Have you ever been to New Mexico?
If you haven’t gone on an adventure, then you are missing out. There is something for everyone. Whether it be hiking or biking, exploring the culture, or taking in some of the most beautiful scenery in America, there is fun to be had here no matter what you like to do.
New Mexico is a state that has different things for people to do. There are deserts, mountains, volcanoes, and more. People who like adventure can explore these places. For those who prefer staying close to home, there are museums and movie theaters.
It is a special place with many things that make it different from other states. But what makes New Mexico so great is the people. People in this state are very friendly, and will always welcome you if you visit them.
You should visit New Mexico if you’re looking for an exciting adventure while visiting this great state!
1. Aztec Ruins National Monument
The Aztec Ruins National Monument in northwestern New Mexico is an archeological site that preserves the architecture of civilizations that once lived there.
The national monument is on the western bank of the Animas River. It’s 12 miles away from Farmington and can be found by taking a four-and-a-half-mile long, unpaved road off US 550 (Kreutzberg Road).
Pets: We allow people with pets to come as long as they are on a leash. They are not allowed in the visitor center and cannot enter the archeological site, but can have lunch at our picnic area or take a walk around nearby trails while their owners explore more of this archaeological gem!
Camping: Camp at the Aztec Ruins RV Park and see ancient relics from people who used to live in America. It is less than a mile away, near flowing water. They offer 53 campsites for those who want an unserviced or fully serviced stay with power and water hookups available on site!
Tour: Aztec Ruins National Monument is a good place to explore for the day. You can learn about Aztec culture and find many ancient structures from when they were alive. If you have time, take a tour or do other things like identify native plants in New Mexico.
Entrance Fee: The entrance fee to the park is $5.00 per adult. This seems fair because of all of the beautiful scenery and activities (like walking trails) that you can do at the park. Children 15 or younger are free, but they need to wear some sturdy shoes!
2. Bandelier National Monument
Bandelier National Monument is a site for tourists to visit in New Mexico. It was made by people who lived there 2000 years ago. They left because it was too hard to grow food with the climate changing all of the time.
Droughts can make it hard for families to grow crops. People might leave if they can’t get enough water from the ground or streams.
Pets: Pets are not allowed on any of the trails in Bandelier National Monument. They are allowed at Juniper Campground, near the visitor center parking lot and Cottonwood Picnic Area across from “No Dogs Permitted Beyond this Point” signs by Frijoles Creek.
Camping: You can camp at Bandelier National Monument in three different ways. There are campsites you can use with a permit and there is backcountry camping that you can do with a free permit from the visitor center.
Tour: Bandelier National Monument is a beautiful place that has over 500 historic archeological sites, including Pueblo Bonito Ruins. Visitors can see the mountain or explore the difficult terrain by hiking and going on different trails of various lengths.
Many visitors like to take the Bandelier trail. It starts at the visitor center and is easy for 1 mile. Visitors see archaeological sites that were excavated there before they go back to their car again.
Entrance Fee: Bandelier National Monument only costs $25 per car, and then an extra fee depending on what you are driving. If you are walking around by yourself, it will cost $15.
3. Capulin Volcano National Monument
Capulin Volcano National Monument protects and interprets the extinct cinder cone volcano of Capulin. This has erupted at least 13 times since 1877, so you can expect to see some lava flowing!
The dormant but still active volcanoes are part of a geological process inside this area known as the Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field.
Pets: Pets are welcome at the Capulin Volcano National Monument. Pets can do some hiking on a 10-minute nature trail. But pets cannot go on any other trails or in public buildings. Maybe they can explore this beautiful area and stay there for the day.
Camping: Capulin National Monument is a beautiful place to visit. People can camp inside the national park or find a campsite not too far from the entrance.
Tour: Get ready to go on an adventure! There are three ways you can explore the Capulin Volcano National Monument: hiking, auto touring, or viewing from a distance. Make sure to do your research so you know what plants and animals live there.
Entrance Fee: The entrance fee for Capulin Volcano National Monument is $20 per car. The entrance fee for motorcycles is $15. The entrance fee per person is only $10.
4. Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Carlsbad Cavern National Park is a park with caves. One of the caves is called Carlsbad Cavern. People found it in 1911 for the first time.
This place has many caves. There are things to see like the “big room” and Rattlesnake Springs. This desert wetland attracts reptiles and hundreds of bird species, so it is a good place to stop when you are traveling through southwest America!
Pets: Pets are not allowed at the Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Your pet has to be on a leash no longer than six feet when you are outside your car and only allowed indoors in the visitor center during certain times of the year.
Camping: Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a beautiful place for people to visit. There are no places to stay overnight, and there are no campgrounds in the park.
Tour: If you go to Carlsbad Caverns National Park then there are many things that you can do. You can explore on your own, visit the visitor center, or go on a guided tour with a ranger. The tours are deep and you might need a helmet.
Bat flight programs are a special experience. You will watch the bats emerging from their roost after dusk. Dawn of Bats is a program where you get to wait outside the cave entrance for one million Mexican free-tailed bat babies’ first flights into the night sky.
Entrance Fee: To enter the cavern, children 15 years or younger can get in for free. Adults have to pay $15.
5. Chaco Culture National Historical Park
This park is in the United States. It has ruins from a long time ago and also beautiful landscapes.
The Mimbres Valley is in Northwestern New Mexico. Many people have done archeological investigations in this area and found important things about the culture of these once-flourishing people.
Pets: Pets are allowed in Gallo Campground. They have to be on a leash at all times. If the pets get out of control, they will make a mess in the ruins.
Camping: People will enjoy the outdoors while they are camping. They can only bring two tents and RVs are not allowed in “RV Only” sites because trailers over 35 feet cannot be accommodated here.
Tour: Chaco Culture National Historical Park is a good place to explore. You can do self-guided tours or you can talk to the rangers. There are also trails that will take you across this area with amazing scenery in all directions.
Entrance Fee: The Chaco Culture National Historical Park is a great place to explore. There are lots of different parks, trails, and natural places for visitors to see. Spending the night under the stars in one of their campsites will cost $15 USD per night and you’ll need $8 USD per vehicle or $4 USD per person to enter.
6. El Malpais National Monument
El Malpais National Monument is a place in the desert for people to see. The ground is all volcanic and there are lava flows from ancient eruptions. There are also cinder cones that still have craters from when they were active.
These pools were made by old volcanoes. They are from centuries ago. This is how they look now. Some of them have gases and steam that can be dangerous to people who come here.
Pets: Pets are always on a leash around the park. People don’t think about how they can get hurt when they take their pet hiking. You need to make sure that they don’t get hurt so you can carry them back home.
Camping: El Malpais National Monument is a place in the USA where you can’t camp. But you can use the bathrooms and explore as much of it as you want before it gets dark.
Tour: El Malpais National Monument is a wilderness area in the southwest section of New Mexico. You can explore there by hiking, driving on dirt roads, and taking adventurous caving trips. It’s also home to millions of bats that fly out every night at sunset. Don’t miss this natural wonder!
Entrance Fee: If you want to visit El Malpais National Monument and National Conservation Area, they have a free admission policy. No one has to pay any fees.
7. El Morro National Monument
El Malpais National Monument is a place with hills. There are 50 volcanoes in the park that create these badlands and they all emit gas. You can explore them from afar or even hike around to avoid being exposed to the gas directly.
It was made a monument by President Woodrow Wilson. When it happened, it had amazing features, like when the area was active 600-1000 years ago. It is very beautiful and has places that are still unknown today.
Pets: Pets are good for walks. They like it too much. But you can’t walk them on the volcano terrain. It is not safe, so stay on the designated paths and avoid going off-trail with your pets.
Camping: El Malpais National Monument. You cannot camp there, but you can go inside and use the bathroom. There are many places you can explore before it gets dark.
Tour: El Malpais National Monument is a place for people who enjoy hiking, camping, and fishing. People can’t camp overnight but restrooms are there. The Sandstone Bluffs Overlook area is not open until nighttime.
