Wide expanses, brilliant blue skies, and excellent weather year-round make New Mexico one of the most beautiful states in the country. Nicknamed the “Land of Enchantment," New Mexico is an excellent location for travel nurses looking to nourish their adventurous spirit. Here are 10 outdoor adventures to enjoy around New Mexico!
Carlsbad Caverns
The Carlsbad Caverns are geological formations. You can explore all day and experience this natural wonder made of of 120 known caves (with many caverns still to be discovered). The Caverns formed through the carving of limestone deposits beneath an ancient sea thousands of years ago. The Carlsbad Caverns are a once in a lifetime outdoor adventure to experience in New Mexico.
White Sands National Monument
White Sands is one of the most spectacular landscapes in the country. Here, you'll see shimmering white gypsum sand cover hundreds of miles of territory, surrounded by breathtaking mountains. The area is also home to sand dunes up to 60 ft in high, constantly shifting with the wind.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
A little closer to civilization, over 80,000 people visit the city every year to witness this unique spectacle. A than 500 balloons participate in the mass ascension, a coordinated simultaneous takeoff of hot air balloons that colors the sky and is sure to take your breath away.
Bandelier National Monument
These thousand-year-old ruins were the former home of the Pueblo people, and visitors can still find original dwellings scattered around the area. The monument is surrounded by dramatic volcanic landscapes and fantastic hiking trails.
Petroglyph National Monument
This monument is notable for the nearly 20,000 petroglyphs located within its boundaries. The Petroglyphs were carved in the basalt stone by indigenous people centuries ago. Even today, a number of these petroglyphs can be viewed right from the hiking trails.
Taos Pueblo
A New Mexico icon, this settlement contains the oldest continuously inhabited dwellings in the United States. The structures have been standing for over 1,000 years and are constructed of mud bricks and timber roofs. Undoubtedly, these are both historic and unique experiences that you won't want to miss.
Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railway
The Cumbres-Toltec railway continues the legacy of century-old steam-powered train operations in New Mexico. Here along the 64 mile track, you'll get to see some of the scenic Southwest landscape. Along the passage of the 10,015 ft Cumbres Pass, there are dramatic views of plains, mountains, and all the natural beauty New Mexico has to offer.
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
Surprisingly, inside the Gila Cliff there is an unusual sight – 42 rooms in six caves built into the cliff by Mogollon Native Americans over 700 years ago. Indulge in beautiful views, expansive hiking offerings, and even hot springs while you learn more about this historic Indigenous siting.
The Very Large Array
Near Socorro, the Karl G Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) is a colossal radio astronomy observatory located on the Plains of San Agustin. This array is used to observe black holes and other wonders of outer space, and is a spectacle of human engineering and ingenuity.
Chaco Culture National Historic Park
Lastly, located northwest of Albuquerque, Chaco Culture park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you'll see a massive archaeological site of the early Indigenous Americas. Chaco Culture park was a major center for the Pueblo people hundreds of years ago. It consists of 15 enormous ruins surrounded by scores of smaller buildings.
Start Your New Mexico Adventure with Gifted Healthcare Today!
Become a Travel Nurse and start exploring the various outdoor adventures in New Mexico! Contact us today to begin your travel nursing journey with Gifted Healthcare!
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