Perfect 7-Day Northern New Mexico Itinerary

Prepare for an exciting northern New Mexico itinerary! Explore a region brimming with captivating experiences that extend far beyond the well-known White Sands and Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This New Mexico itinerary invites you to discover a rich blend of ancient history, vibrant artistic expression, and stunning natural landscapes. 

Picture yourself traversing dramatic canyons adorned in shades of ochre and sage, investigating centuries-old pueblos that echo with the stories of the past, and immersing yourself in the dynamic art scenes of Santa Fe and Taos. A road trip through northern New Mexico promises an unforgettable adventure, unveiling a unique cultural fusion and a profoundly beautiful aspect of the Land of Enchantment that awaits your discovery.

7-Day Northern New Mexico Itinerary

Northern New Mexico is truly captivating, offering a unique blend of experiences that sets it apart. Imagine a place where the air shimmers above ancient adobe villages, where the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains paint the horizon with hues of purple and gold, and where the scent of piñon smoke drifts through the air. It’s a dream that we’re going to make come true with this New Mexico itinerary. 

Day 1: Arrival in Santa Fe – Art and History

Arrive in a captivating city where centuries of history meet a vibrant arts scene. Adobe architecture whispers tales of the past, while countless galleries showcase both traditional and contemporary masterpieces. With its unique blend of Native American, Spanish, and Anglo cultures, Santa Fe offers a truly enchanting and flavorful experience.

As the largest city in Northern New Mexico, Santa Fe provides such an amazing opportunity to immerse yourself in all that makes New Mexico the land of enchantment. It is the perfect starting point for this Northern New Mexico itinerary.

Here’s how we recommend you spend your first day in town:

• Spend Time in Town: Explore the historic plaza where you can find the New Mexico Museum of Art and a variety of Native American vendors. Walking a short distance from the plaza provides access to the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and if that’s not your thing, wander through Canyon Road’s art galleries. There’s so much art and culture to be experiences in Santa Fe! 
• Interactive Art Museum: Take a trip to Meow Wolf for a truly unique experience! 
• Take a Hike: Journey up Sun Mountain right outside of town for a beautiful view of the city to the east and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the west. If you’re looking for something more extreme, head up to Ski Santa Fe and give Raven’s Ridge Trail a go! At 5.7 miles and 2,378 feet elevation gain, it’s bound to provide incredible alpine views. 

Make the most of your day by arriving early if you can! There’s simply so much to do and see in this Northern New Mexico Itinerary and it all starts with Santa Fe. 

Santa Fe’s stunning natural surroundings provide a fantastic playground for outdoor enthusiasts, offering easy access to hiking trails in the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains and opportunities for biking, skiing in the winter, and enjoying the high desert landscapes. The crisp air and often sunny skies make exploring the outdoors a truly invigorating experience year-round.

Day 2: Ancient History at Bandelier National Monument

Bandelier National Monument is a special place that protects the homes and land of the Ancestral Pueblo people who lived there long ago, between about 1150 and 1550 AD. Imagine walking through a canyon where people carved their homes right into the soft volcanic rock cliffs!   

The drive from Santa Fe to Bandelier takes just under an hour. During shuttle season, you’ll want to arrive between 7 and 8 AM if you want to drive into the park yourself. While you’re here you’ll experience the ancestral Pueblo dwellings and learn about their history, get some amazing hiking in, and set up camp at Juniper Campground. 

Here are our favorite hikes in the park:

• Main Loop Trail (Pueblo Loop Trail): Take the approximately 1.2 – 1.6 miles loop with around 200-400 feet elevation gain hike to check out ancestral Pueblo ruins. On the most popular trail in the park, you’ll walk through the Tyuonyi Pueblo, see numerous cliff dwellings (cavates) carved into the canyon walls (some accessible via ladders), and view petroglyphs.
• Alcove House Trail: Add this on to the Main Loop Trail for another mile round trip with a significant climb of 140 feet via four wooden ladders and stone stairs to reach the Alcove House. This unique trail leads to a large alcove high up in the canyon wall that was once home to about 25 Ancestral Pueblo people. You’ll get a sense of their living situation and enjoy commanding views of Frijoles Canyon. 
• Falls Trail: This trail descends about 400 feet over the course of 1.5 miles into Frijoles Canyon, leading to the scenic Upper Falls on Frijoles Creek. While the trail once continued to the Rio Grande, it now ends at the waterfall due to flood damage. You’ll enjoy the varied scenery of the canyon and may see interesting geological formations, including some small tent rocks.

Visiting Bandelier is a powerful experience. It’s a chance to connect with the past, appreciate the ingenuity of ancient cultures, and marvel at the beauty of the New Mexico landscape. Just remember to be respectful of this important historical and cultural site. It pays to spend time in the visitor center learning about this incredible area! 

