Hidden Gems Places To Visit in New Mexico, United States

1. 5.0 New Wave Rafting (96 reviews)
   - Great fun, and post-COVID ready
   Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM River Rafting & Tubing • Self-Guided Tours & Rentals • Day Trips
   
   
   We had a BLAST on our whitewater rafting trip with New Wave in June 2020. They had just reopened following COVID restrictions, but had taken many proactive steps to make us feel safe and comfortable on our trip. They made accommodations so that my wife and I could have a trip by ourselves to further limit exposure. Our guide, Jesse, was very knowledgeable about the river and the ecology and geology that surrounds it. We did a morning run down the Racetrack course, which is not as intimidating as the name may have you believe. With a couple of good paddlers, a group of any rafting skill level could make it through in a relatively short time. We would heartily recommend a trip with New Wave if you're staying in the Santa Fe or Taos area. In our case, we stayed in Santa Fe, so drove up to the river, and after we finished, we continued the beautiful drive up to Taos and got lunch there before turning back towards our accommodations. See more..
   
2. 5.0 The Zuhl Museum (90 reviews)
   - Beautiful Rocks
   Thursday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
   
   
   The Zuhl Museum: Where Rocks Come Alive! Part art gallery, part natural history museum, the Zuhl collection at New Mexico State University showcases thousands of beautiful specimens of petrified wood, fossils and minerals. The Zuhl Collection contains petrified wood, fossils, rocks and minerals. The Zuhl Museum is easily accessible to local citizens, school groups and visitors to the university and southern New Mexico. New hours: Tuesday-Friday 12-4pm and Every Second Saturday of each month 12-4pm. See more..
   
3. 5.0 Turquoise Trout (87 reviews)
   - Come on New Mexicans - you don't want to miss this experience!
   Fishing Charters & Tours
   
   
   As New Mexicans with the CV-19 requirements to stay within New Mexico, we decided to explore The Turquoise Trout fishing guide services for a 1/2 day excursion -fishing for Trout at Eagle Nest Lake. The memories we gained that day are some of the best for our family time. We caught numerous trout, gained helpful - life time fishing instructions to include tips on fishing and cleaning, and even caught a Northern Pike. Jeremy certainly knows his business of top notch fishing guide. See more..
   
4. 5.0 Los Alamos Nature Center (87 reviews)
   - Bird viewing room
   Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Gardens
   
   
   Perched on a canyon with exceptional views of the Jemez Mountains, the Los Alamos Nature center is the perfect place to start your exploration of the spectacular Pajarito Plateau. The award-winning building is filled with interactive, hands-on exhibits including live animals, a large-scale 3D topo map of the plateau, a Children's Discovery Area, wildlife observation room, information about the formation of the Valles Caldera, a planetarium with star shows and full-dome feature films, and much more! Browse the demonstration gardens, get dirty in the nature play area, climb to the top of the Rotary Treehouse, find your next adventure on the Los Alamos Trails App (for iOS and Android). Explore local nature at the Naturalists' Desk, meet local critters, play on the model Pajarito Plateau for kids, put on a puppet show or cuddle up with a book in the Children's Discovery Area, or just relax on our comfy chairs and admire the breathtaking views from the floor-to-ceiling windows. See more..
   
5. 5.0 Ghost Ranch - O’Keeffe Landscape Tour (86 reviews)
   - Fantastic trail ride
   Ghost & Vampire Tours
   
   
   My mom and I went on a trail ride of beautiful Ghost Ranch with our amazing trail guide, Dustin! He was so knowledgeable and engaging as he shared stories about Georgia O’Keefe, Archuleta Brothers, paleontology, and surrounding geography. If you’re a first time rider, no fear! They will help you every step of the ride including demonstrations of how to mount/dismount and they even provide a saddle bag with water! The group stopped for pictures so we have mementos. Our ride went right by Georgia O’Keefe’s house and we could see the landscape that inspired some of her art. The horses were sweet and happy to show us their backyard. 100% recommend this ride and hopefully you are fortunate enough to ride with Dustin. Thanks Ghost Ranch Trail Rides! See more..
   
