Welcome to New Mexico

New Mexico is often called the Land of Enchantment, and for good reason. Scenic tableaus full of red-rock valleys, sun-caked plains and juniper-laced hills make New Mexico one of the most mesmerizing states in the country.

Albuquerque, in the center of New Mexico, is the biggest city in the state and serves as one of the best places to set up camp. While you’re in town, don’t miss taking a stroll through Old Town, paying a visit to the ABQ BioPark or taking a ride on the Sandia Peak Tramway.

In northern New Mexico, the capital city of Santa Fe is your jumping-off point for the Rio Grande Gorge, the Taos Pueblo UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. If you have the time and want to see New Mexico at its very best, hop on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, a steam-operated rail line dating to 1880. It carves a scenic route from Chama, New Mexico, to Antonito, Colorado.

Adventure

Finding spots to look for big outdoor adventure will be the least of your troubles in the Land of Enchantment. It’s home to the Rio Grande, five national forests, 17 national parks and monuments, 35 state parks and 25 wilderness areas. Travelers enjoy 300 days of annual sunshine.

Bandelier National Monument, west of Santa Fe, is one of the most popular New Mexico parks. Bracketing the Rio Grande and perched on the Pajarito Plateau, the park is home to ancient Pueblo ruins.

In southern New Mexico, don’t miss White Sands National Monument. Here, the world’s largest gypsum dunefield stretches across 275 square miles in the Tularosa Basin. The park is home to hiking trails and an 8-mile scenic drive that starts at the park’s main visitor center.

If you find yourself in or near Albuquerque, head for the Sandia Peak Tramway to hop on North America’s longest aerial tram ride. The 2.7-mile journey to the top of the 10,378-foot Sandia Peak in the Cibola National Forest unlocks an 11,000-square-mile panoramic view of the stunning Rio Grande Valley.

When it comes to big events, New Mexico never disappoints. The UFO Festival lands in Roswell just before Independence Day, while the Albuquerque Balloonfest takes off in October.