50 Interesting & Fun Facts About New Mexico State to Discover

18 min read

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A lit-up skyline of concrete buildings surrounded by trees, against an evening sky
New Mexico is full of fun facts and has amazing places to see, like Albuquerque

Known for its vast desert landscapes and scenic mountains, New Mexico is a beautiful and fascinating place. This southwestern state is full of Native American history and culture, as well as many historical and famous landmarks.

New Mexico is a place you can learn about ancient cultures, Old West outlaws, and follow the tracks of dinosaurs. The state is also home to rare gypsum fields, immersive art experiences, Breaking Bad, and the world's largest enchilada!

From the sky-high city of Santa Fe to the Hot Air Balloon Capital of the World, Albuquerque, there is so much to learn about New Mexico. Here are 50 interesting and fun facts about New Mexico state!

50 New Mexico State Facts

  1. New Mexico Fun Facts
    1. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the world's largest balloon event
    2. New Mexico is known as "The Land of Enchantment"
    3. Carlsbad Caverns National Park is home to hundreds of thousands of bats
    4. White Sands National Monument is the largest Gypsum Desert in the world
    5. New Mexico is known for the best chile peppers
    6. The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is the second-highest highway bridge in the nation
    7. Capulin Volcano is over 60,000 years old
    8. New Mexico is home to more balloonists than any other state
    9. The Greater Roadrunner is New Mexico's state bird
    10. A restaurant in New Mexico holds the title of the world's largest enchilada
    11. New Mexico has over 50 wineries
    12. The Rio Grande Gorge is 800 feet deep
    13. New Mexico State University developed chile peppers that were grown in space
    14. The Sandia Peak Tramway is the longest aerial tramway in the US
    15. New Mexico is at the forefront of immersive art exhibits
  2. Interesting Facts About New Mexico
    1. New Mexico is home to 23 tribes of Native Americans
    2. Bandelier National Monument is one of the oldest and largest monuments in New Mexico
    3. New Mexico is part of the famous Four Corners Monument
    4. The KiMo Theater is one of Albuquerque's oldest theaters
    5. New Mexico is home to the abandoned coal mining town of Hagan
    6. The state is home to the thousand-year-old village of Taos Pueblo
    7. New Mexico shares the Red Bluff Reservoir with Texas
    8. The New Mexico state tree is the Pinyon Pine
    9. Wheeler Peak is the highest point in the state
    10. The New Mexico State Flower is the Yucca flower
  3. Scary Facts About New Mexico
    1. The Double Eagle is New Mexico's haunted restaurant
    2. St. James Hotel was the site of 26 murders
    3. The La Posada Hotel is home to the famous ghost of Julia Staab
    4. Dawson Cemetery is known as one of the most haunted places in New Mexico
    5. The Maria Teresa Restaurant is home to a "piano-playing ghost"
  4. Facts About New Mexico History
    1. New Mexico was once known as "Santa Fe de Nuevo México"
    2. Infamous Gunslinger Doc Holliday had a saloon in New Mexico
    3. The Los Alamos National Laboratory was a top-secret nuclear facility in the 1940s
    4. New Mexico was the 47th state to be added to the Union
    5. The first atomic bomb was detonated at the White Sands Missile Range
  5. Cool Facts About New Mexico
    1. You can see dinosaur tracks in New Mexico
    2. Albuquerque is known as the "Ballooning Capital of the World"
    3. Actress Demi Moore is from Roswell, New Mexico
    4. A boy named Bobby, from Albuquerque, became the youngest person to fly an air balloon
    5. New Mexico has a one-of-a-kind traveling landmark
  6. Weird Facts About New Mexico
    1. New Mexico is home to the quirky space alien-themed town of Roswell
    2. The "Breaking Bad" house had to install fencing due to pizzas being thrown at it
    3. New Mexico is home to a second Las Vegas
    4. Sandia National Laboratories recreated authentic dinosaur sounds using CT technology
    5. There's an ice cave in New Mexico
  7. Important Facts About New Mexico
    1. Albuquerque is the most populated city in New Mexico
    2. The Zia Sun Symbol is the most recognized symbol in the state
    3. Santa Fe is the oldest and highest state capital in the nation
    4. Acoma Pueblo is the "oldest continuously inhabited community in the United States"
    5. Part of New Mexico is in the Chihuahuan Desert

Show all

New Mexico Fun Facts

A boardwalk on a white desert with scattered green bushes under a partly cloudy sky
The largest Gypsum Desert in the world is the White Sands National Monument
paulbradyphoto/Depositphotos.com
Multi-color hot air balloons flying over water against green trees
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is held every October

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the world's largest balloon event

Topping the list of fun New Mexico facts is the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta! Every October, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is held in its namesake city and draws in over 750,000 spectators. It spans nine days and is the world's largest hot-air balloon event.

