New Mexico Adventure Bucket List
Outdoor recreation communities in New Mexico offer something truly unique—an experience deeply rooted in the state’s rich cultural heritage, diverse natural landscapes, and centuries-old historical connections. From the high desert plains to the forested mountain trails and winding river valleys, New Mexico’s terrain provides an unmatched backdrop for all kinds of outdoor pursuits. This diversity fuels a wide range of competitive events and recreational activities, including mountain biking, trail running, rock climbing, kayaking, and more, each set against the breathtaking scenery that defines the Land of Enchantment. These experiences not only connect people with nature, but also with the traditions and stories of the region’s Indigenous peoples, Spanish settlers, and frontier pioneers. As New Mexico looks to the future, communities and events are playing a leading role in driving the state forward for healthy lifestyles, supporting rural economies, and protecting the natural and cultural resources that make the state so special. With growing interest in eco-tourism and outdoor recreation, New Mexico is poised to become a national model for how adventure, culture, and community can come together in powerful and lasting ways. These are some of the top must-see outdoor destinations in New Mexico and some spotlight competitive events:
Lake Roberts: Nestled within the rolling hills of the Gila National Forest, Lake Roberts is a peaceful high-country lake that offers excellent fishing, wildlife viewing, and tranquil scenery. A highlight for hikers is the nearby Purgatory Chasm Trail, a moderately challenging loop that winds through rocky outcrops, shaded forest, and narrow passages that showcase the area’s unique geology. The trail provides rewarding views and is a great complement to a day on the water. For campers, Mesa Campground and Upper End Campground are situated close to the lake and offer both developed and primitive campsites, making Lake Roberts a convenient base for outdoor exploration in the surrounding forest.
Catwalk: Located just outside Silver City in the rugged beauty of Whitewater Canyon, the Catwalk Recreation Area offers one of New Mexico’s most unique hiking experiences. Originally built as a maintenance walkway for a historic mining pipeline, the modern version is a sturdy metal catwalk that clings to the steep canyon walls above a rushing creek. The path is accessible and family-friendly, with railings and bridges that make it easy to explore the dramatic rock formations and narrow canyon slots.
Fort Bayard: Just a short drive from downtown Silver City, the Fort Bayard Trail System blends outdoor recreation with rich cultural and military history. Once a 19th-century military outpost, Fort Bayard is now surrounded by an extensive network of multi-use trails popular for hiking, mountain biking, trail running, and horseback riding. The system includes over 31 interconnected trails, offering routes for all skill levels, from gentle forest paths to steep climbs that reward with sweeping views of the surrounding Gila landscape. Some trails lead to prominent landmarks such as Black Peak and the Twin Sisters, both offering excellent panoramic vistas.
Gila National Forest: Located in the remote wilderness of southwestern New Mexico, the Gila National Forest offers an expansive and rugged landscape ideal for outdoor adventure. Hiking trails like the Middle Fork Trail follow scenic river canyons and lead to natural hot springs, such as Jordan Hot Springs, tucked away in forested valleys. Wildlife is abundant in the region, with elk, black bears, and a variety of bird species frequently seen by visitors.
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument: Nearby the Gila National Forest, the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument offers a cultural and historical experience. A short but steep hike leads to remarkably well-preserved cliff dwellings built in the late 1200s by the Mogollon people. Visitors can explore the rooms built into natural caves on the cliffside and learn about the area's history through interpretive signs and ranger programs.
City of Rocks State Park: City of Rocks State Park is a surreal and scenic landscape located between Deming and Silver City, where volcanic rock formations rise dramatically from the desert floor. The park features short hiking trails, like the Hydra Trail, that loop through the rocks and offer expansive views of the surrounding desert basin. This state park is especially popular for camping, with campsites nestled right among the rocks, creating a one-of-a-kind camping experience.
Caballo Lake State Park: Caballo Lake State Park, located just south of Truth or Consequences along the Rio Grande, is a haven for water recreation and laid-back outdoor fun. The park centers around Caballo Reservoir, a favorite spot for boating, kayaking, jet skiing, and fishing. Anglers come for the bass, catfish, crappies, and walleye that populate the lake, and the wide shoreline offers ample space for casting lines or launching boats. The park is also a great base for camping, with RV sites, electric hookups, and tent-friendly areas available with scenic views of the lake and Caballo Mountains. With its warm climate, open spaces, and family-friendly amenities, Caballo Lake State Park is an excellent destination for year-round recreation.
