New Mexico shares its borders with five states, each connecting through unique landscapes and important historical landmarks. These neighboring states highlight a mix of deserts, mountains, and plains, with a particularly interesting feature—the Four Corners Monument—where New Mexico meets Arizona, Utah, and Colorado at a single point. From the vast Chihuahuan Desert shared with Texas to the high plains touching Oklahoma, the borders reveal a rich blend of geography and culture.
Below is a detailed list of the states that border New Mexico, including key information about each connection.
State This column lists the names of the states that share a border with New Mexico.
Capital This column shows the capital city of each bordering state.
Shared Border (km) This column indicates the length, in kilometers, of the border New Mexico shares with each state.
Notable Shared Feature This column describes important natural or cultural landmarks found along the border between New Mexico and each state.
states that border new mexico
| State | Capital | Shared Border (km) | Notable Shared Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Phoenix | 540 | Four Corners Monument and Colorado Plateau |
| Utah | Salt Lake City | 0 | Four Corners Monument |
| Colorado | Denver | 320 | Four Corners Monument and Rio Grande Headwaters |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma City | 55 | Black Mesa and High Plains |
| Texas | Austin | 1,040 | Guadalupe Mountains and Chihuahuan Desert |
Descriptions
Arizona
Neighbors New Mexico to the west, sharing arid landscapes and Native American cultural heritage. Both states are part of the vast American Southwest, featuring stunning desert scenery and the Four Corners Monument.
Utah
Shares only a tiny border point with New Mexico at the Four Corners, where four states meet. Utah contributes to the unique geological and cultural landscape of the Colorado Plateau.
Colorado
Borders New Mexico to the north, extending the Rocky Mountains and sharing parts of the high desert. The Rio Grande flows from Colorado through New Mexico, linking their environments.
Oklahoma
Borders New Mexico only at the tip of its panhandle, a high plains region. This connection links New Mexico’s eastern plains to the larger Great Plains ecosystem.
Texas
Shares the longest border with New Mexico, stretching across diverse landscapes from high plains to desert mountains. Both states are deeply intertwined by the Chihuahuan Desert and historical routes.
