9 Most Charming Mountain Towns In New Mexico
New Mexico is known for its rich history, natural beauty, sights, and pleasant weather to enjoy all quintessential adventures. These charming small towns offer unique atmospheres with myriad active pursuits and attractions to discover all sides of this culturally-rich state.
Aztec
The town of Aztec houses incredible history and stunning nature-scape within its tiny perimeter. This townscape that suits any taste comes with the Crow Canyon Pueblito Ruin, reminiscent of when it was used in the 17th and 18th centuries as a defense mechanism by the Native Americans. Aztec is also a dream destination for mountain biking, with some 30 miles of first-grade trails. There's the popular Alien Run, with mountain scenery including the Angel Peak Scenic Area and the Bisti Badlands with "out-of-this-world" rock formations.
The Pioneer Village calls for exploring the grounds with a farmhouse, village church, schoolhouse, and more, while the Aztec Museum features the region's early tools, equipment, and clothing. There are also the renowned Aztec Ruins on premises dating from the 11 to 13th centuries. Other must-sees include the Aztec Ruins National Monument and the 900-year-old ancestral Puebloan Great House. The latter comprises 400 masonry rooms, original timbers, ancient walls, and the centerpiece of the reconstructed ceremonial great kiva.
Chimayo
Chimayo is a charming small town 35 minutes north of Santa Fe that enchants from first sight. The laidback townscape comprises a relaxing getaway, along with a myriad of interesting things to see and do. The quiet countryside town was initially settled by the Spanish farmers, while the latter residents practiced traditional blanket weaving, raised cattle, as well as held fruit orchards, and grew chili peppers. Today Chimayo is still settled by their descendants, who upkeep the heritage with the Chimayo Museum, Centinela Traditional Arts, and the Rancho de Chimayo Restaurant.
The most popular El Santuario de Chimayo is an ancient Catholic church with unexplainable miracles throughout its long history of existence. There's the wooden crucifix that disappeared and reappeared on a local priest and the allegedly healing Chimayo Holy Dirt that locals like to collect. The annual Holy Weekend brings people from all over the nation to the church's doorsteps to worship and seek divine interference.
Cloudcroft
Cloudcroft is a charming mountain town in the state's northern reaches within the beautiful Lincoln National Forest. It was founded with the old El Paso and North-eastern Railway extension into the area at the turn of the last century. There's the Trestle Recreation Area reminiscing the town's railway history and the Sacramento Mountains Museum in a historic building with information and artifacts on the town.
The fun annual events include the Bad Ass Mountain Music Festival and July Jamboree Arts and Crafts Show during summer, as well as seasonal winter sports along with the compact Ski Cloudcroft. The resort town also features The Lodge renowned upscale hotel from the early 20th century that has seen many famous guests, including Judy Garland and Clark Gable. The nearby White Sands National Monument is known for its stunningly-brilliant and rare white sand.
Jemez Springs
The quaintly-charming town is known for natural hot springs and deep history dating back to 2,500 B.C. The locale is the original home to the pueblo of Guisewa, which underwent civilization with the Spanish missionaries’ arrival in the 1500s. Today Jemez Springs retains a historical ring in the air along with preserved heritage on its streets and at the Jemez State Monument ruins left from the pueblo.
Many natural hot springs throughout the Jemez Valley attract wellness seekers and those who want a relaxing getaway. The waters rise to the Earth’s surface from deep volcanic aquifers and contain various minerals with allegedly instantaneous healing properties. The springs are a short hike to the valley, while the Jemez Springs Bath House is right in town for some R&R. The spa offers the same mineral waters for rejuvenating baths, along with body scrubs, waxing, and more.
Madrid
The funky town is set midway between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, just off the scenic State Road 14, also known as the Turquoise Trail. The town, pronounced "mad-drid," comes with barely 150 residents and a vibrant strip of colorful buildings that house boutiques, art galleries, and eateries. The must-stops include the Trading Bird Gallery for the locally made turquoise jewelry, the Indigo Gallery, and Shugarman's Little Chocolate Shop. The Mine Shaft Tavern features an award-winning green chile cheeseburger, live local music, and hobnob with traveling bikers, along with the neighboring Old Coal Town Museum.
