Discover the 10 Best National Parks to Visit in New Mexico

Written by Jeremiah Wright
Updated: June 28, 2023
© iStock.com/Wilsilver77
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Set along the rocky parts of the southwestern United States, New Mexico is truly blessed with Native American galleries, ancient beams, magnificent adobe monuments, and gourmet restaurants.

New Mexico is full of wonders, from spectacular natural rock formations to majestic wildlife. Exploring some of the national parks and monuments in the state is a sure way to experience the standout sights while making unforgettable memories in natural habitats.

Read on and discover the 10 best national parks to visit in New Mexico, from the extensive gypsum and dunes at White Sands to the deep rocky canyons at Carlsbad Caverns.

Infographic of 10 Best National Parks to Visit in New Mexico
Visitors to New Mexico’s national parks can enjoy viewing natural rock formations and wildlife.

1. White Sands National Park

Visit White Sands National Park to see one of the largest gypsum dune fields in the world.

©iStock.com/Melissa Kopka

White Sands National Park
Size 145,762 acres
Animal to SeeBobcat
Attraction to SeeDune field

Film fans may likely recognize White Sands National Park as many movies including “King Solomon’s Mine,” “Tank Girl,” “Young Guns II, “Transformers” and “Transformers 2” have been shot in the park.

Set in the southern region of New Mexico, White Sands National Park is as spectacular as it appears in the photos. Visit the park to see one of the largest gypsum dune fields in the world, along with plants and animals in the park. One of the interesting facts about the dunes at White Sands is that they don’t absorb much heat like the typical sand, meaning you can’t get burned while walking on them.

Though, it’s not just the dunefields you’ll see here: rabbits, badgers, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, and numerous species of birds also call White Sands home.

2. City of Rocks State Park

City of Rocks State Park is characterized by natural springs and unique volcanic rock formations.

©iStock.com/zrfphoto

City of Rocks State Park
Size 1,230 acres
Animal to SeeMule deer
Attraction to SeeSculptured rock formations

City of Rocks State Park is among the best places to visit in New Mexico. The park is characterized by natural springs and unique volcanic rock formations; that’s why it’s called the “City of Rocks.” 

There are plenty of ways to explore City of Rocks, so how you do it is entirely up to you. The park has endless opportunities for hiking, birding, driving, biking, photography, horseback riding, fishing, and a lot of other things to do in the winter.

You may spot mule deer, golden-mantled chipmunks, yellow-bellied marmots, and mountain cottontails in the park. Coyotes, mountain lions, elks, and bobcats also inhabit the City of Rocks, though they are very elusive.

3. Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

At Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, you will come across incredible cliff dwellings and historic caves.

©iStock.com/zrfphoto

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
Size 533 acres
Animal to SeeBlack bear
Attraction to SeeMogollon Cliff Dwellings

Visit Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument to learn the history of the Mogollon people who lived on the site hundreds of years ago. While at the monument, you will come across incredible cliff dwellings and historic caves, which the Mogollon people abandoned for unknown reasons.

The monument is also home to diverse species of animals. Catch a glimpse of wild turkeys, bighorn sheep, antelopes, mountain lions, and black bears while traversing the forested areas of Gila Cliff Dwellings.

4. Bosque del Apache National Monument

Bosque del Apache National Monument
Bosque del Apache National Monument is a perfect place to watch the migration of sandhill cranes, which happens in the fall

©UU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons – License

Bosque del Apache National Monument
Size 57,331 acres
Animal to SeeCrane
Attraction to SeeRio Grande

As a National Wildlife Refuge site, Bosque del Apache National Monument is a perfect place to watch the migration of sandhill cranes, which happens in the fall. Around 340 species of birds live in this monument. They include ducks, bald eagles, sage sparrows, hawks, and geese. Visit the wetlands to view sandhill cranes taking off in small groups from one place to another, making a spectacular show.

Explore the park to view the famous Rio Grande River that extends through Big Bend National Park. Besides the birds and wildlife, Bosque del Apache also has breathtaking views of marshlands and flooded forests.

5. Four Corners Monument

At Four Corners Monument, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado meet at a single point.

©iStock.com/Martina Birnbaum

Four Corners Monument
Size 176,000 acres
Animal to SeeRaven, small lizards
Attraction to SeeSki Kachina Peak

It’s called Four Corners Monument because it’s where the four states, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado, meet at a single point. Besides its steeply sloped Mittens, the monument also features eroded badlands and a spectacular scenic view with colorful ridges and hoodoos.

Four Corners Monument is an easy side trip from other parks in different states, like Canyonlands and Arches in Utah or Mesa Verde in Colorado. It is a perfect place for historians who want to learn about the native cultures of the region.

6. Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Chaco Culture National Historical Park preserves the history of the Puebloan people.

