7 Wonders Of The World That Are Actually Right Here In New Mexico
There are so many wonders of the world in New Mexico alone that it’s challenging to narrow down a list to seven entries. The original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World were all made by humans. Since then, lists have emerged detailing the wonders of the modern world and natural world. So we’ve combined some of our state’s most impressive manmade and natural marvels into New Mexico’s own seven wonders of the world.
White Sands is the planet’s largest gypsum dune field. It covers 275 square miles and is continually expanding. This surreal environment is particularly enchanting at sunset. Learn more about White Sands National Monument on the National Park Service website.
As you wander through the remains of the buildings at Chaco Canyon, you can’t help but marvel at the scale and complexity of the architecture here. Construction of this UNESCO World Heritage Site began in the mid-800s.
Chaco is unusual because it was built according to a plan. When intact, the structures here consisted of hundreds of rooms, stacked several stories high. Right up until the 19th century, the buildings at Chaco held the record for being the largest in North America. It's one of the most amazing wonders of the world in New Mexico. You can learn more on the National Park Service website.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico, USA
The longest aerial tramway in the country spans 2.7 miles. The ride up to Sandia Peak (which is at an altitude of 10,378 feet) lasts for 15 minutes – plenty of time to gaze at the expansive views stretching out far below. Visit the Sandia Peak Tramway website for more information.
The Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness is probably New Mexico’s least recognized wonder. These badlands contain rock formations that fill even the most jaded traveler with awe. This is one of the most incredible wonders of the world in New Mexico.
Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area, County Road 7297, Bloomfield, NM 87413, USA
The Rio Grande Gorge is part of the recently established Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument. Parts of the gorge are 800 feet deep, and the best way to view this rift valley is from the middle of the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. You'll love visiting Rio Grand Gorge, one of the most beautiful wonders of the world in New Mexico.
So, is Carlsbad Caverns a wonder of the world? Not officially but maybe it should be! Carlsbad Caverns is the second of New Mexico’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Most caves are formed by water erosion but these caverns were created by sulfuric acid. Before the entry path and elevators were built, anyone wishing to explore this fantastical, underground landscape had to descend into the darkness in a bucket! Visit the National Park Service website for more information.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA
Volcanic eruptions were responsible for the hoodoos at Tent Rocks. You can hike between these giant formations, through a slot canyon, and up to a mesa that affords mountain views in all directions. Visit the Bureau of Land Management's website to learn more about one of the most otherworldly wonders of the world in New Mexico.
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, 0 NM-22, Cochiti Pueblo, NM 87072, USA
What would you include on your version of this list of wonders of the world in New Mexico? If we were allowed more than seven attractions, we’d add Taos Pueblo and perhaps Acoma Pueblo.
How many of these wonders have you seen firsthand? If you’d like to make natural wonders the theme of your next vacation, check out this natural wonders road trip, which links together most of the marvels described here, plus a few extra, into an easy-to-drive loop.
Address: Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area, County Road 7297, Bloomfield, NM 87413, USA