The unique town with a famous art scene is a community of local artists making their living through entertainment and inspiring others to create. The scenic townscape becomes incredibly atmospheric during sunset, while the nature lovers enjoy many nearby hiking trails, bike paths, and lookout points. The Cerrillos Hills State Park has many trails meandering through expansive golden brown patches between the vividly-green forested areas.
Red River
The small town is known for its fair share of outdoor pursuits in a scenic location of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The in-town Historic District has a Wild West setting and atmosphere that reminisce Red River's mining roots. The widely-known among skiers, Red River Ski Area is also great for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, while during summer, it turns into a hiker's and biker's dream with trails and paths.
There are all kinds of winter adventures at the Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area and fun in the snow at the Red River Sled Shed. Other recreational opportunities include horseback riding and off-roading at the Red River Stables and Red River Offroad, as well as the scenic natural landmarks of Greenie Peak and Goose Lake, which are a must-see.
Raton
The charming Raton is a lesser visited small town situated in the eastern portion of the state. It features many outdoor adventure areas to enjoy in peace, solitude, or in good company. There's Climax Canyon Park, the Sugarite Canyon State Park, along with the renowned Capulin Volcano landmark. The latter uncovers the ten million-year-old geologic history of the region and showcases volcanic formations. There's also the stroll-worthy historic Downtown area and the fascinating Raton Museum.
The nearby landmarks include the Raton Range, the Raton Basin, and the historical Raton Pass that the Spanish traders used for centuries. Before them, the Native Americans took the pass to cut through the harsh terrain of the Rockies. The town is surrounded by rugged landscapes with great hikes like the Climax Canyon Nature Trail and the Sugarite Canyon State Park, showcasing the best of it through dramatic natural rawness.
Ruidoso
Ruidoso is perched scenically at 6,729 ft above sea level amidst the beautiful pines of southern New Mexico's Sierra Blanca Mountains. The most charmingly-rewarding townscape imaginable also comes with the sparkling and refreshing Rio Ruidoso. The town was named after this through-running beautiful "noisy river," as its name translates. There's plenty of scenic fishing and hiking in the mild summer temperatures in this part of the state.The once sleepy mountain town has become a thriving and growing dream community for tourists and lovers of the great outdoors.
Ruidoso is surrounded by wilderness with incredible hiking opportunities through raw nature. There are also plenty of various shops and restaurants in town, while the nearby Mescalero Apache Reservation features preserved nomadic Native American culture. Those who appreciate the fine drink will love visiting the Noisy Water Winery to relax with a glass of vino in the surrounding natural beauty.
Taos
The town believed to be the "City of Gold" thousands of years ago by nomadic tribes may not have the riches in the form of slates but is set in one of the most naturally-rich areas in the state. The immense beauty inspired many renowned artists, including Georgia O'Keefe and Aldous Huxley, while the adventurous tourists love the myriad of opportunities to explore natural sights. The active historians will significantly enjoy the Ghost Ranch for hiking trails, museums on the region's history, and hands-on workshops.
The famous historic Taos Pueblo is a traditional pueblo village that is a designated National Historic Landmark and World Heritage site, as well as home to several Taos Indians. One can see and experience the everyday life of the locals, along with touring the historic Pueblo houses that traditionally come sans running water or electricity. The Taos Ski Valley becomes populated during winter with numerous ski trails to suit all levels, snow tubing, ski schools, and restaurants galore. It is located on allegedly sacred grounds that are a place of great cultural significance.
These charming small towns in New Mexico generously offer their historical hearts to set base and explore the immense natural beauty around. The unique townscapes with prominent characters come with various attractions and sights to discover through adventures and never a dull moment during a laidback getaway.
