New Mexico Road Trip: The Land of Enchantment

Enchanted Circle Scenic Drive – this 83-mile loop will take you through the National Forest Scenic Byway as you circle around Wheeler Peak, towering 13,161 feet above you. Ancient quartz and feldspar (over two billion years old) are found throughout the drive, as well as luscious valleys, mesas, and forests untouched by humans. Follow the Enchanted Circle markers for the most straightforward drive.

Taos Pueblo – visit the only living Native American community that is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark. More than 150 people still live in these multi-storied adobe buildings, which have been inhabited for over 1,000 years.

Rio Grande Gorge Bridge – this bridge is 11 miles from Taos and is one of the highest bridges in the US, towering 600 feet above the Rio Grande. If you’re visiting from Taos, drive across the bridge and stop at the rest stop, where you can get a great view of the bridge and the gorge below. You can also park and walk across.

San Francisco de Asis Church – this 200-year-old Spanish colonial church is made completely out of adobe. It’s a National Historic Landmark, and it’s still a working church. Every year in June, you can join others to give an extra coat of mud and straw to keep the structure standing for years to come.

Taos Art Museum – a combination of art and architecture makes the former home of artist Nicoli Fechin the perfect place to explore the work of local artists.

Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs – relax and unwind at the hot springs spa. Enjoy fine dining in the historic hotel.

Mica Mine Hike – this 4-mile hike up a dirt path will take you above Ojo Caliente to an abandoned mica mine, complete with remnants of sparkling mica.

Taos Ski Valley – this ski hill is a sure bet for skiers and snowboarders in the winter. During the summer, you can enjoy views of the mountains, hikes, mountain biking, and frequent events.

Puye Cliff Dwellings – this National Historic Landmark is a step into the lives of ancient Santa Clara Pueblo people. You can explore the cliff and cave dwellings, early architecture, and an original Harvey House (i.e., a late 1800s hotel and hospitality chain that built near railroads in the American West) all while taking in the sweeping views of the valley.

Museum Hill – history and art lovers will be able to spend hours, if not days, visiting over a dozen museums in Santa Fe. Museum Hill has four in close proximity, plus breathtaking views of the city. Visit the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian, Museum of Spanish Colonial Art, and International Folk Art Museum. And just a few steps away is the Santa Fe Botanical Garden

Santa Fe Breweries – New Mexico has over 80 breweries throughout the state and visiting one of the many lively beer gardens in Santa Fe is a great way to experience the innovation of the brew masters.

Canyon Road Arts District – want to visit galleries, shop at local boutiques, and find your next favorite restaurant? Then, this half mile is where to go. Featuring artwork from local and international artists, Canyon Road has an established reputation in the industry – plus some great eateries!

Nambe Lake Trail – this challenging 6.7-mile trek through the mountains and trees of Santa Fe National Forest ends with an alpine lake. The temperature can change rapidly in the mountains, so only attempt this hike if you regularly hike and have enough food, water, and clothing to withstand inclement weather and changes of plans.

Sandia Peak Tramway – the third longest tramway in the world takes you to the top of Sandia Peak, where you’ll be able to enjoy sweeping views of Albuquerque and the surrounding landscape. It’s also a great way to access numerous hiking trails and skiing in the winter.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – if you’re in New Mexico in October, you don’t want to miss this festival that fills up the sky with all sizes and shapes of hot air balloons for nine days.

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center – looking to deepen your knowledge of the history of the original people of Albuquerque? You’ll learn about the costumes, art, and farming of the Pueblo Indians here.

New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science – this museum, located near Old Town, tells the story of our world from the big bang and dinosaurs to microcomputers and modern discoveries. There are numerous exhibits, a Planetarium, and a Naturalist Center.

Old Town – explore over one hundred shops, galleries, restaurants, and museums in Old Town Albuquerque, founded in 1706. The adobe buildings and the large sugar pine beams make you feel like you’re stepping through time. This area is an art lover’s dream!

Carlsbad Caverns National Park – this 1.25-mile route through some of the 100s of caves in the area will take you through giant icicle stalactites and massive cave rooms. As one of the world's most accessible cave systems, it offers a lot of diversity and history. Once you’ve toured the caves, there are more places to explore in the park, as well as hiking trails.

Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park – this outdoor park gives you a glimpse of the wildlife and nature in the area, with over 40 different animal species and hundreds of native plants. It’s a great place to hike and picnic as well.

The Carlsbad Museum & Arts Center – if you want to learn more about the history of the area, look no further than this free museum with Native American pottery and ancient Mongolian, Anasazi, and Mesa Verde artifacts. You can also enjoy the rotating New Mexican artists’ displays.

Las Cruces Farmers & Crafts Market – considered one of the best farmers markets in the country, you’ll enjoy strolling the rows of souvenirs, handmade items, and farm fresh food and produce between sunrise and the afternoon every Wednesday and Saturday.

Old Mesilla – this old settlement just south of Las Cruces is best known as the place where the infamous Billy the Kid was captured and convicted for his crimes. You can tour the Old Courthouse and Jail, where it all went down, as well as enjoy traditional New Mexican food, old, haunted buildings, and handmade artifacts made by the locals.

La Vina Winery – the hot sunny weather in and around Las Cruces is ideal for growing grapes, and that is confirmed by the many wineries around the city. La Vina Winery is the perfect place to taste New Mexican wine or enjoy the yearly wine festival held every October.

White Sands National Monument – just 45 minutes from Las Cruces is the world’s largest accumulation of Ice-Age fossilized footprints, telling an over 20,000-year-old story of human history in the area. The area is now protected and is a great place to explore, and surf down or picnic by the ancient dunes.

The Walk of Flame – spicy food lovers, this trail of restaurants is for you. Las Cruces is famous for its green chilies, and you can enjoy all sorts of traditional New Mexican dishes and innovative concoctions like green chili martinis. You’ll also learn about the history of chili production in the area.

Pine Tree Trail – for a close-up view of the mountains surrounding Las Cruces, this 4.5-mile hike starts just 35 minutes away from town. The loop is considered moderate and is safe for kids and dogs.

Spaceport America – if you’re looking to learn more about space, the spaceport grounds tours will give you a glimpse into the science of commercial aerospace travel. You have to book in advance to see inside the hangar, where you will learn more about space innovation and famous company launches like SpaceX.

Geronimo Springs Museum – this history museum tells the story of the multiple cultures and thousands of years of history of T or C. From mining cabins and old Hispanic art to Apache artifacts and ancient fossils, this museum is a must-see for any history lover.

La Paloma Hot Springs & Spa – there are plenty of different hot springs to enjoy in T or C, but La Paloma is an almost 100-years-old one with 13 hot springs with gravel bottoms where the water seeps in naturally.

Truth or Consequences Brewing Co. – after a day of soaking in the hot springs, hiking in the parks, or just getting a feel for T or C, make sure you check out the best craft brewery in town with innovative beer cocktails and refreshing beers.