New Mexico State Maps

These maps show New Mexico's Counties, Cities, Federal Areas, Physiographic, and Ecoregions.

New Mexico State County Sizes Map

Smallest County in New Mexico State

Los Alamos County: 107 sq miles

Largest County in New Mexico State

Catron County: 6,947 sq miles

Mean and Median Area of Counties in New Mexico State

Mean Area: Approx 2,344 sq miles

Median Area: Approx 1,700 sq miles

Major Cities of New Mexico State and Their Locations

New Mexico’s major cities are spread across a diverse range of landscapes, from the high desert to river valleys and mountainous regions. Below are some of the key cities and their notable features:

1. Albuquerque

Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico, located in the central part of the state along the Rio Grande. It serves as a cultural and economic hub, known for its vibrant arts scene, annual Balloon Fiesta, and historic Old Town.

2. Santa Fe

Santa Fe, the capital city of New Mexico, is one of the oldest cities in the United States, renowned for its adobe architecture, thriving arts community, and historical significance. It sits in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

3. Taos

Taos is located in northern New Mexico, known for its rich Native American history and as a major center for the arts. The nearby Taos Pueblo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the town is famous for its skiing and outdoor activities.

4. Gallup

Gallup, situated in northwestern New Mexico, is often called the "Indian Capital of the World" due to its significance in Native American culture and trading. It also serves as a gateway to many of the state's scenic attractions.

5. Carlsbad

Carlsbad, located in southeastern New Mexico, is most famous for Carlsbad Caverns National Park, a major tourist destination. The city also has a strong agricultural and oil industry base.

6. Las Cruces

Las Cruces, in southern New Mexico near the Rio Grande, is a rapidly growing city known for its rich agricultural industry, especially chile production. It is home to New Mexico State University and is surrounded by scenic natural landmarks such as the Organ Mountains.

7. Farmington

Farmington is located in the Four Corners region of northwestern New Mexico. It is a major center for oil and natural gas production, as well as a gateway to Native American reservations and national parks.

8. Los Alamos

Los Alamos, located on the Pajarito Plateau, is known for its history as the site of the Manhattan Project and its ongoing role in scientific research. It is also surrounded by natural beauty, offering hiking and outdoor recreational opportunities.

9. Alamogordo

Alamogordo, situated in southern New Mexico near White Sands National Park, is known for its proximity to the White Sands Missile Range and its role in space research and development.

10. Deming

Deming is located in southwestern New Mexico along the I-10 corridor. It is a quiet town known for its agriculture, particularly pecan and chile production, as well as its wine industry.

11. Roswell

Roswell, in southeastern New Mexico, gained international fame due to the 1947 UFO incident, though it is also a center for agriculture and military training. The city offers visitors a mix of quirky tourism and traditional industries.

12. Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa, located in eastern New Mexico along the historic Route 66, is known for its natural lakes and the Blue Hole, a popular diving spot. The town serves as a rest stop for travelers and has a rich history tied to the Old West.

Topographic Tour of New Mexico

New Mexico offers a diverse range of terrains, shaped by its unique geology, climate, and natural features. From the high desert to rugged mountains, the state presents a varied and stunning landscape.

1. The Rio Grande Rift

The Rio Grande Rift runs through the heart of New Mexico, creating a distinct valley and river system. The rift has influenced the geography and ecology of the region, with the Rio Grande providing water to both cities and agricultural regions.

2. The Rocky Mountains

The southern tip of the Rocky Mountains extends into northern New Mexico, where high peaks, including Wheeler Peak, create dramatic landscapes and alpine ecosystems.

3. The Basin and Range Province

The southwestern region of New Mexico is part of the Basin and Range Province, characterized by flat desert basins separated by mountain ranges. This area includes the rugged Organ Mountains and the arid Chihuahuan Desert.

Physiographic Regions of New Mexico

Basin And Range, Mexican Highland

This region covers the southern part of the state and features alternating mountain ranges and desert basins, a signature of the Basin and Range province.

