The Happiness Function

Nicknamed the Land of Enchantment, the state of New Mexico is home to some enchanting national parks.

With everything from deep limestone caves to pristine white sand dunes to soaring red rock structures, the national parks in New Mexico boast natural beauty everywhere you turn.

As if the stunning natural landscapes weren’t enough on their own, many have a historic angle. From ancient cliff dwellings to historic Native American petroglyphs, there are lots of tidbits of history to find at these incredible attractions as well.

There are technically 15 areas managed by the National Park Service in New Mexico — the sunny state has quite a few national monuments and national preserves as well. This article includes nine of the most popular parks and our personal favorites. We love exploring the high desert.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

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Out of all of the New Mexico national parks, monuments, and preserves, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is, without a doubt, the most famous one. Home to more than 100 separate caves, you can easily spend hours – if not days – exploring all that this park has to offer.

The best thing to do at Carlsbad Caverns National Park is head underground. There, you can dive into the limestone caves for an otherworldly experience. Take a self-guided tour through the stalactites and stalagmites or go for a ranger-guided tour if you’d like a little more guidance.

That said, if you have a little flexibility with the timing of your New Mexico trip, opt for a visit between late May and October. Why, you ask? Because that’s when thousands of migratory bats decide to make Carlsbad Caverns their home. If you time it right, you can even watch the bats flying around from a prime seat at the Bat Flight Amphitheater.

Planning Note: Timed entry tickets are required to visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Refer to the recreation.gov website for more information.

White Sands National Park

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Located about an hour and a half away from El Paso, Texas, White Sands National Park is known for its rolling white sand dunes as far as the eye can see.

The best way to experience the sheer size of the park is by going on a scenic drive. There’s only one road here, Dunes Drive, so you only have one option. This eight-mile-long road gives you an impeccable view of the snow-impersonating sand.

If you’d like to get a closer look at this pristine white sand, you have a few different options. You can hike the difficult 4.5-mile Alkali Flat Trail, try backcountry camping, or go sledding in the summer on the uniquely colored sand dunes.

Valles Caldera National Preserve

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I have to mention the Valles Caldera National Preserve. As the name of this landmark implies, Valles Caldera National Preserve is a volcanic caldera. And all of that geothermal energy bubbles to the surface in the Sulphur Springs area, in the form of hot springs, steaming mud pots, and sulfuric gas-emitting fumaroles.

While Sulphur Springs is arguably the coolest part of the preserve, there’s still so much more to this national park. Hike 9.2-mile Banco Bonito Loop, keep an eye out for wild elk, or stick around until nightfall for some epic stargazing opportunities.

Planning Note: While you don’t need reservations to enter Valles Caldera National Preserve, you may need a permit, depending on the activity you hope to do. This applies to fishing, horseback riding, hunting, commercial photography, and backcountry exploring. Refer to the National Park Service website for more information.

Bandelier National Monument

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Bandelier National Monument is one of those spots in New Mexico with the perfect intersection of nature and history. Amidst the towering walls of Frijoles Canyon, you’ll find well-preserved ancient Pueblo structures.

As for the best things to do at Bandelier National Monument, you’ve got some options. The 1.4-mile Main Loop Trail (also known as the Pueblo Loop Trail) is dotted with geological formations and ancient buildings. You can even extend this hike to include the tricky Alcove House Trail – which requires hikers to climb up a few steep wooden ladders – before reaching the Alcove House and the remnants of an ancient ceremonial kiva.

If all of that hiking isn’t for you, that’s totally okay. You can simply settle down on the banks of Frijoles Creek for a picture-perfect picnic. Just be sure to pack your own food and supplies, because you won’t find any in the park or the surrounding area.

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

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Located in the little town of Mimbres, New Mexico, Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is often overlooked in favor of spots closer to the main cities. That said, if you have the time to make it out to this place, I definitely recommend it.

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument protects the ancient Mogollon (Southern Ancestral Pueblo) homes that were built into the cliff faces in the late 1200s. While you’re there, get a glimpse of these 800-year-old structures via the Cliff Dwellings Trail.

You can even head inside these historic homes and wander from room to room.

Aztec Ruins National Monument

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Despite its name, Aztec Ruins National Monument has nothing to do with the ancient Aztec people. Rather, this attraction got its name from its location in the town of Aztec, New Mexico.

So your question now is probably what is at Aztec Ruins National Monument? While this park doesn’t have Aztec ruins, it does have Ancestral Pueblo ruins for you to explore.

For the best experience at this unique park, you’ll want to first pop by the Visitor Center for some helpful information. Then, when your mind is loaded with lots of new knowledge, head out to the Aztec West Self-Guided Trail, where you can explore the little ancient town of Chaco and its awe-inspiring Pueblo Great House.

Petroglyph National Monument

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As one of the largest petroglyph sites in all of North America, New Mexico’s Petroglyph National Monument is definitely a special spot.

There are three main trails for visitors to see petroglyphs at Petroglyph National Monument. The Boca Negra Trail System is best for beginner hikers, as the trail is paved and lined with seating areas. Plus, you’ll get to see over 100 petroglyphs in just one hour — that’s pretty cool.

There are also the Rinconada Canyon Trail System and the Piedras Marcadas Canyon Trail System, both of which are unpaved and filled with petroglyphs.

Capulin Volcano National Monument

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Head up to northeastern New Mexico for a visit to Capulin Volcano National Monument. Known for its extinct cinder cone volcano at the heart of the park, this national monument is a fantastic place to spend time out in nature.

There are a few different ways to explore this towering volcano. First, you can drive all the way to the top. And along the way, you’ll get to take in the amazing views of the surrounding Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field.

Once you reach the peak, you can get out and stretch your legs with a little hike. Officially known as the Crater Vent Trail, this 0.2-mile hike takes you INTO the volcanic crater. You can even see evidence of a pretty cool lava flow on this short (but very steep) hike.

If you’d like to add a longer hike to your itinerary, I’d recommend the incredible one-mile Crater Rim Trail. As its name implies, you’ll pretty much circle the edge of the volcano crater, so you can see this natural landmark from all angles. And while you’re there, keep an eye out for all sorts of wildlife who have claimed the volcano as their home, including turkeys, elk, mule deer, and black bears.

Last but certainly not least, you may want to consider staying at Capulin Volcano National Monument until after dark, since this New Mexico national park is home to some pretty epic stargazing opportunities. Given that the park is so far from any major city, it was designated as a Gold Tier Dark Sky Park in 2016. All you have to do is wait until the prime weather conditions arise, and you’ll get to experience a jaw-dropping view of the Milky Way.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park

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While there are quite a few national parks in New Mexico that feature ancient Native American dwellings, Chaco Culture National Historical Park may be home to the most impressive ancient city in the American Southwest.

Located near the famed Four Corners, Chaco Culture National Historical Park is home to ruins that are nearly 1,000 years old. Constructed by the Ancestral Puebloan people (also referenced as the Anasazi, the “Ancient Ones,” or the Chaco people), this town still has six major structures standing.

Of these six structures, most of them are houses, but there’s also the important Pueblo Bonito. This cultural hotspot was considered to be the heart of the Chacoan city, and it’s the one place you simply have to stop at during your visit to Chaco Culture National Historical Park.

The best way to see all of these sites is by driving along the 9-mile Canyon Loop Drive and then doing short, yet sweet hikes to get to each of the historic sites. 

Stunning canyons and ancient ruins dominate the best New Mexico national parks. In other words, these beautiful attractions are great for nature lovers and history buffs alike. If that sounds like your jam, it’s time to pack your bags.

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