This summer, people head to the state’s mountain towns for cool, fresh air, the smell of pine trees, and the excitement of afternoon monsoon showers. These high-altitude spots offer a quick break from the summer heat and invite you to hike, fish, mountain bike, or just enjoy a drive along scenic roads.
Here are five great towns to check out this summer:
Red River
Red River is one of New Mexico’s best summer getaways, sitting over 8,750 feet up in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. In July, temperatures stay in the comfortable mid-70s, making it a great place for outdoor fun in the Carson National Forest. You can hike, mountain bike, ride horses, or relax by the river. The town used to be a busy mining spot and still has an Old West feel, with friendly shops, galleries, and restaurants along its main street.
Cloudcroft
Cloudcroft sits at 8,668 feet in the Sacramento Mountains, just east of Alamogordo. Summers here are mild, with highs in the low to mid-70s, making it a cool place to get away.
Nestled within the village is Lincoln National Forest, which offers shady hiking trails, wide mountain views, and one of the highest golf courses in the country. It’s also a starting point for scenic drives with amazing views of the Tularosa Basin and White Sands National Park. Ski Valley
Taos
Taos sits almost 7,000 feet above sea level, and July temperatures usually reach the mid-80s. If you want even cooler weather, Taos Ski Valley is nearby and sits over 9,300 feet high.
This area mixes outdoor fun with a rich cultural history. You can hike in alpine meadows, raft the Rio Grande, or ride a chairlift for great views. Taos also has famous art galleries, interesting museums, and old adobe buildings. Close by, Taos Pueblo is one of the oldest communities in North America that people have lived in continuously.
Ruidoso
Ruidoso is nestled at around 6,729 feet in the Sierra Blanca Mountains. It is a favorite spot for hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and scenic drives. You can explore Lincoln National Forest’s winding trails or check out the well-known Inn of the Mountain Gods resort.
Thanks to its cool mountain air, Ruidoso attracts summer visitors from southern New Mexico and West Texas who want to escape the heat.
Angel Fire
Angel Fire is 8,600 feet up in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and summer days here usually stay in the low 70s. In summer, it transforms into a hub for mountain biking, hiking, zip-lining, and more. Visitors are also treated to sweeping views of Wheeler Peak, the tallest summit in New Mexico.
Before you go
If you want to visit the mountains this summer, try to book your stay early because places fill up quickly during the busy season. Afternoon monsoon storms can happen suddenly, so pack some rain gear. Temperatures can also drop a lot after sunset, especially at higher elevations.
If you want to get away from New Mexico’s summer heat, these mountain towns offer cool breezes, fresh air, and plenty of outdoor activities, all just a short drive from the desert.
