11 Perfect Places In New Mexico For People Who Hate Crowds

While some people thrive on the energy of a crowd, introverts find large groups taxing. For those of us who feel that way, recharging often means relaxing at home or heading out into nature. If you seek solitude outside, it’s disappointing to arrive somewhere and discover a sea of people. Here are 11 uncrowded places in New Mexico where you won’t feel hemmed in and – if you’re lucky – you may even have the place to yourself.

1. Villanueva State Park, 135 Dodge Road, Villanueva

You’ll notice a decided absence of people in this picture. That’s not just a case of clever framing. The only other human I’ve ever encountered here was a park employee. This stretch of land lines the Pecos River and offers 2.9 miles of (mostly vertical) hiking trails, along with opportunities for birding and fishing. Here is more information about Villanueva State Park.

2. The Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, north western New Mexico

Even if there are other vehicles in the remote parking lot for these badlands, you’ll quickly lose sight of everyone as you descend into an alternate world where the earth is striped with color and rock formations resemble giant eggs and toadstools. For more information about the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness.

3. The Gila Wilderness, south western New Mexico

The Gila Wilderness is one of the most remote spots in New Mexico. While you can drive through the Gila National Forest, the wilderness portion can only be accessed on foot or on horseback, so crowds aren’t a logistical possibility. With 559,040 acres to explore, you might never bump into another person. For more info.

4. Valley of Fires Recreation, 6158 US Highway 380, Carrizozo

While this lava flow was once a place of intense geologic action, nowadays it's really quiet. The odds of having the recreation area to yourself are good, since most people don’t even know it exists. Here is the Valley of Fires webpage for more information.

5. Monastery of Christ in the Desert, Forest Service Road 151, near Abiquiu

If you’re looking to avoid crowds and do a little soul searching then you may enjoy the tranquility of this Benedictine monastery, which welcomes visitors of all faiths. Admire the surrounding red rock canyons and the chapel’s beautifully simple architecture.

6. Caballo Lake State Park, Highway 187, Caballo

While Elephant Butte can be swarming with people come summer, nearby Caballo Lake State Park offers a similar environment, minus the crowds. Enjoy water activities and beach camping in a more serene environment. Visit the Caballo Lake State Park webpage for more information.

7. The Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array, near Magdalena

Although the VLA is interesting enough to attract plenty of visitors, its remote location means that few people make it out here. However, the sight of 27 radio telescopes stretching across the desert for one hundred square miles will stay with you long after you leave. For more info.

8. Bitterlake Wildlife Refuge, 4200 E Pine Lodge Road, Roswell

Prefer flocks of birds to crowds of people? Then Bitterlake Wildlife Refuge is the place for you. This wetland oasis supports a range of flora and fauna, including many birds and dragonflies that you can observe by cruising along the 6-mile long auto route tour. Find out more by visiting the Bitter Lake webpage.

9. Small towns

Tiny populations make it harder for a crowd to even form. So long as you steer clear of small towns when they’re hosting an annual festival, you’re sure to find little but peace and quiet. For more info.

10. Ghost towns

If you want a guarantee of solitude, ghost towns are a safe bet. Abandoned places give you a real feel for the boom/bust cycle that affected so many of New Mexico's mining communities. Here are some ghost towns to get you started.

11. Chaco National Historical Park, near Nageezi

Since Chaco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most impressive Native American ruins in New Mexico, you might expect tour buses and throngs of people. Well, you’d be mistaken. The rutted roads and remote setting keep crowds at bay. And, once you arrive, the canyon is so vast that you won’t feel penned in by the presence of other visitors. For more info.

Which of these places have you visited? Which spots would you recommend to solitude seekers?