Top 3 Scenic Drives in New Mexico: Road Trip Routes for Nature Lovers

Looking for the best scenic drives in New Mexico? Taking advantage of the scenic byways throughout New Mexico is the best way to see the Land of Enchantment. Here in the northern part of the state we have some great routes to experience everything from alpine forests, riparian habitats, and desert plains. So, pack some snacks, hop in your car, and get driving!

1. Ghost Ranch

Starting in Abiquiu head north on NM-84 towards Tierra Amarilla. Along this stretch of 45 miles, you will be greeted with views that inspired many of Georgia O’Keefe’s most famous paintings. As you continue to travel north you will see mesas and buttes carved from thousands of years of erosion in deep reds, faded purple and dusty yellows.

Ghost Ranch itself was founded in 1766 as a working ranch and named after the witches that were rumored to haunt the canyons. Now, the ranch acts as a convention center, retreat, and study center. You’ll also encounter geological features such as chimney rock which is a large sandstone pinnacle, and echo amphitheater which is a large naturally carved depression in the canyon wall perfect for acoustics. If you enjoy this road trip, consider spending 3 days amongst this beautiful geology on our Rio Chama River Trip. Our guides will tell you all about the history of these rocks, wildlife, and more as you enjoy gourmet meals and camping in the wilderness on this National Wild and Scenic River.

2. Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument

Begin this trip just north of our headquarters in the small town of Pilar. Heading west on 570 brings you deep into the Orilla Verde Recreation area where you can find great campsites, numerous hiking trails, and of course our popular half-day trip on this scenic stretch of river. Continuing you will pass over the Rio Grande at Taos Junction Bridge and head up the gorge where you will be met with views of the Taos Box rafting section– New Mexico’s premier class IV section of rapids.

Stop off to hike the La Vista Verde Trail for bighorn sheep sighting as well as watch rafters going down those class IV rapids during our peak season mid-May-June! Heading on West Rim Road north you will be brought to the intersection of NM-64 to turn right and cross over the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge towering at over 600 feet above the river and extraordinarily the 10th highest bridge in the United States. You’ll end this road trip in Taos for a delicious meal at one of many restaurants or with some live music at Kit Carson Park.

3. Santa Fe to Taos – The High Road

There are many routes between Santa Fe and Taos but none are more beautiful than taking The High Road- literally! Start your day by heading north out of Santa Fe towards Pojoaque where you’ll make a right on NM-503. This will bring you towards the Pecos Wilderness which contains alpine lakes amongst towers 13,000-foot peaks in the Sangre de Cristo mountains.

When you’re traveling on through to Peñasco be sure to make the quick detour out towards Dixon to stop on by for a half-day on our most popular trip, the Racecourse section! When back on NM-75 you’ll turn left onto 518 North taking you through the Carson National Forest where great pull-offs and lookouts dot the highway. Be sure to check our Rancho De Taos on your way through and visit San Francisco de Asís church. This Large Spanish Colonial church was built starting in 1772 and is the most photographed church in New Mexico. 

Of course, New Mexico takes years to truly explore and see all of the top sights, historic monuments, wildlife and more but we hope you take advantage of a few of these scenic roads during your time here. We can’t wait to hear where else you’ll be visiting during your vacation or if you’re a local please tell us your coveted favorites!