Picnics are a staple of summer in New Mexico. Given our state’s size and its natural beauty, there are virtually endless options available to you. However, if you’re in need of inspiration, consider these 10 spots for your next picnic. Some of our suggestions offer picnic tables and grills, while others are more of a BYOB (bring your own blanket) situation. All of these sites are gorgeous, and many are a little off the beaten path.
- Wild Rivers Recreation Area, near Taos
Flickr/Jeff Hay The picnic tables are close enough to the edge of the gorge to afford great views of the river churning far below.
- White Sands National Monument, near Alamogordo
Flickr/hounddiggity From the side these look a bit like the fan boats you find in places like the Everglades. But they’re actually practical and extremely cool picnic tables in White Sands National Monument.
- Quemado Lake, near Quemado
Flickr/Gila National Forest Many people haven’t heard of Quemado, never mind Quemado Lake. It’s located near the edge of the Gila National Forest, roughly 19 miles from the town (the last four miles are along a gravel road).
- Nambé Falls Recreation Area, Nambé Pueblo
Yelp/Rachel C. This recreation area includes several covered picnic tables near a stream. After your meal, scramble up the short trail to the waterfall. Bear in mind that this land, located just north of Santa Fe, belongs to the Pueblo of Nambé - be sure to follow any rules relating to permits or photography.
- La Ventana Natural Arch, near Grants
Flickr/Jason Corneveaux Picnic in the shadow of this gorgeous natural arch in El Malpais National Monument.
- Carlsbad Riverfront Recreation Area, Carlsbad
Flickr/Aidan Wakely-Mulroney The grassy banks of the Pecos River provide many great picnic spots.
- Any of our state parks
Yelp/Deb W. You can’t go wrong with New Mexico’s varied yet stunning state parks. (Pictured: Oasis State Park near Portales.)
- Hyder Park, Albuquerque
Yelp/James H. This is an excellent city park for a picnic; bring the blanket and the whole family. Also, keep an eye out for fun summer events.
- Ruidoso River Trail at Two Rivers Park, Ruidoso
Facebook/ Friends of the Ruidoso River Trail This 27-acre, riverfront park features picnic tables and a pavilion that can accommodate large groups.
- Angel Peak Scenic Overlook, near Bloomfield
Flickr/julie francois From the picnic tables, you can enjoy panoramic views of these remote badlands.
We know this list is incomplete. After all, there are oodles of amazing picnic spots in New Mexico. What’s your favorite?
Flickr/Jeff Hay
The picnic tables are close enough to the edge of the gorge to afford great views of the river churning far below.
Flickr/hounddiggity
From the side these look a bit like the fan boats you find in places like the Everglades. But they’re actually practical and extremely cool picnic tables in White Sands National Monument.
Flickr/Gila National Forest
Many people haven’t heard of Quemado, never mind Quemado Lake. It’s located near the edge of the Gila National Forest, roughly 19 miles from the town (the last four miles are along a gravel road).
Yelp/Rachel C.
This recreation area includes several covered picnic tables near a stream. After your meal, scramble up the short trail to the waterfall. Bear in mind that this land, located just north of Santa Fe, belongs to the Pueblo of Nambé - be sure to follow any rules relating to permits or photography.
Flickr/Jason Corneveaux
Picnic in the shadow of this gorgeous natural arch in El Malpais National Monument.
Flickr/Aidan Wakely-Mulroney
The grassy banks of the Pecos River provide many great picnic spots.
Yelp/Deb W.
You can’t go wrong with New Mexico’s varied yet stunning state parks. (Pictured: Oasis State Park near Portales.)
Yelp/James H.
This is an excellent city park for a picnic; bring the blanket and the whole family. Also, keep an eye out for fun summer events.
Facebook/ Friends of the Ruidoso River Trail
This 27-acre, riverfront park features picnic tables and a pavilion that can accommodate large groups.
Flickr/julie francois
From the picnic tables, you can enjoy panoramic views of these remote badlands.
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