Visit a volcano. Take a walk. Take a swim. Have your breath taken away by unparalleled natural beauty. The following are 12 of our favorite natural wonders in New Mexico that we think everyone should visit at least once.

1. Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness (near Farmington)
Bisti Wilderness, natural wonders in new mexico
County Road, County Rd, New Mexico 87413, USA
John Fowler/Flickr
The curious landforms at the Bisti Wilderness seem like they could be from Mars. However, these undulating and eroded rocks are tucked away on 60 square miles of earth in the Four Corners area of New Mexico. Often called the Bisti Badlands, the area is part of the larger De-Na-Zin Wilderness. Find the Bisti/ De-Na-Zin Wilderness just south of Farmington, at County Road 7297, Bloomfield, 87413. Read more about Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness and its natural landmarks in our previous coverage.
2. Capulin Volcano (Capulin)
Capulin Volcano
Capulin Volcano Picnic Area, 44 Volcano Road, Capulin, NM 88414, USA
By R.D. Miller, USGS, via Wikimedia Commons
Want to drive up the side of a volcano? At Capulin Volcano National Monument, a road spirals up the extinct cinder cone volcano. At the top, find hiking trails around the rim and down into the mouth of the volcano. Capulin Volcano National Monument is located at 44 Volcano Road, Capulin, 88414. It's one of the most fascinating natural landmarks in New Mexico.
3. Tent Rocks (Cochiti)
Tent Rocks, NM
New Mexico 22, NM-22, Cochiti Pueblo, NM 87072, USA
John Fowler/Flickr
(Editor's Note: Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is currently closed to the public. Check the BLM website for updates on reopening.)

Volcanic explosions have formed the landscape throughout New Mexico. At Tent Rocks, the settling pumice, ash, and tuft formed pinkish-white cones. Some of the hoodoos also balance stone caps on their tips, making the pinnacles even more remarkable. Find the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument at Cochiti Pueblo, 87025. Find out why hiking Tent Rocks should be on every New Mexican's bucket list.
4. Shiprock (Shiprock)
Shiprock, NM
Shiprock, NM, USA
Beau Rogers/Flickr
This desert Goliath rises from the high desert plain and dominates the landscape. With its peak reaching more than 7,000 feet, the imposing volcanic structure can be seen from up to 50 miles away.

This New Mexico wonder is located 10 miles southwest of the city of Shiprock. You can reach the base of the structure but the drive is long and bumpy. Known as the "winged rock" in Navajo culture, the jagged landform is considered sacred so climbing is prohibited. But it's one of the most fascinating New Mexico landforms to see in person.
5. Valles Caldera (Jemez Springs)
Valles Caldera
Valles Caldera, New Mexico 87025, USA
docbadger1/Flickr
Even driving along its rim, you can glimpse a bit of what the Valle Caldera has to offer – green meadows, snow-covered in winter, and meandering streams. While volcanic action left an upward landform at Shiprock, here a volcano left a 13-mile wide bowl, or "caldera." There are two entrances to the basin. Trails include easy day strolls through meandering meadows and more technical back-country hikes. Reach the entrances to the Valles Caldera National Preserve off State Road 4, in Jemez Springs. See the Caldera's unforgettable Coyote Call Trail.
6. White Mountain Wilderness (outside Ruidoso)
White Mountain Wilderness
White Mountain Wilderness, Nogal, NM 88341, USA
KrisNM/Flickr
You could classify most wilderness areas as New Mexico natural wonders but consider visiting the White Mountain Wilderness near Ruidoso. This protected area in the Lincoln National Forest has views galore, especially from its higher elevations (topping out at 11,000 feet). There are pack, hike, and saddle trails aplenty. Most trail access requires a vehicle with high clearance but a few can be reached with a regular car. Consider taking an underrated river trail in New Mexico in White Mountain Wilderness.

