Autumn is here! This means a whole slew of new activities just waiting to be enjoyed. In case you haven’t noticed, New Mexico really thrives in the fall, with a bevy of exciting and entertaining ways to spend the day. If you’re looking for the best things to do in the fall in New Mexico, read on!

1. Take a chairlift

Ride among the trees and get magnificent views of the leaves from above. To see this unique view, drive up to the Santa Fe ski basin and ride their Chief Quad chairlift. If the scenic ride through the aspens and pines isn’t enough, catch some of the other autumn activities on the mountain too.

2. Navigate a corn maze

Fall means we’re treated to spectacular foliage, pumpkin-flavored goodies, and, of course, adventures through a corn maze. There are several in New Mexico, however, McCall’s Pumpkin Patch in Moriarty stands out. This massive attraction feels like a farm and a fairground rolled into one. Plus, their corn mazes are amazingly intricate. It's one of the best things to do in October in New Mexico.

3. Visit this inviting town

Our small towns are particularly beautiful in the autumn season, but one place you may not think about – Los Alamos – is especially inviting this time of year. Not only does this part of Northern New Mexico glow with exquisite fall color, but there is plenty of open space in which to enjoy it.

4. Peep at some leaves

If you are a New Mexico leaf peeper, get on the road! Fall is here and the leaves are already turning. Get the best views of the vibrant foliage by road-tripping along the Enchanted Circle, one of New Mexico’s scenic byways. This 85-mile loop connects Taos, Questa, Red River, Eagle Nest, and Angel Fire.

5. Get some air at Balloon Fiesta

If you're looking for what to do in New Mexico in October, it's time for the hot air balloons to return to Albuquerque. While other states may have similar events, none of those spectacles are on the scale of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. It’s the largest ballooning event on the planet and also the most photographed. Each October, more than 800,000 people flock to Duke City to witness this once-in-a-lifetime sight and you should be among them! Get up early and make a day of it.

6. Drive a Scenic Byway

If you're searching for "things to do in October near me," how about a scenic drive? Admire the golden cottonwoods along this 6.7-mile scenic road. Corrales Road travels between the Rio Grande and the Corrales Acequia, making the scenery appealing on both sides of the car.

7. Pick a Pumpkin

Pick a pumpkin at a corn maze? Sure! The whole family will enjoy the trip to the Mesilla Valley Maze. In addition to the pumpkin patch and corn maze, there are more than 30 regular attractions. This southern New Mexico attraction is open all of October. Find the Mesilla Valley Maze at 3855 West Picacho Avenue, Las Cruces.

8. Be king for a day

Take off work and plan a trip to Las Cruces for the

Annual Renaissance ArtsFaire. This weekend of merriment features entertainment, food, shopping, and contests of yore, like jousting and a kid's scavenger hunt. Adults can enjoy feasting and festing (with beer and wine) and an artist's market. For more about the event, see the Renaissance ArtsFaire's website.

9. Stay in a cozy cabin

Fall is the perfect season to immerse yourself in nature. Cabins are typically situated in rustic locales, and renting one allows you to unwind while soaking in the fall colors. Here are a few cozy New Mexico cabins that you’ll want to stay in this fall.

10. Visit an eccentric town

There are clusters of artists’ communities throughout New Mexico, but one of the most fun and whimsical is the tiny town of Madrid. Located off the Turquoise Trail (Highway 14), between Santa Fe and Albuquerque, Madrid is a convenient (and festive) destination for your next day trip. If you have never been, or want to visit again, fall is a perfect time.

11 Take a hike

Try the Bandelier hike to the Frijolito Pueblo archeological site. Be ready for 2.5 miles of fairly strenuous hiking. The Frijolito Loop Trail starts in Cottonwood Picnic Area, just across the creek from the Bandelier visitor center at 15 Entrance Road, in Los Alamos.

12. Watch the cranes

Each fall the Sandhill cranes return to New Mexico's Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, near Socorro. You don't need to be a birder to enjoy the sight of these magnificent birds blanketing the bosque, especially when they take off en masse just before dawn. The official Festival of the Cranes typically occurs in mid-November, but the spectacle of the cranes can be seen most of the fall season.

What are your favorite things to do during the fall in New Mexico? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! And for even more fun, embark on this exciting New Mexico fall foliage road trip!

Taking a road trip this fall? Check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List before you head out on the road!