6. 5.0 Jemez Trail National Scenic Byway (85 reviews)
   - Beautiful Drive
   Scenic Drives
   
   
   We drove up into the hills above Los Alamos to see the fall colors. Once we got up to the Valles Caldera we decided to continue the loop drive and were really glad that we did. The drive has beautiful scenery all along the way, from beautiful fall colors, to the caldera valley, to the pine forests, to the red walls of the canyon near Jemez. See more..
   
7. 5.0 Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area (82 reviews)
   - Fun, Tranquility, and desserts!
   Ski & Snowboard Areas
   
   
   Enchanted Forest is New Mexico's largest and only full service cross country ski area. We offer a full rental shop, PSIA XC ski lessons, ski patrol, and snack bar, all at our comfy day lodge and lesson area. With 32 km of ski trails, and 18 km of snowshoe trails we offer plenty of terrain for anyone to have fun. We also offer Summer and Winter on trail yurt rentals. Ski or Snowshoe in the Winter, or Hike or Mt. Bike in the Summer. See more..
   
8. 5.0 Escapology Farmington (81 reviews)
   - A definite must if you love adventure and love puzzles. Fun alone or with multiple people.
   Thursday: 3:00 PM - 8:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games • Game & Entertainment Centers
   
   
   Farmington's premium real life escape game! Come and play one of our great games in a private team of 2-6 players. Search carefully for clues, solve the puzzles, unlock the locks and escape to freedom within 60 minutes! Located in the Animas Valley Mall, book online for best prices and like us on Facebook to see our regular promotions - or phone in for more information! See more..
   
9. 5.0 Norman Petty Studios (78 reviews)
   - Rock and Roll Legacy
   Historic Sites
   
   
   We had a personalized tour of the studio. Listening to the music and the history added to the ambiance. It was like a "Back to the Future" moment as if time stopped in the 50's. You could picture Buddy Holly eating in the kitchen and Norm doing his magic in what was considered a state of the art recording studio. When Holly performed in England, a young Paul McCartney recalls the tremendous impact it had on his life. Thanks to Ken Broad and living legend David Bigham of The Roses and his wife, for sharing their stories. It is noteworthy to mention a few blocks down the Studios is the Norm and Vi Petty Rock and Roll Museum which we had already visited. Much of the displays at the Museum were provided by Ken and David. You got to see both to appreciate the experience. See more..
   
10. 5.0 Acacia Riding Adventures (76 reviews)
    - Amazing Experience
    Thursday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Horseback Riding Tours
    
    
    The Most Fun You'll Ever Have On A Horse! ™Experience True Horse Riding Adventure !Canter to the top of a rocky mesa and marvel at the breathtaking views of New Mexico’s high desert rugged terrain. Splash through the sandy riverbeds of the Rio Grande or to the tops of pine scented vistas. Sign up for a sunset or full moon ride, or perhaps historic ghost towns intrigue you. We're the only stables to offers trotting, cantering, and galloping. Full BLM Access. See more..
    
11. 5.0 War Eagles Air Museum (75 reviews)
    - Awesome Museum!
    Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums • History Museums
    
    
    Aviation and Automobile museum located in Santa Teresa, NM just outside El Paso, TX. 64,000 square foot hangar located at the Dona Ana County Airport at Santa Teresa. See more..
    
