Traveling with your dog can be a fun adventure full of great memories. But, it can also turn into a nightmare if you don’t plan ahead. After all, you can’t guarantee everywhere you stop will welcome your dog. If you’re planning a trip to “The Land of Enchantment”, or unofficially “The Cactus State”, use this New Mexico dog-friendly travel guide to start your research:

5 Dog-Friendly Activities in New Mexico

Sight-seeing is an essential part of traveling. By planning ahead, you can make sure you have plenty of dog-friendly things to do and see during your trip. Here are a few dog-friendly activities in New Mexico to consider adding to your trip itinerary if you’ll be nearby:

1. ABQ Trolley Co.

A trolley is a great way to explore a city. Should your travels bring you to Albuquerque, consider taking a ride with ABQ Trolley Co. As long as your dog remains leashed and is well-behaved, they are welcome to join you for a narrated tour of the city.

For 85 minutes, you and your pup can enjoy the sights and sounds of Alberquerque from an open-air trolley. Tours start in Historic Old Town and wind throughout the city from there.

2. Petroglyph National Monument

The Petroglyph National Monument is located in Albuquerque and is a great place to explore and stretch your legs. There are multiple hiking trails available that vary in length and feature ancient petroglyphs etched into the rocks.

Your dog is welcome to join you in most areas as long as they are leashed. They are not permitted in the Boca Negra Canyon, including that specific trail, or in any public buildings. Aside from those areas, you are free to explore with your dog as they are allowed in Rinconada Canyon, the Volcanoes Day Use Area, and Piedras Marcadas Canyon.

Just make sure you stay aware of the temperature and keep an eye on your dog so they do not overheat. Also, bring plenty of water for you and your dog to stay hydrated and keep a careful eye out for snakes, especially if your dog will try to play with or chase them.

3. Soledad Canyon Loop

If you’ll be near Las Cruces and want to spend some time hiking, the Soledad Canyon Loop can be a great choice. It’s a 3.4-mile hiking trail that is considered good for all skill levels and it features a waterfall.

Your dog is welcome to join you on the trail as long as they are leashed. You also want to make sure they will be able to handle other people and animals well because the trail is a popular spot for runners, mountain bikers, and horseback riders.

4. Nedra Matteucci Sculpture Gardens

The Nedra Matteucci Sculpture Gardens are located in Santa Fe and are a great stop for anyone who enjoys art and nature. Your dog is welcome to join you as you explore the gardens as long as they are leashed and well-behaved.

They are also required not to disturb the ducks that live on the property. So, if your dog can’t resist the urge to bark and chase after other animals, you’ll want to skip this stop.

5. White Sands National Park

If it’s not too hot, White Sands National Park located in Alamogordo can be a good stop. As long as your dog is on a leash no longer than six feet and you clean up after them, they are welcome to join you as you explore the gypsum sand dunes of the park.

Dogs are not allowed inside the Visitor Center, but can join you throughout the other areas. Hours vary throughout the year and there are entrance fees, so you will definitely want to check those details before you add it to your trip plan.

3 Dog-Friendly Hotels in New Mexico

After a day full of fun and adventure, it’s important to know you and your dog have somewhere to rest and relax. Because not all hotels are dog-friendly and dog-friendly rooms tend to go fast, you want to make sure you book a room in advance. Here are a few dog-friendly hotels in New Mexico to help kickstart your research:

1. Shadow Mountain Lodge and Cabins

If you’ll need to stay overnight in Ruidoso and want a little more nature surrounding you, consider booking a room or a cabin at Shadow Mountain Lodge and Cabins. You are welcome to bring dogs of any size with you for your stay. There is a $200 refundable deposit per stay and an additional pet fee, which is $35 per dog, per stay.

2. Tiara Del Sol Condos

Another option to stay in Ruidoso is the Tiara Del Sol Condos. Located up in the mountains and near shopping, this resort has dog-friendly rooms. Up to two dogs of any size are welcome to join you for your stay.

There is an additional pet fee, which is $50 per dog per stay. You can leave your dogs unattended in your room, but they must be crated. There is a grassy relief area on the property for your convenience and waste bags are available at the front desk if you forget yours in your room.

3. Residence Inn by Marriott Santa Fe

If you’ll need somewhere to stay in Santa Fe, considering researching a room at the Residence Inn by Marriott Santa Fe. Up to two dogs of any size are welcome to join you for your stay at this hotel. There is an additional pet fee, which is $100 per stay and is non-refundable.

Your dog cannot be left unattended in the room and there is a grassy relief area on the property. If you need to stay overnight somewhere, you may be able to find other hotels in this chain. Although they are likely to have similar pet policies, the details and fees may vary from hotel to hotel, so just make sure you check into it before booking a room.

2 Dog-Friendly Restaurants in New Mexico

Although convenience stores and fast food are resources to supplement the food you packed for your trip, they can also be boring and often don’t feature the local flavor. Instead of missing out, consider stopping by one of these dog-friendly restaurants in New Mexico for a meal if your travels bring you nearby:

1. Noisy River Winery

If you enjoy a good glass of wine and your travels bring you near Ruidoso, consider spending some time at Noisy River Winery. Not only is this winery operated by 5th generation farmers, but it is also dog-friendly.

Your dog is welcome to join you as you taste sparkling, whites, reds, and other wines produced locally in the winery. You can even share some cheese with them if it doesn’t upset their stomach.

2. O’Niell’s

O’Niell’s is located in Albuquerque and features a variety of Irish eats on their menu. Local favorites include shepherd’s pie, spicy mac and cheese, lamb stew, and more. Plus, they have a large outdoor seating area where your dog is welcome to join you. Dog leash tie-offs are built-in and there is also a built-in water station just for dogs.

Although this New Mexico dog-friendly travel guide is a good start, it doesn’t cover everything that might be available. If you come across something else you want to see or do while you’re planning, just make sure they will allow your dog to join you for the fun before it goes on the trip itinerary.

If you’re headed somewhere else, take a look at the other dog-friendly travel guides available. Here’s to safe travels and wagging tails no matter where your adventure takes you!