Some of the best scenery in New Mexico is found in the middle of nowhere. However, there are also inhabited places where you’re confronted by breathtaking views, no matter which way you turn. So, if you’re up for a road trip, consider heading to one of these 10 scenic small towns in New Mexico to admire the spectacular landscapes surrounding them.

1. Arroyo Hondo, population 474
Flickr/ Dave Hensley
This tiny town near Taos is sandwiched between the mountains and the Rio Grande Gorge.
2. Cloudcroft, population 674
Flickr/Samat Jain
The old Mexican Canyon trestle bridge is almost as picturesque as the scenery around it. Cloudcroft is located in the Lincoln National Forest, near Alamogordo.
3. Chama, population 1022
Flickr/Jerry and Pat Donaho
A great way to take in the scenery around Chama is to ride the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad.
4. Glenwood, population 143
Wikimedia Commons/Brian W. Schaller
This town may be teeny but it’s tucked inside the Gila National Forest, adjacent to the Gila Wilderness – the biggest designated wilderness area in the state. The Gila Wilderness consists of 871 square miles of rugged, unspoiled land.
5. Shiprock, population 8295
Flickr/julie francois
The volcanic neck known as Shiprock or "The Winged Rock" is a striking presence on the horizon, near the town of the same name.
6. Capitan, population 1489
Flickr Patrick Alexander
Although this town is best known as the place where Smokey Bear was rescued, it also has some wonderful scenery.
7. Eagle Nest, population 290
Flickr/Kevin Gessner
The town of Eagle Nest is part of a scenic drive called The Enchanted Circle. The route more than lives up to its name, and the meadows surrounding Eagle Nest are particularly memorable. Added bonus: the buildings in town have a fun Wild West feel.
8. Corrales, population 8329
Flickr/Raul Diaz
Corrales offers a little of everything: a river, farmland, and a cottonwood forest – all stretching out against the backdrop of the Sandia Mountains.
9. Quemado, population 228
Flickr/OHFalcon72
Quemado in Catron County is known as the site of Walter De Maria’s art installation called "The Lightning Field." But the area’s natural beauty is equal to any manmade wonders in the town.
10. Jemez Springs, population 250
Flickr/I am New Mexico
The red rocks surrounding Jemez Springs are astounding.

Have you been to any of these places? Which other towns do you visit when you’re craving stunning views? Once you’re done visiting these lovely small towns, consider checking out some of the other natural wonders in New Mexico that make up the state’s beautiful landscapes.

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More to Explore

Scenic Small Towns In New Mexico

Leah | July 17, 2020

What is the most unique town in New Mexico?

There are many towns to visit in New Mexico that are special for more reasons than just their scenery. With quirky places like UFO-obsessed Roswell or a pie-centric town called Pie Town (yes, really), there are quite a few places that you could consider the most unique. The town of Hatch is definitely one of the most notable. Since it's known for having the best chile in all of New Mexico - and possibly beyond - it's embraced that in every way. Restaurants in Hatch serve delicious chile-flavored or covered things and there is an annual chile festival hosted in the town every year.

What are the most unique things to do in New Mexico?

If you're looking for beautiful places and fun things to see in New Mexico, you've got plenty of options. Where else could you say you can visit a rattlesnake museum? Yes, the Land of Enchantment is home to the American International Rattlesnake Museum, located in Albuquerque. You can experience the beauty of New Mexico's landscape from the vantage point of cliff dwellings at places like the Gila Cliff Dwellings. The park the dwellings are in also includes other beautiful trails and even hot springs.

What is the most beautiful small town in New Mexico?

Viewing the most beautiful scenery in New Mexico from some of these well-placed towns might inspire you to seek out some of the towns within the state that themselves are stunning. Whether it be their small town charm or impressive architecture, you have a few options of picturesque towns. Hillsboro in Sierra County is an old mining town that has kept its vintage charm. You can even visit an adorable old general store for some shopping and lunch. For a traditional New Mexican town, Mesilla is a great choice. The lovely architecture, plaza, and quaint shops all add to the town's beauty.

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Featured Addresses
Arroyo Hondo, NM 87529, USA
Cloudcroft, NM 88317, USA
Chama, NM 87520, USA
Glenwood, Mogollon, NM 88039, USA
Shiprock, NM, USA
Capitan, NM 88316, USA
Eagle Nest, NM 87718, USA
Corrales, NM, USA
Quemado, NM 87829, USA
Jemez Springs, NM 87025, USA