5 Places in New Mexico I Wouldn’t Take My Worst Enemy

I want to start by saying, there is a reason New Mexico is known as the Land of Enchantment. This state is full of destinations that captivate, amaze, and impress. I truly believe that New Mexico doesn’t receive the love that it deserves. But, just like with any state, there are places I avoid—places that are miserable in New Mexico’s summer heat, that are packed with tourists, or are simply *way* overrated. Visit at least once and form your own opinion, but the following is my list of five places I typically skip on my New Mexico adventures.

1. Carlsbad… in the summer

Carlsbad is best known as home to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, which I strongly recommend visiting. It is also a town with several outdoor recreational opportunities as it sits on the Pecos River, has many city parks, and is near Guadalupe Mountains National Park, an incredible hiking destination. However, this is one town you will not find me visiting in the summer months. Summer temperatures average in the high 90s, with July seeing an average of 96 degrees Fahrenheit. Yes, there may be exciting things to see in Carlsbad, but visit in the summer, and you may be too hot to enjoy it.

2. World’s Largest Pistachio, Alamogordo

The World’s Largest Pistachio is located just off U.S. Highway 54-70, and has become quite the tourist destination. The 30-foot-tall sculpture of a pistachio is the main highlight here, but throughout the years, everything from homemade ice cream and country stores to a winery and farm tours has surrounded it. Unless you love pistachios and need to stock up on some of the goods found here, this tourist attraction is one you don’t need to stop at every time you drive by.

3. Sitting Bull Falls … on the weekends

Please do not send me hate mail. I absolutely love Sitting Bull Falls. This is a slice of heaven in the middle of a desert with spring-fed waterfalls and a beautiful swimming hole. Plus, there are many amenities to make it a fabulous day trip destination with picnic tables, grills, restrooms, water, and more. However, this is also a place that everyone in New Mexico loves, and if you visit on a weekend or holiday, it certainly doesn’t feel like heaven anymore. It can become extremely crowded, loud, and overwhelming. Plan a visit on a weekday morning and send your enemy there on the weekend. It’s great revenge.

4. Old Town Albuquerque

Old Town Albuquerque has so. much. history. However, throughout the years, it has become one of the biggest hotspots for tourists, with shops, restaurants, events, and activities that dominate and make you forget what this area is all about. Plus, Old Town Albuquerque can become quite crowded and expensive. There are many other attractions I'd recommend in this NM city.

5. Roswell: Because Alien Enthusiasm Is Contagious…

Ah, Roswell, the town that proudly proclaims, “Yes, the aliens did visit… probably.” It’s the perfect place to send someone you really, really don’t like, because they’ll be trapped in a nonstop loop of extraterrestrial obsession. You’ll be subjected to hours of souvenir shops filled with little green men keychains, alien-shaped candy, and t-shirts declaring allegiance to Area 51 conspiracies. Don’t even get me started on the International UFO Museum, where you can wander through endless exhibits detailing alien abductions, government cover-ups, and photographs of… something. Possibly.

Now, I could add a few more places to this list, but I’d like my enemies to experience them—I don’t want to sound the warning alarm for each one. But I’d love to hear your thoughts. What New Mexico destinations do you believe are complete tourist traps or are places you tend to avoid? As I mentioned before, there are so many enchanting places in New Mexico—it truly is a marvelous place to be. Check out our list of more than a dozen breathtaking natural wonders only found in New Mexico that truly defy explanation.