9 Best Destinations for a Winter Vacation in New Mexico
When you think of a winter getaway, you probably think of Florida, Hawaii, or Arizona. But the reality is that there are plenty of other American states that make for an exciting wintertime vacation, and one of them is New Mexico.
New Mexico is located in the southwestern US and is home to all kinds of unique scenery, including caves, sand dunes, lava flows, dormant volcanoes, and plenty of stunning mountains. Plus, it has a fascinating Native American and Wild West history, as well as plenty of arts and culture in major cities like Santa Fe and Albuquerque. So, if you are in the midst of planning your next winter vacation, consider New Mexico.
Taos
If you love getting outdoors in the wintertime, Taos, New Mexico, is the place to do it. Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo mountain range in the northern part of the state, this small town is a haven for skiers. The most popular place to ski is the Taos Ski Valley, which is a little over half an hour by car from the town of Taos. Angel Fire Resort is another top spot to hit the slopes, only 25 miles from town.
If you prefer to enjoy winter in other ways, you can also go snowshoeing or hiking. There are several scenic trails nearby, such as the Columbine Canyon Trail and the Yerba Canyon Trail. There are also natural hot springs, such as the Stagecoach Hot Springs (also known as the Manby Hot Springs), that consist of several small pools at the bottom of the gorge.
One last way to spend your winter vacation in Taos is by going hot-air ballooning. Believe it or not, hot air balloon rides are one of the most popular tourist activities, and they are offered year-round. Even though it might be chilly, you can bet that your view of Taos and the surrounding mountains will be nothing short of stunning.
Las Cruces
If you are looking for a relaxing winter vacation in New Mexico, look no further than Las Cruces, the second-largest city in the state. It has a vibrant downtown core, some of the best hiking in the state, and plenty of cultural activities, like art galleries, music venues, museums, and more.
A few of the top attractions in Las Cruces include the New Mexico Museum of Space, the Las Cruces Farmers Market, and the Mesilla Valley Mall. If you have the time, you can also drive just outside of the city, where you can discover the breathtaking Organ Mountains and the Rio Grande. There are tons of hiking and biking trails within these mountains, and there is a great drive along Highway 28 that takes you right along the banks of the famous river.
Albuquerque
Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico with a population of over 550,000 people. It is a wonderful place to spend the winter due to its mild year-round climate. It also boasts a fascinating history, diverse culture, and plenty of recreational activities.
A few of the top things to do in Albuquerque include exploring the historic district known as Old Town (you will find the Albuquerque Museum, New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, and the Old Town Plaza here), hiking in the Sandia Mountains, which offer hikes for people of all levels, or visiting the famous Petroglyph National Monument, which is just 15 minutes from the Albuquerque city center. If you choose to visit the Sandia Mountains, keep your eyes peeled for all kinds of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, elk, and deer. Meanwhile, if you make it to the Petroglyph National Monument, you will be treated to a monument that contains over 20,000 petroglyphs or rock carvings from the area’s original Native American inhabitants.
White Sands National Park
Want to check another US national park off your bucket list? Then, be sure to travel to White Sands National Park while in New Mexico this winter. White Sands National Park is one of the most unique parks in the US, comprising 275 square miles of sand dunes.
The dunes are made of tiny gypsum crystals (it is actually the largest gypsum dunefield in the world), which are remnants of minerals that were washed down from the surrounding mountains during the Ice Age.
Of the many ways to explore the park, two of the best options are by foot and bike. There are many accessible trails for people of all ages to enjoy. The Dune Life Nature Trail is one of the most popular. This short loop is just one mile in length, but it is suitable for all mobility levels and still allows you to see the beautiful landscape that the park is known for.
Cloudcroft
Another excellent destination to visit this winter in New Mexico is the small village of Cloudcroft. Situated in the Lincoln National Forest, this is a great place to visit if you are looking for a snowy winter getaway. The town sits at roughly 9,000 feet above sea level and boasts 480,000 acres of open forest. This is perfect for hiking, bird watching, snowshoeing, and more. If you hike to the frozen Bridal Veil Falls or the Osha Trail, you might even be able to spot White Sands National Park off in the distance.
