6 Most Photogenic Towns In New Mexico

Often overlooked in favor of other states, New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment, has plenty of towns that are as picturesque and precious as they get—whether that be related to the state's glistening white sands, creative architecture, or more of the Earth's unique creations, there is never a short list of places to visit and appreciate under that scorching New Mexican sun. While New Mexico’s landscapes and towns may sometimes feel otherworldly, their beauty and uniqueness are undeniable. With that in mind, here are six of the most photogenic towns in the Land of Enchantment.

Taos

Somewhere in the New Mexican High Desert rests a not-so-sleepy town with looming mountains in the distance. Though the town at first looks as if it came straight out of a Western, Taos is very much a blend of the Old West and modernity—do not be fooled by the colorful adobe buildings scattered throughout all of Taos, as they stand in sharp contrast to the multitude of art museums, galleries, and modern restaurants scattered throughout the town.

But perhaps the most popular ancient spots are the Taos Pueblos, actual homes in usage with a history and people going back 1,000 years. The Pueblos, a colorful cascade of yellows, oranges, and whites, are designated as a World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark. Taos Pueblos draws in many crowds to take in the view in what essentially is a deeply personal, religious, and Indigenous site. Exercise caution, however; visitors are required to follow the rules in order to respect the site and those still living there.

For the more modern Taos, the Harwood Museum of Art dedicates itself to "desert art," and artists ranging from local figures to well-known and world-renowned ones (like Nicholas Herrera)—the museum itself has become a staple in this small town and is surrounded by plenty of other galleries and small shops with old-style storefronts but very modern goodies.

Truth or Consequences

This is not a vague threat but a very real and lovely town in Sierra County, NM. Once named after a popular radio show in the 1950s, Truth or Consequences has remained a small town with a lot of charm and a huge emphasis on its most special quality—that is, a collection of hot springs said to have mystical healing properties, or at the very least, make for a relaxing trip.

Though the town is covered in many different bathhouses, spas, and resorts, the cream of the crop may just be Riverbend Hot Springs, by all means, an all-inclusive resort with pools, springs for renting, and warm mineral waters reaching the likes of 108°F. While it does not sound like much, Riverbend keeps true to its name and sits on the Rio Grande—ensuring that the views are visually striking, and if the pictures of Truth or Consequences mean anything, many do find the scenery of relaxing by the Rio Grande more than captivating.

If that is not enough, a few miles south of Truth or Consequences is Caballo Lake State Park, a place where the waters are as reflective as the New Mexican sky, and at night, it becomes a deep blue with the slightest bit of moonlight. The park itself is renowned for camping, known as a perfect nature getaway that is meant to help one fully appreciate the New Mexican mountains and deserts.

Ruidoso

A village set in the woodlands, right at the foot of the Sierra Blanca mountain range, looks more like a town based out of the Californian hills and forests—Ruidoso is no stranger to snow, and as the mountains behind it are snow-capped, the entire town exudes a kind of feeling, a feeling and scenery that is best captured by a postcard.

And what else could do Ruidoso justice other than the nearby Lincoln National Forest? One million acres of deep green woods, lakes, and ponds may seem unusual given the state's reputation, but if anything, places like Lincoln stand to destroy the stereotype that the state is nothing but hot desert—quite the contrary; snow is frequent in the cold months here, and as a fun fact, Lincoln National Forest, despite its stunning, forested beauty, is also known for the 1950 discovery of what would come to be the real-life Smokey Bear.

In town, however, the real clamor comes from Free Spirits at Noisy Water, a monument and art piece that depicts a pack of horses, each weighing over 3,000 lbs., running in a nature scene majestically while each has its own intricate detail, breed, and action. This art piece, although technically belonging to the Hubbard Museum of the American West, attracts many and stands on its own as Ruidoso's pride. Amidst the hills and tall grasses, while on the edge of woodlands, Free Spirits at Noisy Water is as scenic as it gets.