Visiting Bandelier National Monument is like stepping directly into the past, allowing you to explore ancient cliff dwellings carved into canyon walls and imagine the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people who once called it home. Climbing into the cavates and seeing the remnants of their culture offers a truly unique and awe-inspiring experience.

Day 3: Valles Caldera National Preserve

Visiting Valles Caldera National Preserve feels like stepping into a giant, breathtaking bowl. This vast volcanic caldera is filled with sweeping grasslands, meandering streams, and abundant wildlife like elk and birds. Exploring its wide-open spaces offers stunning panoramic views and a sense of immense natural beauty, perfect for hiking, fishing, and simply soaking in the serene atmosphere.

I like to refer to Valles Caldera as the Yellowstone of the Southwest. It was the perfect unexpected addition to our New Mexico itinerar. It completely enhanced our road trip experience, so I’m very excited to share it with you all. 

Here’s what we think is the best way to experience Valles Caldera:

• Scenic Drive and Overlooks: Take a drive along the main park road, stopping at various overlooks to soak in the expansive views of the caldera’s grasslands, surrounding mountains, and volcanic features. The sheer scale of the landscape is truly impressive, offering fantastic photo opportunities.
• Hiking: Explore the caldera on foot via a network of trails. The 7-mile Abrigo Trail, 3.4-mile Hidden Valley Trail, and the 2.8-mile Coyote Call Trail are some of the more popular options in the park. 
• Wildlife Viewing: Valles Caldera is a haven for wildlife. Bring binoculars and scan the open meadows and forests for herds of elk, which are particularly visible during dawn and dusk. You might also spot coyotes, black bears, prairie dogs, and a variety of birds. The preserve offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with nature and observe animals in their natural habitat.

As a bonus, you should visit one of the areas natural hot springs for a dip to start or end your day! Take the 3.2-mile hike to McCauley Hot Springs or the easier .7-mile round trip Spence Hot Spring Trail. It’s the perfect way to relax and take in the incredible scenery in natures hot tub! 

Visiting Valles Caldera National Preserve offers a unique and awe-inspiring experience of a vast volcanic landscape teeming with wildlife. Its sweeping grasslands and stunning panoramic views provide a serene escape into the heart of nature’s grandeur.

Day 4: Journey to Taos – High Road to Taos

Taos beckons with its unique artistic spirit, historic adobe architecture, and the majestic presence of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The town’s central plaza buzzes with galleries and shops, while the nearby Taos Pueblo stands as a powerful testament to centuries of Indigenous culture. Exploring Taos offers a rich immersion into the art, history, and stunning natural beauty that define this captivating northern New Mexico destination.

The journey to Taos along the High Road (NM 76) is a scenic adventure in itself, winding through picturesque mountain villages. This historic byway offers glimpses into traditional New Mexican life, passing through places like Chimayó with its famed Santuario and Truchas with its inspiring vistas. The slower pace of the High Road allows you to savor the cultural richness and beautiful landscapes, making the arrival in Taos a truly rewarding experience.

Here are three notable things to do while driving the scenic High Road to Taos (NM 76):

• Visit the Santuario de Chimayó: This historic church is a significant pilgrimage site known for its “holy dirt” believed to have healing properties. Even if you’re not on a pilgrimage, the Santuario’s beautiful architecture and spiritual atmosphere make it a compelling and culturally rich stop. Explore the main chapel and the small room where the healing dirt is found.
• Explore the Village of Truchas: Perched high in the mountains, Truchas offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. This charming village is also known for its vibrant arts community, with several galleries showcasing the work of local artists. Take a stroll through the historic streets, admire the traditional adobe homes, and perhaps browse the local artwork.
• Discover Traditional Wood Carvings in Córdova: This small village has a long-standing tradition of wood carving. Stop by the San Antonio de Padua Church, known for its beautiful hand-carved reredos (altarpiece), and visit local artisan studios or shops to see and perhaps purchase unique, handcrafted wood carvings. It’s a chance to witness and appreciate a significant aspect of northern New Mexico’s artistic heritage.

When you arrive in town, you should check out the downtown area and go for a hike. We recommend the 5.5-mile Devisadero Loop which includes 1,328-feet of elevation gain to several vista points that offer different perspectives of the surrounding area. 

Driving the High Road to Taos is a delightful journey through the heart of northern New Mexico’s cultural landscape, offering stunning scenery and glimpses into historic villages. This scenic byway provides a richer, more authentic experience than the main highway, making the drive itself a memorable part of your Taos adventure.

