New Mexico is known as The Land of Enchantment and if you spend even a few hours there, it’s easy to see why! I’ve spent more time in New Mexico than any other state except the one I live in (Colorado) and even my family is from New Mexico originally. So whether you’re passing through or staying awhile, here are 10 things I think everyone should have on their New Mexico bucket list!
Eat Enchiladas at Elida’s
Just inside the New Mexico border, you’ll find a small town by the name of Springer. It’s a very short detour off Interstate 25 in the northern part of the state. Less than 1000 people live in Springer, but I think its definitely worth the stop to have some enchiladas from Elida’s Cafe. I was raised on my mom’s homemade enchiladas so I use the dish as a true North when deciding if a restaurant’s food is up to snuff.
When I was recommended the dish by the curator at Mill’s Mansion (also in Springer) on my first trip to El Paso, I knew I had to try them! I had the cheese enchiladas (red) and I can confidently say they are the best enchiladas I’ve ever had. If you’re looking for good New Mexican style food, this is the place to get it! If you find yourself in Springer on the weekend, keep an eye out for their farmer’s market, too!
801 Railroad Ave, Springer, NM 87747
Soak in the Hot Springs
I love hot springs and New Mexico has plenty! The best part about them? You don’t have to pay for them nor do you have to hike miles to reach them (Conundrum Hot Springs – I’m looking at you!). Each spring will have different information on how to best enjoy that particular spring, so make sure to read up before your soak. I can personally recommend Montezuma Hot Springs near Las Vegas, NM but there are plenty more, including Black Rock Hot Springs and Manby Hot Springs which are both near Taos.
Montezuma Hot Springs, 35°39′16″N / 105°17′04″W
Black Rock Hot Springs, 36°31′51″N 105°42′44″W / 36.53083°N 105.71222°W
Manby Hot Springs, 36°30′48″N 105°43′32″W / 36.51333°N 105.72556°W
Spend a Day in Taos
Taos, New Mexico is a fun city with plenty of history and ample local culture. There’s plenty to do and see while you’re in town. Ever heard of the Taos Hum? Allegedly, only some people can hear it and only sometimes. The verdict is out on whether its a completely natural phenomenon or if its supernatural in its origins.
But while you’re listening for the hum, you can visit the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, check out some museums, check out local artisans on the plaza, and even visit the historic Taos Pueblo. Taos Pueblo has been continually occupied by Native American’s for the past 1000 years and is currently occupied today. They allow visitors to come view their home and take tours to learn about their culture and the pueblo, itself. You can even join during some celebrations, but make sure to check their calendar for changes in time and any restrictions (such as photography).
Taos Plaza was once a Spanish fortified plaza and today, it reflects the same character of the Southwest with its adobe structures. There are many shops located around the plaza including boutiques, artisans, and gift shops. It’s the perfect place for some shopping, a nice stroll, and people watching!
Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, 36.47638828699406, -105.73304580415902
Taos Pueblo, 36.47638828699406, -105.73304580415902
Taos Plaza, 36.40740350234447, -105.57470074649096
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
There is truly something for everyone at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. If you’re a fan of the festival atmosphere, you’ll find everything you need – food, drinks, and live music. There’s even a car show and chainsaw carving exhibitions. Of course, the balloons take center stage during the mass ascension or during the evening balloon glow. Hundreds of balloons dot the sky during this event!
If you’re a regular, there’s a balloon fiesta pin trading table. There’s also hot air balloon races and balloon rodeos to attend and watch. All that to say – there’s plenty to do here over the span of 9 days (not even considering the city of Albuquerque). The Balloon Fiesta definitely deserves a spot on your New Mexico Bucket List!
Balloon Fiesta Park, 35.19789051477527, -106.59687195621986
Explore a Cemetery
Personally, I think cemeteries are fascinating. There’s so much to learn about human culture simply from how it houses its dead. So whether you’re a history buff, a culture buff, or simply a lover of all things spooky (like me), it’s worth it to venture into at least one of New Mexico’s cemeteries.
The cemeteries here are different than the manicured lawns of cities with their strategic row after row of same headstone. In New Mexico, you’ll find many more smaller plots that have a character all their own. Individual plots are often squared off with small wooden or iron fences. You’ll find mounds covered with white stones and a variety of cement, sandstone, or wood markers of varying ages. There’s usually mementoes here and there to honor the departed friends, family, and ancestors. They really make you feel connected to the dead. That’s something I think we should all appreciate and that’s exactly why it is a perfect New Mexico bucket list item!
