New Mexico’s highways are a playground for GPS confusion, thanks to a collection of town names so odd, whimsical, or linguistically challenging that even your navigation app might need a moment to process. Here are ten New Mexico town names that will cause an existential crisis on your GPS—and probably leave you chuckling or scratching your head.
1. Truth or Consequences
Perhaps the most famous oddity, this town changed its name from Hot Springs in 1950 after a radio show of the same name. If your GPS sounds confused, it’s not alone—most first-time visitors are, too.
2. Pie Town
Yes, it’s real, and yes, it’s named for its legendary pies. Your GPS may wonder if it’s a dessert destination or a real place to stop for fuel (and pie).
3. Elephant Butte
No elephants here—just a butte (a flat-topped hill) that supposedly looks like one. The name is a guaranteed snicker for both drivers and digital assistants.
4. Las Trampas
Translating to “the traps” in Spanish, this historic town’s name is as mysterious as its origins, and your GPS might not be sure if it’s warning you or guiding you.
5. Zuzax
Invented to catch the eye of Route 66 travelers, this made-up name has no meaning—except to confuse mapping software and passersby alike.
6. Tucumcari
A tongue-twister with debated origins, this town’s name is as fun to say as it is to try to spell correctly on your first attempt.
7. Wagon Mound
Named after a nearby butte shaped like a wagon, this one sounds more like a pioneer landmark than a modern town—your GPS might not know whether to expect horses or highways.
8. Ohkay Owingeh
This Tewa Pueblo name means “place of the strong people.” For non-locals and most navigation apps, it’s a spelling and pronunciation challenge.
9. Waterflow
A literal name for a town near the San Juan River, but one that might make your GPS think it’s describing a condition, not a destination.
10. Brilliant
Now a ghost town, Brilliant was named for the sparkling coal mined there. Your GPS may wonder if it’s giving you a compliment or directions.
These towns are more than just waypoints—they’re a testament to New Mexico’s quirky history, cultural diversity, and sense of humor. If your GPS hesitates, don’t worry: you’re probably right where you’re supposed to be—in the Land of Enchantment.
Sources:
- https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/6-bizarrely-named-towns-in-new-mexico.html
- https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/trip-ideas/new-mexico/weird-town-names-nm
- https://www.reddit.com/r/NewMexico/comments/1lfcml0/most_interestingfunnystrange_new_mexico_place/
- https://www.therooseveltreview.com/the-meaning-behind-the-names-of-these-new-mexico-towns/