Derelict places are inherently intriguing, making us wonder about their history. There is no shortage of such spots in the Land of Enchantment. From ghost towns to abandoned forts and disused bridges, this road trip takes you on a journey to many abandoned places in New Mexico.
Since this route spans 949 miles and takes a little over 16 hours without stops, it's a weekend getaway at the very least, and it would be best to space the drive over three or four days. Here is an interactive map, which includes driving directions. Remember, you can start the loop at whatever point on the loop is nearest to you.
Kelly, New Mexico is a ghost town close to Magdalena, which is popular with rockhounds and those interested in mining history.
When Kelly was at its most prosperous, 3000 people lived here. The mining town offered a range of amenities from churches, to schools, and hotels. After the ore was fully mined, the town couldn’t survive.
Now, you can view the remains of walls, mining equipment, and a cemetery. When visiting this ghost town, take Kelly Road from Magdalena. Most people park at the little church and continue from there on foot. Get a closer look at the abandoned town of Kelly:
A flag still flies over what’s left of Fort Craig, a military installation designed to protect travelers on El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, a 1600-mile trade route that once stretched from Mexico City to New Mexico’s San Juan Pueblo (Ohkay Owingeh). It’s hard to imagine from these scant walls that 4000 troops used to be based here. The fort supported a hospital, school, and stables. It remained important up through the Civil War but was eventually abandoned in 1885.
Travel roughly two miles west of Hillsboro, along NM-152, and you’ll drive over Percha Creek. Running parallel to the current bridge is its predecessor. Constructed in 1927, this structure is on the National Register of Historic Places. This is one of several abandoned bridges in New Mexico and it's a sight to be seen.
Entering Fort Bayard is an eerie experience. This vast complex has served as a fort, a POW camp during World War II, and a tuberculosis hospital; Buffalo Soldiers were also stationed here to battle the Apaches.
Now, the place is deserted. You can drive around and view buildings that look functional and well-preserved from a distance but which, upon closer inspection, are clearly suffering from the effects of time and neglect.
Thankfully, efforts are underway to preserve the fort and tours are available.
Steins is a privately owned railroad ghost town, which recently reopened to tourists (you need to book a spot on one of the limited tours in advance). The town got its start in 1880 when the Southern Pacific Railroad decided to create a pass through the Peloncillo Mountains. Lack of water spelled the end for Steins, but what remains of the town is in good condition. Residents literally left with what they could carry, abandoning everything else. See what it’s like to explore Steins:
Dripping Springs New Mexico is part of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument and the name refers to Dripping Springs Resort, which Colonel Eugene Van Patten constructed here in the 1870s. After the venture went bankrupt, the new owner converted the structures into a sanatorium. If you hike the trails in this canyon, you can still view the abandoned buildings.
This drive takes you through the ghost town in New Mexico known as Organ and, while the town isn't an official stop on the map, it has more than its share of derelict places.
Next, your journey takes you to Cloudcroft, a town set high in the Lincoln National Forest. Be thankful you can drive up here - until the 1940s your only options were train or pack mule! Although the old Mexican Canyon Trestle pictured is no longer used as a railway bridge, you can hike to an observation point looking over this 323-foot-long structure. The 1.2-mile trail is of moderate difficulty and the trailhead is located off NM-82, on the way into town.
Cuervo. is a virtual ghost town that contains abandoned houses, cars, and churches, some of which still contain possessions. When I-40 divided this railroad town in two, it began to falter; there are currently a mere 58 residents. Cuervo made the news after explorers discovered what seemed to be a criminal’s trophy room. Creepy. Learn about the history of Cuervo:
The Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Rail Yards complex is vast, consisting of 18 buildings. Incredibly, a quarter of Albuquerque’s population once worked here when it served as a maintenance facility for the railroads. Now, the public has access on Sundays between May and October, when a market is held in The Yards.
Although the point of this drive is to visit abandoned places, you'll need access to amenities along the way. The route passes through Socorro, Truth or Consequences, Silver City, Lordsburg, Deming, Las Cruces, Alamogordo, Cloudcroft, and Santa Rosa, where you can find restaurants, hotels, or campgrounds. We'd recommend staying at one of the hot springs hotels in NM in Truth or Consequences to soak away any sore muscles you might have from driving or hiking.
Also, if you're in this area and interested in forgotten places, check out this road trip through New Mexico ghost towns for some added inspiration.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
Throughout the Land of Enchantment, you'll encounter charming small towns no matter what part of the state you're traveling through. Taos is perhaps one of the best-known small towns in New Mexico, but there's also Ruidoso, Red River, Mesilla, Jemez Springs, and Cloudcroft. While each of these small communities is a great destination for a weekend getaway, if you only have one day to visit, what are the best things to do and attractions to see? Well, today I will tell you about the community of Chama and what you should absolutely see and do if you only have one day. Are you ready?
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The Village of Chama is located in the Southern Rocky Mountains to the north of Santa Fe and sits at an elevation of nearly 8,000 feet. Known for its scenery due to its location in the mountains as well as the Rio Chama, everyone who comes here is utterly charmed by its beauty.
Coal-fired, narrow-gauge, steam engine pulls a train for tourists. Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad is America’s longest and highest narrow-gauge railway still in operation.
If there's one thing you must do while in Chama, it's to take a train excursion with the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. A National Historic Landmark, this 64-mile steam train ride will provide you with a memorable experience no matter which excursion you choose. Rides are given between Memorial Day weekend in May and late October, but if you come to Chama in the fall, you can check out the foliage from aboard the train. Depending on the train ride you book, set aside 3-6 hours.
This wool and yarn shop is so much more than a store in in Chama. It's also where you can learn the heritage of weaving in around the Rio Grande. You can also learn about hand-dyeing and how fiber is spun into yarn. While you're here, you can also take home some yarn or a handwoven blanket.
For those who would love nothing more than to explore the great outdoors of Chama, head to the Edward Sargent WMA for a hike. If you're looking for a short, easy hike, try the 0.9-mile Elk Interpretive Trail. This out-and-back trail will lead you through gorgeous scenery that makes Chama such a wonderful day trip destination.
Have you taken a day trip to Chama, New Mexico yet? If so, what were the highlights for you? Let us know! If you happen to have more than a day to stay in Chama and need a place to spend the night, make a reservation a the Chama River Bend Lodge located on the banks of the Chama River.
