What to Pack for New Mexico - Packing List

New Mexico offers travelers a unique experience. You can go hiking through the desert one day and skiing down a mountain the next. Prepping for your trip is easy; just remember the following items.

As you can imagine, it can be very hot in New Mexico. The sun shines brightly and there isn't always shady spots to take cover. But just because it's a desert doesn't mean it's unbearably hot day and night. Actually, the desert can be quite cold in the evenings. Plus, the temperature you experience is going to depend a lot on the elevation. The key to packing for New Mexico weather is layers. You'll need plenty of T-shirts and shorts, yes, but a fleece jacket and jeans will also be essential.

The sun's rays are rather potent here, making sunscreen a must. Pack a strong one to keep your skin safe from dangerous UV rays, and bring a hat and sunglasses to add further protection for your face. Go ahead and bring some aloe vera gel or lotion with you as well, just in case you do get a little red. It's a dry heat out in New Mexico, and your skin might not love that. Bringing a lip balm and hand cream will go a long way toward keeping your skin nourished during your vacation.