12. 5.0 Lower Cave Tour (73 reviews)
    - Absolutely Phenomenal
    Sightseeing Tours
    
    
    We chose the Lower Cave Tour because it seemed like a good balance between time and difficulty. I went into it without great expectations but I was very pleasantly surprised by the experience. We did the Natural Entrance and King's Palace tours the day prior and both were decent but the paved paths gave everything a very staid, ho-hum quality. Don't get me wrong... the formations are beautiful and the history is fascinating but it could easily be a feature in a Disney park. The Lower Cave Tour is much different. You're descending on ropes and ladders, walking on the actual cave floor, without all the permanent lighting, observing the features from inches away and seeing the evidence of 120 years of exploration, not all of which has been kind to the cave. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and our guides (Rangers Andy and Kelly) were extremely knowledgeable and personable. Five stars doesn't seem like enough! See more..
    
13. 5.0 Wheeler Peak Wilderness Area (70 reviews)
    - 20 years of hikes, and its still a marvel - Pure Wilderness!
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    
    
    Located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountain range, this wilderness area includes Wheeler Peak, which is the highest point in New Mexico at 13,161 feet in height. See more..
    
14. 5.0 NRA Whittington Center (69 reviews)
    - Memorable Stay !
    Sports Complexes
    
    
    My husband and I were at Whittington for the first time last week, and it won't be the last! The staff was very friendly, (Thank you, Iris!), and our cabin accommodation was superb. My husband practiced at one of the pistol ranges. Due to the virus pandemic, the museum, library and cafeteria were closed, which was a disappointment. We bought our meals in Raton, which we then cooked up in the cabin. Scenery is spectacular - also visited the nearby Capulin Volcano National Monument. The NRA should do more to promote this place -- why isn't Whittington mentioned more frequently in its monthly magazines? See more..
    
15. 5.0 A Park Above (66 reviews)
    - Best public park we've seen
    Spent 1-2 hours Parks • Playgrounds
    
    
    I still can't believe this is a public park. We spent the whole afternoon and had some very tired and happy kiddos. There was something for all ages. Adaptive equipment available by appointment. The ground is squishy and covered with soft artificial grass. A great way to spend the day. See more..
    
16. 5.0 Wines of the San Juan (65 reviews)
    - Such beautiful scenery and fabulous wine.
    Wineries & Vineyards
    
    
    Wines of the San Juan vineyard, tasting room, and winery is an Arnold family business. We are a boutique winery, flourishing in the bosque of the San Juan River, offering a simple and relaxing atmosphere for those seeking a short escape or a new journey. Whether returning from a rugged canyon quest, day ride on a motorcycle, or fly-fishing adventure on the famous San Juan River, enjoy a trip to our family winery. See more..
    
17. 5.0 Casa Flamenca (63 reviews)
    - Loved every minute of it! Must see for Spanish Culture, and artist-Albuquerque night life.
    Thursday: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Theaters
    
    
    Casa Flamenca- A 501(c) (3) non profit organization, created Summer of 2010. MISSION Our mission is to create a vibrant, friendly community of individuals and artists who support the growth and development of world-class Flamenco art through programming and classes, for children through adults. Flamenco, a passionate and visceral art form, is a way of life. One must immerse in it to really understand it. Here in Casa Flamenca, although far from Flamenco’s birth place, we create an environment that encourages our students to immerse themselves in our unique cultural community. We create events and programming that allow them be part of this amazing art form. We welcome you to our home of Flamenco, Casa Flamenca. See more..
    
18. 5.0 Wheeler Peak (62 reviews)
    - Rocky Mountain High!
    Hiking Trails
    
    
    An extremely challenging, eight to ten mile hike (one way). See more..
    
19. 5.0 OrigamiintheGarden (61 reviews)
    - Seriously - a Site to See
    Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent 1-2 hours Gardens • Art Museums
    
    
    CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC UNTIL SUMMER 2023, due to very exciting news! ORIGAMIINTHEGARDEN is traveling, after building a new, even larger exhibit for Atlanta Botanical Garden for 2022. This sculpture garden will reopen in 2023. Thank you for your time and understanding! See more..
    