Basin And Range, Sacramento

The Sacramento Mountains form part of the eastern boundary of the Basin and Range, rising dramatically from the desert floor.

Colorado Plateaus, Canyon Lands

The northwestern part of New Mexico is characterized by the dramatic canyons and mesas of the Colorado Plateau, a region of stark, rugged beauty.

Colorado Plateaus, Datil

The Datil section of the Colorado Plateau features volcanic landforms and high mesas, offering a unique landscape in central New Mexico.

Colorado Plateaus, Navajo

This region, named after the Navajo people, includes vast expanses of desert and red rock formations, stretching across northwestern New Mexico.

Great Plains, High Plains

The eastern part of New Mexico is part of the High Plains, an expansive grassland that stretches into Texas and Oklahoma.

Great Plains, Pecos Valley

The Pecos River cuts through the eastern plains, creating a fertile valley that has been essential for agriculture.

Great Plains, Raton

The Raton section of the Great Plains covers the northeastern part of New Mexico. This region is known for the Raton Basin, a geologic formation rich in coal deposits and rugged volcanic landscapes, including the extinct Capulin Volcano.

Southern Rocky Mountains

The southern extension of the Rocky Mountains forms a key region in northern New Mexico, offering rugged peaks and forested landscapes.

Notable Federal Lands in New Mexico: Largest and Most Fascinating Destinations

1. White Sands National Park

White Sands National Park is known for its vast dunes of gypsum sand, creating a unique and striking landscape in southern New Mexico.

2. Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns is famous for its extensive underground limestone caves, with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

3. Gila Wilderness

The Gila Wilderness is one of the oldest wilderness areas in the United States, offering rugged mountains, deep canyons, and ancient Native American cliff dwellings.

4. Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Chaco Canyon was a major center of Ancestral Puebloan culture, and today it offers visitors the chance to explore ancient ruins and starry night skies.

Ecoregions of New Mexico

Arkansas Tablelands Section

This section includes a mix of grasslands and scattered mountains in eastern New Mexico, part of the High Plains region.

Basin and Range Section

The southern and southwestern parts of New Mexico are dominated by the Basin and Range, featuring desert landscapes and mountain ranges.

Grand Canyon Lands Section

The far northwest corner of New Mexico features the same geologic formations found in the Grand Canyon region, with deep canyons and mesas.

Navajo Canyonlands Section

Red rock formations, mesas, and canyons dominate this section, home to the Navajo Nation and other Indigenous peoples.

Northern Rio Grande Intermontane Section

The Rio Grande Rift creates a distinct valley and ecosystem, with fertile lands used for agriculture and urban centers like Albuquerque.

Painted Desert Section

The colorful, arid landscape of the Painted Desert stretches across northwestern New Mexico, offering dramatic vistas and geological formations.

Pecos Valley Section

The Pecos River creates a rich agricultural region in eastern New Mexico, contrasting with the surrounding plains and deserts.

Sacramento-Monzano Mountain Section

Mountain ranges like the Sacramento and Monzano rise dramatically from the desert, offering cooler climates and forested environments.

South-Central Highlands Section

This section includes highland areas with forests and grasslands, creating a diverse and rich environment in southern New Mexico.

Southern Parks and Ranges Section

The southern ranges and valleys of New Mexico feature dramatic landscapes and unique ecosystems, including the Chihuahuan Desert.

Texas High Plains Section

The High Plains extend into eastern New Mexico, forming a flat, expansive grassland region that supports agriculture and ranching.

Upper Rio Grande Basin Section

The upper reaches of the Rio Grande Basin offer fertile lands and significant cultural heritage, as Indigenous peoples have lived in this region for centuries.

White Mountain-San Francisco Peaks Section

The San Francisco Peaks and White Mountains create a distinct region in northwestern New Mexico, offering cooler climates and high-elevation ecosystems.