Posted in New Mexico
January 19, 2021
12 Unforgettable New Mexico Day Trips, One For Each Month Of The Year
Now that 2020 is behind us, it’s time to celebrate! One of our favorite ways to do so is with a bit of travel. Although strict travel guidelines are still in place, you can travel safely within the state of New Mexico. Looking for suggestions? Pick and choose from any of these 12 day trip destinations for a fun outing.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate

First on our list is an 84-mile drive through a picturesque portion of southern New Mexico. You'll drive through historic towns and sites, like Ruidoso, Lincoln, and Fort Stanton.
Read more here: Roll Down The Windows And Take A Drive Down Billy The Kid Scenic Byway In New Mexico
Read more here: Roll Down The Windows And Take A Drive Down Billy The Kid Scenic Byway In New Mexico

There are plenty of places that offer out of this world views but Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness tops the list. Located near Chaco Culture National Historical Park, this wilderness area is home to thousands of acres of hoodoos, buttes, washes, and more.
Read more here: A Jaw Dropping Place In New Mexico, This Wilderness Area May Blow You Away
Read more here: A Jaw Dropping Place In New Mexico, This Wilderness Area May Blow You Away

Hiking to waterfalls is a rare treat in New Mexico and one of our favorites is the Bridal Veil Falls trail near Alamogordo. The 7-mile trek will take you to the 45-foot waterfall, which varies between trickles and a gentle flow.
Read more here: The Ultimate Bucket List For Anyone In New Mexico Who Loves Waterfall Hikes
Read more here: The Ultimate Bucket List For Anyone In New Mexico Who Loves Waterfall Hikes

If you've never had the pleasure of visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site, make time to do so this year. Dating back to 850 A.D., the historic dwellings once housed Ancient Puebloans and remain an important cultural site for local tribes.
Read more here: The Chaco Culture National Historical Park In New Mexico Is The Start Of One Of The Most Scenic Drives In The Nation
Read more here: The Chaco Culture National Historical Park In New Mexico Is The Start Of One Of The Most Scenic Drives In The Nation

Hidiing in southwestern New Mexico, this tiny ghost town was once a booming mining town that was eventually abandoned in 1956. These days, a few stragglers still call the area home and you can visit the historic buildings, a museum, and the nearby creek for a nature walk.
Read more here: You’ll Feel Like You Stepped Back In Time When Visiting This New Mexico Ghost Town
Read more here: You’ll Feel Like You Stepped Back In Time When Visiting This New Mexico Ghost Town

Most people tend to prefer visiting this state park in the fall when the leaves turn a gorgeous golden hue but it's a lovely visit any time of year. Located 3.5 hours from Albuquerque, it's a fantastic retreat for hiking, birding, fishing, or even camping.
Read more here: Cimarron Canyon State Park In New Mexico Is So Well Hidden, It Feels Like One Of The State’s Best Kept Secrets
Read more here: Cimarron Canyon State Park In New Mexico Is So Well Hidden, It Feels Like One Of The State’s Best Kept Secrets

Over the course of 83 miles, you'll be treated to some of the most spectacular mountain views in New Mexico when you drive this byway. Drive through towns like Taos, Red River, and Angel Fire, as well as state parks, ski areas, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Read more here: Hop In Your Car And Take Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway For An Incredible 83-Mile Scenic Drive In New Mexico
Read more here: Hop In Your Car And Take Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway For An Incredible 83-Mile Scenic Drive In New Mexico

Tucked away in Gila National Forest, these ancient cliffside dwellings are a sight to behold. Dating back to about 1275 A.D., they housed a group of Mogollon people and are remarkably well-preserved.
Read more here: Explore The Remnants Of An Ancient Village At Gila National Forest, An Astonishing Attraction In New Mexico
Read more here: Explore The Remnants Of An Ancient Village At Gila National Forest, An Astonishing Attraction In New Mexico

This former mining town sits approximately 50 miles east of Silver City and a visit here will reveal a hint of 19th-century boomtown life. Practically a ghost town, Kingston is home to a small community with historic buildings, a couple of museums, and a lovely little lodge.
Read more here: The Derelict Ghost Town Of Kingston, New Mexico Is The Definition Of A Hidden Gem
Read more here: The Derelict Ghost Town Of Kingston, New Mexico Is The Definition Of A Hidden Gem

This former mining town was saved from an official ghost town by artists who transformed it into an eccentric destination. Madrid is a colorful, art-filled community with a large number of galleries, stores, diners, and more.
Read more here: It’s Impossible Not To Love The Most Eccentric Town In New Mexico
Read more here: It’s Impossible Not To Love The Most Eccentric Town In New Mexico

If there's any place in New Mexico that most certainly deserves a second look, it's Silver City, located in the southern portion of the state. Home to beautiful architecture, galleries, and lovely parks, this town makes for a fun getaway.
Read more here: The Most Criminally Overlooked Town In New Mexico And Why You Need To Visit
Read more here: The Most Criminally Overlooked Town In New Mexico And Why You Need To Visit

Feel the need to retreat into nature this year? Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge is a picturesque location for birding, gazing the night sky, or simply enjoying nature outside the city.
Read more here: Find Peace At Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge In Albuquerque, New Mexico
Read more here: Find Peace At Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge In Albuquerque, New Mexico
Which of these day trips are you most looking forward to traveling? Are there any other locations you want to visit in New Mexico this year?
Travel isn’t the only fun thing you can do in 2021. There are some cool astronomical events taking place this year and you can read about them in Don’t Miss The 10 Best Stargazing Events That Will Light Up The New Mexico Sky In 2021.
Address: 26305 US-70, Ruidoso Downs, NM 88346, USA
Address: Bisti Badlands, New Mexico 87499, USA
Address: 10-20358, Alamogordo, NM 88310, USA
Address: Chaco Canyon, New Mexico, USA
Address: Chloride, NM 87943, USA
Address: 28869 US-64, Eagle Nest, NM 87718, USA
Address: Gila Cliff Dwelling Visitor Center Rd, New Mexico, USA
Address: Kingston, NM 88042, USA
Address: Madrid, NM 87010, USA
Address: Silver City, NM 88061, USA
Address: 7851 2nd St SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105, USA