Sumner Lake State Park: Sumner Lake State Park, located near Fort Sumner in eastern New Mexico, offers a peaceful escape for water-based recreation and nature enjoyment. The park features a 4,500-acre reservoir ideal for boating, kayaking, fishing, and swimming, with shoreline and boat access for anglers targeting walleye, bass, catfish, and pike. Campers can choose from developed sites with hookups or primitive spots near the water, while wildlife watchers will appreciate the abundance of birds and wildlife.
White Sands National Park: Located in southern New Mexico near Alamogordo, White Sands National Park is home to the world’s largest gypsum dune field. This unique landscape offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking. With trails like the Alkali Flat Trail, a 5-mile loop that takes you deep into the heart of the dunes for an immersive experience and shorter trails such as the Playa Trail and Interdune Boardwalk.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park: Situated in southeastern New Mexico near the town of Carlsbad, Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers a striking contrast to the state's desert landscapes, with a vast underground world to explore. The main attraction is the Big Room, one of the largest natural limestone chambers in North America, featuring towering stalagmites, delicate soda straws, and massive draperies. Visitors can descend via a paved path from the natural entrance or take an elevator down 750 feet into the heart of the cave. Ranger-guided tours provide access to more remote and challenging areas like the Lower Cave and Hall of the White Giant.
Slot Canyon: Slot Canyons in New Mexico offer a unique and breathtaking experience, with narrow, winding passages carved into the landscape by water over thousands of years. These canyons are known for their dramatic, colorful rock formations and the light that filters through the tight spaces, creating striking visual effects. One of the most famous slot canyons in New Mexico is in Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, though there are other lesser-known but equally stunning slot canyons in the state.
Jemez Springs: Tucked into the red rock canyons of the Jemez Mountains, Jemez Springs is a small surrounded by the Santa Fe National Forest, the area offers numerous hiking trails, hot springs, and scenic drives. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore trails like Spence Hot Springs, a short hike leading to natural thermal pools perched on a hillside, or the Jemez Falls Trail, which offers a rewarding view of one of the tallest waterfalls in the Jemez area. Nearby Valles Caldera National Preserve features an ancient super volcano with vast meadows, elk herds, and excellent fly-fishing and hiking opportunities.
Routes Bicycle Tour: The Routes Bicycle Tour Company, based in Albuquerque, offers an immersive and eco-friendly way to experience New Mexico’s culture, history, and landscapes. With a range of guided bicycle tours, visitors can explore everything from historic Old Town Albuquerque and the scenic Rio Grande Bosque Trail to wine country routes and mural art tours. Routes’ bikes are comfortable and well-maintained, with options for cruisers, e-bikes, and family-friendly setups. The company places a strong focus on storytelling, using local guides to share the history, heritage, and ecology of the region.
Bottom Lakes State Park: Located just southeast of Roswell, Bottomless Lakes State Park is New Mexico’s first state park and one of its most intriguing natural destinations. These unique lakes are sinkholes formed by underground water dissolving salt and gypsum deposits, creating deep, spring-fed pools that reflect the sky in mesmerizing shades, offering a wide variety of activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, hiking, scuba diving, and birdwatching. Lea Lake, the largest and most popular of the lakes, features a sandy beach and picnic areas, making it perfect for family outings. The surrounding desert landscape, marked by cliffs, dunes, and unique rock formations, adds to the park’s otherworldly beauty.
City of Rocks State Park: Between Silver City and Deming in southwestern New Mexico, City of Rocks State Park is a geological wonder and a must-see destination for nature lovers, hikers, stargazers, and adventurers. The park gets its name from a stunning cluster of towering volcanic rock formations reaching up to 40 feet high. These formations, sculpted over millions of years by volcanic activity and erosion, create a maze of narrow passages, open plazas, and secluded alcoves that spark the imagination and invite exploration. Trails offer sweeping views and opportunities to encounter wildlife and native plants. Campers can enjoy both primitive and developed sites nestled among the rocks, with some of the darkest skies in New Mexico providing phenomenal stargazing at night.
