day trip in New Mexico… and onward!    Where are the best getaway spots near me in New Mexico?  New Mexico is full of amazing places perfect for your next getaway, no matter what you’re looking for. No matter if it’s a romantic escape for two or a self-care epic for just yourself, New Mexico is the perfect destination. We love the Red River Ski and Summer Area, where in the summertime visitors can go hiking, biking, climbing, and even ziplining. In the winter, you can do all the skiing your heart could ever ask for. Be sure to also visit the famous Jemez Hot Springs, a primitive natural hot spring that require you embark on one of the best hikes in New Mexico to reach – but it’s 150% worth it.  

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Day Trips in New Mexico

May 19, 2022

Tori Jane

What are some unique things to do around New Mexico?  New Mexico is a delightful place to visit, no matter who you are or what you’re fascinated by. There are so many fun and interesting things to do around New Mexico that you may not really know where to begin, but no worries – we have some ideas! Check out the amazingness that is the White Sands National Monument, which is a stunning field of white gypsum sand dunes totaling 275 miles of breathtaking landscape. The wind is constantly shifting, and dunes range from six to 60 feet high! When you’re done there, be sure to visit the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, where you’ll come face-to-face with some life-sized dinosaur skeletons, replicas of real-life volcanoes, lots of shiny gemstones, and more. Finally, if you happen to be around at the right time, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is held every fall and is a New Mexico must-experience.   Where can I go for nice day trips near me in New Mexico?   There are plenty of locations that are perfect for a day trip near me in New Mexico! Among our favorite day trips in New Mexico are the awe-inspiring Petroglyph National Monument, which is one of the largest collections of petroglyphs on the entire continent of North America – how lucky are we to call it our own. Be sure to also check out the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, which is 3,100+ miles of awesomeness that goes through Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana and, of course, New Mexico. It makes for the perfect day trip in New Mexico… and onward!    Where are the best getaway spots near me in New Mexico?  New Mexico is full of amazing places perfect for your next getaway, no matter what you’re looking for. No matter if it’s a romantic escape for two or a self-care epic for just yourself, New Mexico is the perfect destination. We love the Red River Ski and Summer Area, where in the summertime visitors can go hiking, biking, climbing, and even ziplining. In the winter, you can do all the skiing your heart could ever ask for. Be sure to also visit the famous Jemez Hot Springs, a primitive natural hot spring that require you embark on one of the best hikes in New Mexico to reach – but it’s 150% worth it.  

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

New Mexico is a delightful place to visit, no matter who you are or what you’re fascinated by. There are so many fun and interesting things to do around New Mexico that you may not really know where to begin, but no worries – we have some ideas! Check out the amazingness that is the White Sands National Monument, which is a stunning field of white gypsum sand dunes totaling 275 miles of breathtaking landscape. The wind is constantly shifting, and dunes range from six to 60 feet high! When you’re done there, be sure to visit the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, where you’ll come face-to-face with some life-sized dinosaur skeletons, replicas of real-life volcanoes, lots of shiny gemstones, and more. Finally, if you happen to be around at the right time, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is held every fall and is a New Mexico must-experience.  

Where can I go for nice day trips near me in New Mexico?  

There are plenty of locations that are perfect for a day trip near me in New Mexico! Among our favorite day trips in New Mexico are the awe-inspiring Petroglyph National Monument, which is one of the largest collections of petroglyphs on the entire continent of North America – how lucky are we to call it our own. Be sure to also check out the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, which is 3,100+ miles of awesomeness that goes through Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana and, of course, New Mexico. It makes for the perfect day trip in New Mexico… and onward!   

Where are the best getaway spots near me in New Mexico? 

New Mexico is full of amazing places perfect for your next getaway, no matter what you’re looking for. No matter if it’s a romantic escape for two or a self-care epic for just yourself, New Mexico is the perfect destination. We love the Red River Ski and Summer Area, where in the summertime visitors can go hiking, biking, climbing, and even ziplining. In the winter, you can do all the skiing your heart could ever ask for. Be sure to also visit the famous Jemez Hot Springs, a primitive natural hot spring that require you embark on one of the best hikes in New Mexico to reach – but it’s 150% worth it.