Entrance Fee: You can visit El Malpais National Monument and the National Conservation Area for free.
8. Fort Union National Monument
Fort Union is a monument in New Mexico. It was founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, and it commemorates the time when America was at war.
Fort Craig National Monument is about 35 miles from its sister site. You can do many things there. You can hike, bike trails with other organizations, or go fishing or bird watching. There are hills and wildlife too!
Pets: Pets are allowed on the trails and in the picnic areas. The pet must be leashed at all times.
Camping: Fort Union National Monument is a place where people can go to get away from the busy world. There are not camping areas, but there are other campsites close by. One nearby campsite has water hookups and showers. Another nearby campsite has playgrounds and horseback riding trails on site.
Tour: Fort Union National Monument offers tours for groups and people. You can see what happened in the past and enjoy events.
This is a place that provides people with guided walks or group tours. There are Glimpses into the Past through interpretative programs and Special Events.
Entrance Fee: At Fort Union National Monument, you can enjoy the peace and quiet of a national park. There is no cost to visit!
9. Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument was created to protect the Mogollon cliff dwellings in the southwest of New Mexico.
The monument is home to not only old archaeological treasures but also to some modern-day archaeologists who are there researching and investigating what they find on the site. I think people with an interest should come here!
Pets: Pets are not allowed on the trail that leads up to Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument because it is an archeological site and there could be bad things that happen.
Camping: In Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, you cannot camp. There are four USFS campgrounds nearby. Pets are not allowed on the trail to the cliff dwellings because of archeological sensitivity. They can stay at a USFS site that is nearby.
Tour: Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument has many activities that you can enjoy. You can explore the forest, hike trails, and go on walks to see some of our state’s most beautiful scenery. There are also paths for bird watching.
Some people might want to go on a tour of this historic place where people have lived for hundreds of years. There are also tours for people who want to learn about wildlife. These include things like deer, foxes, coyotes, and other animals that you would find here today.
Entrance Fee: You can get into the Gila Cliff Dwellings for free! There are many ancient structures. Life was hard back then.
10. Manhattan Project National Historical Park
The Manhattan Project National Historical Park is a place where people can learn about the history of atomic weapons. It is located in New Mexico and has tours and interactive things that visitors can do.
The importance of this historic landmark is immense. People who visit today can see the artifacts from the most significant period in American history and also be able to participate in events that commemorate its legacy for future generations.
Pets: Pets and comfort animals are not allowed on the tours of Manhattan Project National Historical Park.
Camping: The Manhattan Project National Historical Park is not the place for campers. But Horn Rapids Campground in Columbia offers camping as an option.
Tour: The Manhattan Project National Historical Park is a place to visit if you want to learn about the history of nuclear research. You can visit Hanford, Los Alamos, and Oak Ridge for tours and activities like watching videos or visiting museums.
Entrance Fee: There is a place that you can go to learn about the history of World War II. It’s free to get in.
11. Pecos National Historical Park
Pecos National Historical Park was first established in 1969 and is one of the most expansive parks in New Mexico. Within its borders, visitors can explore a variety of diverse landscapes including prehistoric archaeological ruins to 19th-century ranches, as well as an American Civil War battlefield.
The park has trails that are over 20 miles long. The trail is educational and beautiful. When you go on the trail, people will want to take time and look at things inside of the park.
Pets: Pets are allowed in Pecos National Historical Park, but they have to be on a leash. Pets can enjoy the full trails that will keep them comfortable and entertained. But pets won’t be able to go inside of buildings -with service animals being an exception.
Camping: Pecos National Historical Park does not have campsites. But you can enjoy many different activities like hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The park is over 10,000 years old!
Tour: There are many things you can do at Pecos National Historical Park. You can eat a picnic in the grass or near the visitor center. You can hike and explore with a ranger-guided tour, and you may even fish on the river.
Entrance Fee: The entrance fee to Pecos National Historical Park is free. You can also enjoy interactive exhibits that are open on weekdays from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.
