8 Great Road Trips to Take in New Mexico

New Mexico’s diverse landscapes, from the vast white dunes of White Sands National Park to the towering peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, make it a dream destination for road trippers. Whether you’re craving cultural immersion in historic Taos Pueblo, exploring the ancient cliff dwellings of Bandelier National Monument, or marveling at the bizarre rock formations of the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, New Mexico is nothing short of enchanting. Each of these road trips begins in either Albuquerque or Santa Fe and takes travelers on a journey lasting anywhere from two to four hours, allowing plenty of time for scenic stops, exploration, and local flavors.

White Sands National Park

Starting from Albuquerque, this three-hour drive south to White Sands National Park takes you through some of New Mexico’s most striking desert landscapes. Begin your journey by stopping in Socorro, home to the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, where migratory birds create a stunning spectacle in the fall and winter months. Continuing south on I-25, visit the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site, where over 21,000 ancient rock carvings provide insight into the region’s early inhabitants. Next, visit the New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo, which has exhibits on space exploration and a tribute to the state’s contributions to astronomy.

Finally, arrive at White Sands, where you can hike the Alkali Flat Trail, go sledding down the powdery gypsum sand dunes, or enjoy the ever-changing light during sunset, creating an ethereal glow over the vast white desert.

Taos

Leaving Santa Fe, a two-hour drive to Taos provides a rich tapestry of history, art, and mountain views. Your first top is Chimayó, where you can visit the historic Santuario de Chimayó, a pilgrimage site famous for its healing dirt. As you continue along NM-76, stop in Truchas, an artsy mountain village with galleries featuring local weavers and painters. Further along, reach Ranchos de Taos, home to the iconic San Francisco de Asís Mission Church, an adobe structure immortalized in Georgia O’Keeffe’s paintings.

Once you arrive in Taos, check out Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take in views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This road trip blends culture, spirituality, and natural beauty in a way only New Mexico can.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

This four-hour journey from Albuquerque to Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a must for adventure seekers. Start by heading southeast to Roswell, where the International UFO Museum and Research Center is a quirky and fascinating look at the town’s famed alien encounters. Continue on US-285 to Artesia, where you can admire murals and sculptures depicting New Mexico’s oil and ranching heritage. As you near Carlsbad, stop at Sitting Bull Falls for a short hike to a hidden waterfall oasis in the desert.

Last, reach Carlsbad Caverns National Park, where you can descend into the massive underground chambers, witnessing towering stalactites and the otherworldly beauty of the Big Room, one of the largest cave chambers in North America.

Bandelier National Monument

From Santa Fe, a scenic hour-and-a-half drive west brings you to Bandelier National Monument, an archaeological treasure trove of ancient Puebloan history. Begin with a short detour to Los Alamos, home to the Bradbury Science Museum, which delves into the history of the Manhattan Project. Next, stop at the Valles Caldera National Preserve, a massive volcanic crater with hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and sweeping mountain vistas. Before reaching Bandelier, take a break at the Tsankawi Ruins, an off-the-beaten-path archaeological site with ancient petroglyphs and well-worn footpaths carved into the soft volcanic rock.

Continuing west, enter Bandelier National Monument, where you can hike the Main Loop Trail to explore ancient cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, and kivas carved into the soft volcanic rock. For a more adventurous hike, take the steep climb up wooden ladders to Alcove House, a ceremonial cave offering stunning canyon views. The drive itself features dramatic mesas and forested canyons.

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

Starting in Albuquerque, this four-hour drive takes you deep into the Gila Wilderness. First, stop in Truth or Consequences, known for its geothermal hot springs, where you can relax in a mineral bath at Riverbend Hot Springs. Continue west to Silver City, a vibrant town with a lively arts scene and mining history. Before reaching the Gila Cliff Dwellings, pause at the Catwalk Recreation Area for a walk along a suspended pathway through a narrow canyon.

Finally, meet the ancient cliff dwellings built by the Mogollon people over 700 years ago—an immersive glimpse into New Mexico indigenous peoples' past.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Departing from Santa Fe, this three-hour journey northwest transports travelers to one of the most significant archaeological sites in North America. Begin by stopping in San Ysidro to admire the red rock formations of the Jemez Mountains. Next, visit the Pueblo Pintado Ruins, an outlier of Chaco Canyon that is a preview of the intricate stonework and massive structures ahead. Continue to Cuba, where travelers can grab a bite at El Bruno’s Restaurante y Cantina, a beloved stop for authentic New Mexican cuisine.

As you approach Chaco Culture National Park, the final stretch is a rugged dirt road, but the reward is immense—an awe-inspiring complex of massive stone ruins, ceremonial kivas, and petroglyphs. Walking among these ancient structures, you’ll gain insight into the highly sophisticated Ancestral Puebloan civilization that once thrived here.

Valles Caldera National Preserve

For an easy but nonetheless beautiful two-hour trip from Santa Fe, head northwest to Valles Caldera National Preserve. First, stop at the Jemez Historic Site to explore the ruins of a 17th-century Spanish mission and ancient Pueblo villages. Next, continue to Soda Dam, a unique rock formation created by mineral-laden hot springs—a scenic roadside stop with small waterfalls and mineral deposits.

Arriving at Valles Caldera, you’ll be greeted by a massive volcanic crater filled with rolling meadows, abundant wildlife, and hiking trails. Whether you’re exploring the caldera’s backcountry, fishing in its streams, or simply soaking in the mountain views, this journey is perfect for nature lovers.

Shiprock

For those looking to experience the surreal landscapes of northwestern New Mexico, a four-hour road trip from Albuquerque to Shiprock is a must. Travel northwest through Farmington, where you can visit the Aztec Ruins National Monument, home to remarkably well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan structures. Next, continue to the Salmon Ruins, another impressive Ancestral Puebloan site featuring a reconstructed kiva and an informative museum. Continue to the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, a bizarre yet stunning badlands area filled with eroded rock formations resembling alien landscapes.

Finally, arrive at Shiprock, an imposing 1,583-foot volcanic rock formation that rises dramatically from the desert floor. Revered by the Navajo Nation, this sacred monolith is an awe-inspiring sight, especially at sunset when it glows in deep reds and purples against the desert sky.

In Summary

New Mexico’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage make it an unparalleled destination for road trips. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, relaxing in hot springs, or marveling at otherworldly rock formations, these journeys highlight the state’s unique blend of history, nature, and adventure. Starting from Albuquerque or Santa Fe, each route takes travelers on an unforgettable ride through the heart of the Land of Enchantment. No matter the season, New Mexico’s roads promise awe-inspiring sights and experiences at every turn, making it a top destination for travelers seeking beauty, history, and the open road.