Paliza Canyon Is An Otherworldly Destination Hidden In New Mexico’s Jemez Mountains

You don't need to travel to another planet to find a jaw-droppingly stunning landscape. New Mexico is filled with naturally surreal locations, ranging from badlands to caverns to volcanoes. One such location that is both beautiful and otherworldly is just a short drive from Albuquerque.

Welcome to the dreamy landscape hidden away in Paliza Canyon, a small area 55 miles north of Albuquerque in the Jemez Mountains.

This spot has a stunning collection of hoodoos, sometimes called goblins or fairy chimneys. The rock spires vary in height and some areas here feel like you are walking through a maze.

This area is a hidden gem; it's not widely known like other iconic landscapes around the state and it can be a bit tricky to find.

But that journey is worth the effort to see the hoodoos stretch up above the trees.

You'll start the trek at the Paliza Family Campground and head north to the hoodoos via the dirt roads.

Overall, the hike can be up to four miles in length and expect to spend two to three hours hiking and exploring the area.

The area is open for the season between May and October, so you have plenty of time to enjoy the gorgeous views here.

Be sure to bring water, a snack, and an extra layer to wear during your hike. The mountains are notorious for warm days and surprisingly chilly temperature drops.

The hoodoos in Paliza Canyon are located in the Jemez Mountains of northern New Mexico, near the Paliza Family Campground.

There are two ways to access the hoodoos. One route involves hiking about 2.25 miles north of the campground via Forest Road 10 (a well-defined dirt road) and the landmark will be to your right. This option also gives you the opportunity to drive to the area if needed.

Another route involves hiking about 1.5 miles north of the campground via the Paliza Canyon Road (also known as Forest Road 271). This road is more suited to hiking since it is smaller and partially closed to vehicles.

Website: U.S. Forest Service

In the mood to plan another fantastically surreal journey? We bet you will fall in love with the Valley of Dreams in the Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness of northern New Mexico. Read more about this incredible arid landscape in The Valley Of Dreams In New Mexico’s Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness Look Like Something From Another Planet.