Hundreds of colorful hot air balloons fill the air, and several special events and competitions take place. In addition to the balloons, there are festivals, food, music, and other entertainment.

paulbradyphoto/Depositphotos.com
A yellow sign with "Welcome to New Mexico, Land of Enchantment" along a grassy road
New Mexico has earned the nickname of "Land of Enchantment" due to its scenic beauty

New Mexico is known as "The Land of Enchantment"

New Mexico is a land of diverse beauty. From colorful rocky landscapes to vast deserts, there is so much picturesque scenery throughout the state. This, coupled with its unique history and rich culture, resulted in the New Mexico nickname the "Land of Enchantment."

A semi-circle of wide steps made of rocks, leading downwards to a cave
More than 200,000 bats roost in the caves of Carlsbad Caverns Park during summer

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is home to hundreds of thousands of bats

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a top tourist destination in New Mexico with extraordinary caves. Inside these caves dwells the migratory Brazilian free-tailed bat. At sunset, visitors gather to watch one of the most spectacular displays of nature the park is known for, the emerging of the bats.

Experts estimate that between 200,000 and 500,000 bats roost in the cave during the summer, reaching more than a million during migration. The sight of them emerging each night at sunset to feed is one of the top draws to Carlsbad Caverns.

White sand dunes with hazy mountains at the far back, under a partly cloudy sky
White Sands National Monument has 275 square miles of white gypsum sand

White Sands National Monument is the largest Gypsum Desert in the world

One of the best fun facts on New Mexico pertains to White Sands National Monument. The 275 square miles of sparkling white gypsum sand at White Sands National Monument is the largest of its kind in the world. These iconic white dunes are now a protected National Park and one of the most visited and photographed places in New Mexico.

New Mexico is known for the best chile peppers

A staple in delicious New Mexican cuisine, chile peppers are New Mexico's specialty! First grown centuries ago by indigenous cultures throughout New Mexico, the chile pepper has evolved into many varieties and is used in many ways. From burritos to enchiladas and sometimes even dessert, chiles are prominent in New Mexico's dishes.

A steel deck arch bridge over a gorge under an evening sky
The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge was constructed in the 20th century

The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is the second-highest highway bridge in the nation

At a whopping 650 feet in the air, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is the second-highest bridge that's part of the US highway system. The bridge was constructed in the 1960s and has been a scenic point ever since. The bridge offers stunning views of the mile-wide Rio Grande Gorge.

Capulin Volcano is over 60,000 years old

Located in the Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field in Northeastern New Mexico, the Capulin Volcano developed around 60,000 years ago. Its last eruption was over tens of thousands of years ago, and it is scientifically considered extinct. Now a National Monument, the Capulin Volcano and its surrounding lands have become popular hiking destinations.

New Mexico is home to more balloonists than any other state

It's no surprise, with New Mexico being home to the "Ballooning Capital of the World," that the state has the most resident balloonists. It's one of the fun facts of New Mexico state!

Albuquerque alone has over 300 balloonists, and others live in neighboring cities. The annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta also brings in hundreds more balloon pilots from around the world.

A brown and grey bird with black hair on its head on dry yellow ground
The Greater Roadrunner was given the title of New Mexico state bird in 1949

The Greater Roadrunner is New Mexico's state bird

The Greater Roadrunner has been an admired creature in New Mexico for hundreds of years. It has spiritual and cultural symbolism to the state and is most commonly seen running alongside roads and trails. In 1949, the Greater Roadrunner was officially awarded the title of New Mexico state bird.

A restaurant in New Mexico holds the title of the world's largest enchilada

In 2014, Roberto's Mexican Restaurant in Las Cruces, New Mexico, participated in the Whole Enchilada Fiesta event, where they broke the world record for the largest enchilada. Over 100 volunteers prepared the enchilada, which was over 10 feet long. The monster enchilada included 750 pounds of corn flour and 75 gallons of chile sauce.