Bandelier National Monument: Bandelier National Monument, located near Los Alamos in northern New Mexico, is a rugged landscape the Ancestral Puebloans once called this home. Spanning over 33,000 acres of canyon and mesa country, the monument preserves cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, masonry ruins, and kivas dating back more than 800 years. Visitors can explore the Main Loop Trail, which leads past preserved dwellings carved directly into the soft volcanic tuff and even climb wooden ladders into ancient alcove homes. Other trails wind through dramatic landscapes, from forested mesas to deep canyons, offering both cultural immersion and natural beauty.
Rio Grande Nature Center State Park: Tucked away along the bosque in Albuquerque, Rio Grande Nature Center State Park offers an oasis of natural beauty and tranquility in the heart of the city. This 270-acre park is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the unique ecosystem surrounding the Rio Grande and its cottonwood forest. Observation blinds and viewing areas make it easy to spot turtles, ducks, hawks, and sometimes even porcupines or coyotes. The park’s visitor center includes engaging exhibits on river ecology, local flora and fauna, and conservation efforts, along with a bookstore and educational programs for all ages.
Competitive Challenges
Duke City BMX: Located in Albuquerque, Duke City BMX is one of the premier BMX racing tracks in New Mexico. The facility hosts both local and regional races for riders of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to elite athletes. The track is known for its well-maintained dirt course, which includes challenging jumps, berms, and tight turns that offer an exciting and competitive experience for BMX enthusiasts. The track is also part of the larger Albuquerque BMX community, hosting state and national-level events.
King of the Hill Run: Held annually in the rugged terrain surrounding Silver City, this uphill race is known for its steep climbs, rocky trails, and panoramic views that reward every drop of sweat. Whether you're a seasoned trail runner looking for your next vertical challenge or a fitness enthusiast eager to push your limits, this race offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of New Mexico’s scenic high country.
Enchanted Forest Trail Races: Set in the heart of the Enchanted Forest near Red River, the Enchanted Forest Trail Races offer a series of scenic trail running events with various distances, including 5K, 10K, and longer ultra-races. Runners traverse the forested, mountainous terrain that boasts sweeping views of the surrounding Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The races are known for their rugged, natural beauty, with trails that wind through alpine forests, meadows, and streams. Participants can expect a challenging yet rewarding experience, with each race designed to highlight the diverse ecosystems of the area. The Enchanted Forest Trail Races are a must for trail running enthusiasts who want to immerse themselves in one of New Mexico’s most picturesque outdoor settings.
Great Ballon Chase: The Great Balloon Chase is one of the most visually stunning events in the region, where the skies above Albuquerque come alive with a kaleidoscope of colorful hot air balloons. Held during the crisp, golden mornings of fall, this annual event blends adventure and awe as pilots from across the country launch at dawn, riding the winds over scenic landscapes. Participants can enjoy the festivities around the event and register for a 5k, 10k, or 1/2 marathon alongside the balloons.
Bottomless Triathlon: Named after the mysterious and picturesque Bottomless Lakes State Park, the Bottomless Triathlon challenges athletes to push their limits in a stunning natural setting. This annual race features a classic triathlon format—swimming, biking, and running—but what sets it apart is the unique location. Racers begin with a swim in the clear, spring-fed waters of one of the park’s deep sinkhole lakes, followed by a scenic bike ride through rolling desert terrain, and finish with a run along the shoreline trails.
Old Tucson 10’er: In the historic Old Tucson Studios, popularized for their western film grounds, the Old Tucson 10’er is a 10-hour race for solos, duos, and teams. This competitive bike race is the ideal event for winter destination. With many historical surroundings and the Saguaro National Park, there is much to explore even while not in competition time.
Tommy Knocker: In the trail system at Fort Bayrd, Tommy Knocker 10 comes around in the spring. Solos, duo, and teams compete in an endurance based 10-hour relay. This is a great race for any ability levels, with an intermediate course of 13+ miles and no more than 1000 feet in elevation.
Tour of Gila: Cycling is popular in Silver City, one of its largest races is Tour of Gila. Competitors from all over come to take part in this one-of-a-kind professional road race. Spectators line the routes to cheer on the racers, and the event energizes Silver City with festivities, local vendor booths, and group rides. With categories ranging from professional men’s and women’s fields to amateur levels, the race not only brings international attention to the region but also highlights Silver City's growing reputation as a cycling destination.