The Largest Pumpkin Patch In New Mexico Is An Essential Fall Day Trip
Autumn in New Mexico doesn’t officially start until the smell of roasted chiles mixes with hay bales at McCall’s Pumpkin Patch.
Sprawling across 50 acres, this pumpkin wonderland turns every corner into a photo op, a corn maze dare, or a sugar rush waiting to happen. Whether you’re on a mission for the plumpest jack-o’-lantern or just chasing fall vibes with family in tow, Moriarty’s crown jewel delivers more magic than a Halloween candy haul.
1. Largest Reputation In The State
Sprawling across 50 acres of farmland, McCall’s has rightfully earned its crown as New Mexico’s pumpkin patch royalty. The sheer size of this orange-dotted landscape will make your jaw drop faster than candy corn disappears at a Halloween party.
What makes this place special isn’t just its size – it’s the variety! From tiny decorative gourds to massive carving pumpkins that’ll give your neighbors serious porch envy.
Families return year after year, creating traditions that span generations. Many locals mark the official start of fall not by the calendar but by their annual pilgrimage to this pumpkin paradise.
2. Perfect Day Trip From Albuquerque
Highway 40 unspools in golden ribbons, cottonwoods glowing against distant mountains while car windows fill with crisp autumn air.
Kids barely notice the short forty-minute ride from Albuquerque, especially with snacks packed and playlists humming.
McCall’s greets families mid-morning, laughter rising over pumpkin patches and hayrides. No hotel keys, no complex planning – just an easy escape from city grind. Visitors linger until closing, stomachs full of cider and kettle corn, gas tanks hardly dented. One breezy drive, one perfect day, and suddenly fall feels closer, brighter, and sweeter than you imagined.
3. Family-Friendly Schedule That Works For Everyone
Pumpkin fun fits even the busiest calendar when McCall’s stretches six golden weeks, from September 20 through October 26. Gates swing open weekends 10 to 6, cider perfume drifting as families roam patches and mazes.
Those craving elbow room snag Friday afternoon hours, a golden ticket hiding in plain sight. Weekday mornings bring shorter lines before school groups arrive, letting rides and treats feel leisurely.
The limited run makes every visit special, not routine, sharpening anticipation like crisp fall air. Six weekends of pumpkins, laughter, and kettle corn prove seasonal joy tastes sweeter when time itself feels scarce.
4. Corn Maze Challenge Like No Other
Where else can you get happily lost in 15 acres of cornstalk corridors? McCall’s legendary maze stands taller than your average NBA player and twists more than a telenovela plot. Bring your sense of direction – you’ll need it!
Families tackle this leafy labyrinth together, creating memories with every wrong turn and celebratory high-five when finding checkpoints. The maze changes design annually, keeping repeat visitors on their toes.
Though the maze gets top billing, it’s just one of 60+ attractions scattered throughout the farm. From tractor rides to animal encounters, the variety ensures nobody in your group gets bored – though they might get delightfully exhausted!
5. Budget-Friendly Fun For The Whole Family
Forget those wallet-draining attractions – McCall’s delivers maximum fun without the financial fright! Your admission ticket unlocks over 60 activities, from hayrides to animal encounters. How’s that for bang-for-your-buck entertainment?
Kiddos under two get in totally free, making this an especially sweet deal for families with little ones. While some premium experiences like pumpkin picking and face painting cost extra, they’re completely optional.
Smart parents pack picnic lunches to enjoy at the farm’s designated eating areas, though the tempting aromas from food vendors might test your willpower. The value proposition becomes clear when you realize you’ve spent an entire day having fun without constantly reaching for your wallet.
6. Two Experiences In One Unforgettable Location
Sunlight brings pumpkin-patch charm to McCall’s, laughter drifting from hayrides, children petting goats, and cider perfuming crisp air. Families wander rows of orange globes, capturing wholesome memories before dusk creeps in.
Then the mood pivots – lanterns flicker, screams slice the night, and the Haunted Farm awakens. Teens and adults brave shadowy mazes and jump-scares, while little ones sleep soundly at home. Locals often double-dip, enjoying sunny daytime cheer before returning another evening for frights, proving one farm can nurture both warm family tradition and heart-pounding chills. Seasonal magic stretches across light and dark, inviting everyone to find their favorite thrill.