New Mexico has over 50 wineries

While most people don't think of New Mexico as a "wine country," they are surprised to learn that the state has an abundance of wineries. Coupled with its gorgeous landscapes, New Mexico's wine scene can hold its own against Napa Valley!

The first vineyards were planted over 400 years ago in New Mexico. Today, there are over 50 vineyards, wineries, tasting rooms, and distilleries for visitors to enjoy.

The Rio Grande Gorge is 800 feet deep

The Rio Grande Gorge is a vast, 800-foot deep gorge formed by geological activity over millions of years ago. At the base of the gorge sits the Rio Grande River. It is one of the most scenic places in New Mexico and is registered as a National Monument.

New Mexico State University developed chile peppers that were grown in space

New Mexico State University has a team of NASA scientists dedicated to growing plants in space. They've been carefully experimenting and curating plants over the years that show promise. In 2021, the first successful chile plant was grown aboard the International Space Station thanks to the research done at NMSU.

A mountain with green and autumn trees with a cable car wire overhead
Sandia Peak tram rises to an elevation of 10,378 feet above the ground

The Sandia Peak Tramway is the longest aerial tramway in the US

At 2.7 miles long across the Sandia Mountains, the Sandia Peak Tramway is the longest passenger tramway in the country. The tram also rises to an elevation of 10,378 feet and dazzles its passengers with stunning mountain views. The tramway carries hundreds of passengers a day to Sandia Peak.

New Mexico is at the forefront of immersive art exhibits

Starting with the legendary Meow Wolf Gallery in 2008, New Mexico has been a leader in the immersive art scene. Full-scale, walk-through art installations with unique characteristics have been taking over in recent years. The iconic original Meow Wolf has now grown to 3 locations and continues to be a host for unique immersive art exhibits.

Interesting Facts About New Mexico

A wooden ladder leading to a hole in an ancient cave-like wall
One of the oldest and largest monuments in New Mexico is Bandelier National Monument

New Mexico is home to 23 tribes of Native Americans

The lands of New Mexico were home to Native Americans long before anyone else. Centuries of colonization tried to erase much of the history and culture of these native tribes, but many of them endured. There are currently 23 active tribes in New Mexico, each with its sovereign government and way of life.

Inside an ancient dwelling with a round old artifact against trees outside
Bandelier National Monument is home to artifacts that are over 11,000 years old

Bandelier National Monument is one of the oldest and largest monuments in New Mexico

With artifacts dating over 11,000 years and an area measuring more than 33,000 acres, Bandelier National Monument is one of the oldest and largest in the state. These preserved lands are home to ruins of ancient cities, petroglyphs, and important plant and animal life.

A round monument on the floor with text: New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah
Four Corners Monument is the point where New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah meet

New Mexico is part of the famous Four Corners Monument

Another interesting fact about New Mexico is the Four Corners Monument. Visitors come to stand at the exact place where the states of New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah meet. The Four Corners Monument resides on tribal lands. It is part of the Navajo Nation Reservation in San Juan County.

The KiMo Theater is one of Albuquerque's oldest theaters

Built in 1927 and designated as part of the National Register of Historic Places, the iconic KiMo Theater is one of Albuquerque's oldest theaters. Admired for its unique Pueblo Deco architecture, KiMo Theater is one of the most famous examples of this rare style. The KiMo is still operational and hosts many events to this day.

New Mexico is home to the abandoned coal mining town of Hagan

In the early 1900s, Hagan was an up-and-coming coal mining town with hundreds of new sites being plotted out for residents. By the 1930s, the town's coal production ceased, and it was abandoned along with all of its buildings, coal plants, and partially constructed railroad. Hagan is no longer on the map, and the ruins are only accessible through private jeep tours.

Ancient dwellings with blue doors against mountains under a partly cloudy sky
Taos Pueblo, a thousand-year-old village, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The state is home to the thousand-year-old village of Taos Pueblo

Taos Pueblo is a thousand-year-old village currently home to about 150 Tao Tribal members. Made up of adobe pueblos constructed sometime between 1,000 and 1,450 AD, the village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The village spans over 99,000 acres and is governed by its tribal council. The history of Taos Pueblo is one of the most interesting historical facts about New Mexico.

