Magdalena Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Magdalena showing farmland and landscape views
Magdalena
Magdalena featuring an observatory
Magdalena which includes farmland, land animals and a sunset
Magdalena which includes an observatory, a sunset and tranquil scenes

Surrounded by towering mountains, this colourful town is known for its thriving art scene, eclectic festivals and eerie mining ghost town.

The village of Magdalena is an artistic hub with a Spanish-colonial past. Its name derives from the image of a lady’s face that Spanish soldiers saw in the mountain overlooking the town. Peruse the intriguing works of art on display at the various galleries as you explore Magdalena.

Stroll through the quaint neighborhoods to gain a sense of the local culture and to gaze up at the Lady on the Mountain rock formation that looms over the village. Browse through mineral and rock shops that showcase the diverse stones of the area.

Look at works of art by local artists in the many galleries and shops around the commune’s center. The annual festival of the Lady Magdalen Art Walk encapsulates the town’s creative flair. Attend the intriguing Old Timer’s Reunion in July, when locals exchange traditional stories and food.

The ghost town of Kelly is one of the eeriest attractions in the region. The town, which was set up in the gold rush period at the end of the 19th century, has been abandoned since 1945. Wander through the desolate village to see the ruins of the zinc mine and derelict buildings.

Several natural parks with picturesque terrain surround the town. Explore the Cibola National Forest on the northwestern outskirts of Magdalena for its grasslands and rocky peaks. The array of wildlife here includes bears, mountain lions and birds of prey. Hike along the paths that wind through the scenic areas of this enormous park.

Other picturesque areas include the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge and the Friends of the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, which has sprawling fields and scenic water networks.

Magdalena is located in Socorro County in central New Mexico. Fly to the Albuquerque International Airport and drive south for 100 miles (160 kilometers) to get to Magdalena. Nearby towns include Truth or Consequences and Alamogordo. Anticipate hot summer days and cool nights from June to August, while winters see mild to cool temperatures in the afternoon and freezing evenings with snowfall.

Best Western Socorro Hotel & Suites

Best Western Socorro Hotel & Suites

2.5 out of 5
1100 N California St, Socorro, NM
The price is Rp1.830.796 per night from 15 Aug to 16 Aug
Rp1.830.796
Rp2.097.406 total
15 Aug - 16 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Socorro. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Sedillo Park and Gabaldon Plaza ...
8/10 Very Good! (766 reviews)
"Gentleman at check in was excellent. Very friendly and professional. Great experience."

Reviewed on 26 Jul 2025

Best Western Socorro Hotel & Suites
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Socorro

Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Socorro

2 out of 5
713 N.W. California St, Socorro, NM
The price is Rp1.258.884 per night from 19 Aug to 20 Aug
Rp1.258.884
Rp1.442.207 total
19 Aug - 20 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Socorro. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"The rooms are clean and neat, wonderful staff."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Socorro
Comfort Inn & Suites Socorro

Comfort Inn & Suites Socorro

2.5 out of 5
1259 Frontage Rd Nw, Socorro, NM
The price is Rp1.684.326 per night from 16 Aug to 17 Aug
Rp1.684.326
Rp1.929.606 total
16 Aug - 17 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Socorro. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the comfy rooms in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (479 reviews)
"Its was good"

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Comfort Inn & Suites Socorro
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging

Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging

3 out of 5
321 Kearney Ave, Santa Fe, NM
Stay at this aparthotel in Santa Fe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a business centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,183 reviews)
"We rented a 3 bedroom for 5 people. It was very comfortable."

Reviewed on 25 Jul 2025

Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging
Alpine Village Suites

Alpine Village Suites

3.5 out of 5
100 Thunderbird Rd, Taos Ski Valley, NM
Stay at this 3.5-star spa aparthotel in Taos Ski Valley. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (562 reviews)
"Nice ski resort that has several amenities outside the ski season."

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2025

Alpine Village Suites
High Sierra Condominium

High Sierra Condominium

3 out of 5
504 Excalibur Rd, Ruidoso, NM
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly condo in Ruidoso. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Casino Apache Travel Center ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (150 reviews)
"Absolutely beautiful location! Breathtaking views, away from town, secluded drive up the mountain. Very clean and easy to navigate through check in through check out. Partially furnished with kitchen/cooking supplies (pots and pans) but if planning to do a lot of it, I'd take your own supplies. Wonderful ..."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

High Sierra Condominium
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Magdalena