The development of New Mexico's natural recreational resources has made tourism a leading economic activity. In 2002, the state hosted about 11.5 million travelers. About 28.6% of all trips were instate travel by residents. About 53% of visitors came from the following states: Texas, Colorado, California, Arizona, and Oklahoma. The most popular vacation area was the Albuquerque-Sante Fe region (with 22.9% of all visitors), followed by El Paso (10.8%). Shopping, outdoor activities, and historical sites were the most popular attractions.
Hunting, fishing, camping, boating, and skiing are among the many outdoor attractions. The state has a national park—Carlsbad Caverns—and 13 national monuments: Aztec Ruins, Bandelier, Capulin Mountain, Chaco Canyon, El Morro (Inscription Rock), Fort Union, Gila Cliff Dwellings, Gran Quivira, Pecos, and White Sands. In 1984, the US House of Representatives designated 27,840 acres (11,266 hectares) of new wilderness preserves in New Mexico's San Juan basin, including a 2,720-acre (1,100-hectare) "fossil forest."