Top Things to do in New Mexico
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10 Outdoor Activities in New Mexico That You Shouldn't Miss
With its rich cultural heritage from Native American and Spanish settlers, New Mexico has been both a Spanish colony and a Mexican colony, and still retains a strong individual identity within the United States. The landscape is breathtaking, the food incredible, and there is a thriving cultural scene, all of which makes New Mexico, and Santa Fe in particular, a great place all year long.
Restaurants in New Mexico
1. Al's Run
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Challenging downhill ski trail in Taos.
Reviewed By Drodman4184 - Sunnyvale, United States
Wow once in any skier's life should include a run down Al's Run and I DO MEAN down hill! Wish I could go the world championship in April!
2. Columbine Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 45 reviews
Approximately five miles one-way, this is a scenic and moderate-rated trail that leads hikers along a river and through meadows.
Reviewed By Missing-mountains - Joplin, United States
We got to explore this beautiful trail with old and young hikers (age range 8-50 years). It was a great trail will some slope and loose rock, but not a problem for our family. The water crossings were all either log bridges (so exciting for the kids) or well spaced, dry, solid stepping stones. In 1.5 hours we had seen numerous waterfalls, 2 meadows full of wild flowers and were tired enough to turn around. You can easily hike as far as you want or keep on pushing to the further trails. We took the easy going short hike. Enjoy.
3. Wheeler Peak
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 61 reviews
An extremely challenging, eight to ten mile hike (one way).
Reviewed By 2gonesomewhere - Marathon, United States
New Mexico's highest peak at 13167 (13161?13159? anyway it's the tallest). Shortest trail is up the Williams Lake side - about 1/4 mile before the lake hang a left. Well marked. I measured about 9.5 miles round trip from trail head at Williams Lake parking area, including a short detour to Mt. Walter which shares saddle to Wheeler and as second highest (13141) should easily be honored with a visit. Great views of Williams Lake area, and Red River area on the other side. Another trail leaves from the Taos Ski Valley parking lot and is much longer via Bull-of-the Woods Trail. This is a nice hike too - we went part way to visit Fraser (Frazer) Mountain at 12163'. Nice hike too, bighorns around. If you go to Wheeler this way it is more like 13-14 miles round trip.
4. Sandia Mountains
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 44 reviews
The Sandia Mountains tower 5,000 feet over the flood plains of the Rio Grande, making a 37,000 acre wilderness area a short drive from Albuquerque.
Reviewed By Mommytwofour - Davenport, United States
This is a must see for all. The views are spectacular. By tram it’s about a 29 min ride to the top but they close the tram for two weeks in the spring and fall for maintenance so make sure to check the website. Otherwise it’s about an hour drive to the top. There is a gift shop and restaurant at the top there hours very depending on season and if the tram is running. I believe that the tram cost about 20$ pp. There are several trails to hike and explore the mountain. If you drive up, there are several picnic locations to stop and hike at along the way. It’s about 10-15 degrees cooler at the top so I would recommend a jacket or sweatshirt. Parking is 3$ per car if driving up, but this is on the honour system since they don’t have anyone actually taking cash you just place it in an envelope and place the parking pass in your car window. The views are beautiful you can see all of Albuquerque and beyond. Elevation I believe is 12,000 feet which literally takes your breath away as you walk up and around the trails.
5. Canyon Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 158 reviews
Reviewed By melissawbs - Brooklyn, United States
If you look for short hike don’t require staying in the tent - just go there. Great view along the hike, beautiful scenery and not too crowded.
6. Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 72 reviews
Enchanted Forest is New Mexico's largest and only full service cross country ski area. We offer a full rental shop, PSIA XC ski lessons, ski patrol, and snack bar, all at our comfy day lodge and lesson area. With 32 km of ski trails, and 18 km of snowshoe trails we offer plenty of terrain for anyone to have fun. We also offer Summer and Winter on trail yurt rentals. Ski or Snowshoe in the Winter, or Hike or Mt. Bike in the Summer.
Reviewed By hannahlQ2040XP
This is a charming and beautiful place for Nordic skiing. The owners and staff are just lovely and we are definitely coming back!
7. Middlefork Lake
8. Taos Ski Valley Resort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 510 reviews
Located at the southern tip of the Rocky Mountains in Northern New Mexico, Taos Ski Valley is a world famous destination for riders and skiers of all ability levels. Taos is primarily known for its steeps but offers beginner & intermediate trails off the top of every single chair lift. For the advanced to expert skier/rider Taos offers some of the most challenging and varied terrain in the country, especially off its hike to ridges. The family vibe is also embodied in the quaint village of Taos Ski Valley. There's several dining options, with everything in close proximity. If you are looking for more than skiing/riding check out the historic town of Taos just 18 miles down the road for a true vacation destination.
Reviewed By LYJE717 - Austin, United States
We visited for the 1st time TSV at the end of February 2020. Amazing snow, cute little village reminding me The Alpes where I’m from... Parking lot was packed but the slopes where not crowded.... Used to big ski resorts in the Alpes we were not expecting much.... We actually realized that there is plenty of challenging terrain for experts skiers and nice gentle slopes for beginners (my 8 year old niece took lessons and loved it!) We highly recommend the Bavarian Restaurant at the bottom of Kachina lift: awesome food (Real German food by the way) & great service and very well priced! Instead of going to crowded, very expensive Colorado resorts.... we’ll be back!
9. Ski Santa Fe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 586 reviews
With a base elevation of 10,350 ft, Ski Santa Fe is the launching point for a ski experience your family will never forget. Located only 16 miles from the heart of Santa Fe, a city rich in culture, fine arts and exceptional cuisine, this is one of the country's most diverse and unique ski destinations.
Reviewed By esmorrow - Amarillo, United States
What a great couple of days on the mountain. We were lucky enough to have our children home for semester break. We had great snow, sunny days and pleasant helpful staff during our trip. Love being able to ski at such a beautiful spot.
10. Albuquerque Biological Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 988 reviews
Park complex offering three main sections the whole family can enjoy: Albuquerque Aquarium, Rio Grande Botanic Garden and Rio Grande Zoo.
Reviewed By P3836SMmichaelb
It was a really nice visit. grand daughter 2 1/2 really liked the bugarium (sp?), trains and heritage farm. Butterfly house had closed for season the week before we went. Older married children liked the Japanese garden. I would like to go back and spend more time.
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