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7. Rio Grande Gorge (Taos)
Rio Grande Gorge
Rio Grande Gorge, New Mexico 87529, USA
mwwile/Flickr
Just northwest of Taos, aside from the mountains in the distance, the landscape seems pretty flat. That is until you walk out on the Gorge Bridge and look down into the Rio Grande Gorge. From the oad level, it's 565 feet to the Rio Grande River below. The Gorge stretches for miles but one of the best views is from the bridge. It's located about 10 miles northwest of Taos, in El Prado, 87529. Read more about New Mexico's Grand Canyon in our previous coverage.
8. Blue Hole (Santa Rosa)
Blue Hole, New Mexico
1085 Blue Hole Rd, Santa Rosa, NM 88435, USA
Deborah Lee Soltesz/Flickr
A refreshing waterhole is always welcome in New Mexico, but the Blue Hole in Santa Rosa is crystal clear and always at a refreshing 62 degrees. The main pool is about 80 feet deep but a maze of underwater caves spreads out below the pool. While the pool is open to swimmers and certified SCUBA divers, the caves are blocked off. See the Blue Hole at 1085 Blue Hole Road, Santa Rosa, 88435. Meanwhile, you can read more about this pristine New Mexico swimming hole. It's one of the best New Mexico natural wonders.
9. Organ Mountains (Las Cruces)
Organ Mountains
Organ Mountains, New Mexico 88011, USA
BLM New Mexico/Flickr
The Organ Mountains reach 9,000 feet above the Chihuahuan Desert and dominate the landscape east of Las Cruces in some of the most impressive New Mexico landforms. The distinctly rugged mountains are named for their narrow granite peaks that look like organ pipes. Visit the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument in Las Cruces, 88005. You can stop at the Organ Mountains along this stunning New Mexico drive.
10. Carlsbad Caverns (Carlsbad)
727 NM-7, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA
James Schupp/Google
Water erosion formed most limestone caves. Carlsbad Caverns, however, was carved by sulfuric acid. The Big Room in this 119-cave system is big enough to hold more than six football fields. Many consider it the most visually interesting with features like the Bottomless Pit and Painted Grotto. It's most certainly one of the most fascinating New Mexico natural wonders. Be prepared to walk a couple of sloping miles for this one. Find the caverns at 727 Carlsbad Caverns Highway, Carlsbad, 88220. It's 27 miles from Carlsbad. Find out 18 Fascinating Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Carlsbad Caverns.
11. Bosque del Apache (Socorro)
Bosque del Apache, New Mexico
1001 NM-1, San Antonio, NM 87832, USA
Howard Ignatius/Flickr
For some of the best nature in New Mexico, the Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge near Socorro is the place to visit. The 57,331 acres of floodplains and wetlands here are impressive on their own, the real natural wonder at the Bosque is watching the thousands of sandhill cranes, geese, and other waterfowl that winter here each year. The Bosque del Apache is located at 1001 NM-1, San Antonio, NM 87832. Read more about the Bosque del Apache, including the best times to visit in our previous article.
12. White Sands (Alamogordo)
White Sands
White Sands Drive, White Sands Dr, New Mexico, USA
Diana Robinson/Flickr
Many natural wonders are best viewed from afar but not so with White Sands. Drive through White Sands National Monument then get out and walk, hike, or even sled down the sand dunes that roll out before you. Because the sand is gypsum it is cool on the feet, even in the summer. Reach White Sands outside Alamogordo. Watch footage of White Sands that will make you think you are on another planet. It's one of the most amazing natural landmarks in New Mexico.

Why not make it into a weekend trip? Book a stay at a cozy VRBO rental and extend your adventure. And make sure to visit AllTrails for more hiking inspiration.

What are other incredible natural wonders in New Mexico? Share your adventures, photos, and recommendations with us in the comments!

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More to Explore

New Mexico Natural Wonders

Melissa M. | July 07, 2022

What are some of the best natural landmarks in New Mexico?

The best natural landmarks in New Mexico are:

 

Aside from the ones mentioned above, the Land of Enchantment has numerous other natural wonders and landmarks that everyone must visit. Within Petroglyph National Monument alone, you’ll find several canyons that include Boca Negra, Piedras Mercadas, and Rinconada Canyons. You’ll also find plenty of ancient petroglyphs which date back thousands of years. You can also head to Slaughter Canyon Cave and take a tour. One of the world’s largest natural columns is found here.

What are some of the best manmade landmarks in New Mexico?

The best manmade landmarks in New Mexico are:

  • Spaceport America
  • Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
  • Chaco Culture National Historic Park
  • Sandia Peak Tramway

 

While you can’t beat the wonders created by Mother Nature, manmade structures can also be truly remarkable. Spanning the Rio Grande, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge was built in the 1960s and is the second tallest suspension bridge in the U.S. One of the oldest communities in the nation is Taos Pueblo which has origins dating back nearly 1,000 years.

What are some of the most scenic hikes in New Mexico?

The most scenic hikes in New Mexico are:

  • Dorothy Stewart Trail
  • White Sands Backcountry Trail
  • Bisti Badlands Trail
  • Osha Trail

 

Explore the Land of Enchantment along these scenic hiking trails with amazing views. From the Crater Trail at Capulin National Monument to the Osha Trail in the Lincoln National Forest, you will fall in love with the natural beauty of the state.

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