The
Magdalena Mountains are a regionally high, mountain range in
Socorro County, in west-central
New Mexico in the southwestern
United States. The highest point in the range is
South Baldy, at 10,783 ft (3,287 m), which is also the tallest peak in
Socorro County. The range runs roughly north-south and is about 18 miles (28 km) long. The range lies just south of the village of
Magdalena, and about 18 miles (28 km) west of
Socorro. The Magdalena Mountains are an east-tilted
fault-block range, superimposed on
Cenozoic calderas. The complex geologic history of the range has resulted in spectacular scenery, with unusual and eye-catching rock formations. They form part of the western edge of the
Rio Grande Rift Valley, fronting the La Jencia Basin. The mountains remain isolated and natural due to the absence of any significant human development within or near the range.