New Mexico shares the Red Bluff Reservoir with Texas

The Red Bluff Reservoir sits on the Pecos River about 40 miles north of Pecos, Texas. The two states share the reservoir for hydroelectric power and crop irrigation. Both states also use The Red Bluff Reservoir for water recreation and fishing.

The New Mexico state tree is the Pinyon Pine

Pinyon Pines grow throughout the southwest and are the official New Mexico state tree. Most revered for their special pine nuts, the edible nuts produced by the Pinyon Tree have been a Native American staple food for centuries. Pinyon nuts are also commonly used in New Mexican cuisine.

A pathway winding through a mountain covered with green trees on a partly cloudy day
Wheeler Peak is the highest point in the state

Wheeler Peak is the highest point in the state

Towering over the Sangre De Cristo mountain range at 13,161 feet, Wheeler Peak is the highest mountain in New Mexico. The peak was named after United States Army Major George Wheeler. Wheeler was a land surveyor in New Mexico in the 1870s.

The New Mexico State Flower is the Yucca flower

New Mexico is home to many species of yucca, often seen growing in lower-elevation areas. The plant has had various uses throughout history, including making soap and twine. In 1927, the Yucca flower was designated as the New Mexico State Flower.

Scary Facts About New Mexico

sepavone/Depositphotos.com
A street with a car and lit-up shops on each side against a mountain at night
New Mexico is home to many scary sites, including haunted restaurants and cemeteries

The Double Eagle is New Mexico's haunted restaurant

Featured on the Travel Channel's "Ghost Adventures," the Double Eagle is New Mexico's famous haunted restaurant. Built as a home over a century ago, The Double Eagle is reportedly plagued by the ghosts of young lovers that were killed in the house.

Armando's mother allegedly killed Armando and Inez after forbidding them to be together. Reports of ghostly sightings and strange happenings have occurred in the room where they were killed. Paranormal investigators have reported findings in the room.

St. James Hotel was the site of 26 murders

The historic and allegedly haunted St. James Hotel in Cimarron, New Mexico, was the site of 26 murders in its infamous Old West days. Notorious Old West outlaws like Jesse James and Black Jack Ketchum have come through the St. James hotel, leaving a barrage of bullets in their wake.

The events that happened at the St. James Hotel are among the most creepy historical facts about New Mexico. Bullet holes still adorn the ceiling of the hotel's dining room, and many believe the hotel is haunted by the ghosts of men who died there.

The La Posada Hotel is home to the famous ghost of Julia Staab

Legendary in Santa Fe folklore, the La Posada hotel has been the site of many alleged Julia Staab hauntings. It has been featured on shows like "Unsolved Mysteries" and at the center of other paranormal investigations.

Julia Staab was the matriarch of the mansion that now serves as the La Posada Hotel. Over the years, multiple staff members have reported ghostly sightings that match Julia's description. The hotel now prides on her as their "resident spirit" and honors her with "The Julia, A Spirited Restaurant & Bar."

Dawson Cemetery is known as one of the most haunted places in New Mexico

In the early 1900s, Dawson was a booming coal mining town until disaster struck in 1913 with a major explosion that killed 263 miners. Sadly, ten years later, another explosion occurred, killing 121 miners. But the entire town didn't die until the mine closed in 1950. All that remains is a cemetery.

The Dawson Cemetery is believed to be one of the most haunted places in New Mexico. Curious visitors have reported seeing strange figures wearing helmets that resemble mining gear.

The Maria Teresa Restaurant is home to a "piano-playing ghost"

Originally built in the 1700s, the historic Maria Teresa Restaurant is said to be haunted by multiple ghosts. The staff has reported strange occurrences over the years including the piano playing on its own and shadowy figures.

There have even been reports of waitstaff quitting over some of the occurrences. Since the restaurant closed down in 2004, its new owners, Hotel Albuquerque, have not experienced any paranormal activity.

Facts About New Mexico History

A round creme concrete building with a white-columned entrance under a blue sky
New Mexico was officially signed into statehood on January 6th, 1912

New Mexico was once known as "Santa Fe de Nuevo México"

Long before its statehood and even before it was part of Mexican Territory, New Mexico was a colony of New Spain. The 16th and 17th centuries brought a wave of Spanish explorers, eventually establishing the area as a colonial province.

This was known as "Santa Fe de Nuevo México". Clashes between Native Americans and Spanish colonizers eventually led to the Pueblo Revolt of the late 1600s.

