10 Fascinating Places in New Mexico That Are Like The Pages Of A Fairytale

From early on, we hear fairytales about magical, enchanted lands. These stories feed our imagination, but it’s much harder to find ethereal places in the real world. These 10 whimsical places in New Mexico may persuade you that you’ve stepped inside a storybook.

1. Carlsbad Caverns, Near Carlsbad

Carlsbad Caverns feel like a portal to another world. That’s probably what cowboy, Jim White, thought when he followed a colony of bats into the caves and discovered this limestone wonderland. Learn more by clicking here.

2. Children’s Fantasy Garden, Albuquerque

Every fairytale needs a turret and, as a bonus, this one comes complete with dragon! The Children’s Fantasy Garden is part of the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden and it's a great place for games of make believe. Learn more by clicking here.

3. Loretto Chapel, Santa Fe

Whether or not you believe the story behind the creation of the "miraculous staircase" at the Loretto Chapel, its 360-degree turns and lack of obvious support certainly seem magical. Learn more by clicking here.

4. Jemez Falls, Near Jemez Springs

This 70-foot high waterfall tumbles over rocks in a setting spectacular enough to belong in a fairytale. Learn more by clicking here.

5. Pecos Wilderness & Santa Fe National Forest, Pecos

With its rushing river, lakes, sweeping mountain views, and log cabins tucked away in the woods, the scenery here is truly enchanting. Learn more by clicking here.

6. Lybrook Badlands, Near Nageezi

The rock formations in the San Juan Basin are unearthly, and also a little unnerving. This particular formation has a storybook quality, but it would most likely be the lair of a villain, rather than home to a hero or heroine. Learn more by clicking here.

7. Enchanted Circle Drive, Northern New Mexico

This 83-mile scenic loop lives up to its magical name. The route takes drivers through quaint northern towns such as Taos, Questa, Red River, and Eagle Nest, and passes some of New Mexico’s most sublime peaks. If possible, go in fall, when the aspens turn a vibrant gold. Learn more by clicking here.

8. Wiford Gallery, Santa Fe

In Santa Fe, there are several places where you can watch kinetic sculptures dance in the wind, but the most mesmerizing grouping is outside the Wiford Gallery (set slightly back from Canyon Road). Interspersed between the copper sculptures are chairs formed from rock and metal, which would be at home in any glen filled with fairies and woodland creatures. Learn more by clicking here.

9. View from Sierra Blanca, Near Ruidoso

There’s something transcendent about being so high up in the mountains that it feels like you could touch the clouds.

10. Shiprock

Whether you see it as a ship or as a bird poised to take flight, it’s easy to imagine this rock formation coming to life.

What spots in New Mexico feel magical to you? Let us know by nominating your favorites here.