7 Darling Small Towns in New Mexico
There is no denying that New Mexico is home to beautiful desert landscapes and phenomenal sunsets. Scattered across the vast deserts and rugged mountains are darling little towns that beautifully blend cultures and preserve the Land of Enchantment's rich history. Walk the iconic streets of the childhood home of Billy the Kid, grab a beer, and chat up the locals at the Motherlode Saloon in Red River, or take a dip in the Blue Hole in Santa Rosa. With spectacular views and friendly locals, you will never want to leave! So, pack your bags and get ready for a road trip of adventure.
Madrid
Far removed from the bustle of the bigger cities is the delightful city of Madrid. Once an abandoned ghost town, the locals found it and transformed it into the eclectic artist retreat it is today! Its colorful streets and quirky charm are well worth the drive! Notable art studios downtown include the Indigo Gallery and the Starshine Gallery. A great stop for tourists is the Ghost Town Trading Post and Art Gallery, which features Native American art.
While many of the coal-mining traditions in Madrid are lost to time, they still uphold their famous Christmas lighting tradition that draws visitors from across the state. In the 1920s, the lights were so bright that TWA Airlines would reroute flights just to admire the lighting display! While you are in the area, make sure to check out the Turquoise Trail Scenic Byway, which provides stunning desert and mountain views of the region.
Cloudcroft
Tucked away in the Sacramento Mountains is the lovely little city of Cloudcroft. If you are looking to escape the brutal New Mexico heat, Cloudcroft is a fantastic place to cool off due to its high elevation of 8,676 feet. Popular trails in the Cloudcroft include Osha Trail and the Trestle Depot Recreation Area. These trails provide breathtaking views of the landscape and also have historic railroad trestles peppered throughout the trails.
If you are a fan of stargazing, take the short drive south to the Sunspot Solar Observatory in the Lincoln National Forest. While the observatory is for research, visitors can learn more about the stars in their visitor center. The observatory grounds offer picnic tables and walking trails, and it’s a perfect area to stargaze in the evenings.
Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa is a popular stop along the iconic Route 66 thanks to its popular attraction, the Blue Hole. The Blue Hole is a natural spring-fed hole in the middle of the desert with a depth of around 80 feet! With other natural lakes in the area, such as Santa Rosa Lake and Park Lake, Santa Rosa has earned the nickname the “City of Natural Lakes." It’s the ideal location to relax and cool off in the summertime!
Outside of its lakes, Santa Rosa has so much to discover. Head to the Route 66 Auto Museum to learn more about Route 66 history, and admire amazing vintage cars. If you want to walk back in time and see what Santa Rosa looked like in its early days, be sure to check out the peaceful Santa Rosa de Lima Church Ruins.
Silver City
Silver City is a delightful town just south of the Gila National Forest. As home to notorious outlaw Billy the Kid, it holds on to its old west charm and its rich mining history. The bustling downtown is a wonderful place to shop at stores like the Silver City Trading Co. Antiques Mall and coffee shops like the Tranquilbuzz Coffee House. But the most darling stop in Silver City is the Big Ditch. It was once the Main Street of Silver City until it was washed away in a flood. Today, it’s a lovely small canyon park where visitors can go to relax and unwind.
While Silver City is located in the New Mexico desert, its high elevation makes the climate nice and cool. For a day of outdoor fun, take a drive north to the famous Gila National Forest for hiking, biking, fishing, or enjoying the scenic views. While you are there, make sure to explore the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. It has cliff dwellings constructed by Native Americans that are over 700 years old!
Taos
With a blend of natural scenery and a historic downtown district, Taos is a must-add to your New Mexico bucket list. Taos was a focal point in the Mexican-American War, and you can learn about its past by exploring the Kit Carson Home and Museum. As a thriving arts town, well-known attractions include Harwood Museum of Art, which displays a blend of Native American and Hispanic art. The downtown area also showcases Taos blended heritage with fun festivals like the Taos Pueblo Pow Wow held in July.
Earn breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape at the Rio Grande Gorge. It’s home to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, which is the seventh-highest bridge in the United States. Visitors can walk across the bridge to take spectacular photos of the scenery or hike the nearby trails. Some of the most popular trails include the West Rim Trail or the La Vista Verde Trail. Both of these trails are simple hikes perfect for the whole family and deliver stunning views of the desert.
Red River
Red River is a sleepy little village in the heart of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. If you love outdoor adventure, Red River is ideal for outdoor adventures! One of the most popular stops is the Red River Ski & Summer Area. It is a great place to ski and snowboard in the winter and transforms into a summer retreat in the warmer months to hike, mountain bike, or fish. Red River Pass is also a noteworthy spot located right outside the city limits with its stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Downtown Red River is just as amazing as its scenery. For a glimpse back in time to its old west roots, grab a drink and enjoy live music at the Motherlode Saloon. You can do all your souvenir shopping at the Red River Trading Company, offering a year-round Christmas Store, Minnetonka moccasins, and glassware. Make sure to stock up for the car ride home for snacks at the Red River Candy Company!
Chimayo
Chimayo is one of New Mexico’s most sacred spaces. Its most famous spot is the El Santuario de Chimayo (a Catholic shrine), known for its spiritual healing. Native American legend states that there was once a pool of mud with healing powers, and it attracted visitors from all over the state. Even if you don’t believe in miracles, the beautiful adobe architecture of the church is a sight to behold.
Just outside of town, the Chimayo Trading Post sells everything from Navajo rugs and blankets to Pueblo pottery. Right in town, a well-known store among tourists is the Chimayo Museum Gift Shop, which offers amazing souvenirs and allows visitors to learn more about Chimayo’s rich history. If you visit in the summer, shop at one of their seasonal farmer’s markets for fresh produce and local crafts, like the nearby Espanola Farmers Market.
Fall in Love With These Darling Towns
There is a very good reason that New Mexico is also known as the Land of Enchantment! After visiting these darling towns, you will absolutely fall in love. The friendly locals, the artsy vibes, and the unique blend of Hispanic and Native American architecture make them truly unique. Whether you want an outdoor adventure in Red River or a slow-paced weekend in Santa Rosa, these towns prove New Mexico is so much more than sprawling deserts and rough terrain. While they might be a long drive from the larger cities, they are well worth the journey!
