7 Most Scenic Drives In New Mexico

Utilizing a network of designated scenic byways, plus an array of adventurous offshoots, New Mexico whisks road trippers through the shimmering dunes of White Sands National Park and strings of quirky roadside towns. These visually arresting road trips span hundreds of miles in some cases, but, as we will see in these first two entries, can also pack quite a punch in just a few short miles. These are seven of New Mexico's most scenic drives.

White Sands National Park: Dunes Drive

Our first scenic drive is short, sweet, and sandy. Southcentral New Mexico's White Sands National Park occupies 275 square miles of the Tularosa Basin, between the Sacramento and San Andres Mountains, protecting a significant portion of the world's largest gypsum dunefield in the process. Splicing through this dazzling and undulating landscape is an 8-mile (one-way) thoroughfare, appropriately called Dunes Drive.

Beginning at the White Sands Visitor Center, right off of Highway 70, the first five miles of Dunes Drive are paved, while the last three cross the surprisingly driveable, hard-packed gypsum sand. If driven continuously, out-and-back, the whole thing takes about 45 minutes. However, given the enigmatic landscape, motorists would be remiss to blow past the numerous points of interest along the way. The Dune Life Nature Trail and Interdune Boardwalk present short hiking opportunities, whereas the Alkali Flat Trail (or rather, sprawling playground with intermittent markers) harbors resilient oases and slick runs for anyone who brought their own board, or rented a toboggan at the park entrance.

Given the exposure, it would be sensible to embark on Dunes Drive shortly after its 7 am opening, when the sun angle is easy on the eyes and favorable for photography. Conversely, I can probably count on one hand the number of sunsets I've seen that rival the one I witnessed at White Sands National Park.

Sunspot Scenic Byway

Keeping with the same theme and geographical location, Sunspot Scenic Byway offers another short but radiant drive across the dynamic landscape of Southcentral New Mexico. This 15-mile route begins in the Western-style ski town of Cloudcroft and winds its way through the vista-heavy San Andreas Mountains and canyon-lined Lincoln National Forest to the astronomically-significant community of Sunspot.

The Sunspot Scenic Byway was officially designated as NM 6563 (a nod to the lightwave in Angstroms that scientists use to hone in on active spots on the Sun), and using the distance between Cloudcroft and Sunspot as a 1:250 million scale for the distance between the Sun and Pluto, blue road signs call out the planets along the way.

This drive's solar theme doesn't just play on New Mexico's dependable weather; rather, it stems from the two observatories that await at Sunspot. The Sunspot Solar Observatory focuses on our trusty star, whereas the Apache Point Observatory takes advantage of its 9,200-foot elevation and low light pollution for dark-sky viewing. The public is welcome to learn more and even access the telescope at the Sunspot Astronomy Visitors Center, and to explore the grounds, from which sweeping views of the aforementioned Tularosa Basin are readily available. Currently, however, the Sunspot Observatory is closed for safety reasons, and tourists must visit the Observatory's website for further updates.

High Road To Taos Scenic Byway

Jumping up to Northcentral New Mexico, the High Road to Taos keeps the arid alpine aesthetic, while trading in science-based highlights for culturally-significant ones. In the 75 miles between the capital city of Santa Fe and the artsy/outdoor recreation hub of Taos, drivers of the NM 76 scenic byway are treated to stretches of pinyon and juniper-blanketed badlands and arresting views of the adjacent Jemez Mountains. Scattered across this contrasted landscape are old Spanish religious sites and the mountain villages of Trunchas and Trampas.

For those embarking from Santa Fe, the first significant photo-op and cultural landmark presents itself in the form of El Santuario de Chimayo. Built in 1813, this Spanish shrine still draws hundreds of thousands of annual pilgrims to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Another compelling church awaits in Las Trampas: San José de Gracia (circa 1760). Lastly, dominating Ranchos de Taos Plaza is the San Francisco de Assisi Mission. Erected in the mid-to-late 1700s, this religious structure preserves the adobe architectural style that is so emblematic of the American Southwest (which we'll see even more of on our next scenic drive).

Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway

Now that we find ourselves in Taos, it's time to partake in the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway. This 84-mile lap around Wheeler Peak (i.e. New Mexico's highest mountain) utilizes four main highways to link vibrant towns, quaint villages, important landmarks, and stunning viewpoints. Let's take this loop in a counter-clockwise direction, and also include some spontaneous side trips.

Beginning in downtown Taos, take a moment to appreciate the ubiquitous sepia tones of this National Historic District. For those basing out the "Soul of the Southwest," you'll have the opportunity to visit its many history and art museums, as well as artisanal shops that hover around Taos Plaza upon completion of your day-trip. But for now, head north and then west on U.S. Highway 64 in order to reach the iconic Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, which crosses the Rio Grande River at a dizzying height, followed soon thereafter by the futuristic and autonomous homes known as The Greater World Earthship Community.

