Top Things to do in New Mexico
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Things to do in New Mexico, United States: The Best Scenic Drives
With its rich cultural heritage from Native American and Spanish settlers, New Mexico has been both a Spanish colony and a Mexican colony, and still retains a strong individual identity within the United States. The landscape is breathtaking, the food incredible, and there is a thriving cultural scene, all of which makes New Mexico, and Santa Fe in particular, a great place all year long.
Restaurants in New Mexico
1. Jemez Trail National Scenic Byway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 78 reviews
Reviewed By NyonyaLady - Albuquerque, United States
We have never visited Jemez and we have thoughts about a drive to the mountains to enjoy nature and get away from the city will be great. So we drive there on a Sunday and we are amazed with the beautiful scenic views of red rocks fantastic geologic wonder, the Soda Dam is a natural dam that formed from a hot mineral water flow which deposited travertine and calcium carbonate from 7000 years ago. Approximately a 150 mile loop, the Jemez Mountain Trail Scenic Byway twists and turns through a vast terrain of river valleys, mountains, and volcanic calderas. Along that trail you will travel culturally from the 13th century ancient puebloans to the birth of the Atomic age. Many recreational and outdoor opportunities of camping, hiking, back packing, hunting and fishing or simply soaking in the various hot springs abounds in this region. A day's trip is definitely not enough to enjoy all these wonders and we are planning to spend at least a week in the mountains to enjoy more hikes dips in the hot springs and fishing!!!!
2. Billy the Kid Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Southern-most of New Mexico's National Scenic Byways, this 84-mile trail is known for its stunning views and cool mountain climate.
3. Jemez Mountain Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
A National Scenic Byway.
Reviewed By forrestf91
Nice scenic drive. You'll see a rock formation that very much looks like Charlie Brown. Lots of hidden secrets here. Stay and admire the marvel gaze as long as you please. Forrest Fenn's treasure use to be stashed here.
4. Pecos River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Like the Rio Grande, this river flows mostly southward across New Mexico, and is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as boating, rafting, hiking and fishing.
5. Emory Pass
6. Enchanted Circle Drive
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 581 reviews
Scenic drive that circles through the Carson National Forest, north and east of Taos.
Reviewed By 310ralphs
Angel Fire and Red River are winter skiing destinations and Angel Fire a summer spot for golf, zip lining and mountain biking as well as horseback riding. Continue on to Eagle Nest and maybe fish in the lake. See Wheeler Peak, tallest New Mexico mountain and then stop at the old gold mining settlement of Elizabethtown, across from Baldy Mountain. Red River is a "western" town, with occasional "gunfight" re-enactments, great for the kids. On the way back to Taos from Questa take a detour to the Wild Rivers National Recreation Area and, perhaps, drive the bridge over the Rio Grande Gorge.
7. High Road to Taos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,253 reviews
Reviewed By rancholobo - Fort Davis, United States
This is A GREAT drive coming out of Las vegas new mexico with opportunities to pull over and admire the views and changing terraine, take your time
8. Sandia Crest Byway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
Reviewed By lawman357kc - Kansas City, United States
We were looking for outdoor spaces to spend our Spring Break vacation in Albuquerque at the cusp of the pandemic time. The Sandia Crest team was closed but we figured there had to be another way to enjoy the mountain. A little research later, while checking trails in Cibola National Forest, we found the Sandia Crest Byway. We'll worth the roadtrip and still able to enjoy a selection of trails on the way back.
9. The Low Road From Taos and Santa Fe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 387 reviews
Reviewed By CATHERINE85 - San Antonio, United States
we stopped at Black Mesa winery for a glass. The wine was really good & interesting labels drawn by the co owner. Outdoor venue.