Infamous Gunslinger Doc Holliday had a saloon in New Mexico

Before his days of joining up with the famous Wyatt Earp at the OK Corral, Doc Holliday had a saloon in Las Vegas, New Mexico. It was at his saloon in 1879 that Doc had his first shoot-out with an angry patron.

Later shootings were also reported before he abandoned the saloon the following year as he descended into an outlaw. The exact whereabouts of Doc Holliday's saloon is one of the most disputed of New Mexico's facts.

The Los Alamos National Laboratory was a top-secret nuclear facility in the 1940s

Founded during WWII, the Los Alamos National Laboratory was a top-secret federal government facility designed to develop nuclear weapons. It was part of the Manhattan Project that led to the first atomic bomb.

After the war, the lab became declassified and has served many other research and development purposes over the years. Today, the laboratory works on all kinds of scientific, environmental, and medical advancements.

New Mexico was the 47th state to be added to the Union

On January 6th, 1912, New Mexico was officially signed into statehood by President William Taft. It was the 47th state to be added to the Union and was quickly followed by Arizona becoming the 48th state a month later. The New Mexico State Motto is "Crescit eundo," Latin for "it grows as it goes."

An open field with multiple missile exhibits under a partly cloudy sky
The testing site at the White Sands Missile Range is now a National Historic Landmark

The first atomic bomb was detonated at the White Sands Missile Range

On July 16th, 1945, the first atomic bomb was detonated at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. The bomb, codenamed Trinity, was part of the Manhattan Project during WWII to develop nuclear weapons. The testing site is now a national historic landmark.

Cool Facts About New Mexico

adifferentbrian/Depositphotos.com
A steam train winding through a hilly area with green grass and trees
The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad provides a majestic 64-mile adventure

You can see dinosaur tracks in New Mexico

Clayton Lake State Park in northeast New Mexico is home to over 800 fossilized dinosaur tracks. Believed to be over 100 million years old, these tracks are preserved in the fossilized mud of an ancient waterway. Visitors come from all over to see these miraculously preserved dinosaur tracks.

Multi-colored hot air balloons flying over a town with buildings, cars and greenery
Albuquerque houses hundreds of resident balloonists

Albuquerque is known as the "Ballooning Capital of the World"

Albuquerque is well known for its yearly hot air balloon festival, balloon rides, and year-round events. Ballooning is a big part of the culture in Albuquerque.

The city has hundreds of resident balloonists and a hot air balloon museum. Thus earning Albuquerque the title of "Ballooning Capital of the World."

Actress Demi Moore is from Roswell, New Mexico

Famous actress Demi Moore was born and raised in Roswell, New Mexico. Moore later moved and started modeling, which led to a lifelong acting career. Known for blockbuster hits like "Ghost," "GI Jane," and "The Scarlet Letter," Demi Moore is an iconic Hollywood actress.

A boy named Bobby, from Albuquerque, became the youngest person to fly an air balloon

At just nine years old, a boy named Bobby from Albuquerque, New Mexico, became the youngest person to fly solo in a hot air balloon. His history-making flight took off on July 22, 2011. He was in the air for 26 minutes with his family and friends cheering below.

New Mexico has a one-of-a-kind traveling landmark

The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad is a National Historic Landmark on wheels! This authentic 1800s steam train takes passengers on a scenic 64-mile adventure in the Rocky Mountain West. Multiple tours are available, showcasing different features of the landscape and historical places.

Weird Facts About New Mexico

mixmotive/Depositphotos.com
A space alien-themed shop named Roswell Landing with a green alien balloon outside
Roswell is a quirky, fun town with a space-alien theme
CheriAlguire/Depositphotos.com
A life-size green alien model and a gray UFO facing a road on a nice day
Roswell supposedly had a UFO crash in 1947

New Mexico is home to the quirky space alien-themed town of Roswell

Known for alien sightings and flying saucers, Roswell is a town like no other! The town was allegedly the site of a UFO crash in 1947 and is one of the most disputed of New Mexico's facts.

Since then, the space-alien theme of the town has grown. Now home to space-alien conventions, extraterrestrial cosplayers, and UFO museums, Roswell is a quirky, fun town that tourists love to visit.