20. 5.0 Dukatt ’71 (60 reviews)
    - Excellent Products and Amazing Customer Service
    Speciality & Gift Shops
    
    
    If you need Tie Dye Dukatt '71 is your guy! Call Jeff at (575) 894-9088 to get your Tie Dye works of art. If he doesnt have it on hand, he will go to his other location and search for it. If that doesn't work, he will custom design it. He can even add text images on the items. And the best part, every item has his signature. Buy your work of art now so you too can join the "Antler club" photo gallery. See more..
    
21. 5.0 Victory Ranch (60 reviews)
    - A Delightful Afternoon at the Alpaca Ranch
    Thursday: Spent 1-2 hours Ranches
    
    
    We open for the summer on May 3, 2019. Come see us for your alpaca experience! 10am to 4pm Tours at 11, 1, and 3 See more..
    
22. 5.0 Flying J Ranch (59 reviews)
    - Would be A Truly Great and Satisfying Meal and Evening at TWICE to Price!!!
    Thursday: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Theatre & Performances
    
    
    We can not enter one Favorite! We have been blessed to visit the Flying J Ranch and Wranglers many, many times in the last 25 or 30 years. We live in Albuquerque but make the trip to Alto every chance we get. Even if it is for just 2 or 3 days we always feel we have been on a wonderful mini vacation! The Food, the Entertainment, the entire Crew, the Setting - location - are all well above ANY reproach!!! On top of that These people have, without fail, every time we have ever seen them, whether at their Ranch or the numerous times we have seen them on "The Road" Payed Honor to the USA, our military members ( passed and present) or law enforcers and all first defenders!!!! They also start their Show with a prayer for those people and everyone in the audience! We don't know of any other place we would prefer to take our family and friends for Great Clean Fun, Food and Music than Flying J Ranch!!!! See more..
    
23. 5.0 Chetro Ketl (55 reviews)
    - Got to Walk To This
    Historic Sites
    
    
    This is about a half mile walk from Pueblo Bonito but is well worth it. The Kiva here is larger than the one in the main village. the ruins don't look as inspiring from the parking lot but they are indeed fascinating. On your way back to Pueblo Bonito there is some pictographs for you to look at. See more..
    
24. 5.0 X-Treme-Lee Fun Balloon Adventures (55 reviews)
    - Must do in NM
    Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Balloon Rides
    
    
    Came here all the way from Chicago with my husband. Highly recommend bill Lee as a pilot and his crew was super friendly too. I am terrified of heights and bill made me feel very comfortable. There was a lot of communication leading up to the flight and the flight was super smooth. He would walk us through what he was doing and point out the history of the gorgeous scenery. This was truly a phenomenal experience. See more..
    
25. 5.0 Concho Hills Guest Ranch (46 reviews)
    - Best Bucket List Checkoff to Date
    Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Ranches
    
    
    Nestled in the foothills of New Mexico's San Mateo Mountains, award winning Concho Hills Guest Ranch offers a true west ranch vacation. Our guests praise our horseback experiences, family atmosphere, ranching activities, historical tours and fantastic scenery! Our all–inclusive rate includes your accommodation, family-style meals, and "cowboy life" activities. Located in one of the Southwest United States' most picturesque and historic areas, there is lots to do both in and out of the saddle. Here you will “ride a horse” instead of “going for a ride on a horse.” You can visit where the Paleo-Indians and later Indians lived, the Spanish Conquistadors and settlers explored and named the nearby village Magdalena. This is where the wild west existed...where the Apache wars were fought and where western icons like Elfego Baca, Captain Jack Crawford, and the Apache Kid actually rode! If you want to lend a hand with our chores or just relax, we can accommodate your ranch vacation desires. See more..
    
26. 5.0 Columbine Trail (46 reviews)
    - Easy trail and great for beginner hikers
    Hiking Trails
    
    
    Approximately five miles one-way, this is a scenic and moderate-rated trail that leads hikers along a river and through meadows. See more..
    
