Even when there isn’t time for an actual getaway, you can still allow yourself a mental break. New Mexico is brimming with soothing landscapes, from waterfalls to scenic country roads, and escaping into nature for a few hours can refresh you – body and soul. Although it’s pretty easy to find solitude in the Land of Enchantment, sometimes everybody picks the same destination on the same glorious Saturday afternoon. If you choose a lesser-known locale, your chances of finding solitude greatly improve. So here are 13 secret spots in New Mexico where you can let your stress melt away.
- Soak in the scenery or have a peaceful picnic at the Mimbres River Preserve.
Tripadvisor/Rebecca L You’re unlikely to be disturbed because it’s a little challenging to find the preserve, which is near Silver City. For directions.
- Put your worries in perspective by visiting a landscape that is on a truly epic scale. The striped colors of the earth at Angel Peak Scenic Area are mesmerizing.
Flickr/Judy Gallagher This area, operated by the BLM, is close to Farmington. For more info.
- Few people have discovered Coyote Creek State Park, a lush escape where you can admire stunning mountain views and listen to the waters of a small creek.
Tripadvisor/M J The park is between Angel Fire and Mora, in Guadalupita. For a map.
- During migration season, this spot can get crowded… with birds. However, the Black River Recreation Area is usually a private desert oasis.
Flickr/Joel Deluxe It is located south of Carlsbad. For more details.
- Bring a blanket and claim a spot on the banks of Monastery Lake. Admire the clear waters and Sangre de Cristo Mountains soaring in the distance.
Flickr/Artotem Chances are you’ll find locals fishing at this spot near Pecos, but they’re serious about not disturbing the fish… or anyone else. For more info.
- Unwind with a hike in Red Rock Park. The colorful cliffs here are both magnificent and more than 200 million years old. If stark, dramatic beauty speaks to your soul, you need to visit this place.
Flickr/Dirk Hofmann The park is located in Church Rock, close to Gallup. For more info.
- You expect a memorial park to be contemplative place. What is unexpected about the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial State Park is the beauty of its setting.
Flickr/Diann Bayes You’ll find this serene spot in Angel Fire. For a map.
- The Cebolla Wilderness, hiding inside El Malpais National Conservation Area, offers canyons, mesas, and solitude.
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management This area south of Grants is particularly remote - here is a map.
- While Bosque del Apache has become increasingly popular due to the Festival of the Cranes, fewer people have uncovered the secret of Bernardo Wildlife Area.
Flickr/John Fowler It is located at 164 Highway 116 in Bosque.
- The size of the Elena Gallegos Open Space – 640 acres – makes it easy to lose sight of anyone else seeking a reprieve from city life.
Flickr/Paul Asman and Jill Lenoble The park certainly feels miles away from Albuquerque. For more info.
- Relax in the serene setting of Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge at the edge of Roswell.
Flickr/Judy Gallagher Cruise around the wetlands or savor a picnic in this quiet refuge. For more info.
- Despite the alarming name, Diablo Canyon is an isolated and gorgeous place, located near White Rock. It offers basalt cliff faces and, if you’re up for a hike, you can walk to the banks of the Rio Grande.
Flickr/Lucas Part of the reason peace and quiet is almost guaranteed is because the drive to Diablo Canyon is bracing. Learn more.
- Gaze into the waters of Morphy Lake and let your troubles float away.
Flickr/Karl This state park is close to Mora. For more info.
We don’t blame you if you’re reluctant to share your favorite natural retreat with us. However, should you be feeling especially generous, tell us about it on the Only In New Mexico Facebook page.
Tripadvisor/Rebecca L
You’re unlikely to be disturbed because it’s a little challenging to find the preserve, which is near Silver City. For directions.
Flickr/Judy Gallagher
This area, operated by the BLM, is close to Farmington. For more info.
Tripadvisor/M J
The park is between Angel Fire and Mora, in Guadalupita. For a map.
Flickr/Joel Deluxe
It is located south of Carlsbad. For more details.
Flickr/Artotem
Chances are you’ll find locals fishing at this spot near Pecos, but they’re serious about not disturbing the fish… or anyone else. For more info.
Flickr/Dirk Hofmann
The park is located in Church Rock, close to Gallup. For more info.
Flickr/Diann Bayes
You’ll find this serene spot in Angel Fire. For a map.
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management
This area south of Grants is particularly remote - here is a map.
Flickr/John Fowler
It is located at 164 Highway 116 in Bosque.
Flickr/Paul Asman and Jill Lenoble
The park certainly feels miles away from Albuquerque. For more info.
Cruise around the wetlands or savor a picnic in this quiet refuge. For more info.
Flickr/Lucas
Part of the reason peace and quiet is almost guaranteed is because the drive to Diablo Canyon is bracing. Learn more.
Flickr/Karl
This state park is close to Mora. For more info.
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