Our Ultimate Guide to Your Must Do New Mexico’s Spring Activities

Who doesn’t like spring? Its vibrant colors, high energy, and new blooms are refreshing after winter’s long, cold slumber. And springtime means you can experience all this sunshine outdoors and have fun in New Mexico. So, I’ve curated a list of the best experiences you must not miss in New Mexico during the spring season.

Picnic Paradise

New Mexico’s diverse landscapes offer an array of picturesque picnic spots, perfect for soaking in the beauty of spring. Here are some idyllic locations for a memorable outdoor meal:

Hyde Memorial State Park (Santa Fe):

Location: 740 Hyde Park Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Fee: $5 per vehicle for day use

Set up your picnic amidst towering ponderosa pines and aspens at Hyde Memorial State Park. Enjoy serene trails and the refreshing mountain air.

Canyon Road (Santa Fe):

Location: Canyon Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Fee: No entrance fee for picnicking along Canyon Road

Find a shady spot along Canyon Road in Santa Fe for a relaxed picnic among art galleries and adobe architecture. Experience the artistic charm of Santa Fe while indulging in delicious food.

Soda Dam (Jemez Springs):

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Location: NM-4, Jemez Springs, NM 87025
Fee: No entrance fee for picnicking at Soda Dam Recreation Area

This tranquil spot in the Jemez Mountains is perfect for a peaceful picnic. It features natural rock formations and a small waterfall.

Elephant Butte Lake State Park:

Location: 101 Highway 195, Elephant Butte, NM 87935
Fee: $5 per vehicle for day use

Enjoy a lakeside picnic at Elephant Butte Lake State Park, New Mexico’s largest state park. Take in panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding desert landscape.

Rio Grande Gorge (Taos):

Location: Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, State Road 64, Taos, NM 87571
Fee: No entrance fee for picnicking at the gorge

Enjoy a picnic with a view at the rim of the Rio Grande Gorge in Taos. Marvel at the deep gorge and the winding river below while savoring your outdoor feast.

Bandelier National Monument:

Location: 15 Entrance Rd, Los Alamos, NM 87544
Fee: $25 per vehicle for a 7-day pass

Immerse yourself in history and nature at Bandelier National Monument. Have a picnic near ancient cliff dwellings and be surrounded by the beauty of the Los Alamos area.

Embracing Flower Blooms

New Mexico blooms with a kaleidoscope of colors in spring, offering a feast for the eyes and a rejuvenating experience for nature enthusiasts. Here are some must-visit spots to witness the floral extravaganza:

Albuquerque Botanic Garden:

Location: 2601 Central Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104
Fee: $12 for adults, $6 for seniors (65+), $6 for children (3-12)

Step into a world of blooming roses, tulips, and desert plants at the Albuquerque Botanic Garden. Marvel at the diverse flowers blooming and wander through themed gardens to embrace their beauty.

Santa Fe Botanical Garden:

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Location: 715 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Fee: $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (65+), $5 for children (5-17)

Discover the beauty of native wildflowers and blooming cacti at the Santa Fe Botanical Garden. Take advantage of the Butterfly Garden, where fluttering butterflies add to the enchanting atmosphere.

Taos Ski Valley Wildflower Trails:

Location: Taos Ski Valley, NM 87525
Fee: No entrance fee for hiking the wildflower trails

Lace up your hiking boots and explore the wildflower trails of Taos Ski Valley. Late spring brings a carpet of colorful blooms, including lupines, columbines, and Indian paintbrushes, creating a scenic paradise.

Adventure Awaits

Adventure beckons in New Mexico’s vibrant spring landscape, offering various exhilarating activities for every adventurer. Here are some must-visit places that promise unforgettable experiences:

Chaco Culture National Historical Park:

Location: County Road 7950, Nageezi, NM 87037
Fee: $25 per vehicle for a 7-day pass

Dive into the ancient past, where well-preserved ruins of the ancestral Puebloan people await exploration. Hike through canyon trails, marvel at intricate petroglyphs, and immerse yourself in the rich history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness:

Location: County Road 7297, Bloomfield, NM 87413
Fee: No entrance fee

Unleash your inner explorer in the otherworldly terrain of the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness. Trek among bizarre rock formations, hoodoos, and fossilized remains, capturing the surreal beauty of this unique landscape that resembles a forgotten alien planet.

White Sands National Park:

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Location: 19955 Highway 70 W, Alamogordo, NM 88310
Fee: $25 per vehicle for a 7-day pass

Experience the thrill of sandboarding or sledding down the soft gypsum dunes of White Sands National Park. This vast desert playground offers endless opportunities for adventure, from hiking trails to stargazing under the pristine night sky.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park:

Location: Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Carlsbad, NM 88220
Fee: $15 per person for adults (16 years and older)

Descend into the depths of Carlsbad Caverns National Park and discover a hidden world of stunning limestone caves. Embark on guided tours through intricate formations, witness bat flights at dusk, and marvel at the underground wonders sculpted over millennia.

Rio Grande Gorge Bridge:

Location: Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, State Road 64, Taos, NM 87571
Fee: No entrance fee for visiting the bridge and gorge area

Conquer your fear of heights by walking across the iconic Rio Grande Gorge Bridge near Taos. Enjoy panoramic views of the rugged canyon and the Rio Grande River below, offering a thrilling experience for adrenaline enthusiasts and photography enthusiasts alike.