27. 5.0 Veterans Memorial Park (43 reviews)
    - Impressive and sobering
    Spent 1-2 hours Parks
    
    
    When traveling we always make it a point to visit a Veteran’s Memorial. This one is by far the most impressive we’ve seen. It focused on every branch of the military and beyond. The Bataan Memorial was very touching as well. There’s also BBQ grills, picnic tables and a large playing field that overlooks the valley -just watch out for snakes. Kudos to all who implemented such a lovely Memorial. See more..
    
28. 5.0 About Trout Fly Fishing (42 reviews)
    - James is all About Trout and a great client experience
    Nature & Wildlife Tours
    
    
    James is so knowledgeable and really cares about his clients. The San Juan is a technical tailwater and I fish it frequently. James taught me a lot in my two days floating with him. We caught a ton of beautiful rainbows and browns, including my personal best pictured here! BOOK HIM! You will have so much fun. See more..
    
29. 5.0 Float Los Alamos (39 reviews)
    - Beautiful experience overall!
    Thursday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Spas
    
    
    Do you need to get away from life's stresses? Do you suffer from chronic pain, fatigue or arthritis? Are you having trouble sleeping, feeling anxious or depressed? Are you pregnant and uncomfortable? The float is designed to reduce and remove external stimuli allowing you to reach deep awareness and relaxation...your muscle tension, joint pain and discomfort will melt away. Come float with us today! See more..
    
30. 5.0 Luca decor (39 reviews)
    - Superb Canyon Road Art Gallery
    Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries
    
    
    Luca decor art gallery is located on the world famous Canyon Road, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. A unique collection of sculptural and functional art for the home and garden. Offering hand woven rugs, furniture, paintings, copper mirrors, fish lamps, chandeliers, magnetic interactive art, stone furniture, and outdoor garden lanterns. Featuring Mark White Kinetic Wind Sculptures. See more..
    
31. 5.0 Off the Beaten Path (34 reviews)
    - Beautiful selection of art
    Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops
    
    
    Wonderful shop filled with an array of hand-crafted products. Owners are very helpful and available for questions and suggestions. Take a couple laps around to see what you missed the 1st time around. Very pleasant and welcoming atmosphere. See more..
    
32. 5.0 Tall Pines Beer and Wine Garden (33 reviews)
    - Great Spot to Drink and Chill
    Spent 1-2 hours Wine Bars
    
    
    Midtown Ruidoso's newest Lounge featuring a huge outdoor patio with two fire pits, heated glass tables with cozy indoor seating. Family and dog friendly. Enjoy New Mexico's best wine and beer selection. See more..
    
33. 5.0 The Couse-Sharp Historic Site (32 reviews)
    - Good historical and cultural background of Taos art
    Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    Docent was very informative about the artists and the Taos society of artists and even the son had an amazing mechanical shop and 1940 mobile repair for airplanes. We easily spent 1.5 hours there at no charge but they do appreciate an donation to keep foundation going for the up and coming artists they are trying to educate and help. The artwork shown was from Sharp, Couse and Gene Kloss as well. I'm generally not an art type person but found it very interesting. See more..
    
34. 5.0 Casa Abril Vineyards & Winery Tasting Room (32 reviews)
    - Best Winery Visit Ever!
    Wineries & Vineyards
    
    
    We had Raymond (the owner) all to ourselves for our tasting. What an education we received! He is personable, funny & so informative! We were able to take our time & just soak in the experience. Almonds & chocolates to clear your palate in between tastings, what's not to love! Gorgeous view as well. See more..
    
35. 5.0 Raton Museum (30 reviews)
    - I Never Knew
    Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Speciality Museums
    I have driven past Raton for decades but finally decided to stop and visit. I am glad I did. The Raton Museum is packed full of all sorts of history. Roger, who grew up in Raton, will take you through all of it in 1 1/2 hours or you can just browse on your own. I will be back to see more of Raton. See more..
    
