Summer is perhaps the best time of the year to put some extra money aside and pack the family into your car for a lengthy cross-country adventure. As would be expected, many tourists will rush to popular destinations like the Grand Canyon or Yosemite National Park. Instead of skipping all of the luxuries between the Great Plains and reputable West Coast destinations, motorists should take advantage of the beauty that can be discovered along the way. New Mexico offers some of the most captivating landscapes in the United States, but many Americans don't know about these hidden gems because they aren't always marked on maps.

One of the most famous landmarks in the Land of Enchantment is the White Sands National Monument, which resembles the dunes of The Sahara with the backdrop of dark and rugged mountains. This area is also home to the yucca plants, which are particularly eye-popping in the early summer when their flowers bloom to heights that are sometimes ten feet. Nearby are the famous Carlsbad Caverns, which are known as some of the largest in the world. Spectators can stand at particular viewpoints during the twilight hours of summer and witness the hundreds of bats that swarm from the cave vents like tornadoes amid the setting sun. Of course, tourists can capture these picturesque wonders by coming prepared with the right type of camera equipment.

One area of New Mexico that surprises many first-time visitors is El Malpais, which is conveniently tucked along Interstate 40 near the Arizona border. Although the landscape might seem dull and barren, a winding country road eventually brings travelers to a rugged cliff that's embellished with vivid hues of yellow and white. Overlooking the badlands below, vacationers can easily mistake the massive speckles of black for dead trees. In reality, these spots are molten lava from the massive volcano that had erupted from the top of the cliffs thousands of years ago, creating a natural mosaic that mesmerizes first-timers. The best part about this area is that not many people in the country seem to know about it. Even during the peak of summer, the overlooks on the cliff are often totally empty, providing a quiet and authentic experience for those who are aware of its existence. Naturally, in a location that's so far from any nearby town, you'll want to stock up on backpacking supplies and water.

An area that's known for its swiftly-changing landscapes is along the Rio Grande in the north-central portion of the state. The massive river literally splits the Rocky Mountains into two sections, merging crimson desert valleys with thick alpine forests. Jemez Springs is a tiny strip of art shops and restaurants that's merely an hour or two north of Albuquerque. This location is home to some of the most unearthly rock shapes in the southwest, some of which resemble coral reefs and sponges. Abiquiu, which was featured in many of Georgia O'Keefe's cattle skull paintings, is also nearby. Those who are fans of western-oriented films like City Slickers will likely feast their eyes upon many familiar sights in this dusty mountain town, especially at Ghost Ranch.

After spending a day venturing the wild mountains of New Mexico, there's practically nothing as pleasurable as a nice air-conditioned hotel room before you move on to the next state. For the most affordable prices on rooms, travelers should check out Travelocity Promotion Codes. Just don't be surprised if you find yourself so enraptured by the Land of Enchantment that you never want to leave.