Day 5: Exploring Taos – Sangre De Cristo Mountains

Visiting the Taos Ski Valley area provides access to incredible high-altitude hiking opportunities, including trails to Williams Lake and the summit of Wheeler Peak, New Mexico’s highest point. Outside of ski season (typically late spring to late fall), the area transforms into a haven for hikers seeking stunning alpine scenery.

It is important to note that this area of Northern New Mexico will have feet of snow until late May! If you plan on hiking, prepare yourself with adequate layers and gear. 

Here are a few things you absolutely cannot miss when visiting Taos:

• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Visiting Taos Pueblo offers a powerful connection to a living history, where you can walk among ancient adobe structures and learn about the enduring traditions of the Tiwa people. Remember to check and respect the visitor guidelines to ensure a meaningful and culturally sensitive experience in this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Take a Hike to the beautiful alpine Williams Lake (3.7 miles & 1,000 feet) with views of Wheeler Peak! Or, continue on to the summit of Wheeler Peak (8.7 miles & 2,972 feet), New Mexico’s high point.
• Immerse Yourself in the Art Scene: Taos is renowned for its vibrant arts community. Wander through the numerous galleries in the historic downtown area and along Canyon Road, showcasing a diverse range of styles from traditional Southwestern art to contemporary works. Don’t miss the Harwood Museum of Art and the Millicent Rogers Museum for deeper dives into the region’s artistic heritage.

Start your morning with a hike and end it in town enjoying the arts. If you’re a chocolate lover, make sure you stop at Chokola for decadent single source chocolates and mousse. Pick up some the best chocolate we’ve ever had and take a stroll down Kit Carson Road to check out the art galleries. 

Taos Ski Valley transcends its winter reputation, transforming into a vibrant alpine playground throughout the year. From exhilarating summer hikes amidst wildflower-strewn slopes to the golden hues of fall foliage and the crisp beauty of spring, each season offers a unique and compelling reason to experience the stunning scenery and outdoor adventures of this mountain destination

Day 6: Wild Rivers Recreation Area

The Wild Rivers Recreation Area, a unit of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, offers a dramatic and rugged landscape where the Red River carves a deep, winding gorge before its confluence with the mighty Rio Grande. This area is characterized by steep basalt cliffs, volcanic mesas, and the powerful rush of the rivers, creating a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a more untamed experience than the open expanses of the upper plateau. 

The area is known for its stunning vistas, particularly from overlooks along the rim of the gorges. It’s also a popular spot for whitewater rafting and fishing in the rivers (permits and regulations apply). Keep an eye out for wildlife adapted to this rugged environment, and be prepared for varying temperatures and conditions as you explore this captivating and wild landscape.

Here’s what we would recommend! 

• Hike into the Gorge: Descend into the dramatic Red River or Rio Grande gorges via well-maintained trails. The steep canyon walls and the powerful rivers flowing below offer incredible scenery and a sense of being immersed in a wild landscape. The Canon Del and River Trail, brings you to where the two rivers meet and is a particularly rewarding (though strenuous) option.
• Witness the Confluence of the Rivers: Hike or drive to overlooks that provide stunning views of where the Red River merges with the Rio Grande. The contrast in the colors of the water and the sheer scale of the meeting point of these two powerful rivers is a truly impressive sight.
• Stargazing: Far from city lights, the dark skies over the Wild Rivers Recreation Area offer exceptional stargazing opportunities. On a clear night, you can witness a breathtaking expanse of stars, constellations, and the Milky Way. Find a safe spot away from any artificial light and prepare to be amazed by the celestial display.

We stumbled upon this beautiful corner of the state and it was truly one of the best places of our entire New Mexico Itinerary. We had the best time camping and hiking here!

Visiting the Wild Rivers Recreation Area offers a thrilling immersion into a dramatic landscape where powerful rivers carve through rugged volcanic terrain. Exploring its deep gorges and witnessing the confluence of the Red River and Rio Grande provides a raw and unforgettable connection with the untamed beauty of northern New Mexico.

Day 7: Departure… The Enchanted Circle or Drive to Denver

On your final day, make the absolute most of your New Mexico itinerary with ample planning. Savor a last delicious New Mexican breakfast before enjoying your final day! Depending on your flight schedule and departure city, you have the flexibility to explore more of the region.

If time allows for a truly memorable finale, consider taking the scenic route to the Santa Fe airport by driving the Enchanted Circle. This stunning loop winds through mountains, valleys, and forests, offering breathtaking views and a perfect farewell to the diverse landscapes of northern New Mexico.

Plan a later departure through Denver to explore a little bit of a different state on your way out. There are a variety of beautiful nature-filled spots you can stop to explore on this route.