36. 5.0 Rustic Essentials Soap Company (30 reviews)
    - Safe, friendly, family oriented
    Thursday: 11:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops
    
    
    Artisan soaps made by hand on site! Made with all natural ingredients, using essentials oils! We do carry Natural soaps scented with fragrance too! We also carry Body Butters, Beard Oils, Bath Bombs, Goat Milk Soap, Beer Soap, Essential Oil Rollers and Wine Soap See more..
    
37. 5.0 Angel Fire Bike Park (29 reviews)
    - totally awesome
    Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent 2-3 hours Biking Trails
    
    
    Angel Fire Bike Park is the largest Bike Park in the Rocky Mountains and has been voted Best in the Southwest by MTBparks.com 7 years in a row! Come experience our 2,000 vertical feet, 60 miles of purpose built lift-served terrain featuring the best skinnies, jump lines, manicured flow and super chunk trails the United States has to offer. See more..
    
38. 5.0 Shuler Theater (29 reviews)
    - jewel of raton
    Theaters
    
    
    This is the best place in raton to enjoy a theater performance, form music to live theater. The acoustics are amazing. I actually like siting in the balcony for the bet sound! See more..
    
39. 5.0 Centinela Traditional Arts (29 reviews)
    - Stunning Weaving Studio and Gallery
    Thursday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops
    
    
    Centinela Traditional Arts is a tapestry gallery located in Chimayo, New Mexico, specializing in hand woven tapestry wool products using natural dyes, custom-dyed yarns, handspun yarns, and the traditional Chimayo and Rio Grande weaving styles. The weaving gallery is run by Irvin and Lisa Trujillo, who are award-winning weavers whose work has been shown in museums worldwide, including the Smithsonian. The tapestry gallery also represents several other talented weavers. See more..
    
40. 5.0 Hollywick Farms (28 reviews)
    - Up Close and Personal with Alpacas
    Spent 1-2 hours Farms
    
    
    Hollywick Farms is a working alpaca farm located at nearly 7,000 feet in the Sandia Mountains, just off the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway, a short drive from the majestic Sandia Crest , the Sandia Peak Ski Area, the Tinkertown Museum and the historic mining towns of Golden and Madrid. Get up close and personal with our alpacas and shop for luxurious products made from their fiber. See more..
    
41. 5.0 Trujillo's Weaving Shop (28 reviews)
    - Fantastic, spend some time here even if you don't plan to spend some money!!
    Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality & Gift Shops
    
    
    We are a family business manufacturers of handwoven Spanish Colonial textile products. Our address is: 814 State Road 76 Chimayo, NM 87522 We currently do not have a website. Your listing is incorrect. Please make these changes. Thank you, Carlos Trujillo Owner TRUJILLO'S WEAVING SHOP See more..
    
42. 5.0 Penny Park (26 reviews)
    - Great for all ages
    Playgrounds
    
    
    This little park is a gem in downtown Silver City. There is equipment for every age group and it's all in good condition. There is a covered area with picnic tables, shade trees, and restrooms. We often stop here on a day when we have lots of errands to do in Silver City and need a few minutes for the adults to unwind and the kids to burn off some energy. We've been many times, but the kids still get excited about a stop here. See more..
    
43. 5.0 Sundance Aviation Glider Rides (25 reviews)
    - Up Up UP
    Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Game & Entertainment Centers
    
    
    Sundance Aviation is located in Moriarty New Mexico and has been operational since 1994. We offer glider rides. We also serve as a flight school and offer instruction in either gliders or our Cessna 172. We offer three main types of glider rides: fifteen minutes, half an hour, or forty-five minutes. We also offer acrobatic rides. Each glider flight begins with an aerotow where you and a pilot will be towed aloft by another airplane. The glider will release at altitude, and the remainder of the flight will be spent silently soaring with the raptors. Each flight is guaranteed to be a spectacular experience. If your interested in obtaining either a glider rating, or a private pilots license gives us a call, and we would be happy to answer any questions. There is a 250 pound weight limits on the three main types of glider rides, and a 200 pound weight limit on the aerobatic ride. Hope to see you out here! See more..
    