The "Breaking Bad" house had to install fencing due to pizzas being thrown at it

Perhaps the unofficial New Mexico state symbol in pop culture, Breaking Bad was a hit TV show set in Albuquerque. Walt and Skyler's house from Breaking Bad is a popular tour stop for fans visiting all the filming locations in New Mexico.

Unfortunately for the current homeowners, fans kept throwing pizzas on the house's roof to mimic a famous scene from the show. In 2019, they were forced to install fencing to end the pizza throwing.

New Mexico is home to a second Las Vegas

About 700 miles east of the glittery nightlife of Las Vegas, Nevada, sits the small, quiet town of Las Vegas, New Mexico. With a population of only around 13,000, Las Vegas, New Mexico, is a quaint town known primarily for its historical ties to infamous outlaws. Doc Holliday, Billy-the-Kid, and Jesse James all left their mark on the small Old West town.

Sandia National Laboratories recreated authentic dinosaur sounds using CT technology

In 1997, scientists at Sandia National Laboratories were able to recreate the sounds of a Parasaurolophus by using a CT scan of its skull. They were able to visualize the air passages that would have been inside the skull and recreate the type of sounds that would have been synonymous with them.

There's an ice cave in New Mexico

When you think of ice caves, most likely New Mexico does not come to mind, but surprisingly, the state is home to one. It's one of the lesser-known state facts about New Mexico.

Located within a lava tube of the Bandera Volcano, the Bandera Ice Cave is believed to be over 3,400 years old. It maintains below-freezing temperatures year-round and has a thick layer of ice over the walls.

Important Facts About New Mexico

Santa Fe is the oldest state capital is one of the facts about New Mexico state
One of the facts about New Mexico state is that Santa Fe is the oldest state capital
A skyline of tall and short concrete buildings against a partly cloudy sky
Albuquerque has a population of over 560,000 people, according to the 2020 US Census

Albuquerque is the most populated city in New Mexico

Home to over 560,000 New Mexicans with a density of over 3000 per square mile, Albuquerque is the most populated city in the state. It is also a hub of New Mexican history, culture, and art, from its many galleries, museums, and cultural festivals to famous landmarks and architecture. Albuquerque also sits on the iconic Route 66, one of North America's most famous scenic roads.

The Zia Sun Symbol is the most recognized symbol in the state

The most recognized symbol of New Mexico, the Zia Sun Symbol is the New Mexico State Logo and adorns the New Mexico State Flag. The Zia Sun Symbol is a sacred symbol to the indigenous Zia people. The gold and red sun symbol with four sections represents the four seasons and four stages of life.

Santa Fe is the oldest and highest state capital in the nation

Founded in 1610 and situated at 7,199 feet, Santa Fe is the oldest state capital and highest capital city in the US. The city of Santa Fe also spans 37.4 square miles and is one of the most populated cities in New Mexico. Santa Fe is one of the most interesting cities and the site of many interesting New Mexico facts.

An old brick house with cream stairs under a clear blue sky
Acoma Pueblo is known as the oldest continuously inhabited community in the U.S

Acoma Pueblo is the "oldest continuously inhabited community in the United States"

Acoma Pueblo is a centuries-old city where many of its original descendants still live. The Native American Acoma Tribe's presence in the city dates back to at least the 12th century. However, many of the structures still standing were constructed in the 1600s.

Less than 50 members of the Acoma Tribe live in the city year-round, while many more reside in nearby villages. It is a historic landmark and is known as the "oldest continuously inhabited community in the United States".

Part of New Mexico is in the Chihuahuan Desert

The Chihuahuan Desert is the largest in all of North America. It covers 175,000 square miles and runs through several states and Mexico. In New Mexico, it can be found in the state's southern region. Many of New Mexico's preserves are located within the desert lands, including White Sands National Park and Petroglyph National Monument.

In Summary

With all these interesting New Mexico facts, it's easy to see why so many people flock to the state each year. From big bustling cities like Albuquerque and Santa Fe to small fun towns, like Roswell and Red River, there is much to see and learn here. Whether you are looking to attend the Balloon Festival, travel Route 66, or brush up on your Breaking Bad trivia, New Mexico has it all!

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Written by Lauren Rey

L_Rey FORMER WRITER Lauren might be based in Florida, but she is always plotting out a new road trip route with her partner-in-crime, Pickles. Pickles is a mixed-breed rescue dog that loves hiking, road trips, and Starbucks as much as her mom does!

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