©iStock.com/Wilsilver77

Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Size 33,977 acres
Animal to SeeBobcat
Attraction to SeePueblo Bonito

Situated between Farmington and Albuquerque, the Chaco Culture National Historical Park is among the major tourist attraction sites in America. Apart from preserving the history of the Puebloan people, this historical park has some lovely nature to explore along with the distinctive architecture that makes the place beautiful. 

There are plenty of sites to traverse throughout this remote canyon. You can visit Fajada Butte, Chetro Ketl, Pueblo Bonito, Pueblo del Arroyo, among many others. While walking or driving along the trails, keep an eye out for snakes, badgers, bobcats, rabbits, elks, and deer.

7. Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is a hiker’s paradise.

©iStock.com/jerryhopman

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
Size 5,402 acres
Animal to SeeCoyote
Attraction to SeePainted Cave, Cochiti Dam

Located in the southwest region of New Mexico, Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is a hiker’s paradise. It has around four hiking trails that lead to fantastic views of the unique geological formations, also known as tent rocks.

Take a scenic drive or hike from Albuquerque to some of the famous spots in the park to observe and study the tent rocks. You may spot wild turkeys on the highest elevations of the monument. Coyotes, ground squirrels, rabbits, and chipmunks also inhabit the surrounding areas of tent rocks.

However, as of May 2023, Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks remains closed due to COVID-19. The virus was the initial reason for the closure, but currently, the Bureau of Land Management continues to keep the monument closed until the reopening plans have been established.

8. Aztec Ruins National Monument

Aztec Ruins National Monument
Aztec Ruins is a haven for Gambel’s quails, eastern collared lizards, gopher snakes, and prairie rattlesnakes.

©Traveller70/Shutterstock.com

Aztec Ruins National Monument
Size 318 acres
Animal to SeeEastern collared lizard
Attraction to SeeSalmon Ruins Museum

Set on the western bank of the Animas River, Aztec Ruins National Monument is a nice place to visit if you want to learn about the ancient people who lived in the area and how they constructed their houses in the desert.

There is more to the Aztec Ruins than just the ancestral Puebloan people. Expect to see diverse species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. Aztec Ruins is a haven for Gambel’s quails, eastern collared lizards, gopher snakes, and prairie rattlesnakes.

9. Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park has around eight hiking trails.

©iStock.com/kellyvandellen

Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Size 46,766 acres
Animal to SeeCougar
Attraction to SeeBat Flight Amphitheater

Prepare to lay your eyes on more than 100 caves situated at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The areas inside the caverns are not restricted, meaning you can enjoy the sights at your own pace. Join a ranger-guided tour if you want a more wild cave exploration.

There are around eight hiking trails, but the Big Room and Natural Entrance trails are the most popular. Each trail offers a unique experience, so most visitors choose to make both trails.

During your exploration, watch out for cougars, skunks, wolves, foxes, otters, bobcats, and shrews. Bats are the most common mammals in the park. Join a ranger to watch thousands of bats return to Carlsbad Caverns at the crack of dawn.

10. Bandelier National Monument

Bandelier National Monument has a pervasive ecosystem, making it a perfect home for different species of animals.

©iStock.com/alexeys

Bandelier National Monument
Size 33,677 acres
Animal to SeeMule deer
Attraction to SeeAlcove House

Bandelier National Monument is another interesting historical site of the Ancestral Puebloans. Take a walk along the Santa Fe and Falls Trails to see evidence of human existence, which dates back thousands of years ago. Some of these features include cliff dwellings, cavates, and petroglyphs.

There are a lot of things to explore, including wildlife viewing. Bandelier National Monument has a pervasive ecosystem, making it a perfect home for different species of animals. Lizards, Albert’s squirrels, mule deer, and various birds live in the monument.

Spend your night at Bandelier and enjoy the stunning night skies from the monument. Night sky programs and evening campfire programs are available at Bandelier starting in July.

Summary of 10 Best National Parks to Visit in New Mexico

Here’s a recap of the top 10 national parks in New Mexico that we took a look at.

NumberNational ParkSizeAnimal to SeeAttraction to See
1White Sands National Park145,762 acresBobcatDune field
2City of Rocks State Park1,230 acresMule deerSculptured rock formations
3Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument533 acresBlack bearMogollon Cliff Dwellings
4Bosque del Apache National Monument57,331 acresCraneRio Grande
5Four Corners Monument176,000 acresRaven, small lizardsSki Kachina Peak
6Chaco Culture National Historical Park33,977 acresBobcatPueblo Bonito
7Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument5,402 acresCoyotePainted Cave, Cochiti Dam
8Aztec Ruins National Monument318 acresEastern collared lizardSalmon Ruins Museum
9Carlsbad Caverns National Park46,766 acresCougarBat Flight Amphitheater
10Bandelier National Monument33,677 acresMule deerAlcove House


The Featured Image

Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Chaco Culture National Historical Park
© iStock.com/Wilsilver77

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About the Author

I hold seven years of professional experience in the content world, focusing on nature, and wildlife. Asides from writing, I enjoy surfing the internet and listening to music.

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