New Mexico Fall Colors 2024

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Fall colors along the mountains near Chama

©Jessie Moore

With the onset of the fall season, countless aspens in New Mexico explode with shades of gold and crimson. Northern New Mexico is the best destination for breathtaking aspen vistas. The Carson National Forest is often called the state's top place for fall foliage viewing. The scenic 80-mi (130-km) Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, which goes through the town of Taos, is a must-see in the fall. If you're into more active recreation, check out the jaw-dropping vistas of the Rio Ojo Caliente hiking area in the southern part of the national forest.

Best time for fall colors in New Mexico

The leaves start changing colors around mid- or late September. The fall foliage peaks by mid-October and continues into early November. The most popular season for leaf-peeping on higher elevations is early to mid-October, and late October-early November is the best for lower elevations.

Best places to see fall colors in New Mexico

Taos

Taos must be the epicenter of fall colors in northern New Mexico. You can start soaking in fall sceneries along the Enchanted Circle that features Wheeler Peak, the highest mountain in the Land of Enchantment. Also, slow down by Red River Resort to take in its spectacular fall foliage. Besides, Taos is a gateway to another scenic route—Highway 64. Follow the route through to Chama in the Rocky Mountains. The middle section between Tres Piedras and Tierra Amarilla promises to be the most beautiful part of the road.

Cumbres & Toltec Railroad Fall Foliage Train

As you reach the village of Chama, take the opportunity to jump aboard the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. The railroad winds along the border between Colorado and New Mexico and connects Chama, NM, and Antonito, CO. However, fall trips between late September and late October are usually shorter—you'll ride half the way to historic Osier, CO, and back to Chama. Anyways, leaf peepers will highly appreciate a day trip across the mountains.

Santa Fe

Another area famed for autumn brilliance is Santa Fe National Forest near New Mexico's capital. In particular, you can visit the alpine wilderness between Ski Santa Fe and Hyde Memorial State Park. The hillsides dotted with tall aspens burst into fiery gold and take on a dainty aura when angled sunshine filters through the quaking leaves. A ride on the Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway is a must during fall. The beautiful route starts near the oldest public building in America, the Palace of the Governors in downtown Santa Fe, and winds for 15 miles through the stunning Hyde Memorial State Park before getting to Santa Fe Ski Basin.

Albuquerque

One of the best ways to discover the fall beauty of New Mexico is to take a hot air balloon ride in the city, hosting the famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. But if you are afraid of heights, there are more ways to check out the fall foliage around New Mexico's largest city. You can visit Tingley Beach Park or the Alameda Wetlands Preserve in the North Valley of Albuquerque. And feel free to explore the neighboring Cibola National Forest and maybe stay at Turquoise Trail Campground. As a bonus, you can hit Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway (NM 14), meandering between Albuquerque and Santa Fe for super glorious fall colors.

Silver City

If you want to go off the beaten track, head to Gila National Forest near Silver City in Western New Mexico. October is the perfect time to explore the sixth-largest national forest in the continental United States, thanks to moderate temperatures and scenic foliage. A real gem of the area is the Catwalk National Recreation Trail, which features a system of bridges suspended along a scenic canyon and over Whitewater Creek, surrounded by the canopy of colorful trees. The abundance of sycamores in the canyons of Gila National Forest results in beautiful golden and bronze shades.