There are so many reasons to love the fall season like apple picking, pumpkin picking, Halloween, hayrides, the foliage, and cool, crisp air, just to name a few. Fall happens to be my favorite season. Is it yours? If you live in New Mexico, you know that this is such a special time of the year. Here are some of the best things to do in New Mexico in the fall.

New Mexico Fall Foliage: Where To Go In New Mexico For Fall Foliage

Don't you just love when the leaves change colors? It's just one of the many reasons why many people prefer fall over the other seasons. Fall foliage typically starts around mid-September and ends around mid-October. Here are some of the best places to see the New Mexico fall foliage:

1. Santa Fe

Location: Santa Fe, NM

Wow factor: With a backdrop of mountains and vibrant autumnal colors, there's no place in New Mexico quite as spectacular as Santa Fe this time of year.

Need To Know: Cooler temperatures, fall hues, cultural events, and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains are just a few reasons to visit Santa Fe this season.

The Sangre de Cristo Mountains are just one way to enjoy Santa Fe's resplendent natural beauty. Add the gold and orange hues of the fall foliage, and you may find yourself wishing that autumn could last forever. The best way to enjoy it all is, of course, by heading outdoors. Between the Santa Fe National Forest, over 70 parks, and over 170 miles of hiking trails, there's no shortage of ways to explore the great outdoors this fall. Hiking isn't the only way to get your exercise as you take in the beauty of the season. Mountain biking is another great way. If you want to take a fall getaway in Santa Fe, book a stay at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe.

2. Bandelier National Monument

Location: 15 Entrance Rd, Los Alamos, NM

Wow factor: With the leaves of the aspens and cottonwoods turning to gold, this national monument is picture-perfect in the fall.

Need To Know: The standard entrance fee is $15-$25, or you can purchase an annual pass for $45.

With the rugged beauty of Frijoles Canyon, over 70 miles of trails, and cottonwoods and aspens dotting the landscape, the 33,000-acre Bandelier National Monument is a magical day-trip destination, especially in the fall. Not only are the fall colors spectacular but there are fewer crowds, lower temperatures, and wildlife aplenty to observe. This national monument also protects the cliff dwellings of the ancient Puebloans, and seeing the dwellings is a fascinating way to learn about their culture and history.

3. Abiquiu

Location: Abiquiu, NM

Wow factor: With brilliant autumnal colors against the stunning red rocks found at Abiquiu, you'll fall in love with this area just as artist Georgia O'Keeffe did.

Need To Know: Abiquiu is a census-designated place in Rio Arriba County. It was also once home to Georgia O'Keeffe.

The Rio Chama snakes its way through the landscape of the tiny community of Abiquiu. With trees lining the banks of the river, come autumn, it's as pretty as an O'Keefe painting here. One visit and you'll be able to see why the famous artist drew so much inspiration from Abiquiu's landscape. Perhaps you'll be inspired as well.

4. Valles Caldera National Preserve

Location: 39201 NM-4, Jemez Springs, NM

Wow factor: Golden aspens create a dazzling fall display at this national preserve.

Need To Know: There is no entry fee to Valles Caldera National Preserve which is open daily from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Valles Caldera National Preserve covers nearly 90,000 acres. Here you will find a surreal volcanic landscape, a grass valley, an abundance of wildlife, and a seemingly endless sea of aspens that turn a vibrant gold when fall arrives. Take the opportunity this season to explore the magnificent landscapes of Valles Caldera, a truly awe-inspiring place.

Best Pumpkin Patches In New Mexico

Fall isn't fall without a day trip to a pumpkin patch, right? Well, that's what I think at least! Visit one of the following best pumpkin patches in New Mexico for some fall fun and find your perfect pumpkin!

5. Mesilla Valley Maze

Location: 3855 W Picacho Ave, Las Cruces, NM

Wow factor: There's so much more to this farm than just a pumpkin patch. Bring the whole family for a day of fun this fall!

Need To Know: The farm's fall season beginning Sept. 28 and will run through Oct. 27, 2024, on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Parking is free but there is an admission fee of $18.99/adult and $15.99/child (age 12 and under). However, children aged 2 and under are admitted for free.

For a day of family-friendly fun, head to Mesilla Valley Maze in Las Cruces. Choose a pumpkin from the huge pumpkin patch and partake in a variety of fall activities during your visit. There is live music, a corn maze, giant slides, hayrides, a playground, concessions, and more. Everyone should put Mesilla Valley Maze at the top of their fall bucket list this year!

6. McCall's Pumpkin Patch

Location: 2 McCall Ln, Moriarty, NM

Wow factor: This is considered the largest pumpkin patch in New Mexico, so it's a must-see this fall!

Need To Know: Tickets will be available on the website below. Children aged 2 and under do not need a ticket for the pumpkin patch. The pumpkin patch will be open on Saturdays and Sundays starting Sept. 21 through Oct. 27, 2024. McCall's Haunted Farm will open on Fridays and Saturdays starting on Sept. 27.

McCall's Pumpkin Patch is home to the largest pumpkin patch in the state. Pick out the best pumpkin to take home and participate in over 60 farm activities during your visit. Attractions include a corn maze, the Pumpkin Express train, a candy cannon, jumping pillows, a ropes course, gemstone mining, farm animals, hayrides, and a whole lot more. Arrive early and plan to spend the entire day!

7. Graves Farm & Garden

Location: 6265 S Graves Rd, Roswell, NM

Wow factor: Families will love taking a hay ride to the pumpkin patch.

Need To Know: This family-owned farm is best known for its chiles.

Graves Farm & Garden offers a charming pumpkin patch with hundreds of pumpkins to choose from come fall. Best of all, hayrides are available to take to the pumpkin patch. What could be better this time of year?

