Visitors will be delighted by the geology, biology and history of New Mexico.
The 47th State, Land of Enchantment, otherworldly -- New Mexico can be described in many ways, but it is tough to encompass all that New Mexico is with only one word or phrase. In the same vein, it is tough to visit New Mexico once and experience it fully. Each of the five regions within the state offers numerous opportunities for adventure, be it natural, cultural or extraterrestrial enrichment that is sought.
Northwest
The Northwest region of New Mexico is Indian Country where travelers can learn about the contemporary and ancient cultures of the region.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park -- With approximately 4,000 recorded archeological sites in addition to the "Chacoan greathouse", this historical park is a treasure trove of ancient life, but hiking and wildlife viewing are also great reasons to make the drive and stay awhile.
El Malpais National Monument and Ice Caves Resort -- The closure of the lava tube caves in 2010 make visiting El Malpais a little less of an adventure, but the scenic eastern boundary where the lava meets red sandstone cliffs is worth a visit as is La Ventana Natural Arch. Also check out Ice Caves Resort, a privately owned commercial operation that allows visits to Bandera Crater, the largest of all Malpais cinder cones, and the Ice Cave.
Aztec Ruins National Monument -- Not really Aztec, but Puebloan, this ruin, which housed over 500 rooms, includes a restored kiva, a ceremonial structure, that visitors can enter and explore.
North Central
Visitors to the North Central region will find some of the state's finest ski resorts, a vibrant art scene and its enchanting capitol, Santa Fe, along with some of its top tourist attractions.
Bandelier National Monument - The principle ruins of the monument are located in Frijoles Canyon and include ancestral pueblo homes, kivas (ceremonial structures), rock paintings and petroglyphs.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad -- A must for history buffs and train lovers - Americas longest and highest narrow gauge, coal fired railroad -- offers a living museum in the train yard, as well a day-long trip past stunning rock formations, gorges and over Cumbres Pass.
Rio Grande Gorge -- The scenic, 800-foot-deep Rio Grande Gorge offers a wide variety of activities from hiking to hot air ballooning and archeological exploration to wildlife watching.
Northeast
Strangely enough, Northeastern New Mexico is the locale of much of the state's Western flavor, from cowboys to miners and outlaws to soldiers. Even its geology provides some out-of-character attractions.
Capulin National Volcano Monument -- Visitors can take the opportunity to walk inside the volcanic crater and around its symmetrical rim for stunning vistas of the Rocky Mountains. Insect enthusiasts will be entertained by the swarms of ladybird beetles (ladybugs).
Pecos National Historic Park -- New Mexico's multicultural past comes to light at the Pecos National Historical Park. Indian, Spanish and Anglo history is preserved with pueblo ruins, Spanish Missions, remnants of the Santa Fe Trail and Civil War battle sites.
Blue Hole -- There is a spot for scuba divers, snorkelers and swimmers at the Blue Hole of Santa Rosa, "the city of natural lakes." This 80-foot-plus-deep natural pool is a diving mecca and spot to cool off.
Central
The Central Region of New Mexico is characterized by the urban vitality of Albuquerque but still maintains its prehistoric ties.
Petroglyph National Monument -- With an estimated 24,000 carved images, Petroglyph National Monument is a sort of communication center for ancient history. Hiking the short, paved Boca Negra Canyon Trail gives a glimpse of one the largest groupings of these carvings in the park.
Albuquerque Biological Park -- For a New Mexico-centric tour, visit the aquarium, which has displays focused on underwater life in the Rio Grande and the Rio Grande Heritage Farm with its apple orchards and rare livestock.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta -- The sight of hundreds of hot air balloons rising into the sky brings more visitors to New Mexico than any other event in the state. The first week in October is the chance to celebrate ballooning in Albuquerque.
Southeast
Southeastern New Mexico is sparsely populated but full of the unexpected from UFOs to seemingly snow-covered landscapes and spacious underground caverns.
Carlsbad Caverns National Monument -- Famous for its bat flights in summer, the 117 known caves of Carlsbad Caverns National Monument are an underground wonderland with formations from soaring towers to icicles of stone.
International UFO Museum -- To learn about the "Roswell Incident" of July 1947, this is the place to go. The amassed data from newspaper clippings, photographs and the audio tour provides amazing detail of the "incident" and related issues of crop circles, abductions and ancient alien cults.
White Sands National Monument -- The White Sands National Monument's field of white dunes composed of gypsum crystals is a place to go sledding (pick up a sled at the visitor center gift shop). And the shimmering white crystals will evoke the sense of snow, even if the heat sends you reeling. For a full view, do the Dunes Drive and stop at the Dune Life Nature Trail.
Southwest
Southwestern New Mexico is the outdoorsman's playground, with some prehistoric and futuristic twists.
Elephant Butte State Park - Kick back on the sand or enjoy the water and mild temperatures at Elephant Butte State Park. The park encompasses the largest body of water in New Mexico and is popular for boating, canoeing, water skiing, diving and camping.
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument -- In the system of national parks, Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is the only location that contains Mogollon sites, a distinct prehistoric culture that was endemic to southwestern New Mexico, southeastern Arizona and adjacent areas of northern Mexico and western Texas.
Very Large Array -- Check out the VLA visitors center to learn just how the 27 radio antennas that comprise the Very Large Array are devoted to the study of deep space. The futuristic installation is seemingly at odds with the state's wild, history-infused character.
Tags: National Monument, Blue Hole, Butte State, Butte State Park, Carlsbad Caverns, Carlsbad Caverns National
