best small towns in new mexico has breathtaking scenery that perfectly captures the essence of the Wild West, ranging from the Chihuahuan Desert to the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains, so much so that little communities scattered throughout this Southwest state are frequently used as film locations for Hollywood productions that depict this era, including silent Westerns from the early 20th century.
New Mexico, which joined the USA just in 1912, has a rich Hispanic culture, mining towns designed by prospectors and pioneers, and historical artifacts from the aboriginal people who used to roam this region freely.
best towns in new mexico
1. Taos
Among the United States’ oldest continually inhabited settlements, Taos Pueblo is the town’s name. However, Taos’s current form originates from its Spanish colonial establishment in 1661. Taos Downtown Historic District’s many historic structures serve as proof of such. Lawrence and painter Georgia O’Keeffe have both come and gone from the town’s artistic enclave.
2. Chimayo
The most notable feature of this hamlet is undoubtedly El Santuario de Chimayó, an amazing chapel. This early 19th-century Roman Catholic shrine has a distinctive blend of European woodwork elements and adobe construction.
It has been stated that this church, which is well-known for its purported “healing dirt,” is one of the most significant destinations for Catholic pilgrims in the country. The week before Easter, it gets about 30,000 people. In addition, Chimayó is well-known for its 300-year-old heritage chili variety and its unique Spanish Colonial-style weaving customs.
3. Santa Rosa
A road trip along Route 66 would be ideal for stopping at the small community of Santa Rosa in Guadalupe County. A portion of the movie adaptation of The Grapes of Wrath was filmed along the Santa Rosa section of this famous highway. There is also the Route 66 Auto Museum for those interested in cars and Americana. The Blue Hole is a unique diving location where you can swim or scuba dive to explore the depths.
4. Galisteo
Santa Fe County’s Galisteo has seen its fair share of movie stardom. Thor, a fantasy film, was partially shot at this location. However, it serves as more than just a backdrop. Galisteo also offers glimpses into the past, with the Casa Grande Trading Post situated to the northwest. And if you’d want to explore the desert landscape alone, Galisteo Basin Preserve offers mountain biking and hiking trails.
5. Jemez Springs
Situated in the Santa Fe National Forest, Jemez Springs is a tranquil and picturesque hamlet with a rich history dating back about 4,500 years. The Jemez State Monument and the 1621-built San José de los Jemez Church ruins are located in this region.
Jemez Springs’ proximity to the Valles Caldera and the abundance of underground geothermal hot springs in the area have long drawn tourists. Adventurous hikers and nature lovers will enjoy exploring the intriguing rock formations and orange landscape nearby.
6. Tucumcari
The buildings in and around Tucumcari’s Main Street comprise the Historic District, a prominent town feature. Among them are the 1926-era Rock Island-Southern Pacific Train Station and the 1937-erected and still-functioning Odeon Theatre. To glimpse even more ancient history, visit the Mesalands Dinosaur Museum, which boasts an astounding array of fossils and skeletons dating back millions of years. Tucumcari has a close connection to popular culture as well.
7. Cloudcroft
Located inside the Lincoln National Forest’s borders, the village of Cloudcroft was founded in 1899 as a tourist community. Built in the early 20th century to accommodate affluent travelers, The Lodge is a high-end hotel that has hosted superstars like Judy Garland and Clark Gable.
The greatest site to learn about the town’s and the region’s history is the Sacramento Mountains, a museum housed in a historically significant building. Compact Ski Cloudcroft offers winter skiing, and nearby is the spectacular White Sands National Monument, with its unusual, bright white sand. However, its warm climate makes it more appealing in the summer.
8. Red River
Red River is a little community with lots of outdoor activity options, tucked away in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The Red River Ski Area is a winter wonderland that offers many routes and trails for bicyclists and hikers in the summer. The Cross-Country Ski Area in Enchanted Forest is another aspect of Red River’s winter pleasure.
With a Historic District straight out of the Wild West, this little Taos County hamlet pays homage to its past as a mining town.
9. Raton
The Raton Range, Raton Basin, and Raton Pass are all adjacent landforms named after the town of Raton, which serves as the county seat of Colfax County. Native Americans and Spanish traders have used the Raton Pass for generations to cross the difficult Rocky Mountain terrain.
Even now, you may still experience the area’s untamed beauty by hiking on the Climax Canyon Nature Trail and exploring Sugarite Canyon State Park, among other places. Visit the town’s historic Downtown district to get a taste of its past, or visit the Raton Museum for a more thorough look.
10. Gallup
Known as the “Heart of Indian Country,” Gallup is on the brink of a Navajo reservation. As a result, there are a lot of Native Americans (almost 44%) living here, and throughout the summer, you can see them dancing. However, the Navajo Code Talker Museum offers year-round education on Native American culture.
As the biggest town between Albuquerque and Flagstaff and the former location of Route 66, Gallup has seen a lot of visitors on road trips, including well-known figures like Humphrey Bogart, Katharine Hepburn, and John Wayne, all of whom stopped at the legendary 1930s El Rancho Hotel & Motel.
11. Madrid
Madrid, which started as a coal mining town in the early 20th century, was essentially a ghost town before becoming a vibrant hub for creatives. To begin with, there are many galleries along the Turquoise Trail. Furthermore, Origami in the Garden, which features enormous origami-shaped structures against a desert setting, is a testament to the recent artistic labors of art.
12. Aztec
If you want to experience something a little different, the Aztecs are the place to go. It has breathtaking natural vistas and a wealth of historical history. There are the intriguing Aztec Ruins, which are thought to date back to the 11th and 13th centuries, and the Crow Canyon Pueblito ruins, a portion of the Native American defense canyon used in the 17th and 18th centuries.
If you enjoy mountain biking, you will adore this place. The surrounding landscape is stunning, from the breathtaking Angel Peak Scenic Area to the incredible rock formations of the Bisti Badlands.
13. Ruidoso
Ruidoso is a bustling place with a lot going on. The Lincoln National Forest, with its hiking routes and gorgeous waterfalls, is located to the south. The 19th-century adobe and stone structures of the Lincoln Historic Site are located to the north.
Grindstone Lake offers a plethora of outdoor activities worth experiencing. Pillow’s Funtrackers provides family-friendly entertainment, including go-karting and mini golf. All of these and much more are present.
14. Silver City
After the American Civil War, someone struck silver here, creating a sizable tent city. This location was formerly an Apache campground and later used for Spanish copper mining. Hence, Silver City got its name.
In addition to the more recent history, which can be learned at the Silver City Museum, the area is home to an unquestionably ancient attraction. The National Monument of the Gila Cliff Dwellings is an easy drive from town. It was constructed between 1275 and 1300 AD by the Mimbres Mogollon culture.
The restored 1920s Silco Theatre screens motion pictures, and Silver City has several annual festivals that support the arts, including the Southwest Festival of the Written Word.
15. Las Vegas
Las Vegas, New Mexico, not to be confused with the same-named desert sprawl in Nevada, started in 1835 when the Mexican government gave the territory to immigrants. This lovely town has historic structures like the opulent Plaza Hotel (1980s). The Las Vegas Museum has additional information about the town’s past, including that of the Rough Riders of the Spanish-American War (1898). Get out of town and enjoy leisurely lakeside activities at Storrie Lake State Park.
