Exploring New Mexico by Train, Boat, or Hot Air Balloon
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad offers one of the most enchanting train journeys in the American Southwest, winding through the rugged mountains of northern New Mexico near the small town of Chama, about three hours northwest of Santa Fe. This narrow-gauge steam railroad traces historic routes once vital to mining and forestry, carrying passengers through steep mountain passes and dense forests. The ride from Chama to Antonito, Colorado, covers nearly 64 miles, crossing the 10,015-foot Cumbres Pass, where the views of snow-capped peaks and deep canyons are breathtaking. The vintage steam engines and authentic 19th-century cars create an immersive experience that feels like stepping back in time. Spring through early fall is the best season to ride, as wildflowers bloom and the weather is generally clear, though the fall colors in late September and October are spectacular.
Near Albuquerque, the Rio Grande River offers a surprisingly lush aquatic escape, especially around the Albuquerque Biological Park’s Rio Grande Botanic Garden, a short drive from downtown. While the city skyline anchors the backdrop, visitors can take guided boat tours or rent kayaks to paddle along designated stretches of the Rio Grande, particularly within the Bosque Preserve. This riparian forest corridor supports diverse birdlife and native plants, offering a rare water-based perspective on the desert landscape. Floating beneath cottonwoods and spotting herons and kingfishers adds a serene contrast to New Mexico’s arid reputation. Early morning or late afternoon trips in spring or autumn are ideal for cooler temperatures and abundant wildlife activity.
For a soaring perspective, the skies above Albuquerque become a canvas of color during hot air balloon rides, a spectacle most famously showcased at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in October. Launch sites on the city’s west side serve as daily takeoff points throughout the year for commercial balloon companies. From the basket, passengers drift over the Rio Grande Valley and the Sandia Mountains, located just to the east of Albuquerque. The rugged crimson cliffs of the Sandias provide a dramatic contrast to the flat valley below and the sprawling cityscape. Balloon flights usually happen at dawn when the winds are calmest, offering a peaceful, almost meditative sense of weightlessness and panoramic views that extend for miles. The experience is unique in its blend of tranquility and vast scenic wonder, ideal for all seasons but especially magical in spring and fall.
Further south, near Las Cruces, the Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park provides another excellent venue for river-related recreation. About 20 minutes southwest of the city, this park is nestled alongside the Rio Grande and features trails that loop through cottonwood groves and wetlands. Canoe and kayak rentals allow a gentle paddle through calm waters rich with bird species such as egrets and hawks. The flat, accessible trails complement an easy float that’s perfect for families or casual explorers. The park’s proximity to the historic town of Mesilla adds a cultural layer, where visitors can enjoy adobe buildings and New Mexican cuisine after a day on the water. Spring and fall offer mild weather to explore both river and town comfortably.
Venturing east of Santa Fe, the Ghost Ranch area, about an hour and a half north, is a striking location for hot air ballooning amid red rock formations and sweeping desert vistas. This working cattle ranch turned education and retreat center inspired Georgia O’Keeffe’s iconic desert paintings. Balloon rides here lift off in the early morning, drifting past vivid cliffs and mesas that seem to glow under the rising sun. The geological formations and vast open skies make for an otherworldly aerial experience distinct from the mountain views near Albuquerque. Cooler months, especially late fall through spring, provide the most comfortable conditions for flight and the clearest views of the rugged terrain.
Back in the southwest corner of the state, the Gila River near Silver City invites adventurous paddle trips through one of New Mexico’s wildest riverscapes. About an hour north of Silver City, the Gila Wilderness offers whitewater rafting and kayaking amid canyon walls and abundant wildlife. Launch points along the river cater to those looking for moderate rapids and scenic tranquility alike. The Gila River’s remote setting and rugged canyons create an immersive wilderness experience far from urban life, with opportunities to spot bald eagles, beavers, and even the elusive Gila monster. Late spring to early summer, when the water is higher and warmer, is prime time for water sports here.
Returning to the railways, the Santa Fe Southern Railway provides a charming short excursion just minutes from downtown Santa Fe, roughly an hour north of Albuquerque. This heritage line runs through the scenic foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, offering a leisurely ride that highlights the changing landscapes of northern New Mexico. Along the way, passengers catch glimpses of red rock formations, piñon pine groves, and distant mountain peaks. Special themed rides, such as wine tastings or sunset trips, add a festive flair to this local favorite. Fall foliage and spring wildflowers both enhance the experience, making this a delightful day trip for visitors staying in Santa Fe.
Together, these railways, rivers, and skies invite travelers to explore New Mexico from perspectives that reveal the state’s vivid contrasts and natural beauty. Whether chugging through alpine passes, drifting down a desert river, or floating in a colorful balloon, these journeys bring the Land of Enchantment vividly to life.