New Mexicans know how gorgeous our state really is, with its vibrant earth, soaring peaks, and open spaces. Here are some photos that highlight these attributes and hopefully inspire you to explore every part of the state.

  1. The Rio Grande Gorge never fails to evoke feelings of wonder.

Flickr/Laslo Ilyes

  1. The untamed parts of New Mexico, like the Ojito Wilderness, remind us of how small we are…

Flickr/John Fowler

  1. …And of the magic of nature. After all, it’s hard to beat White Sands at sunset.

Flickr/Sathish J

  1. The Sandias are just one example of New Mexico’s plentiful mountain ranges.

Flickr/Shawn Brandow

  1. The Capitan Mountains are another.

Flickr/Lane B

  1. The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad travels from New Mexico into Southern Colorado and is a great way to appreciate our breathtaking scenery.

Flickr/Karol Franks

  1. Our numerous cultural attractions, such as Bandelier National Monument, have amazing backdrops.

Flickr/Barclay Nix

  1. The very dirt is alive with color.

Flickr/Floyd Muad’Dib

  1. Even our manmade structures are charming.

Flickr/Jason Corneveaux

  1. New Mexico is carpeted with wildflowers and cacti, like these ones near Las Cruces.

Flickr/Scot Casey

  1. Wildlife, especially birds like sandhills cranes, fly through New Mexico.

Flickr/Tucker Hammerstrom

  1. And our rivers and lakes are crystal clear. The Gila River, pictured here, is a tributary of the Colorado River.

Flickr/Tom Blackwell

Do you have a photo that makes you proud to live in New Mexico? If so, share it on our Facebook page.

Flickr/Laslo Ilyes

Flickr/John Fowler

Flickr/Sathish J

Flickr/Shawn Brandow

Flickr/Lane B

Flickr/Karol Franks

Flickr/Barclay Nix

Flickr/Floyd Muad’Dib

Flickr/Jason Corneveaux

Flickr/Scot Casey

Flickr/Tucker Hammerstrom

Flickr/Tom Blackwell

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