SEEKERS HAVE COME to the Land of Enchantment to find themselves for centuries. Perhaps as a result, New Mexicans have picked up a reputation for dabbling in what some might call woo-woo practices—including astrology. Why not lean in and let the stars guide your next adventure? Here are some custom journeys for every sign.
An El Morro National Monument trail leads to the onetime home of Atsinna Pueblo.
Photograph by Minesh Bacrania.
ARIES
(March 21–April 19)
Unafraid to lock horns, this trailblazing fire sign is known to be competitive, brave, and honest. “Aries rules archaeology,” says Charlene R. Johnson, who writes the Esoteric Astrology column for the Questa del Rio News, in northern New Mexico. “They might be interested in seeing pictographs or petroglyphs.” El Morro National Monument, in Ramah, has more than 200 petroglyphs along the paved Inscription Rock Trail. The two-mile Headland Trail winds through flame-like sandstone bluffs—overlooking the remains of 13th-century Atsinna Pueblo—and a watering hole once used by travelers and ranchers alike.
Taurus can settle into a Taos Earthship.
Photograph courtesy of Airbnb.
TAURUS
(April 20–May 20)
The sensual and stubborn homemaker of the zodiac, this natural nester appreciates creature comforts. In Taos, the bull will find good food at Manzanita Market, home goods at Taos Cookery, and a variety of art at Taos Artist Collective. But the real draw is the sustainable Earthship homes nestled into a 600-acre landscape on the Taos Mesa. Rent one for a couple of nights or tour the Earthship Visitor Center for inspiration.
Step through a portal to a way more artistic realm at Meow Wolf’s "House of the Eternal Return."
Photograph courtesy of Meow Wolf.
GEMINI
(May 21–June 21)
This “airy-fairy sign doesn’t like being pinned down,” Johnson says. Ruled by Mercury, the twins are drawn to narrow pathways and high-speed travel. Step through a portal to a way more artistic realm at Meow Wolf’s House of the Eternal Return, in Santa Fe, where 70 creative rooms lead you through musical mastodon bones, ethereal forests, and a trippy-shape-filled hallway by artist Edie Fake that lets you choose your experience.
A high viewpoint affords visitors a quarter-mile-long glimpse into the Big Room’s ornate features at Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
Photograph by Minesh Bacrania.
CANCER
(June 22–July 22)
Intuitive and ever-changing, Cancers dig shallow waters and estuaries. Some 265 million years ago, large swaths of southern New Mexico were covered by the Permian Sea. Head to Carlsbad Caverns National Park to see awe-inspiring evidence of this ancient fossil reef from the inside, including millions of tiny marine fossils and huge white gypsum blocks that line the floor of the Big Room.
Riverbend Hot Springs’ pools overlook the Río Grande.
Photograph by Douglas Merriam.
LEO
(July 23–August 22)
This scene-stealing fire sign likes to be the center of attention and is drawn to similarly bold places. “Truth or Consequences is a fiery place,” says Olivia Bonfiglio, bookseller at The Ark Bookstore, in Santa Fe. “It’s hot, it’s weird, and it has some really cool natural features.” In addition to the mineral-rich hot springs (try Riverbend Hot Springs), the more than 40 murals decorating the town make great selfie spots.
Virgos will enjoy the fun music scene in Red River.
Photograph courtesy of Red River.
VIRGO
(August 23–September 22)
Perhaps the most organized and sensible of the earth signs, Virgos also possess some dreamier qualities. “They’re drawn to the filigree of trees,” says Johnson. “They like to be wherever deer can play.” In Red River, Virgo will love how the mountain town’s elements—accessible ski slopes, trails through towering ponderosa pines, and a fun dining and music scene (hit Texas Reds Steakhouse for charbroiled beef and sizzling music)—add up to something larger.
Libras will enjoy the artistic energy in Silver City.
Photograph courtesy of the Town of Silver City.
LIBRA
(September 23–October 23)
Libras live in search of balance and harmony. They might dig Silver City, an Old West mining town that has been reinvigorated with an artistic and youthful energy. The public-art-laden downtown will appeal to their sensitive and curious nature, while the nearby 3.3 million-acre Gila National Forest provides opportunities to contemplate the clouds. Then book a yoga, meditation, or sound-bath class at the Lotus Center of Silver City.
Scorpio can ride the emotional waves of New Mexico River Adventures.
Photograph courtesy of New Mexico River Adventures.
SCORPIO
(October 24–November 21)
The passionate, mysterious, and focused water sign is drawn to swift-moving activities, says Johnson. Book a Río Grande rafting trip with New Mexico River Adventures for an adrenaline rush. The Whitewater and Wine Tasting Day Trip offers an opportunity for the zodiac’s most sensual sign to visit local wineries and savor the fruit of the earth.
The vast beauty of the Valles Caldera National Preserve makes it a national treasure.
Photograph by Andrew Kornylak.
SAGITTARIUS
(November 22–December 21)
Optimistic and independent, the archer likes to travel long distances and seek new experiences. Ruled by Jupiter, the fiery warrior tends to take a big approach to life that fits with the Valles Caldera National Preserve’s 13-mile-wide volcanic crater, which is crisscrossed by hiking trails and populated by elk, black bears, and golden eagles. “Valles Caldera really speaks to fire,” Bonfiglio says. “It feels like the desert—it has that essence—but it also has this range of color that is really exceptional.”
Capricorns will love exploring the 480,000 acres of wilderness surrounding The Lodge at Cloudcroft.
Photograph by Sergio Salvador.
CAPRICORN
(December 22–January 19)
Don’t be fooled by the inherent steadiness and orderliness of the goat. Capricorns love mountains, “as big as they can get,” Johnson says. At 9,000 feet, The Lodge at Cloudcroft has been charming guests since 1899. Destroyed by a fire in 1909 and rebuilt, the historic retreat also appeals to the earth sign’s incredible resiliency. Use the lodge as a base to let loose on the slopes of Ski Cloudcroft or explore the 480,000 acres of nearby wilderness.
Free-thinking Aquarius can land at the International UFO Museum.
Photograph by Gabriella Marks.
Pisces can refresh and recharge with a dip in Santa Rosa's Blue Hole.
PISCES
(February 19–March 20)
This dreamy and empathetic water sign needs solo time to recharge their batteries. Drawn to dark places and deep waters, the ethereal fish would enjoy exploring “underwater caves, where people could go diving, and maybe even a leap off into the void,” says Johnson. One of the most popular destinations for scuba divers in the Southwest, Santa Rosa’s 80-foot-deep, spring-fed Blue Hole offers a diving platform that feels particularly bold, even for Pisces.
Read more: Pack your bags, fill your tank, and gear up for loads of adventure, history, and family fun on these New Mexico road trips.
