Things to do in New Mexico, United States: The Best Canyons

December 29, 2021 Marissa Gamble

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. Taos Box

NM
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Offering a wild whitewater rafting experience, this 16-mile stretch of frothing river carves like a knife through the 800-foot-deep Rio Grand Gorge, giving its riders an especially tumultuous journey on the last four-mile stretch.

2. Bandelier National Monument

15 Entrance Rd, Los Alamos, NM 87544-9508 +1 505-672-3861 ext. 517 http://www.nps.gov/band/index.htm
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5.0 based on 2,107 reviews

Bandelier National Monument

Bandelier National Monument is 50 square miles of the Pajarito Plateau, on the slopes of the Jemez Volcanic field in the Jemez Mountains. Over 70% of the Monument is Wilderness, with over 1 mile elevation change, from about 5000' along the Rio Grande to over 10,000' at the rim of the Valles Caldera, providing for a wide range of life zones and wildlife habitat. There are only 3 miles of road, but over 70 miles of hiking trails. The Monument, founded in 1916, protects Ancestral Pueblo archeological sites, a beautiful landscape, and the country's largest Civilian Conservation Corps National Landmark District.

Reviewed By gleasonl - Cottonwood, United States

OUTSTANDING! What a GREAT Place for a Family Outing. There are GREAT Trails for hiking and exploring, Camping areas, Visitor Center Activities and Videos, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours, A Wonderful Gift Shop and So MUCH to LEARN. AMAZING! Don't miss the short .5 mile hike to the Alcove House.

3. Agua Sarca Canyon

Cibola National Forest, Sandia Ranger District 11776 Hwy. 337, Tijeras, NM 87059 +1 505-281-3304
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

A secluded hiking trail that climbs through the rugged canyon and is shaded with aspen and gambel oak.

4. Pino Canyon

Cibola National Forest, Sandia Ranger District 11776 Hwy. 337, Tijeras, NM 87059 +1 505-281-3304
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

Pino Canyon

Peaceful hiking trail beginning in the desert and ending in a pleasant saddle with commanding views of the Sandias and surrounding plains to the east.

Reviewed By N4051XYscottb

It's hard to put into words the absolute gorgeous views of the Pino Trail in the Cibola National Forest. We started at the picnic grounds. It's a slow and steady elevation. It's an easy hike but be aware that the slight elevation is a good workout. The trees, plant life and view of the mountains is incredible. There is also a lot of shade once you are out of the picnic area. It's also a 5-7 minute ride to the Tramway. If you enjoy being in nature for a few hours and you want to destress take the time to visit.

5. Frijoles Canyon

Los Alamos, NM +1 505-672-3861
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4.5 based on 47 reviews

Frijoles Canyon

Canyon in the Bandelier National Monument offering spectacular scenic beauty and ancient ruins.

6. Red River Canyon

Red River, NM
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4.5 based on 15 reviews

Red River Canyon

One of the popular spots for camping.

7. Soledad Canyon Day Use Area

Soledad Canyon and Bar Canyon, Las Cruces, NM +1 575-525-4300 http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/recreation/las_cruces/soledad_canyon.html
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4.5 based on 64 reviews

Soledad Canyon Day Use Area

Reviewed By 650lnl

This is an easy hike, very secluded with beautiful views all around you. You feel like you have traveled out of town into the country, but you have only traveled a short distance.

8. Diablo Canyon

Old Buckman Road, Santa Fe, NM http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/recreation/taos/diablo_canyon_recreation.html
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4.0 based on 20 reviews

Diablo Canyon

Reviewed By 806stephenf - Santa Fe, United States

only a half hour northwest of Santa Fe on Buckman Road, which goes to no other destination, except to the side of the Rio Grande after passing Diablo Canyon, as close as we in Santa Fe can find to "going to the beach."

9. Gutierrez Canyon Open Space

State Highway 14, Cedar Crest, NM
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4.0 based on 2 reviews

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