Grants New MexicoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Grants, New Mexico.
1. El Malpais National Monument
ANCIENT VOLCANIC LANDSCAPES
El Malpais National Monument showcases impressive volcanic landscapes and lava flows in the Grants area. Visitors can explore ancient lava flows, lava tubes, and caves while traversing through the rugged terrain. The monument offers a wild experience with unique rock formations that provide insight into the region's volcanic history.
2. Land of Fire & Ice (Bandera Volcano & Ice Cave)
VOLCANIC HEAT MEETS COLD
The Land of Fire & Ice features the remarkable contrast of Bandera Volcano and an Ice Cave situated on the Continental Divide. Visitors walk through twisted, old-growth Juniper, Fir, and Ponderosa Pine trees over an ancient lava trail to reach the Ice Cave. This natural wonder showcases the fascinating geological diversity of the Grants region.
3. New Mexico Mining Museum
URANIUM MINING HERITAGE
The New Mexico Mining Museum preserves the rich uranium mining history that earned Grants the title of 'Uranium Capital of the United States.' The museum offers visitors insight into the town's mining heritage through exhibits and historical artifacts. Visitors can learn about the industry that shaped the development and identity of Grants.
4. La Ventana Natural Arch
MAJESTIC SANDSTONE FORMATION
La Ventana Natural Arch stands as the second largest natural arch in New Mexico, located just south of Grants. The impressive sandstone feature is much larger in person than photos can convey, creating an awe-inspiring natural monument. The arch is easily accessible via a short walk from the main road, making it a convenient stop for visitors exploring the area.
5. Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary
WOLF CONSERVATION CENTER
Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary provides a safe haven for captive-bred wolves and wolf-dogs near Grants. The sanctuary offers educational tours where visitors can learn about wolf conservation and observe these magnificent animals in a natural setting. This unique attraction combines wildlife education with the opportunity to see wolves up close in a responsible environment.
6. Mount Taylor
SACRED MOUNTAIN TRAILS
Mount Taylor offers moderate difficulty trails with spectacular panoramic views once visitors reach the summit. The mountain holds cultural significance for Native American tribes in the region and provides outdoor recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and experiencing the natural beauty of this prominent landmark near Grants.
7. El Morro National Monument
HISTORIC INSCRIPTION ROCK
El Morro National Monument features ancient Indian petroglyphs and Spanish Explorer's inscriptions dating back to 1609. The site has been protected as a national monument for over 100 years and is set against a dramatic Hollywood-worthy landscape. Visitors can view historical markings left by American Army personnel from 150 years ago alongside much older indigenous and colonial inscriptions.
8. Grants Main Street
HISTORIC ROUTE 66 SHOPPING
Grants Main Street runs along the iconic Route 66, offering visitors a charming small-town shopping experience. The thriving street features local shops and businesses that emphasize shopping locally as a core theme. Visitors can experience a blend of history and modern commerce while exploring this central thoroughfare in Grants.
9. Grants Farmers Market
LOCAL FARM FRESH PRODUCE
The Grants Farmers Market brings farm-to-table dining opportunities to residents and visitors every Saturday from August through October. The market features local produce, handcrafted items, and community engagement in the heart of Grants. Visitors can experience the local agricultural bounty and meet the farmers who grow food in this unique high desert environment.
10. Coyote del Malpais Golf Course
DESERT FAIRWAYS AND VIEWS
Coyote del Malpais Golf Course offers golfers a unique playing experience against the backdrop of Grants' striking desert landscape. The course integrates the natural terrain, creating challenging and scenic holes for players of various skill levels. Visitors can enjoy a round of golf while taking in views of the surrounding mountains and mesas that make this course distinctively New Mexican.
11. Zuni Mountains
FORESTED OUTDOOR PARADISE
The Zuni Mountains provide a forested retreat with numerous outdoor recreation opportunities near Grants. Visitors can explore hiking trails, camping areas, and wildlife viewing spots throughout this mountain range. The area offers a cool, pine-scented escape from the desert heat and a chance to connect with nature in a serene setting.
12. Old Spanish Missions
COLONIAL RELIGIOUS HERITAGE
The Old Spanish Missions scattered throughout northwest New Mexico showcase colonial Spanish architecture and religious history. These historic structures offer insight into an earlier era while some continue to function as places of worship today. Visitors interested in Spanish colonial history or tracing family connections to the region will find these missions particularly meaningful.
13. Mt. Taylor Quad
CHALLENGING ATHLETIC EVENT
The Mt. Taylor Quad is an athletic event that challenges participants to bike, run, ski, and snowshoe up and down Mount Taylor. The event showcases the versatile terrain of the mountain and attracts outdoor enthusiasts from around the region. Even outside of the event, visitors can enjoy the trails used for the quadrathlon and experience the diverse landscapes of Mount Taylor.
14. Dinosaur Diggings
PREHISTORIC FOSSIL SITES
The Grants area is home to important dinosaur diggings where prehistoric fossils have been uncovered. These paleontological sites contribute to our understanding of the region's ancient past when dinosaurs roamed the landscape. Visitors interested in natural history can learn about these discoveries and the prehistoric creatures that once inhabited this part of New Mexico.
15. Route 66 Vintage Museum
MOTHER ROAD MEMORABILIA
The Route 66 Vintage Museum celebrates Grants' connection to the historic Mother Road that played a crucial role in American travel history. The museum houses memorabilia, photographs, and artifacts related to Route 66 and its impact on Grants and surrounding communities. Visitors can step back in time to the heyday of American road travel while exploring this nostalgic collection.