You Can Visit New Mexico’s National Parks For Free On These Days In 2023

Do your 2023 (and beyond) resolutions include venturing into nature a little more often? If you're located in New Mexico, you're in luck, because the state is home to an impressive number of state and national parks that showcase the state's natural beauty! There is absolutely no shortage of state and national parks to visit in New Mexico. Looking for a free National Park to check out? Count them all in on these days!

If you’re planning a visit to this incredible national park, there’s no better time to visit than during National Park Week. Learn all about this celebration of America’s great outdoors — including fee-free days throughout the year!

And, guess what? If you plan your vacation days just right, you'll be able to head out to New Mexico's national parks and monuments at no cost!

Each year, the National Park Service hosts a select number of days in which entrance fees are waived for all visitors. This year, there are five days, which include:

Here are just a few amazing parks you can check out for zero dollars:

1. Bandelier National Monument

This national monument is located west of Santa Fe and is home to incredible cliff dwellings and petroglyphs that date back hundreds of years. You will love the hiking trails.

2. Capulin Volcano National Monument

At first glance, you may not realize New Mexico has fairly young volcanic fields but this national monument is proof these locations can be quite peaceful and filled with life. Want to hike the volcano? Great idea. Make it easier by checking out AllTrails+, and while you're there, read up about this hiking trail in New Mexico.

3. Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Featuring some of the deepest caves in the country, this national park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll find an impressive number of formations here and imaginative tours.

4. Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Another World Heritage Site, this location is informally referred to as Chaco Canyon. You'll see buildings constructed by Ancestral Puebloans over 12 centuries ago.

5. Valles Caldera National Preserve

Another volcanic site in New Mexico, this one is one of the best examples of an intact volcanic caldera. This lush environment is also rich with plants and wildlife, and it has some of the darkest skies you'll find in the state.

6. White Sands National Park

New Mexico's newest national park is definitely a must-see on any of these fee-free days. This is the largest gypsum dune field in the world and makes for an unforgettable visit.

Do you plan to visit one of New Mexico's national parks on these free admission days? Which free National Park tempts you the most? Tell us all about your epic plans in the comments!

If you want to turn this idea into a road trip, we conveniently have a map set up with three of the parks mentioned above. This natural wonders road trip will show you New Mexico as you’ve never seen it before.