If you don’t think New Mexico has four distinct seasons, you haven’t spent much time in New Mexico. The Land of Enchantment becomes all the more enchanting in autumn, as the trees put on colorful shows if you know where to look and the orchards open up for apple-picking fun.
WorldAtlas recently released its list of small towns in New Mexico that “come alive in fall.” As we enter what is arguably the best season to live in this great state, we picked something worth checking out in each town.
Hatch
Grajeda Hatch Chile Market
221 N. Franklin St.
Billing itself as the Chile Capital of the World, Hatch is known for hosting the Hatch Chile Festival each Labor Day weekend. But that’s just the front end of the harvest season. f you arrive this fall you’ll still be able to claim a beautiful bounty of chiles at the Grajeda Hatch Chile Market on North Franklin Street, and that’s just one of dozens of markets, stands, and groceries that sell the produce around town.
Mimbres Valley
2026 Mimbres Harvest Festival
Oct. 3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
San Lorenzo Elementary School, 2655 Hwy 35, San Lorenzo
The Mimbres Valley Harvest Festival takes place each year to support local agriculture through markets, showcase locally grown food and handmade products, and promote tourism to the Mimbres Valley. It also features one of the more eccentric food competitions you’ll come across anywhere: the Solar Cook-off, for which competitors can only rely on the sun to cook or bake their entries.
Ruidoso
AspenFest
Oct. 3, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Wingfield Park, 300 Center St., Ruidoso
Aspens are common in the mountainous region of New Mexico, where Ruidoso is located, and they’re responsible for making the state such a beautiful place to visit in fall. Ruidoso residents honor that beauty each year with AspenFest, featuring live music, New Mexico wine and craft beer, food vendors, and kids’ activities. Arrive early for the Midtown Parade at 10 a.m. before heading to Wingfield Park for the festival.
Chama
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
500 S. Terrace Ave., Chama
There are all sorts of options still available to take the best scenic ride for autumnal foliage in the state, running through the high country between New Mexico and Colorado. Our top suggestion, as recommended by our leaf-peeping expert Trinity Murchie, is the historic Galloping Goose No. 5, a 1930s railcar that will return to the tracks for special fall excursions Oct. 2-4 and Oct. 9-11.
Questa/Red River
Gateway to the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument
For outdoors enthusiasts, there’s not one festival or event that we can point to in Questa during the fall, you just have to be there. Located where the Rio Grande meets theRed River, the town lays claim to having the best fishing in the state. But with the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument right next door, there are also endless opportunities for hiking, snowshoeing, rock climbing, and more within an easy drive. For the less adventurous, a simple driving tour as the leaves change is unforgettable in itself.
Jemez Springs
Jemez Hot Springs
040 Abousleman Loop, Jemez Springs
The smallest town on our list, only about 250 people call Jemez Springs home. Hunters and nature lovers know the town as the site of an intense annual elk rutting season. While that activity typically peaks Sept. 15-25, you’re still likely to see plenty of elk through mid-October. Just keep your distance if you do. And take a visit to the Jemez Hot Springs, formerly known as the Giggling Hot Springs, for a therapeutic dip.