The town is also home to a small ski resort, Ski Cloudcroft, and a skating rink, the Cloudcroft Ice Rink. Walking around the town is also a lovely activity, as it features a number of cute shops, restaurants, Wild West-style storefronts, and the Sacramento Mountains Museum and Pioneer Village.
Alamogordo
If you are looking for a New Mexico destination that offers warmer weather in the winter, Alamogordo might be perfect for you. Situated in southern New Mexico at the bottom of the Sacramento mountain range in the Chihuahuan Desert, this laid-back spot offers over 300 days of sunshine each year.
When in Alamogordo, take the time to explore all that this city has to offer, such as the Alamogordo Zoo, the New Mexico Museum of Space History, McGinn's PistachioLand Home of the World's Largest Pistachio, and the Flickinger Center for Performing Arts.
If you feel like spending some time in nature, you can travel to White Sands National Park, which is just 15 minutes outside the city. Oliver Lee Memorial State Park is another excellent place to hike or camp. While in town in December, you won't want to miss the City of Alamogordo's Fiesta of Lights Christmas.
Santa Fe
While Santa Fe isn’t the largest city in New Mexico, it is the state capital, and that makes it worth visiting. Beyond its political importance, Santa Fe has tons to offer visitors. It sits on the foothills of the Southern Rocky Mountains and, like Alamogordo, boasts plenty of sun year-round.
For art and culture lovers, the city is crawling with museums and art galleries, including Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, the Palace of the Governors, Meow Wolf Museum, The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, and the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture.
However, if you prefer marveling at desert landscapes, you can also do so in Santa Fe. The Turquoise Trail is a popular drive that will take you through the scenic New Mexico countryside. The road connects Santa Fe to Albuquerque to Santa Fe, and if you drive the whole way, you will see lots of stunning desert scenery, as well as pass a number of small towns and Native American pueblos. And for skiing, head to Ski Santa Fe.
Roswell
If you want to experience something quirky on your New Mexico winter getaway, don't miss Roswell. Roswell is famous for one main event. In 1947, a local rancher discovered debris from an unidentified object in his field. The local US Army Air Forces maintained that the debris was from a high-altitude balloon that crashed. However, many people believed that it was actually the remains of an Unidentified Flying Object or UFO. Ever since the mid-20th century, conspiracy theorists have flocked to the small desert town to experience the mystery for themselves.
The town of Roswell has leaned into this event over the years. Now, you will find tons of alien-themed businesses and tours. There are also lots of alien-inspired murals on the walls of downtown Roswell that visitors can take photos with. It is the site of the International UFO Museum and Research Center, which focuses on the 1947 crash.
However, the town isn’t just alien-focused. Rather, there is lots to do and see in the surrounding areas in winter, like visiting the Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to hundreds of migratory birds, including the flying sandhill cranes.
Carlsbad Caverns
One top destination to visit in New Mexico this winter is Carlsbad Caverns. Carlsbad Caverns is actually a national park located in the Chihuahuan Desert of southern New Mexico. It is made up of over 100 caves that span roughly 30 miles, which makes it a particularly unique park to visit.
It is one of the best preserved cave complexes in the entire world, and one that was originally formed when sulfuric acid dissolved limestone, resulting in these huge caverns.
Inside, you can marvel at stalactites and stalagmites of all sizes. Two of the most popular parts of the park to visit include a large cave chamber known as the Big Room, which is a natural limestone chamber that is approximately 4,000 feet and 625 feet wide, and the Natural Entrance Trail, which has an elevation gain (or loss, depending on if you are entering or exiting) of 750 feet.
While the outside of the caves might be covered in snow during the winter, you can rest easy knowing that the inside of these well-lit caves stands at 56 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.
Are you ready to plan your winter vacation to New Mexico? No matter what type of winter trip you are after, you can find it in New Mexico. Enjoy a snow-filled getaway full of skiing or snowshoeing in Cloudcroft or Taos, escape to the desert in Santa Fe or Alamogordo, or visit an awe-inspiring national park, like White Sands National Park or Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Visiting Albuquerque, New Mexico’s largest city, is another fantastic option, especially since you can fly right into it via the Albuquerque International Sunport. Whatever you choose, you are sure to have a most wonderful winter vacation in The Land of Enchantment.
