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New Mexico

Looking for the best photography in New Mexico? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around New Mexico. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Photography Spots in and near New Mexico

  • Jemez Springs, New Mexico

    Hike at Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

    4.9
    3 mi
    Hiking at Tent Rocks is a must-do for anyone in the northern New Mexico area. It's an accessible trail that gives you incredible rewards with little effort. The cone-shaped "tent rocks" are the result of erosion following a volcanic explosion 6-7 million years ago, making for some incredible and ...
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  • Alamogordo, New Mexico

    Explore White Sands National Monument

    4.7
    The White Sands National Monument is one of the most surreal locations in the southwest. Located just north of Las Cruces, NM, White Sands is about a 45 minute drive from the city of Las Cruces. To access the park from any location, you'll take Route 70, and from Las Cruces it's one straight shot...
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  • Chamisal, New Mexico

    Hike to the Trampas Lakes in Carson National Forest

    4.9
    11 mi / 2400 ft gain
    This hike is worth its weight in gold. By far one of the most beautiful places in all of New Mexico. Located in the Carson National Forest, the options for camping are limitless. Did I mention this is ranked one of New Mexico's best hikes yet it rarely gets done. The potential for solitude is ver...
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  • Santa Fe, New Mexico

    Backpack to Lake Katherine in the Pecos Wilderness

    5.0
    16 mi / 1450 ft gain
    Accessible June through October, snow lingers on the trail late into the summer. This is a very popular, well-marked route so if it's solitude you're seeking, you'll probably be disappointed. At least on the weekend.The trailhead is at the parking lot for Ski Santa Fe. You'll climb from 10,250 to...
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  • Jemez Springs, New Mexico

    San Antonio Hot Springs

    4.6
    1.46 mi / 312 ft gain
    These hot springs are a short hike from the parking area along the top of Forest Service Road 376. I've added additional details below in the event that the road is closed due to seasonality or you prefer to stretch your legs for a significantly longer, yet scenic hike. The GPX track is displayin...
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  • Los Alamos, New Mexico

    Hike to Alcove House

    4.6
    2.2 mi / 140 ft gain
    Start your hike from the Visitor's Center and head out on the Main Loop Trail to begin. You can hike the loop in either direction, either first crossing the river across from the Visitor's Center or heading out from directly behind the Center. If you start from across the river, you'll begin with...
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  • Tularosa, New Mexico

    Camp at White Sands National Monument

    5.0
    1.5 mi / 40 ft gain
    Spend a night under the stars in one of the more beautiful places to take it all in. White Sands National Monument offers camping to “backpackers” who have the ability to hike out into the dunes to set up camp for an overnight adventure. The closest site will be .75 miles away while the farthest ...
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  • Abiquiu, New Mexico

    Hike to Chimney Rock at Ghost Ranch

    4.5
    3 mi / 600 ft gain
    Start your adventure by checking in at the Ghost Ranch Visitor Center, then find the trailhead just behind the building. You'll quickly drop down through an arroyo and then walk through a gate. The trail begins to climb briefly then flattens out with beautiful views across to Pedernal and the Pie...
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  • Santa Fe, New Mexico

    Hike to Nambé Lake

    4.0
    6.2 mi / 1800 ft gain
    Starting at the ski basin above Santa Fe, where parking is ample and the drive to reach it is staggeringly beautiful, you head north from the bottom of the parking lot from a well marked trailhead.  The climb starts right out of the gate, and at a starting altitude of 10,000 ft above sea level yo...
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  • Jemez Springs, New Mexico

    San Antonio Hot Springs via Thompson Ridge Route

    5.0
    2.66 mi / 469 ft gain
    Although you can reach these hot springs via the main trail in the winter, the Thompson Ridge route is a shorter option that comes in from above the springs rather than below. If you go in winter, you'll need winter route finding skills for the trail (there's no signage at any point) and an all w...
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  • Albuquerque, New Mexico

    Photograph the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

    5.0
    This is one of the most photographed festivals in the world. Professionals and amateurs gather here each year to take millions of photos, and your goal (albeit a difficult one) is to capture a unique perspective at this event. Something that conveys the particular emotion of what the balloon fest...
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  • Questa, New Mexico

    Camp at Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

    4.3
    2.4 mi / 800 ft gain
    Created in 2013 from partly existing public lands, The Rio Grande del Norte National Monument encompasses a large amount of land along the Rio Grande River from the Colorado border to south of Taos. Far from any major city, you'll likely enjoy trails to yourself in the morning and few other visit...
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  • Albuquerque, New Mexico

    Sandia Peak

    4.5
    / 10378 ft gain
    Start at the Sandia Mountain base terminal where you can purchase your tickets to ride the tram (Tip: If you make reservations at the peaks restaurant, High Finance, you can get a discount on your ticket). Enjoy the 15 minute ride to the peak while taking in beautiful city views of Albuquerque as...
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  • El Prado, New Mexico

    Photograph the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge

    4.6
    Completed in 1965, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is the seventh highest bridge in the United States. The design is a steel deck arch bridge than spans 1280 feet and sits 565 feet high. The bridge has sidewalks and viewpoints of the gorge on each side with parking at the Rio Grande Gorge Rest Area p...
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  • Ramah, New Mexico

    Explore the Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary

    5.0
    1 mi
    Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary is an incredible place that has 3 main focuses: rescue, sanctuary and care, and education. It's important to keep these in mind when visiting, but also when you're exploring elsewhere.As WSWS is a bit far from your typical town, I recommend preparing in advance if you a...
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  • 25 ABC Mesa road, New Mexico

    Hotel Luna Mystica & Starlight Campground

    5.0
    Located just Northwest of Taos, New Mexico you can find Hotel Luna Mystica. This is a one of a kind "hotel" site, which is just a site where you can rent out old but renovated trailers to stay in. Have you ever wanted to get a taste of the RV/Trailer life? this is the perfect place to do so. Loca...
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