Having doubled back on US 64, you'll have the option of following the official loop north, via NM 522 to the tranquil village of Questa, or of taking the NM 150 detour most of the way up Wheeler Peak to Taos Ski Valley. When you've had your fill of high alpine excitement, continue with the former flight plan, then steer toward the resort town of Red River via NM 38, followed by the lake, state park, and Western-style village of Eagle Nest, at the eastern junction with US 64. Curling around the south side of the Enchanted Circle, another Rocky Mountain ski resort emerges in the form of Angel Fire (note: the Sangre de Cristo Mountains are the southernmost subrange of the Rockies). And finally, having returned to the high desert town of Taos, tack on a mere three-mile side trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site and ancient, yet thriving, Native American adobe community known as Taos Pueblo.

Jemez Mountain National Scenic Trail

Of New Mexico's 25 Scenic Byways, eight of those bear the additional distinction of National Scenic Byways. So, while in the Sante Fe region, why not explore the wonders of the Jemez Mountain National Scenic Trail? Unlike the previous road trips that followed either one set road or a clearly defined circuit, the Jemez Mountain Trail zigs and zags, loops and swoops, and doubles back on itself — all in a worthwhile effort to incorporate the red cliffs of its namesake range, the hot springs and valleys that have resulted from its volcanic activities, the ruins of pre-history dwellings, and as always, standout communities en route.

It's difficult to prescribe a set itinerary with this one, but if you strike from the east (note: it is also common to join this byway from the south, via Albuquerque), you will first reach Los Alamos — a place synonymous with the Manhattan Project, but also one that enjoys the high altitude beauty of the Pajarito Plateau. This same mesa country is home to Bandelier National Monument, where the Ancestral Pueblo carved petroglyphs and intricate dwellings into the soft cliffs. Next up is the 13-mile-wide, elk-strewn valley of Valles Caldera National Preserve. Peaceful as it now looks from the road, this formation is the result of a volcanic eruption and collapse millions of years ago. Speaking of subterranean activity, as we wade deeper into the Jemez Mountain National Scenic Trail, we reach Soda Dam — a natural formation resulting from the bubbling hot springs below, which is conveniently located right next to the Jemez Historic Site — ruins of a 700-year-old Native American stone village. On and on the highlights go — all the more as short detours and moderate hikes are factored into the equation.

Quebradas Backcountry Scenic Byway

Let's change gears and give a little something for the high-clearance motorists looking to get off the beaten path. As the name suggests, the Quedradas Backcountry Scenic Byway leaves behind the realm of paved highways and instead substitutes a loose gravel road that forges deep into Bureau of Land Management domain. But before driving into the backcountry, first head back in time with a visit to the Old San Miguel Mission, and the remainder of the Historic Plaza, within the base town of Socorro. This settlement was established in 1598, with the main body of the central church (which is still operational) being built between 1615 and 1626.

Upon leaving Socorro and crossing the adjacent Rio Grande, confident drivers have 24-miles of upper Chihuahuan Desert to get lost in (in a good way). The slow-going road, often characterized by asymmetrical erosion and even flash flood washouts, traverses ruggedly handsome benchland and scrubland, punctuated with sandstone arroyos and hints of the San Mateo Mountains peaking out from the horizon. This scenic drive doesn't fuss about roadside attractions, but rather, treats the adventurous drive as a destination unto itself.

Note: It is possible to scoot along the Quedradas Backcountry Scenic Byway during dry conditions with a standard car, but a high clearance, four-wheel drive vehicle is much more advisable.

Trail Of The Ancients Scenic Byway

Let's end things off with one last big adventure — the longest of this list, in fact, by a good margin. The Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway explores the expressive landscapes and layers of Native American history throughout the Four Corners region. The entirety of the trail covers nearly 1,300 miles across Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. The latter is our focus today, but it also happens to be the byway's most dominant section.

New Mexico's portion of the Trail of the Ancients is centered around the National Scenic Byway loop in the northwest corner of the state, but there are several side adventures that are exclusively part of the State Scenic Byway. All in, you're looking at about 663 miles of Colorado Plateau scenery, shared by everyday communities, national monuments, and reservations belonging to extant tribes.

Some of the major, immediately accessible highlights of the Trail of the Ancients include (beginning in the northwest corner and proceeding clockwise): the 1,800-foot volcanic remnant known as Shiprock, the Aztec Ruins National Monument/World Heritage Site, the uncanny rock formations scattered about Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, Chaco Culture National Historical Park/World Heritage Site (better known as "Chaco Canyon"), and the large, petroglyph-inscribed sandstone bluff of El Morro National Monument.

New Adventures In New Mexico

These seven scenic drives sample New Mexico's brilliantly battered landscapes, with regular inclusions of its Indigenous, colonial, and frontier histories. It's hard to believe that we've only scratched the surface of this state's 2,900 miles of designated scenic byways — not to mention its unofficial offshoots to ever-distant desert rock formations and towering mountains. One thing is for sure: beauty-seeking road warriors will not be left wanting.