When And Where To Expect New Mexico’s Fall Foliage To Peak This Year
By Courtnie Erickson|Published September 15, 2021
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Courtnie Erickson
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From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Fall is upon us, and summer is now in the rearview mirror. While in some ways this is a little disappointing, it also means leaf-peeping season is here! The website SmokyMountains.com recently released a fall foliage predictor map to help you plan your fall foliage viewing in New Mexico. While not all predictions are 100 percent accurate, this map uses an advanced algorithm, 48,000 data points, and more than a decade of experience to help you best plan to see the yellow, red, and orange leaves around the Land of Enchantment.
If you have driven in the northern part of the state, you may have noticed that some leaves are already starting to change colors.
At this time, the fall foliage in the northern part of the state will be reaching its peak. In southern New Mexico, the changing colors may be a little patchy, but some beautiful autumn colors should be there.
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The first part of October is the perfect time to take a drive on the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway.
Go for a ride on the Sandia Peak Tramway to enjoy the views or take the ride up to the delicious Ten 3 Restaurant. Bring a camera as the sea of yellows, oranges, and reds below you is mesmerizing.
This is a two-mile trail near Cloudcroft that will not only give you some of the most beautiful views of fall foliage in New Mexico, but also take you to a historic wooden trestle bridge.
Just make sure you complete all of your fall day trips in New Mexico by early November, as almost all areas around the Land of Enchantment have reached their peak.
