New Mexico is full of natural beauty and scenic drives, but one road has recently received some much-deserved national attention — the High Road to Taos Scenic Byway. This is one of the best scenic drives in New Mexico and it takes you along many twists and turns in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. It runs from Santa Fe to Taos, through the desert, mountains, and some of the most beautiful scenery in the state. Gas up the car and get ready for an unforgettable road trip that’s easily among the best road trips in the USA.

The beautiful scenery isn’t the only thing that draws travelers to this road. Along the way, visitors drive through charming villages that are full of adobe houses, historic churches, and Indian pueblos. The road is about 70 miles long, so be sure to fill your tank before you head out.
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Keep your eyes open as you travel along one of the best scenic drives in New Mexico. You never know what enchanting treasures you will find.
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You will certainly want to stop and capture images of the mountains, rivers, wildlife, and more.
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This environment is like a magnet for artists and artisans, and you will find many artists colonies to explore along the way. Don’t miss the famous churches in Chimayó and Las Trampas, the woodcarvers of Córdova, or the breathtaking peaks of Truchas. In fact, just take a whole day and stop in as many places as possible.
One highlight of this byway is the Church of San José de Gracia, Las Trampas. This historic church is located in Chamisal and was built between 1760 and 1776.
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The Santuario de Chimayo is a Roman Catholic Church located in Chimayo that will take your breath away. You will not want to miss this stop as you travel along the High Road to Taos Scenic Byway.
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As you travel on one of the best New Mexico byways, you'll come to the small town of Truchas. This is an old Hispanic settlement that you'll certainly want to check out.
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To learn more about the High Road to Taos Scenic Byway, click here.

Do you think this is one of the best scenic drives in New Mexico? Have you ever traveled on this byway? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Want to take the scenic route? Check out these 9 Scenic Drives That Will Make You Fall In Love With New Mexico.

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Best Scenic Drives In New Mexico

Courtnie Erickson | September 03, 2021

What are some of the best New Mexico byways to explore?

If you truly want to see how enchanting the Land of Enchantment is, experience one of the best scenic drives in New Mexico. There are more than two dozen New Mexico byways you can travel on and each will take you to someplace breathtaking and unforgettable.

The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is a popular 85-mile loop that takes you through many beautiful New Mexico towns including Questa and Eagle Nest. The Jemez Mountain Trail Scenic Byway is 163 miles of pure beauty. You will come to many remarkable outdoor destinations including Jemez Falls and Soda Dam. Make sure you stop along this byway to capture some incredible images.

The Billy the Kid Scenic Byway is another scenic drive that you will want to explore. This 84-mile drive will take you through many small towns such as Capitan and Lincoln. This is certainly a terrific drive if you love the Wild West or you are interested in the famous outlaw.

What are some of the best things to do in Taos, New Mexico?

Taos, New Mexico, is a wonderful place to live and visit. There is a wide assortment of activities that will get you out of the house and experiencing someplace special. Taos is home to the state’s tallest bridge — the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. This bridge is also one of the tallest in the entire United States. If you are hungry, make sure you stop by Michael’s Kitchen for some authentic New Mexico food. Plus, if you are there for a vacation, spend the night in an Earthship on the outskirts of town.

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High Road to Taos, High Rd to Taos, New Mexico, USA