8 Small Towns in New Mexico With Big Charm

New Mexico is one of the Mountain States in the Southwestern US, home to the southern range of the Rocky Mountains and the mighty Rio Grande River. The state borders Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona, and even two Mexican states. This prime geographical location allows the state to offer a wide array of outdoor landscapes and recreation and a host of historically and culturally diverse experiences. Those who are lucky enough to venture into one of the small towns in New Mexico with big charm will be able to witness the true beauty of Native American life as well as find a unique travel journey to cherish.

Silver City

Silver City is a valley town in Southwest New Mexico, inviting tourists to its vibrant architecture, captivating outdoors, and fun-filled festivals. Dive into the antique artifacts and exhibits from the 1880s at the Silver City Museum, which has been converted from a former Italianate home and fire station. Then, take a walking tour of Silver City Main Street to witness the historic preservation project downtown. The street includes art galleries, antique stores, exciting architecture, and many restaurants to grab a bite. Take a trip to the Catwalk National Recreation Area in the Gila National Forest to explore hidden passages, sheer cliffs, and even a view of the Whitewater Canyon for those brave enough to hike up the distance.

Tucumcari

Tucumcari is a small city founded in 1901 that combines a historic past with modern culture. Start at the Tucumcari Historical Museum, which tells the story of the town's history through innovative exhibits. Continue this historic journey into the Mesalands Community College Dinosaur Museum, housing one of America's largest collections of spectacular full-scale dinosaur skeletons.

Walk around this charming town to capture photographs of the famous murals located all over the city, especially the ones on Route 66, some of the largest murals in the United States. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy swimming, picnicking, hiking, boating, and multiple water sports at nearby Ute Lake or Conchas Lake State Parks.

Red River

Red River is a mountainous resort destination in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, perfect for those looking to unwind and relax. Enthusiastic hikers can dive right into nature at the Red River Nature Trails that follow Red River to Goose Lake or the Columbine Trail that crosses over numerous footbridges above Columbine Creek, and hikers can choose to follow it to Lobo Peak, Gold Hill, or Taos Ski Valley. Then, rent an ATV or jeep from New Mexico Adventure Company and go off-roading in the alpine environment.

Enjoy the panoramic views of Carson Valley on a chairlift ride or tube down the Baby Blue Hill at The Red River Ski & Summer Area Base Camp and Summit Camp. End the trip with a horseback day tour of the town by Red River Stables. 

Raton

Raton is the highest point of the Historic Santa Fe Trail, located just south of Raton Pass, which was used for centuries by explorers wanting to cut through the Rocky Mountains. Learn about the town's rich cultural and historical heritage at the ​​Raton Museum.

Then, head to the Sugarite Canyon State Park, which used to be a coal-mining camp in the early 20th century, to enjoy numerous hiking trails, wide camping grounds, and fishing waterbodies. Visitors will also witness the abundance of wildlife, such as local bird species, butterflies, and wildflowers that inhabit the park. Make sure to attend a show at the historic Shuler Theater, built in 1915 and still hosting performances today. 

Gallup

Gallup, known as the "Indian Capital of the World," is part of New Mexico's McKinley County and is famous for producing 70% of the authentic Native American art in the world. The town is bound to entertain outdoor enthusiasts with over 30 miles of hiking and biking trails. In the summer, attend one of the Nightly Indian Dances to celebrate Native American culture or witness real cowboys take on some rough-looking bulls at the Wild Thing Championship Bull Riding event.

Those lucky enough to be there in July should attend the Route 66 Freedom Ride, Flight, and Cruise event, where hot air balloons, steaming cars, and incredible Harleys deck the town. Experience a once-in-a-bluemoon view floating through the sky on a balloon rented through X-Treme-Lee Fun Balloon Adventures. Make sure to witness the town's famous art exhibited at one of the numerous festivals, such as the Gallup Inter-tribal Indian Ceremonial, the Gallup Native Arts Market, and the Second Street Arts Festival. 

Taos

Taos is also located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, but it offers a unique insight into ancient Native American architecture bound to amaze visitors. Start your trip by heading to the Taos Pueblo, the only living Native American community that is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark. These buildings made out of adobe have been continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years, even long before Columbus came to America.

Then, explore Taos Earthships, a Greater World Earthship Community pioneered 50 years ago that is completely off the grid, using only solar and wind power. End this trip into architectural wonders by stopping at the Taos Plaza, a fortress-like structure built in the 1700s. Today, locals gather for live music, farmer's markets, shops, galleries, and more. 

Questa

Questa is a village town between the Carson National Forest and Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, making it the ideal destination for nature lovers. Take a trip to the Questa History Trail, a half-mile walking route that takes you through signs and sites that provide insight into the vibrant history of Native settlements, culture, trade, and more. Then, hikers can head to The Big Arsenic Springs trail that leads down to the Rio Grande Gorge, where the spring flows into the river.

Hunters can enjoy the autumn hunting season by chasing prey at the Carson National Forest or Rio Costilla Park. The Questa Dome and the Wild and Scenic Wall offer multiple rock climbing trails. Finish by driving on the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway that winds through forested mountains and provides beautiful views of the Red River and multiple lakes in the region.

Magdalena

Magdalena is also a village town located in Socorro County, New Mexico, and it is known as the "Trails End" but offers explorers rich ranching, mining, rail, and cultural history. Take the Magdalena Historical Walking Tour to step back as far in time as the mysterious Ancient Ones and the Anasazi, and also explore the more recent history of miners and cowboys in Magdalena. The tour will take you through interesting architectural sites, including the Old Jail House, MacTavish House, The House on the Hill, and many other historical buildings.

Outdoor enthusiasts should hike up to "The Lady on the Mountain" to get a view of the entire village from this famous peak. Hunters will find a host of elk, pronghorn, and deer life in the nearby forests in the autumn months. Those looking for a more spooky adventure can visit the nearby "Ghost Town of Kelly," which is an abandoned town harboring remains of the mining town that once was.

The state of New Mexico stands as a treasure trove of diverse experiences, which blend natural wonders with rich historical and cultural tapestries for explorers to indulge in. From the historic journey through Tucumcari's museums and the architectural wonders in Taos to the serene mountainous retreat of Red River and the array of outdoor adventures in Questa, this region has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for unique hiking trails, historical sites, art festivals, or natural wonders, these small towns in New Mexico with big charm are the place to be.