Embark on an unforgettable journey of adventure and exploration through New Mexico’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural tapestries this spring break. Enjoy sightseeing and outdoor activities that connect you with Mother Earth’s natural wonders, from the sparkling gypsum dunes of White Sands and ancient cliff dwellings of Bandelier to the depths of Carlsbad Caverns and New Mexico’s vast starlit skies.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Descending into Carlsbad Caverns, you’ll enter a subterranean world where nature has been at work for millennia, crafting an underground palace of limestone formations. The Big Room, a colossal chamber, showcases nature’s artistry with stalactites and stalagmites that challenge the imagination. Here, silence reigns, punctuated only by the drip of water, marking time in the cool, cavernous depths.

The caves were formed as hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from underground waters mixed with oxygen from rainwater to form sulfuric acid that dissolved the limestone over millions of years. NPS.gov/cave

Santa Rosa Blue Hole

Attention SCUBA divers! Just under two hours east of Albuquerque, there’s a stunning 80-foot-depp natural artesian spring known for its crystal-clear, sapphire-blue waters that attract divers year-round. Maintaining a constant temperature of 62°F, the Blue Hole in Santa Rosa also offers serene desert surroundings that invite relaxation and exploration. Whether diving or enjoying the view, the Blue Hole is a captivating gem of the Southwest you don’t want to miss. SantaRosaBlueHole.com

White Sands National Park

The landscape at White Sands transforms into an almost alien expanse of white gypsum dunes. The park protects around 41% of the world’s largest gypsum dune field. Here, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto another world, where the sun reflects off the sands, creating an illusion of a snowy desert. As the day ends, the dunes take on the hues of the sunset, offering a serene spectacle of nature’s ephemeral beauty. NPS.gov/whsa

Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Immerse yourself in history at Chaco Canyon, once the cultural hub for the ancestral Puebloans dating between 850 and 1250 CE. The ruins, particularly structures like Pueblo Bonito, showcase the advanced architectural skills of a civilization that thrived centuries ago. If you’re camping, plan to stay here for the night, where the dark sky, unpolluted by city lights, reveals the heavens much like it did for the Chacoans, linking modern observers with ancient astronomers. NPS.gov/chcu

Petroglyph National Monument

Protecting one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America, the Petroglyph National Monument is filled with thousands of carvings on volcanic rocks that offer a direct line to the thoughts and beliefs of prehistoric artists. From simple handprints to animals and intricate symbols, each petroglyph is a message from the past, speaking of hunts, spirits, and daily life. NPS.gov/petr

Bandelier National Monument

Bandelier presents a rugged terrain where the past is etched into the cliffs. Here, you can climb into cavates — small human-made caverns — and walk along trails that reveal petroglyphs and the remnants of ancient dwellings. It tells a story of continuous human habitation stretching back millennia, offering a tangible connection to those who once called these canyons home and paying tribute to a culture that still survives in the surrounding communities. NPS.gov/band

Santa Fe, Taos, and Roswell are popular tourist destinations, but if you’re up for a real adventure, check out smaller towns that provide a treasure trove of arts, culture, and history with distinctive flair.

Truth or Consequences is famed for its hot springs. Named after a game show, this quirky town invites you to kick back and relax in its mineral baths, which are said to have healing powers. Explore eclectic shops and local art galleries and tour the Space Port. Enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, boating, hiking, and birding under the vast New Mexican sky at nearby Elephant Butte Lake State Park (EMNRD.nm.gov/spd/find-a-park/elephant-butte-lake-state-park).

A gateway to the Gila Wilderness, rich with mining history and arts, wander through Silver City’s historic downtown, where Victorian architecture houses galleries, cafes, and the Silver City Museum. Enjoy the vibrant art scene, making the town a haven for history buffs and nature enthusiasts. VisitSilverCity.org

Take a day trip from Silver City to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument (NPS.gov/gicl). Imagine the lives of the Mogollon people who sought sanctuary on these cliffs in the 1200s, their reasons for choosing such an isolated existence, and their mysterious departure.

Located 50 miles southwest of White Sands, Las Cruces blends the charm of a college town with a deep-rooted history. The city’s markets and festivals celebrate its multicultural heritage, and unique culinary experiences offer delicious cuisine that reflects its diverse influences.

Visit the nearby Organ Mountain-Desert Peaks National Monument (BLM.gov/visit/omdp) for breathtaking hikes, or stroll through Old Mesilla, where history comes alive in the plaza and the Basilica of San Albino. VisitLasCruces.com