The Land of Enchantment is home to incredible landscapes. From the mountains to the valleys and everywhere in between, our state is bursting with jaw-dropping scenery. This one overlook in Los Alamos offers a vantage point that is highly underrated, but lets you see our mountains and valleys from a whole new perspective. Get ready to take it all in at this overlook that lets you see beauty for miles and miles.
Welcome to Anderson Scenic Overlook!
Right off Highway 502 in Los Alamos, this vantage point offers other worldly views that you won't find elsewhere.
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The Sangre de Cristo mountains stand tall above Rio Grande Valley, and you can see it all in a new way.
This overlook is easily accessible to everyone, and is a must see, even if only for a quick stop.
The views of the valley are sensational, going on for miles and miles. There's nowhere else to see the Rio Grande quite like this.
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Los Alamos might seem isolated, but it's home to our state's most beautiful overlook.
If you come at sundown, you'll be able to see the moon rise above the mountains, and the colors of the sunset are endless.
The Anderson Scenic Overlook might be underrated, but it's so worth the stop.
Anderson Scenic Overlook is located on Highway 502, just outside of Los Alamos.
Have you visited this incredible overlook? What did you think Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to share photos from your adventures with us in our New Mexico Nature Lovers Facebook group, or tag us on Instagram by tagging #onlyinnewmexico for a chance to be featured!
The Land of Enchantment is home to countless iconic views. From the stark white landscape of White Sands National Park to the otherworldly rock formations of the Bisti Badlands, it's both a photographer's and an explorer's dream come true! Another iconic view in New Mexico is Sandia Peak, and with a few ways to get to the summit, there's no excuse not to experience the views from the top yourself.
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The Sandia Peak Mountains are located within the Sandia Mountain Wilderness which is part of Cibola National Forest to the east of Albuquerque. Millions of people visit these mountains each year for its recreation and scenic vistas including Sandia Peak, otherwise known as Sandia Crest.
Sandia Crest happens to be one of the most iconic views in New Mexico. Not only is it awe-inspiring to view from afar but the views from the peak itself are among the best in the state.
One of the most popular ways to get to the summit is by the Sandia Peak Tramway, the longest aerial tram in the U.S. at 2.7 miles long. The tram travels at a speed of 12 miles per hour and the journey from the base to the top will take approximately 15 minutes, giving you spectacular views along the way. You'll have to see for yourself why this is among the most popular activities in the Albuquerque area!
Another way to get to the top of Sandia Peak is to take a drive along the Sandia Crest National Scenic Byway. Best of all, there are places to stop along the way for a picnic with the views. This is also a great alternative for those who are afraid of heights and don't wish to take the tram or for those who are unable to hike a trail to the top. Speaking of...
As you can see, you have your choice of how you want to take in one of the most iconic views in the state, whether it's via trail, tram, or scenic drive. Which will you choose? Either way, you'll certainly be in awe of the scenery and the panoramic views from the top!
What's your favorite iconic view in New Mexico? Is it Sandia Peak or someplace else? Tell us in the comments. To learn more about the Sandia Mountains, visit the U.S. Forest Service website.
If you plan on hiking to Sandia Peak, download the AllTrails+ app for trails and trail information along with the ability to download maps offline.
While the mountains in the Land of Enchantment are a prime destination for powder-topped hills in the winter, we'll bet you didn't know that the summer is also the perfect time to hit the mountains. When you think of tubing in New Mexico, it's natural to imagine snow, but you'll find much more than that at this amazing spot! This ski hill transforms every summer into the perfect spot to go Red River summer tubing in New Mexico.
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Hit the tracks that have been laid out upon the gigantic mountain for an adventure unlike any other. Featuring the longest summer tubing lanes in the country, you know that you're in for a ride at this awesome mountain tubing hill in the Southwest's friendliest ski town, all at Red River Tubing.
Welcome to Red River Ski and Summer Area! This incredible ski hill in Taos County transforms into an adventurous land in the summer.
During the winter months, this is one of New Mexico's most popular ski hills, but the summer brings just as much fun. Red River is New Mexico's most friendly ski town, and the Red River Ski and Summer Area proves certainly proves that with amazing Red River summer tubing.
If you've never been summer mountain tubing before, you're in for a real adventure.
This version of tubing is full of thrills without any of the chills. RRSSA takes the ski hills and lays out tracks for you to take a tube on. It's just like winter tubing but without the snow!
There are three different tracks to choose from at this awesome ski hill.
For the little ones, the "Mini Lane" is an easy course that's free of charge. For everyone over 42", the Baby Blue Hill is serviced by a surface lift to go again and again.
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The third hill is the monstrous "Gold Rush," which is 800 feet of track for pure fun.
The "Gold Rush" is the longest tubing lane for summer mountain tubing in the entire country. Unlike "Little Blue," this hill is serviced by the Gold Chairlift - so you know it's about to be a thrilling ride down from the top.
Everyone loves tubing down a hill, but the cold can sometimes take the fun out of it. With summer mountain tubing, you truly get the best of both worlds.
It doesn't hurt that this ski area is also so beautiful with the luscious trees all the way down. This ski area is gorgeous all year long, but especially so in summer when most ski hills are the least used.
Red River Ski and Summer Area is open for summer mountain tubing seasonally.
Pricing for tubing depends on which hill you wish to take. Hours for summer mountain tubing can vary throughout the season depending on the day, so it's best to check out the Red River Summer Tubing website or Facebook page for specific hours of operation.
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Whether it's just you, a handful of friends, or the whole family, summer mountain tubing is an absolute blast.
Tandem tubing is allowed at RRSSA, so get a friend and get out to the lanes!
If you're looking for a new and adventurous summer activity in the Land of Enchantment, this thrilling hill for mountain tubing in Red River needs to be at the top of your list. This is the perfect outdoor activity for everyone and anyone.
Check out this great video of patrons enjoying the summer mountain tubing experience at Red River:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzesI4PY1bA
Have you ever been summer tubing in New Mexico? Was it anything like tubing in the winter? We’d love to hear all about your experiences in the comments!
What are some of your favorite New Mexico tubing hills for winter or summer? Tell us about them on our nomination page, and you just might see your suggestion featured in an upcoming article.
Planning to visit and need a place to stay? Check out all the awesome offerings from our friends at VRBO.