There is something about heading out into nature that helps humans chill out. Perhaps it’s the fresh air, watching the trees sway in the breeze, or just hearing and occasionally seeing critters go about their lives. Whatever it may be, spending just 20 to 30 minutes outside amongst the local flora and fauna can result in a significant drop in stress hormones. And with the way the year has been going, most of us can use all the stress relief we can get.
Finding an ideal spot for a peaceful retreat isn’t too difficult in New Mexico but here are some of our favorite places to unplug, unwind, and enjoy our state’s beauty.
- Deer Creek/Grasshopper Canyon Trail
Nick Dahlke/AllTrails New Mexico is home to hundreds of hiking trails and this one just happens to be close to home if you’re living in Santa Fe. Trek through a forested canyon in an isolated part of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to see towering pines, a sleepy stream, and a swimming hole hidden in the canyon walls.
Read more in https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/new-mexico/nm-deer-creek-canyon/.
- Gila Wilderness
No Barriers USA/Flickr Few places are as boldly remote as the Gila Wilderness in western New Mexico. The world’s first designated wilderness area, the Gila Wilderness features lush forests and arid deserts almost entirely absent of people. That makes this the perfect location for secluded hiking, camping, and fishing trips.
Read more in Here Is The Most Remote, Isolated Spot In New Mexico And It’s Positively Breathtaking.
- Kiowa National Grassland
Larry Lamsa/Flickr Sitting a stone’s throw from Highway 412 between Cimarron and Clayton, this picturesque area is both secluded and little-known. The patchwork of prairie land is only briefly interrupted in the northern section by mesas and small canyons, a sight more reminiscent of the Southwest.
Read more in The Peaceful New Mexico Grassland You’ve Never Heard Of But Need To Visit.
- Lake Katherine
Clay Junell/Flickr Finding still solitude sometimes requires a lot of effort and that’s just what you’ll get with this long hike to Lake Katherine. Located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this lake is accessible only by a demanding 15-mile hike. With that trek alone, you’ll likely find yourself to be the only person here.
Read more in Nestled In The Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Lake Katherine Has Some Of The Clearest Water In New Mexico.
- Lake Valley Backcountry Byway
Bureau of Land Management/Flickr Prefer to explore New Mexico’s natural landscape from the comfort of your car? A drive down this little-known byway will take you through a portion of the state’s arid landscape and isolated ghost towns, the perfect remedy for avoiding crowds and strolling through nature.
Read more in Journey Back Into The Past With A Drive Down This Little-Known Byway In New Mexico.
- Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Southwest Region/Flickr Most wildlife refuges are remarkably peaceful places and Valle de Oro is no exception. This refuge sits just south of Albuquerque and is the perfect spot for embarking on a nature walk while watching the migrating birds make this area their winter home.
Read more in Find Peace At Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge In Albuquerque, New Mexico.
- Valley of Dreams
John Fowler/Flickr Tucked away in the surreal Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness, the Valley of Dreams is 6,500 acres of sheer isolation and natural silence. It’s quite the drive to get here but once you do, you will fall in love with the unusual, colorful terrain and tranquil atmosphere.
Read more in The Valley Of Dreams In New Mexico’s Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness Look Like Something From Another Planet.
Where do you like to head for some nature-filled stress relief?
Nick Dahlke/AllTrails
New Mexico is home to hundreds of hiking trails and this one just happens to be close to home if you’re living in Santa Fe. Trek through a forested canyon in an isolated part of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to see towering pines, a sleepy stream, and a swimming hole hidden in the canyon walls.
Read more in https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/new-mexico/nm-deer-creek-canyon/.
No Barriers USA/Flickr
Few places are as boldly remote as the Gila Wilderness in western New Mexico. The world’s first designated wilderness area, the Gila Wilderness features lush forests and arid deserts almost entirely absent of people. That makes this the perfect location for secluded hiking, camping, and fishing trips.
Read more in Here Is The Most Remote, Isolated Spot In New Mexico And It’s Positively Breathtaking.
Larry Lamsa/Flickr
Sitting a stone’s throw from Highway 412 between Cimarron and Clayton, this picturesque area is both secluded and little-known. The patchwork of prairie land is only briefly interrupted in the northern section by mesas and small canyons, a sight more reminiscent of the Southwest.
Read more in The Peaceful New Mexico Grassland You’ve Never Heard Of But Need To Visit.
Clay Junell/Flickr
Finding still solitude sometimes requires a lot of effort and that’s just what you’ll get with this long hike to Lake Katherine. Located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this lake is accessible only by a demanding 15-mile hike. With that trek alone, you’ll likely find yourself to be the only person here.
Read more in Nestled In The Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Lake Katherine Has Some Of The Clearest Water In New Mexico.
Bureau of Land Management/Flickr
Prefer to explore New Mexico’s natural landscape from the comfort of your car? A drive down this little-known byway will take you through a portion of the state’s arid landscape and isolated ghost towns, the perfect remedy for avoiding crowds and strolling through nature.
Read more in Journey Back Into The Past With A Drive Down This Little-Known Byway In New Mexico.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Southwest Region/Flickr
Most wildlife refuges are remarkably peaceful places and Valle de Oro is no exception. This refuge sits just south of Albuquerque and is the perfect spot for embarking on a nature walk while watching the migrating birds make this area their winter home.
Read more in Find Peace At Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge In Albuquerque, New Mexico.
John Fowler/Flickr
Tucked away in the surreal Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness, the Valley of Dreams is 6,500 acres of sheer isolation and natural silence. It’s quite the drive to get here but once you do, you will fall in love with the unusual, colorful terrain and tranquil atmosphere.
Read more in The Valley Of Dreams In New Mexico’s Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness Look Like Something From Another Planet.
Looking for the ideal overnight stay that is both cozy and remote? We fell in love with this quiet mountain cabin in the Pecos Wilderness, which looks to be an idyllic weekend getaway. Read more about this charming cabin in Hideaway This Weekend At This Secluded Mountain Cabin Near Pecos, New Mexico.
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Address: Gila River, United StatesAddress: Ah-shi-sle-pah Wash, New Mexico, USAAddress: Grasshopper Canyon, New Mexico 87505, USAAddress: Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge, 7851 2nd St SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105, USAAddress: Kiowa National Grassland, New Mexico 87730, USAAddress: Lake Katherine, New Mexico 87506, USA