12. Petroglyph National Monument
Petroglyph National Monument is a 17-mile area of rocks from a volcano. People think about it as being on the west side of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The monument was made on June 27th, 1990, and has been managed cooperatively ever since between the City of Albuquerque and the National Park Service. The monument is 7236 acres in total. It is one of New Mexico’s most popular attractions.
Pets: This national monument is a great place to take your dog for an adventure. Dogs can go on the trails with their leash. You can explore the site without worry.
Camping: Petroglyph National Monument is a great place for a family vacation. There is no camping, but there are campsites around it!
Tour: Petroglyph National Monument is not just a few canyons. There are four different areas that people can explore. The first is Boca Negra Canyon where people can see the beautiful petrified tree stumps and Rinconada which has picturesque hillsides. Piedras Marcadas offers incredible sunset views and you will never
Entrance Fee: The National Park Service does not charge Entrance fees at Petroglyphs. They are rocks that have been around for a long time and they have carvings on them.
13. Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
The Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument is a place where people are trying to teach Native Americans about Christianity. They did this in 1622.
Construction began around the site in 1635. 350 years ago. People came there to worship their faith and beliefs. They left religious artifacts like an old altar that you can see now.
Pets: The Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument is a place you can bring your pet. You can take them on all the trails and in all of the picnic areas, but they cannot go inside any buildings because it isn’t safe.
Camping: Camping is not allowed in the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument. Camping is only allowed on private land that surrounds the monument.
Tour: The Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument is a place where visitors can come to learn the history of Native Americans. At Abó, Quarai, and Gran Quivira you can learn about different tribes and also take part in many activities like hiking or bird watching!
Entrance Fee: You can visit the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument for free! You can park in a lot, walk around, and explore the old buildings and ruins.
14. Valles Caldera National Preserve
A new place for outdoor recreation is the Valles Caldera National Preserve. It was an old volcano that is now protected by this national preserve.
There are many cool things to see in Yellowstone National Park. You can explore grasslands and see animals like elk or deer. There are also steep hills where you can look at volcanoes.
Pets: This is a natural area where animals are free to roam. Pets are not allowed because they can disturb the animals and change the habitat which could disrupt animal populations in an already delicate ecosystem.
Camping: There are no campsites in Valles Caldera. But if you want to sleep outside of a tent, you can get a backcountry camping permit from the National Park Service.
Tour: When the sun goes down, you might have a new perspective. You can see meteor showers and stars better during this time. Valles Caldera National Preserve is both a place for outdoorsy people and others who want to explore space more closely. The park teaches visitors about astronomy by taking them on tours that show the best places to see the stars and planets in our solar system.
Entrance Fee: It’s a national treasure that you can explore in the comfort of your own car, on foot, or even bike. The new fee structure for Valles Caldera National Preserve is $20 per vehicle and $10 per person when entering on foot or bicycle making it affordable to see this natural wonder during any season!
15. White Sands National Park
White Sands National Park in New Mexico is a very big place with sand and no trees. You must be prepared for the desert, so bring lots of water. America’s most beautiful national parks are in this park!
The park is in the Tularosa Basin. It cannot be found anywhere else because it needs a lack of water to stay there without getting washed away. The mission statement is “dedicated to preserving the unique plants and animals who live here, as well as protecting fragile habitat.”
Pets: White Sands National Park is a great place to go if you like new smells, tastes, and textures. There are lots of them there, too.
Camping: White Sands National Park is a place where you can see the sky at night. You can sleep on the white sand, and listen to animals that live there.
Tour: White Sands National Park is a place to go if you want to do things like hike, camp with your horse, or try skiing.
Entrance Fee: White Sands National Park is a very famous park. If you want to go in the car, it costs $20. But you can go in if you are an American and it’s free for five days every year.
You can go on adventures in New Mexico. You can explore beautiful natural landscapes. And if you’re feeling adventurous, come visit our national parks!
There are lots of ways to spend time outside. There are steep cliffs with views you can see a long way off, and deer and elk herds you can go look for. Take a boat tour to see animals swim by. You will love it here!
