National Landscapes in New Mexico

In New Mexico, the term "national landscapes" refers to a variety of federally protected lands, primarily national monuments, that safeguard significant natural and cultural features. These areas include volcanic escarpments, high-desert plains, and deep river gorges. This collection features 6 such designated areas, offering routes for hiking, cycling, and mountain biking.

The main national landscapes in New Mexico featured on this page are all national monuments. They include Petroglyph National Monument, known for its ancient rock carvings, and Bandelier National Monument, which protects rugged canyon and mesa country. Other notable areas are Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument and El Malpais National Monument.

The primary activities are human-powered and include hiking, cycling, and mountain biking. Across the 6 aggregated national landscapes, there are more than 240 routes available. Specific guides for Hiking in New Mexico and Cycling in New Mexico provide further details on routes within the state.

Bandelier National Monument offers over 30 hiking trails through its 33,000 acres of canyon and mesa country. The terrain is rugged, with routes leading to ancient cliff dwellings and petroglyphs. The area provides a variety of trails suitable for different skill levels, from short walks on the canyon floor to longer, more strenuous hikes on the mesas.

Petroglyph National Monument protects a 17-mile (27 km) volcanic escarpment containing thousands of ancient rock carvings. The main activities are hiking and jogging along trails that offer views of the petroglyphs. The monument also has routes suitable for road cycling and mountain biking in designated areas.

El Malpais National Monument is defined by a rugged volcanic landscape. The terrain consists of vast lava flows, cinder cones, and lava tube caves. Hiking is the primary activity, with trails crossing the unique and challenging volcanic features of the "badlands."

Yes, many national landscapes in New Mexico offer trails suitable for families and beginners. For example, Petroglyph National Monument has several shorter, relatively flat trails for viewing the rock carvings. For a wider selection of accessible routes, the Easy hikes in New Mexico guide lists various options across the state.

Spring and fall are generally the most favorable seasons for visiting New Mexico's national landscapes, offering moderate temperatures for outdoor activities. Summers can be very hot, especially in the lower elevation desert areas, while winters can bring snow and cold temperatures to higher elevations. Always check local conditions before planning an outing.

Across the 6 national landscapes, there are numerous routes for cycling. For example, Petroglyph National Monument has over 25 combined routes for road and touring bicycles. Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument also offers cycling routes across its high-desert plains. The Cycling in New Mexico guide provides a broader overview of options.

Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument is characterized by vast high-desert plains cut by the deep Rio Grande Gorge. The landscape also features several large volcanic cones. It offers a remote setting for hiking and cycling, with routes that explore the gorge rim and the surrounding sagebrush plains.

National landscapes, which on this page are national monuments, are designated to protect specific natural, cultural, or scientific features. In contrast, New Mexico's forests are much larger areas managed for multiple uses, including recreation, timber, and wildlife habitat, and often encompass a wider range of ecosystems from desert to alpine peaks.