8 Coziest Towns to Visit in New Mexico in 2024
New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment for good reason. There, the setting sun drapes the Southwestern sky in hues of violets and blues bolder than the brightest desert flower. Soaring escarpments of rock brushed red by the prehistoric iron within rise up against the horizon like the rim of the world. In New Mexico, there are extremes of vast, beautiful emptiness that only the desert can accommodate. So, too, have the state’s coziest towns come to embody this beauty. Staggering backdrops and enchanting little towns are in no short supply in New Mexico. Consider these cozy towns if a visit to the Southwest is on your itinerary in 2024.
Taos
Taos is one of the prettiest mountain towns in the state. Having inspired artists like Georgia O’Keefe and Joseph Henry Sharp, it is easy to understand that this town is worth exploring. Nearby, the adobe Taos Pueblo has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the same time, Taos’ Spanish-influenced architecture is a sight to behold in its own right. In the winter, the four ski resorts within arms' reach make Taos a treat to visit all year.
Visitors to the Taos Art Museum will see classic pieces from the town’s residents in addition to arts and crafts opportunities for the everyday artist in all of us. In the shadow of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the town presents plenty of ways to get to know the landscape up close and personal. Skiing, hiking, and even riding llamas are on offer in this magical southwestern town. Lastly, a visit to Taos would not be complete without stopping by the San Francisco de Asis Mission Church, which has inspired artists for decades.
Cloudcroft
The town of Cloudcroft is equally quirky and comfy, blending both into a spectacular combination that makes it entirely unique. There are plenty of opportunities for off-kilter entertainment as well as the outdoorsy activities that make New Mexico a haven for fitness freaks and nature enthusiasts. Mountain bike, horseback ride, and bird watch your way through everything Cloudcroft has to offer.
Though the train tracks that once brought this town to life do not get much use these days, Cloudcroft’s Trestle Depot Recreation Area is where remnants of its railway town past remain preserved and open to the public. In the summer, the Bad Ass Mountain Music Festival is a big hit each June, as is the Jamboree Arts and Crafts Show in July. In town, there are plenty of eclectic activities to do. Visit Angels by Noemi to build spooky one-of-a-kind dolls you are not likely to find anywhere else. Or, visit the town’s Bigfoot museum and its animated shooting gallery.
Ruidoso
About an hour’s drive from Cloudcroft, beautiful Ruidoso stands out thanks to its river. The town is named after the Rio Ruidoso River and is popular with anglers for its plentiful trout. Here, copses of Ponderosa and Blackjack pine trees grow thick and line the rolling hills, which slope in nearly every direction. From its quaint Main Street to the waterways, winter sports spots, and its rich historical heritage, there is never a dull moment in Ruidoso.
New Mexico’s Aboriginal history can be discovered at the Mescalero Apache Reservation, where the preservation of its nomadic Native American culture has been combined with a ski resort and casino. Ruidoso is also home to the Lincoln National Forest, which is replete with waterfalls and trails, while the Lincoln Historic Site is one of the most visited in the state. Learn about the history of famed outlaw Billy the Kid, the town’s Masonic history, and more at this historic site. Lastly, the Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts in nearby Alto is a great place to catch a show after a long day of hitting the slopes for the artistically inclined.
Truth or Consequences
What is the craziest thing you have ever done on a dare? Well, the town of Truth or Consequences likely has you beat. T-or-C, as it is called by residents, changed its name after a host of the Truth or Consequences NBC radio show claimed no town in the country would be bold enough to do so. Well, Ralph Edwards must not have known about New Mexican gumption because that is exactly what the townsfolk did.
Today, T-or-C draws visitors each year thanks to its renown as an affordable Spa Town. The town is home to many hot springs and is a wonderful place to relax, unwind, and ponder the meaning of names. The Los Palamos Plaza features artistically made fountains bearing natural spring water that are perfect after a long day’s walk exploring Elephant Butte Lake State Park. Hike, fish, and swim at this popular spot. Or, if you are a fan of aeronautics, Spaceport America is the place to be to find all of your interstellar interests manifest. The truth is, T-or-C is a hotspot for a reason.
Silver City
This former mining boom town got its start, as you would expect, except it is more popular for the mining of copper than silver. Silver City’s residents have lovingly preserved the town’s Spanish and Apache roots and combined them with its Wild West origins, delivering something undeniably New Mexican. Travel the streets of this town the way the outlaws of old once did and discover what is new in New Mexico.
The Gila Cliff Dwellings are archaeological standouts, even by Southwestern standards. Less than 50 miles from town, the site has preserved the homes and remnants of the Mogollon people who lived there from the 1280s to the early 1300s. For more modern attractions, Silver City is especially lively thanks to its plethora of festivals. The Chicano Music Festival, the Wild West Rodeo, and the summer Hummingbird Festival. From Big Ditch Park to the Mimbres River Preserve, there is no shortage of outdoor destinations to see as well.
Madrid
This former ghost town is undergoing something of a New Mexican Renaissance. Found within a cozy canyon atop the Ortiz Mountains, Madrid is beloved as a stop along the scenic Turquoise Trail. Hungry trekkers flock in droves to the Mine Shaft Tavern, known for its green chili burgers, while visitors to Madrid looking for a more slow-paced experience frequent its many galleries. Trading Bird, Starshine Gallery, and more are ideal for the art connoisseurs.
Each Christmas, the town is brought to life with a resplendent lights display that is not to be missed at the Madrid Christmas Open House. For outdoor adventure, Cerrillos Hills State Park is an excellent option all year round.
Chama
Chama! With a name meaning a young woman, it is clear that keeping its youthful spirit alive is important to this New Mexico town. Chama is found near the Colorado-New Mexico border in the Rocky Mountains and combines interesting exhibitions of its history with small-town charm. Chama is certainly one of the best-kept secrets in the state, thanks to its delightful attractions situated right in the middle of a glorious and unspoiled mountain range.
The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad offers steam engine train rides through forests and gorges, for an intimate education on New Mexico’s natural assets. For even more outdoor fun, cast a line in the plentiful local trout streams. Hikers will want to check out the Continental Divide Trail. The Edward Sargent’s Wildlife Area, which rings Chama, has meadows that are perfect for both hiking and horseback riding. The town’s famed Fourth of July fireworks display and the hot air balloon rally in February are just two reasons to visit Chama but are by no means the only ones. This mountain town is the perfect place to switch the phones off and take a digital detox.
Mesilla
Found east of Las Cruces, Mesilla is a place where the state’s rich Mexican heritage is on full display. The town’s square, Mesilla Plaza, is a National Historic Landmark and the town’s beating heart. Music is often played on the bandstand, and many festivals and events take place here each year, such as car shows, blues festivals, and the Cinco de Mayo celebration.
The beautiful Basilica of San Albino is a point of interest in the town, as are the other adobe structures that host boutique shops and tasty restaurants serving authentic Mexican cuisine. The Double Eagle is found in the town’s historic plaza and is famous for its margaritas, which come highly recommended. Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park is less than two miles from town and is designated an Important Birding Area. Be sure to bring your binoculars!
New Mexico is an incredible meeting point of culture. Mexican and American, old and new, forests and desert all meet here in concert, delivering an out-of-this-world concoction to the American Southwest. Here, the mountain peaks give way to pueblos' vast ochre deserts and magnificent sunsets. Buildings that stood during the Spanish colonial period have endured the passage of time, as have many of the towns. Small-town charm is always on offer in New Mexico. For those in the state in 2024, keep these cozy towns in mind.
