New Mexico must be one of the most underrated states in the US. While it’s neighbor to the north, Colorado, sees nearly 80 million visitors a year, New Mexico receives only half of that. However, New Mexico has just as much to offer, if not more. In particular, the northern part of the state is full of incredible gems such as hidden hot springs and gorgeous desert badlands. Here is your guide to an epic northern New Mexico road trip itinerary.

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How to Get to Northern New Mexico

The closest big cities to this part of New Mexico are Albuquerque (1 hour drive to Santa Fe) and Denver (5 hour drive to Taos). You can either fly into these bigger airport hubs or the smaller Santa Fe airport. Pick up a rental car and drive in any direction to start your northern New Mexico road trip.

Check out our GoogleMaps to all of the places listed in this guide!

Where to Stay in Northern New Mexico

CAMPING OPTIONS

• Cebolla Mesa Campground (near Questa) – This quiet and secluded 5 site campground has incredible sunset views of the Rio Grande Gorge. There are also several hiking trails that leave from here. While RV campers have accessibility at this spot, the road can be muddy at times.

• Highway 150 Campground & Dispersed Sites (near Taos)- There are numerous sites scattered along this highway which leads from Taos to Taos Ski Valley. Some are paid campgrounds, others are dispersed (free) sites with no amenities. However, all of these spots are incredibly relaxing, as they sit right along the Hondo River.

• Big Tesuque Campground (near Santa Fe) – This tent and short walk in only campground is located along scenic Highway 475 from Santa Fe. There are 10 free sites here, pit toilets and also hiking trails. Additionally, in the fall, these spots are particularly stunning as the Aspen groves are changing around you.

HOTEL/TOWN OPTIONS

• TAOS – Taos is a good centrally located base for day trips to the surrounding area. You can either stay in a historical pueblo style hotel in the downtown Taos area or in an alpine style lodge in the nearby Taos Ski Valley.

• SANTA FE – Santa Fe is also a great base for a couple of days since there is a lot to do around this charming city/area. Along with Taos, there are many beautifully decorated pueblo style hotel options here.

• CHIMAYO – This area is a bit more rural, however, it is a very authentic and gorgeous place for a retreat. Stay at the highly rated Casa Escondida Bed & Breakfast for a truly wonderful experience. Chimayo is centrally located between Taos and Santa Fe.

• OJO CALIENTE – This tiny area is good for a shorter stay in addition to the spots above. Rather than a base, it’s more of a destination in itself for its gorgeous resort feel and calming mineral springs. There are several lodging options available here, from rooms to private cottages to camping.

What to Do on a Northern New Mexico Road Trip

1. HIKE IN THE NAMBE BADLANDS

You’ll find this area about 30 minutes north of Santa Fe. It’s a unique landscape compared to other topography in this region and certainly worth checking out. For the best views, hike along the moderate 5.3 mile Nambe Badlands loop. Also, be sure to download the AllTrails map as the trail is not well marked.

2. EXPLORE THE TAOS SKI VALLEY

The Taos Ski Valley is a superb place to explore at any time of year. During the winter, you can ski and snowshoe, and in the summer, you can hike and camp. Additionally, you can explore the lodge area with shops/restaurants or ride the lift during the summer to mountain views. For hiking trails, check out the moderate 3.7 mile Williams Lake Trail or the highest point in New Mexico at Wheeler Peak.

3. WALK ACROSS THE RIO GRANDE GORGE BRIDGE

You’ll find this bridge about 20 minutes from the downtown Taos area. At 650 feet high above the Rio Grande, this bridge is the second highest on the US highway system. You can get great views from either side and walk across the entire bridge too. It’s a bit of a nerve racking experience, but definitely worth it for the unique views of the gorge below! Also, bighorn sheep live in this area, so keep an eye out for these magnificent creatures.

4. DRIVE AROUND THE WESTERN SIDE OF CARSON NATIONAL FOREST

The Carson National Forest encompasses much of northern New Mexico, including the mountains in the Taos Ski Area. For more off the beaten path views and camping areas, explore the western side of the forest by Tres Piedras. You can also get here by driving north from the Ojo Caliente mineral springs area. A couple of interesting spots here include the tiny community of Vallecitos, the El Rito climbing area, and the gorgeous Canjilon Lakes.

5. EXPLORE THE ARROYO SECO VILLAGE

This tiny community is found on the road between Taos and Taos Ski Valley. There are several local restaurants here, art galleries and craft shops. You’ll also find the delicious Taos Cow, a coffee shop and ice cream stand that has a relaxing river location.

6. HIKE AT THE GALISTEO BASIN PRESERVE

You’ll find the Galisteo Basin Preserve area about 20 minutes south of Santa Fe. There are over 40 miles of trails here, with wide views of the surrounding mountains and a desert like environment. Park at either Cowboy Shack Trailhead or the Morning Star Trailhead to get to the best trails and viewpoints.

7. DRIVE ON THE SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST SCENIC BYWAY

This scenic byway winds 16 beautiful miles between downtown Santa Fe and Santa Fe Ski Area. It is especially stunning in the fall as the Aspen trees gain their golden tones. As well as Hyde Memorial State Park, this road has several campgrounds, hiking trails and scenic viewpoints.

8. SOAK AT BLACK ROCK HOT SPRINGS

These unique hot springs are one of the best places in northern New Mexico. It’s also completely free to visit, which makes them even better. You’ll find the springs near the John Dunn Bridge area, which is about 25 minutes from Taos. The contrasting setting between the black rocks and surrounding Rio Grande Gorge make for a completely wonderful experience. Afterwards, jump into the John Dunn river bridge area to cool off!

9. VISIT SANTA FE

Last, but not least, on your northern New Mexico road trip itinerary, is to visit the city of Santa Fe. This is a great spot to start/end your road trip, as there’s an airport & public transportation available to/from Albuquerque. You could easily spend several days here, as there are many wonderful areas for strolling and great New Mexican restaurants. Additionally, the pueblo style architecture here is fantastic!

How Many Days for Your Road Trip?

Plan to spend at least 7-10 days exploring this region. You could do everything within 5 days if you really wanted to rush, but we recommend giving yourself more time. The longer you have, the more side trips you can do to places like Ojo Caliente and the Taos Ski Valley.

We hope you enjoyed this epic northern New Mexico road trip itinerary guide and get to explore this amazing area soon! JCQ