Big cities may offer unlimited dining options, an exciting nightlife, and a wide range of events to attend, but if you want to see what life in a state is really like, visit the small towns! Today, we’re taking a look at 9 tiny towns to visit in New Mexico that are fun places for their attractions, natural surroundings, and historic significance.

1. Abiquiú (Rio Arriba County)
mksfca/Flickr
It takes just one visit to this tiny town to recognize what drew artists like Georgia O'Keeffe to the Southwest. The striking natural views surrounding the town combined with its quiet, rural atmosphere make this a place you’ll want to visit again and again.
2. Capitan (Lincoln County)
Images By Lane/Flickr
This village has a population of a little more than 1,400 people and some beautiful scenery all around. Don’t forget to stop by the Smokey Bear Historical Park, named after the famous fire prevention mascot.
3. Cloudcroft (Otero County)
1sock/Flickr
This little village in southern New Mexico sits more than 9,000-feet above sea level and is the perfect spot for a relaxing weekend away from home. You’ll enjoy hiking, camping, and dining when here.
4. Hatch (Doña Ana County)
Tofu/Flickr
The self-proclaimed Chile Capital of the World, Hatch is a tiny town with a big personality—all thanks to one little chile pepper. You’ll enjoy checking out the restaurants that serve everything with green chile, especially if you visit once chile harvesting season begins in late summer.

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5. Madrid (Santa Fe County)
Petros/Flickr
Once a fading ghost town, this has become New Mexico’s best little hippie town. Enjoy a drink and burger at the old bar where miners enjoyed a few brews, check out the numerous art galleries, and enjoy the town’s quiet atmosphere.
6. Magdalena (Socorro County)
jclarson/Wikimedia Commons
This village has a population that hasn’t quite reached 1,000, but it’s a lively little place. Enjoy walking through art galleries, attending a rodeo, or taking advantage of exploring the great outdoors when here.
7. Red River (Taos County)
Matthew/Flickr
If you’re looking for a place to spend a weekend away with cool (or even snowy) conditions, then you’ll want to plan a stay in this town. You can enjoy riding the ski lift, skiing (when conditions allow), hiking, scenic drives, and more!
8. Santa Rosa (Guadalupe County)
Kent Kanouse/Flickr
You would regret not stopping in this little town on Interstate 40. The friendly little place has a wonderful atmosphere with one of the country’s best natural swimming holes (The Blue Hole) and a pretty cool Route 66 Auto Museum for classic cars and memorabilia featuring the Mother Road.
9. Taos Pueblo
Ron Cogswell/Flickr
One of New Mexico’s oldest communities is also a fascinating place to visit. Located a short drive from the city Taos, the pueblo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to 4,500 people. You can visit for a guided tour of the pueblo, visit during a feast day, or check out the natural scenery all around.

Are there any other tiny towns in New Mexico you would add to this list? What do you enjoy doing in your favorite little town or village? Share your thoughts!

If you want to check out more small towns scattered around the state, you’ll want to read 11 Small Towns In Rural New Mexico That Are Downright Delightful.

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More to Explore

Tiny Towns To Visit In New Mexico

Leah | November 06, 2020

What are the most unique towns in New Mexico?

Along with the best small towns in New Mexico, you can visit some of the state's most unique spots that are unlike any other. Hatch, New Mexico certainly stands out from the rest because of its affinity for chile. It's known as the "Chile Capital of the World" and the 1,600 residents embrace that to the fullest. Another, more well-known unique town in the Land of Enchantment is Roswell. If you've heard of Roswell, the first things that may come to mind when thinking about it are UFOs and aliens. The entire town has quirky extraterrestrial theming. UFO sightings are said to be common there, and you'll just have to visit it for yourself to find out if they're real.

What is the most scenic town in New Mexico?

Out of the many places to visit in New Mexico, you can't go wrong with a scenic small town. A great example of such a town is Questa, New Mexico. Located in Taos County, this little village is surrounded by natural beauty and it's a great escape for nature enthusiasts. Take nearby trails to the Rio Grande Gorge, fish in quiet, secluded lakes and streams, or camp at the primitive campsites. There is also a thriving art community in Questa on top of it all, making it a lovely place to look at and visit through and through.

What is the smallest town in New Mexico?

These towns are hidden gems in New Mexico, but you may be wondering if any of them are contenders for being the absolute tiniest towns in the state. In case you wanted to know, the tiniest town in New Mexico is Grenville. Located in Union County, it only had 38 residents as of the 2010 census and the current estimated population is even less than that. If you want to give it a visit, you'll have to head up to the very northeast corner of the state. Here's a fun fact: the town of Grenville, New Mexico was featured on a Saturday Night Live sketch in 1995.

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Featured Addresses
Abiquiu, NM 87510, USA
Capitan, NM 88316, USA
Cloudcroft, NM 88317, USA
Hatch, NM, USA
Madrid, NM 87010, USA
Magdalena, NM 87825, USA
Red River, NM, USA
Santa Rosa, NM 88435, USA
Taos Pueblo, NM, USA