Pictured is La Cueva Cemetery, 35.94471210430263, -105.24841147031225
Enjoy the Mountain Scenery
The scenery feels like it changes rapidly as you travel across the state and even moreso when you move from the desert along the southern border to the mountains as you move north. I’ve had the pleasure of exploring the mountains and hills of New Mexico more than once, but I haven’t found anywhere in the state that is as beautiful as the area of and surrounding the Mescalero Reservation. It’s so beautiful during the spring and summer even just to drive through. You can also recreate on the reservation. Silver Lake is one such place where you can both camp and fish.
West of the reservation’s borders is a town called Cloudcroft where you can hike and take in the scenery. There’s even some historic trestles across the valley you can hike to and take pictures at. Otero County is simply a beautiful and historic area that is definitely worth a trip, even if its just a drive to enjoy the scenery!
Trestle Depot Recreation Site, Cloudcroft, 32.959063592544155, -105.74513713513433
Trestle Vista Observation Site, Cloudcroft, 32.965060449662666, -105.74820732413727
Mescalero, Mescalero Reservation, via Highway 70, 33.15728639982911, -105.7741154289719
Bat Flight Program at Carlsbad Caverns
Any New Mexico Bucket list would be incomplete if it didn’t include Carlsbad Caverns National Park, and more specifically, their Bat Flight Program. It’s really something that everyone should experience at some point. The proximity in which you get to see the bats circle out of the cave is breath taking (and a little smelly). When you combine that with the dusk and the onset of the night, it becomes a truly magical event.
And if bats aren’t for you, Carlsbad Caverns is still really cool just to explore! The caves can be accessed by elevator or trail and there’s also hiking trails on the surface. Read about my trip to Carlsbad Caverns National Park HERE.
Visitor Center, 727 Carlsbad Cavern Hwy, Carlsbad, NM 88220
Try a Chamoyada
A chamoyada is a frozen drink made with fruit, chamoy, and tajin. Often enough you’ll also find either a tamarindo straw or tamarindo pieces in the drink. A mangonada is a specific type of chamoyada that is made specifically with mango. I think there might be some regional differences in how they are prepared and sold, but my request – find a frozen, blended mangonada.
The first time I had a mangonada was in Colorado. In the town of Carlsbad, NM however, I had what they branded a chamoyada from the ice cream shop at El Charro’s. It was frozen and blended like a smoothie, differing from their mangonada which was frozen solid. This drink was so delicious that if you’re in the area of Carlsbad, you absolutely must stop and get one! The combination of sweet and salty and fruity is just too good to pass up. You can also find them at La Michoacana and various Mexican paleterias.
El Charro’s, 1302 S Canal St, Carlsbad, NM 88220 (ice cream shop attached/next door)
White Sands National Park
I only include national parks and monuments when I really think they are worth it, so having not one but two parks I’m recommending is saying a lot! White Sands National Park is a really lovely place to explore, even if you don’t like sand. The sand is firmer here than other sand dunes and truly is white. There’s also a boardwalk to make the park even more accessible. On the boardwalk, you can learn about the wildlife variations you can only find at White Sands. It also feels a lot less developed than some other national parks meaning that you can pretty much choose a direction and walk as far as your heart desires (but make sure to have sun protection and PLENTY of water!). Read about my trip to White Sands HERE.
Visitor Center, 19955 US-70, Alamogordo, NM 88310
Check out Pistachioland
This one might surprise you, but I genuinely feel like everyone should visit Pistachioland at least once. Located in Alamagordo, New Mexico it kind of has it all – an enormous roadside pistachio, pistachio orchard tours, gifts, souvenirs, booze, and even ice cream! Their pistachio ice cream is super tasty but they also carry various Blue Bell ice cream flavors, some of which I rarely see in stores. They also have dozens of flavored pistachio varieties that you can sample and buy.
Pistachioland is really hard to miss, partially because of the enormous pistachio out front. But also, you’ll see the signs directing you there from miles away. I enjoyed reading them along the many miles before the World’s Largest Pistachio!
7320 Hwy 54 70, Alamogordo, NM 88310
Now, there’s plenty more to do across the state, but these are absolutely worthy of a spot on your New Mexico bucket list! Is there anything you think I’m missing? Which ones will you be adding to your own bucket list? Have you tried any of these things? I want to hear about it!
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