Whether you have lived in New Mexico all of your life, just recently moved there, or are visiting, the diversity of the landscape and the immense culture is undeniable. Listed in no particular order, here are some places that all New Mexicans or visitors to New Mexico should make a point to visit, proving that New Mexico really is "the land of enchantment".

1. Ghost Ranch - Abiquiu, NM

Arthur Pack, an environmentalist, bought Ghost Ranch and then sold a portion of it to artist Georgie O'Keefe. Pack and his wife then gave the ranch to the Presbyterian church in 1955. Los Alamos lab scientists retreated to the ranch to take rest and relaxation time while building the first nuclear bomb. Charles Lundbergh, Ansel Adams, and John Wayne are among many famous Ghost Ranch guests. The current Ghost Ranch logo design was based on an O'Keefe drawing that she gave to Arthur Pack in the 1930's.

2. Carlsbad Caverns - Carlsbad, NM

The caverns in Carlsbad are just one cave of over 300 limestone caves in a fossil reef, created by a sea that existed in the area 250 to 280 million years ago. In the late 1840's, the U.S. then claimed New Mexico Territory. Carlsbad was established as a city in 1888, with New Mexico following as an established state in 1912. Carlsbad Cave National Monument was created in October of 1923.3. Kasha - Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument - Cochiti, NM

Situated on the Pajarito Plateau 40 miles southwest of Santa Fe, New Mexico, this national monument has a trail that leads up to 6,760 feet above sea level. Rock formations were caused by Jemez volcanic eruptions, which then created the tent rocks due to pumice, ash, and tuff deposits. In the Pueblo language of Keresan, Kasha-Katuwe means "white cliffs".

4. White Sands National Monument - Alamogordo, NM

The dune field has existed at white sands for 7,000-10,000 years. The sands were deposited in the area because of a shallow sea that was speculated to have existed 250 million years ago. Miners attempted to mine the gypsum dunes with little to no success due to the low value of the mineral. In 1934, White Sands was opened as a national monument in order to remain protected as a sacred land, with 34,000 visitors in the first year alone.

5. Blue Hole - Santa Rosa, NM

This artesian well is just one of seven total lakes connected underground by a vast water system. Blue Hole became a fish hatchery in 1932, later turning into a recreation area in the 1970's. The Blue Hole is now also utilized by divers from all over the world. The water is crystal clear due to the fact that the water is renewed every six hours naturally, also keeping it at a constant 62 degrees.

6. Sandia Peak - Albuquerque, NM (Ski & Tramway)

Since 1966, the Sandia Tramway has carried over 11 million passengers to the top of Sandia Peak. Riders are taken up in tramcars that are attached to hauling cables held up by two towers, with the weight of the descending tramcar helping to pull its opposite car upward toward the peak. The tramway travels at an average of 12 mph with a 600 horse power electric winch motor. In the event of a power outage, an auxiliary Ford industrial engine can be used to transport riders. The top of the peak features several viewpoints and lookouts, ski slopes, and a restaurant.

7. Gila Cliff Dwellings - Silver City, NM

Nomadic cultures used the caves along the Gila River for shelter for thousands of years. By the late 1200's, Mogollon peoples decided to make the dwellings their permanent home. The Mogollons then moved on after years of building, crafting, and raising their children in the area. In 1907, the land was proclaimed as a national monument by President Theodore Roosevelt to give insight into the lives of these cliff dwellers.

8. International Balloon Fiesta - Albuquerque, NM (Balloon Fiesta Park)

While this event is not exactly a place, the International Balloon Fiesta is the largest hot air balloon fiesta in the world. Taking place every October, the 9 day fiesta allows over 500 balloons to take flight every year. The event began in 1972, sponsored by a local news outlet, KOB 4. The media organization continues to sponsor and cover this annual spectacle to this day.

9. Four Corners National Monument

Situated on the Colorado Plateau, the Four Corners Monument is the only place in the United Staes where four different states intersect. Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado all meet in one central location and are marked with brass and granite installations as of 1912. Visitors can place two hands in two states and two legs in the others, allowing them to be in four places at once.