Get lost (and found): 5 corn mazes to explore across New Mexico this fall

There’s something about the crunch of corn stalks and the smell of roasted chile that signals fall in New Mexico. Whether you’re searching for a family-friendly day trip or a photo-worthy adventure, these mazes promise twists, turns and plenty of pumpkin spice energy.

1. McCall’s Pumpkin Patch & Maze

McCall’s features a sprawling corn maze, petting zoo, pumpkin patch and hayrides. After dark, things turn spooky with McCall’s Haunted Farm, a separate experience complete with a haunted cornfield and zombie paintball. WHERE: 2 McCall Lane, Moriarty WHEN: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, and Sunday, Oct. 19, repeats until Oct. 26; Noon to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, repeats until Oct. 24; Haunted Farm 7 p.m. to midnight Friday, Oct. 17, and Saturday, Oct. 18, repeats until Nov. 1 HOW MUCH: $21.99 to $57.99 at mccallpumpkinpatch.com; ($6.99 to $39.99 Haunted Farm)

2. Mesilla Valley Maze

One of the largest in the state, Mesilla Valley Maze spans 30 acres of fall fun. The maze itself changes design yearly. Past versions have featured farm animals, local landmarks and even state icons. Visitors can also enjoy duck races, hill slides and fresh-pressed apple cider. WHERE: 3855 W. Picacho Ave., Las Cruces WHEN: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, and Sunday, Oct. 19, repeats through Oct. 26 HOW MUCH: $16-$19, plus fees, at mesillavalleymaze.com

3. La Union Maze

Down south near the Texas border, La Union Maze combines a 13-acre puzzle with a pumpkin patch, hayrides and corn cannons. The maze design changes yearly, and families can stay after sunset for the “Flashlight Maze.” WHERE: 1101 Highway 28, Anthony WHEN: 5-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, and 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, repeats through Nov. 2 HOW MUCH: Tickets start at $5.50 at launionmaze.com

4. Heirloom Acres

Heirloom Acres offers both a short “Fairy Tale Trail” maze for younger kids and a 10-acre challenge course for the adventurous. Expect plenty of small-town charm: campfires, local food vendors and a rustic country-store feel make it worth the drive. WHERE: 1706 E Main St., Artesia WHEN: 5-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, and 2-8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, repeats through Oct. 26 HOW MUCH: $15 general admission; group admission starts at $9.75; free for ages 3 and younger; at heirloomacres.co

5. Galloping Goat Mini Corn Maze

Perfect for families with younger kids, the Galloping Goat Mini Corn Maze offers a bite-sized version of the classic fall adventure. It’s easy to navigate but still full of twists, turns and photo-worthy spots. Visitors can also meet friendly farm animals, enjoy hayrides and pick up seasonal treats. WHERE: 3001 Civic Center Circle, Rio Rancho WHEN: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, through Oct. 31 HOW MUCH: $9.99 ages 3-17; $11.99 ages 18-54; $10.99 senior 55+ and military with ID; $25 season pass; plus fees at gallopinggoatpumpkinpatch.com

There’s something about the crunch of corn stalks and the smell of roasted chile that signals fall in New Mexico. Whether you’re searching for a family-friendly day trip or a photo-worthy adventure, these mazes promise twists, turns and plenty of pumpkin spice energy.

1. McCall’s Pumpkin Patch & Maze

McCall’s features a sprawling corn maze, petting zoo, pumpkin patch and hayrides. After dark, things turn spooky with McCall’s Haunted Farm, a separate experience complete with a haunted cornfield and zombie paintball.

WHERE: 2 McCall Lane, Moriarty

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, and Sunday, Oct. 19, repeats until Oct. 26; Noon to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, repeats until Oct. 24; Haunted Farm 7 p.m. to midnight Friday, Oct. 17, and Saturday, Oct. 18, repeats until Nov. 1

HOW MUCH: $21.99 to $57.99 at mccallpumpkinpatch.com; ($6.99 to $39.99 Haunted Farm)

2. Mesilla Valley Maze

One of the largest in the state, Mesilla Valley Maze spans 30 acres of fall fun. The maze itself changes design yearly. Past versions have featured farm animals, local landmarks and even state icons. Visitors can also enjoy duck races, hill slides and fresh-pressed apple cider.

WHERE: 3855 W. Picacho Ave., Las Cruces

WHEN: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, and Sunday, Oct. 19, repeats through Oct. 26

HOW MUCH: $16-$19, plus fees, at mesillavalleymaze.com

3. La Union Maze

Down south near the Texas border, La Union Maze combines a 13-acre puzzle with a pumpkin patch, hayrides and corn cannons. The maze design changes yearly, and families can stay after sunset for the “Flashlight Maze.”

WHERE: 1101 Highway 28, Anthony

WHEN: 5-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, and 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, repeats through Nov. 2

HOW MUCH: Tickets start at $5.50 at launionmaze.com

4. Heirloom Acres

Heirloom Acres offers both a short “Fairy Tale Trail” maze for younger kids and a 10-acre challenge course for the adventurous. Expect plenty of small-town charm: campfires, local food vendors and a rustic country-store feel make it worth the drive.

WHERE: 1706 E Main St., Artesia

WHEN: 5-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, and 2-8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, repeats through Oct. 26

HOW MUCH: $15 general admission; group admission starts at $9.75; free for ages 3 and younger; at heirloomacres.co

5. Galloping Goat Mini Corn Maze

Perfect for families with younger kids, the Galloping Goat Mini Corn Maze offers a bite-sized version of the classic fall adventure. It’s easy to navigate but still full of twists, turns and photo-worthy spots. Visitors can also meet friendly farm animals, enjoy hayrides and pick up seasonal treats.

WHERE: 3001 Civic Center Circle, Rio Rancho

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, through Oct. 31

HOW MUCH: $9.99 ages 3-17; $11.99 ages 18-54; $10.99 senior 55+ and military with ID; $25 season pass; plus fees at gallopinggoatpumpkinpatch.com