As you journey north from Taos, New Mexico, towards Denver, Colorado, you’ll traverse a diverse and incredibly scenic landscape, offering numerous opportunities for outdoor adventures. Here are several amazing outdoorsy stops you could add to your itinerary:

• Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve (Colorado): A truly surreal experience! This national park boasts the tallest sand dunes in North America, set against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. You can hike up the dunes (it’s a workout!), try sandboarding or sand sledding, or simply marvel at this unique geological wonder. There are also forested trails and alpine lakes in the preserve area.
• Zapata Falls (Colorado): Located just south of Great Sand Dunes, this hidden gem offers a short, adventurous hike (about 1 mile round trip) that involves wading through a chilly stream to reach a beautiful waterfall cascading into a narrow crevice. In winter, it transforms into a stunning ice sculpture.
• Royal Gorge Bridge & Park (Colorado): While a paid attraction, this is an incredible stop for those seeking thrills and epic views. The Royal Gorge Bridge is one of the highest suspension bridges in the world, spanning the deep Royal Gorge of the Arkansas River. You can walk across it, ride a gondola, or even zip line across the gorge for unparalleled perspectives. The park also offers hiking and mountain biking trails along the rim.
• Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument (Colorado): Step back in time 34 million years at this fascinating monument, where you can see incredibly well-preserved fossils of ancient insects and plants in the shale. Hike the easy trails to view giant petrified redwood tree stumps, providing a glimpse into a prehistoric forest.
• Pikes Peak (Colorado): “America’s Mountain” offers a truly majestic experience. You can drive to the summit via the Pikes Peak Highway (toll road), take the historic Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway (check for operation schedule), or for the very ambitious, hike the challenging Barr Trail. From the top, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the Continental Divide and the vast plains.
• Garden of the Gods Park (Colorado Springs, Colorado): This National Natural Landmark is famous for its towering, red sandstone rock formations, dramatically contrasting with the distant Pikes Peak. It’s a fantastic spot for easy walks, hiking, rock climbing (with proper permits), and photography, offering stunning views from almost every angle.
• Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado): While a bit of a detour west from the direct route to Denver, if you have the time, this park is absolutely iconic. With Trail Ridge Road (open seasonally) crossing the Continental Divide, offering incredible alpine tundra views, and countless hiking trails to alpine lakes, waterfalls, and mountain summits, it’s a paradise for nature lovers.

Your final day of an adventure doesn’t need to be a waste… make the most of it by planning ahead! Schedule a late departure to make the most of your final day in town.

What Other Stops Could I Add to my New Mexico Itinerary

Feeling ambitious and looking to extend your New Mexico adventure beyond the northern reaches? The Land of Enchantment is vast and diverse, offering countless other incredible natural and historical sites worth exploring. Consider these additional gems if your itinerary allows for further discovery.

• Bisti Badlands: Explore an otherworldly landscape of bizarrely eroded hoodoos and strange rock formations, offering a unique and starkly beautiful hiking experience.
• Carlsbad Caverns National Park: Descend into a magnificent underground world of enormous limestone chambers, intricate cave formations, and breathtaking natural artistry.
• Chaco Culture National Historical Park: Step back in time among the awe-inspiring ruins of ancient Pueblo great houses, revealing the complex and sophisticated society that thrived here over a thousand years ago.
• Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument: Discover well-preserved cliff dwellings nestled high in natural caves, providing a glimpse into the lives of the Mogollon people who inhabited them centuries ago.
• Guadalupe Mountains National Park: Located just over the border in Texas, this often overlooked National Park is a treat for hikers, offering stunning mountain vistas, deep canyons, and diverse desert ecosystems.
• Petroglyph National Monument: Wander amidst thousands of ancient rock carvings (petroglyphs) etched into volcanic rocks, offering a fascinating connection to the Native American and early Spanish inhabitants of the Rio Grande Valley.
• White Sands National Park: Immerse yourself in a surreal landscape of vast, rolling dunes composed of brilliant white gypsum crystals, creating an almost alien yet incredibly beautiful environment.

There are so many incredible ways you can add on to your New Mexico Itinerary!

Conclusion

As your northern New Mexico road trip draws to a close, you’ll carry with you more than just stunning photographs; you’ll have a profound connection to a land where ancient traditions meet vibrant artistic expression. From the spiritual essence of Taos Pueblo and the timeless dwellings of Bandelier, to Santa Fe’s captivating charm and the untamed beauty of the Wild Rivers Recreation Area, this journey weaves together breathtaking landscapes with a rich tapestry of history and culture.

Whether you hiked mountain trails, explored art galleries, or simply savored the unique flavors of New Mexican cuisine, this corner of the Land of Enchantment promises memories that will linger long after the dust settles on your tires. So, start planning your own unforgettable adventure; Northern New Mexico is waiting to enchant you.

Make the most of your New Mexico itinerary with these road trip budgeting tips!