8. La Union Maze

Location: 1101 NM-28, Anthony, NM

Wow factor: This is the best pumpkin patch to visit near Las Cruces.

Need To Know: The farm's fall festival will take place Sept. 27 through Nov. 3, 2024, 5 p.m.-9 p.m. on Fridays, 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. on Saturdays, and 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets will be available on the website.

Your entry fee to La Union Maze includes a wagon ride to the pumpkin patch. Pick out the best gourd you possibly can from the field. Pumpkins are sold by weight at $0.60/lb. In addition to the pumpkin patch, there is a wide variety of activities that families will love. Everyone can have fun on the jumping pillows and the giant slides, riding the cow train, petting farm animals, getting lost in a corn maze, and just enjoying time on a farm on a fall day. Visiting this pumpkin patch is one of the best New Mexico fall activities.

Best Fall Festivals In New Mexico

Festivals are a great way to spend time outdoors celebrating a specific season with members of your community. If you're looking for a few festivals to attend this year, here are some of the best fall festivals in New Mexico:

9. Corrales Harvest Festival

Location: Corrales, NM

Wow factor: Any festival that has a Saturday Night Hootenanny like this one sounds like a great time!

Need To Know: The Corrales Harvest Festival occurs the last weekend of September each year.

For one weekend at the end of September, the annual Corrales Harvest Festival will celebrate fall in the biggest community event of the season. Visit local vendors at the marketplace, grab a bit to eat at a food truck, and explore the historic buildings and museums around the village. One event you cannot miss during this festival is the Saturday Night Hootenanny featuring live music, beer, wine, dancing, and fun!

10. Oktoberfest, Red River

Location: 100 E Main St, Red River, NM

Wow factor: If you love beer, wine, food, and fun, this fall festival is one you cannot miss.

Need To Know: This year's Oktoberfest will be Oct. 11-13, 2024.

Can't make it to Germany for Oktoberfest? That's okay because we have our very own Oktoberfest right here in Red River, New Mexico! This family-friendly event will have a kids' zone, live entertainment, and a beard and mustache contest. Of course, there will also be plenty of beer, wine, and food to go around.

11. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Location: 4401 Alameda Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM

Wow factor: People from all over the world attend this bucket list-worthy hot air balloon festival.

Need To Know: This year's festival will be held Oct. 5-13. 2024. The cost of general admission is $15/person. Hot air balloon rides can be reserved ahead of time online.

One of the most anticipated events in New Mexico is the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. For over 50 years, festival goers have watched a sea of hot air balloons in a kaleidoscope of colors lift off into the skies. It's a magical event, to say the least. Throughout the festival, there will be hot air balloon rides, entertainment, chainsaw carving events, drone light shows, and the absolutely incredible balloon glow each night. If you haven't yet been, I urge you to place it at the top of your fall bucket list now!

12. New Mexico State Fair

Location: 300 San Pedro Dr NE, Albuquerque, NM

Wow factor: This is one of the best state events of the year.

Need To Know: This year's State Fair is Sept. 5-15, 2024. Tickets are $15/adult and $10/senior (65+) and child (6-12). A Mega Pass that includes both admission and rides can be purchased for $35.

Nothing says fall quite like a state fair, right? The New Mexico State Fair spans the course of 10 days with thousands of people from across the state in attendance each day. In addition to amusement park rides, there are competitions, pony rides, a petting zoo, milking demonstrations, live music, agricultural events, duck races, pig races, and so much more! This is a great kick-off to the fall season.

Free & Cheap New Mexico Fall Activities

If you're on a budget but still want to get out and enjoy New Mexico in the fall, there are several options you can enjoy. From a scenic drive to hiking, check out the following New Mexico fall activities that cost little to nothing:

13. Take a drive along the Sandia Crest Scenic Highway

Location: Sandia Crest Scenic Highway, NM

Wow factor: For some of the best views in the state, take this scenic byway int he fall.

Need To Know: This is the highest scenic drive in the Southwest so you know you'll have some epic views.

The Sandia Crest Scenic Highway is 13.6 miles in length and twists and turns up the Sandia Mountains along the eastern side. As you gain elevation, the views become more expansive, and with views during the fall season, you'll be seeing vibrant and colorful foliage as far as the eye can see.

14. Las Cruces Air and Space Expo

Location: 8990 Zia Blvd, Las Cruces, NM

Wow factor: This is an incredibly fun event for anyone who loves planes.

Need To Know: This free family-friendly event will be held Oct. 19-20, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at the Las Cruces International Airport.

Kids and adults alike will be treated to an incredible action-packed air show at the Las Cruces Air and Space Expo this fall. Not only will you see aircraft but there will be STEM activities, aerospace exhibits, food vendors, and so much fun. If you plan on spending the night in Las Cruces, check out the Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces.

15. Go for a hike in Carson National Forest

Location: Carson National Forest, NM

Wow factor: This is one of the best places to enjoy the fall scenery in the state.

Need To Know: There are groves of aspen trees that turn a lovely shade of yellow in the fall.

Whether you take a hike along the 3.7-mile Williams Lake Trail or a drive along the 84-mile Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, you'll enjoy some of the best fall colors in Carson National Forest. The scenery with the aspen trees is absolutely radiant. If this is the only place you go leaf-peeping this fall, you won't regret it.

From leaf-peeping to festivals, pumpkin picking, and more, these are some of the best things to do in New Mexico in the fall. Are you as excited for fall as I am? Let us know!

If you plan on taking any fall hikes in New Mexico this year, make sure you download the super handy AllTrails+ app to guide you out on the trails.