Mesilla

Having roots and playing a key part in the Civil War, Mesilla is a town of fine architecture, a small population, museums, and a very large, imposing, yet still beautiful, national park.

While it may not be as flashy as other entries, a town need not be large to be lovely; a tiny town with just the right key points is all it takes—proof of this can be found in Mesilla's historic San Albino Basilica. The site, first established in 1851 by the Mexican government, has undergone massive restorations and changes; much has been added to truly make it the predecessor of its original adobe creation—San Albino stands lofty and clean and is the true centerpiece to this little-heard-of, small town. A person need not be a Catholic to appreciate its white and yellow hues, and while it's easy on the eyes, it too makes a great opportunity to be picturesque.

Mesilla does not skimp out on natural beauty either; the Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park is there for the outdoorsman looking for something different, but rest assured, there is plenty to do for even those reluctant to commit to just hiking the trails and wildlife viewing—there's an amphitheater, plenty of gardens, exhibits, birding, spots for picnics, and much more.

Roswell

As of 2023, the census counts Roswell at a population of 47,109, which means that, per definition, Roswell is still considered a small town since, at the time of writing this, it has yet to exceed 50,000. That means Roswell is not only up for grabs, but few places can be so drenched in the alien and UFO aesthetic while also being photogenic to boot, and if anything, Roswell's popularity ensures that there is plenty to see and much to do.

Where to begin, and what could possibly do justice to a town that very much deserves its own list—Roswell is the UFO and alien capital of the world, and one look around its tan and yellowish streets will give that impression in spades as places like the International UFO Museum and Research Center are dedicated to the history of the town, the historic Roswell Incident of 1947, and plenty more. With all things alien and the countless stories and mysteries surrounding the desert, the museum plays both an entertaining and educating role and also serves as the perfect example of the town's atmosphere—there even is a UFO McDonald's.

But for those not looking or not interested in the UFO craze, Roswell offers plenty more to be appreciated, such as the overlooked gem that is Bottomless Lakes State Park. Like an oasis in the desert, the lakes were formed by sinkholes and reach staggering depths relative to their sizes—they are as reflective and contrasting as they are deep, the deepest of which is 90 feet.

Aztec

Aztec's unique name is misleading, as the town has absolutely nothing to do with the Aztecs of Mesoamerica but instead has everything to do with the Chacoan people—a misattribution made by early settlers. Nevertheless, perhaps the tiniest of their fumbles and awe can be forgiven, as when one first encounters the Aztec's prime and most revered site, the Aztec Ruins National Monument, they feel as if they've stumbled upon something grand. Among these once-great structures, these ruins from a forgotten time, are still some of the best-preserved buildings from the now-gone Chacoan people.

They number many and are a revered ancestral pueblo that, to this day, other native groups protect and caution visitors on. A true cultural heritage, this park remains open and welcomes visitors and even has a museum, guided and self-guided tours, and trails—the only stipulation is that they ask that the site is treated with respect.

The ruins aren't the only sacred site; however, the entire area is said to be fundamentally special. Dripping Springs Natural Area, near the Organ Mountains, features hiking trails leading to the historic Van Patten Mountain Camp and cascading rock seepage, creating a serene desert oasis teeming with wildlife. It is the beauty of Aztec that the land it's on has served as a home to not just modern-day people—but all types and from different times—with their footprints and structures standing as they did, all those years ago.

A Diverse Tapestry of Scenic New Mexico Towns

While each entry is radically different, all offer something precious and valuable, whether that be a hidden gem in the New Mexican desert, the southern forests with tall trees and thickets, or even the frigid mountains of the north—welcoming and rewarding anyone willing to hike and take the trip there to view its most scenic spots, ones worthy of a photograph or postcard. It is towns like these, and many others, that remind the traveler that New Mexico, with all its diverse, strange, historic, and interesting spots, is indeed the Land of Enchantment.