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10 Ways To Have The Most New Mexico Day Ever

Discover how to spend a perfect day in New Mexico by exploring its natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and unique cuisine.

Published Feb 27, 2018

Written by 

Monica Spencer

Life in New Mexico is pretty amazing. If you tried to plan out the perfect day that best captures life in New Mexico, what would you choose to do? For some people, that may include heading into the great outdoors, absorbing the culture, or even just enjoying a plate of mouthwatering food you can only find here. Here are a few ideas to help you think about having the most New Mexico day ever.

1. Start the day with a bit of color and light by watching the sun rise from your home or your favorite New Mexico location.

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Howard Ignatius/Flickr

2. Travel up into the mountains for fresh pine air and snow, weather permitting.

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Dave Hensley/Flickr

3. Or, head out into the desert to enjoy a more stark example of New Mexico’s natural beauty.

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Kevin Eddy/Flickr

4. Next, continue enjoying the great outdoors by hitting the trails! New Mexico has plenty that range from an easy stroll through a national park to trails that will take a toll on your body.

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Bureau of Land Management/Flickr

5. After that, you’ve probably worked up an appetite! Don’t forget that you can’t experience the most New Mexico day ever without enjoying green chile with your meal. Make sure there is enough in your food to make you sweat!

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6. Or, how does a frito pie for lunch sound?

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Paul Sableman/Flickr

7. Pay a visit to one of New Mexico’s ghost towns (permanent or former) for a brief experience of the past…

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Ryan Thomas/Flickr

8. ...or visit a historic landmark to see the intersection of Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and American cultures.

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9. Start winding down your day by watching a golden sunset.

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10. And end your night by watching the stars twinkle in some of the darkest night skies in the country.

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John Fowler/Flickr

What are some other activities you would do to celebrate life in New Mexico? We would love to hear your thoughts! Feel free to leave your suggestions below or on our Facebook fan page!

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Trip Ideas|Small Towns

If You Only Have One Day to Visit This Small Town in New Mexico, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss

The charming and picturesque community of Chama, New Mexico is a wonderful option for a day trip.

Published Sep 16, 2024

Written by 

Melissa Mahoney

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.

1. Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad 

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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.

2. Tierra Wools

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.

3. Edward Sargent Wildlife Management Area

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kari converse/AllTrails

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.

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Trip Ideas

The Stunning New Mexico Drive That Is One Of The Best Road Trips You Can Take In America

Explore a stunning road trip through southern New Mexico featuring deserts, mountains, and forests.

Updated Apr 23, 2024

Written by 

Spencer K. Schneider

There are so many possibilities for amazing road trips throughout the gorgeous state of New Mexico. The difficulty in choosing a route is a testament to how many fascinating and beautiful places there are to stop and explore, but we think we have put together the perfect road trip through southern New Mexico that will have you exploring deserts, mountains, and forests. This might just be one of the most stunning New Mexico road trips -- see if you agree!

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Google Maps

White Sands National Park

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David Richardson/Google Local

Your first stop on this stunning road trip is the breathtaking White Sands National Park. Found near the Mexico border, White Sands National Park is the place to explore 275 square miles of pure white sand dunes. Whether you want to hike around, take photos, or even try your hand at some sand sledding, White Sands National Park will definitely be a highlight of your trip.

Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument

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Sharon Smock/Google Local

Your next stop is the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument found near Las Cruces, New Mexico. This protected area is filled with hundreds of archaeological sites where you can explore petroglyphs and other ancient sites. This area is also famous for its use as a hideout by outlaw Billy the Kid.

Radium Springs

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Fort Selden Winery/Google Local

Your next stop on this journey is Radium Springs, New Mexico. Radium Springs is a great place where you can explore historic sites, wineries, and the Leasburg Dam State Park. If you are looking for a place to camp on your road trip, this is the perfect place to set up near the river for the night and get some fishing in!

Gila National Forest

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Marci Gossett/Google Local

Your final stop on this trip is the Gila National Forest. The Gila National Forest can be found in the southwest part of New Mexico, and is one of the best places in the state to explore mountains, canyons, and forests. If you're lucky, you may even see some of the wildlife that the Gila National Forest is well known for including black bear, mountain lions, elk, bighorn sheep, and even wild turkey!

This is truly a road trip that you will remember. Do you agree that this is one of the most stunning New Mexico road trips? Be sure to let us know if you would add any stops! And don't forget to take a look at our road trip essentials packing list. For related content, take a look at the most stunning natural wonders in NM:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/new-mexico/best-natural-attractions-nm/

Need even more travel inspo? Take a look at this stunning footage from one of the most remarkable natural wonders in the state, if not the entire US!

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