44. 5.0 Solano's Boot & Western Wear (24 reviews)
    - Great place with great prices
    Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops • Architectural Buildings
    
    
    Family owned and operated since 1956, Solano's Boot & Western Wear provides quality western boots, apparel, and service for the entire family. We've come to learn a thing or two in the past 65 years about what it means to live the western lifestyle, and we're ready to get you into the gear you need for the miles to come. Stop in and meet the family, admire the unique decor, and peruse our "Hat Cemetery" - the largest collection of authentic used western hats in the world. We look forward to meeting you! See more..
    
45. 5.0 Hall of The White Giant (23 reviews)
    - Highlight of 11 day vacation
    Geologic Formations
    
    
    Only the truly adventurous ( and fit ) should consider this four-hour guided tour of one of Carlsbad Caverns' most captivating caves. Involves crawling through tight spaces, walking on slippery surfaces and getting dirty. See more..
    
46. 5.0 Capulin Country Store (23 reviews)
    - Pretty awesome country store!
    Speciality & Gift Shops
    
    
    Right off the highway and a cool stop in Capulin; ok, the only stop in Capulin. There is really cool local stuff including Native American vibes and antiques. The owner is nice and is willing to chat. Restrooms available only for paying customers. The store is for sale if you are looking for a business venture within view of the Capulin volcano. Super cool stop for great New Mexico local items and souvenirs. See more..
    
47. 5.0 Glorieta Zip Tour: The High Five (22 reviews)
    - Best zip line I have ever been on
    Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks
    
    
    It is five stages, hence the name. On one, you’ll accelerate to about 45 mph as you cross an about 400 foot depression beneath. For certain, you will enjoy it. See more..
    
48. 5.0 Artesia Public Library (20 reviews)
    - Great library
    Thursday: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM Libraries
    
    
    The modern Artesia Public Library supports life long learning, advances knowledge creation, and strengthens its community. It provides the tools and resources to support creativity, research, and problem-solving while asking and answering questions that challenge patron assumptions. Both the physical and virtual library spaces encourage patrons to engage with information, process it, reflect on it, have conversations about it, and develop new ideas. The Artesia Public Library is such a library; bringing people, information, and ideas together to create opportunities. See more..
    
49. 5.0 Tucumcari Ranch Supply (20 reviews)
    - A fun place with great BBQ.
    Thursday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Speciality & Gift Shops
    
    
    This is a really cool place. It's a combination of a souvenir shop, BBQ restaurant, supply shop and museum. Owned by the nicest people, it was really fun to stop and check it out. We looked around, took some pics, bought a couple of things, and picked up some delicious brisket for the road. Excellent food...super BBQ sauce! Definitely a must see if you're checking out the town. Lot's of cool old tractors and signs to see outside too. See more..
    
50. 4.5 Perry Null Trading Company (100 reviews)
    - Best trading post
    Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality & Gift Shops
    
    
    After visiting more than a dozen trading posts and vendors of Native American crafts in the past week or so, I've concluded that Perry Null is by far the best. There is no kitsch here; only top quality jewelry, rugs, baskets, belts and other goods. The staff is terrific. I was assisted by a young woman who was very knowledgeable about the items that interested me. When I asked a question that she couldn't answer, she got an answer for me from another staff member who had greater expertise. You can learn a lot about Native crafts and artists here and pick up some good quality pieces. The prices are fair and about the best you will find. They also have some merchandise that you won't find anywhere else. I will definitely come back . See more..
    

What's a Hidden gem?

We call places hidden gems that are new, extremely good, but are not that popular yet - you should check them out. The criteria is to have a rating of 4.5 or more and more than 20 reviews and less than 100 reviews.