3 Scenic Fall Drives in New Mexico (+ 8 🍂 Pictures to Inspire a Road Trip ASAP)
In the fall, northern New Mexico transforms into a state of golden hour, as roads, towns, and trails are lined by gorgeous, colorful aspens everywhere you look. Although New Mexico might not be the first place you think of when in the mood for leaf peeping, the Land of Enchantment offers a surprising amount of splendor in the fall!
Rugged deserts and red rock formations might rule other months, but September through early November is all about vibrant shades of yellow and orange thanks to groves upon groves of fiery aspens. So whether you're an avid leaf peeper or someone seeking a fall escape that’s off-the-beaten-path, these 3 New Mexico scenic drives will take you to fall havens often overlooked.
In this post, we're highlighting three of the most gorgeous fall drives in New Mexico and sharing 8 of our favorite fall photos to inspire your next road trip!
3 scenic fall drives in New Mexico from left to right: Sante Fe National Forest Scenic Byway, High Road to Taos (connecting Santa Fe and Taos), and The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway
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1. The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway
Circling the highest peak in New Mexico, the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is one of the best scenic drives in New Mexico!
The Enchanted Circle spans approximately 85 miles and is absolutely spectacular during fall months. The best time to experience fall along the Enchanted Circle is during late September and early to mid-October when the foliage is at its peak.
To drive the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, look for road markers - and byway signs - to find your way. You’ll be making a circle from Taos to Questa to Red River to Eagle Nest to Angel Fire and finally back to Taos. (We recommend starting in either Angel Fire or Taos.)
Plan plenty of time to hop in and out of your car to explore as you go!
Map of the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway
Here are some of the best highlights and places to stop along the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway.
1. Taos: Taos and Angel Fire make two great home bases if you’re turning your drive into a weekend road trip. If you’re staying in Taos, consider a day hike or drive to Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico. Consider breakfast at Gutiz or Michael’s Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery. For lunch, consider La Cueva Cafe or Ricky’s Restaurant, then check out Taos Cow for an after-lunch (or post-hike!) dessert. Grab dinner at Lambert’s of Taos or The Love Apple (cash or check only!), which serves farm-to-table cuisine with a rotating menu that reflects the season. From Taos, you may also opt for a hot air balloon ride to experience the fall colors from the sky.
2. Questa: Questa is your next stop along the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway and is a gateway to numerous hiking trails in the Carson National Forest. Hike the Latir Peak Wilderness trails or the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness.
3. Red River: Take a leisurely stroll through the town, and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa at one of the cozy cafes, such as Shotgun Willie’s Cafe, Bearly Awake Coffee Shop (where you can plan an ATV or e-bike adventure at the same time!), or Steam Coffee & Tea Co. If you're feeling adventurous, hop on the chairlift for panoramic views of the fall foliage.
4. Enchanted Forest Cross-Country Ski and Snowshoe Area: As you continue along the Enchanted Circle, make a stop at the Enchanted Forest, a cross-country ski and snowshoe area that turns into a hot spot for fall leaf-peeping. The network of trails is a paradise for hikers and nature enthusiasts, great for biking, hiking, and nordic walking!
5. Eagle Nest Lake State Park: Head to Eagle Nest Lake State Park, a stunning alpine lake surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Enjoy a crisp, cool walk or a lakeside picnic to break up your drive.
6. Angel Fire: Without snow on the ground, Angel Fire Ski Resort is a well-known destination for mountain bikers. But if you’re visiting on a weekday, the trails are also the perfect place for leaf peeping! After a day of outdoor exploration in Angel Fire, grab something to eat at El Jefe or Morning Star Restaurant. Outside of the ski area, the Elliott Barker Trail in Carson National Forest is a great hike for those seeking a more moderate and family-friendly hike.
7. Carson National Forest: Check out some other hikes in Carson National Forest, such as Oesta Vista Loop or Williams Lake Trail, on your way back to Taos.
Driving from Angel Fire, NM, to Taos, NM, along the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway
2. High Road to Taos Scenic Byway
One of the next best scenic drives in New Mexico is the High Road to Taos Scenic Byway!
The High Road to Taos Scenic Byway is an approximately 56-mile scenic drive between Taos and Santa Fe, NM. You’ll want to follow the signs for this scenic drive (and be sure not to take the slightly shorter route between the cities on NM-68). This is a gorgeous drive through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, plus there are beautiful small farms, villages, and centuries-old churches to explore along the way!
Here are some stops to consider along the High Road to Taos Scenic Byway.
1. Santa Fe: Begin in either Santa Fe or Taos, NM. (We’re sharing in order as though you’re driving from Santa Fe to Taos. Flip the following stops if driving from Taos to Santa Fe.)
2. Chimayo: Make your way to Chimayo, a small village that’s renowned for the Santuario de Chimayo, a centuries-old adobe church known for its miraculous healing dirt. Take time to explore the Santuario and the charming shops in the village, which offer local crafts and textiles.
3. Nambe Falls: Nambe Falls and Lake Recreation Area is a popular and picturesque spot near Santa Fe, New Mexico, that’s home to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state! (Cash-only entrance fee. You can also drive here from Santa Fe, then visit Chimayo as you return to the High Road to Taos.)
3. Trampas: If you’re in the mood for a challenging hike with gorgeous views, detour to the Trampas Lakes Trail in Carson National Forest or the nearby Hidden Lake Trail. Both may be best as backpacking trips, which could turn your High Road to Taos adventure into an active weekend excursion.
Bonus! High Road Arts Tour: The High Road Arts Tour is an annual event in northern New Mexico, celebrated on the last two full weekends of September, where artists and craftspeople open their homes and studios to the public. This self-guided tour is an opportunity to explore traditional and contemporary art, including painting, pottery, woodwork, and more. Note: The High Road Art Trail is open year-round. Click here for the studios and galleries that are open to the public all year.
4. Sugar Nymphs Bistro: Located in Peñasco, this farm-to-table restaurant sources fresh, local ingredients to offer a creative and diverse menu. It’s a great stop if you get hungry driving the High Road to Taos or need to refuel after a day on the trails. (Closed Monday and Tuesday.)
5. Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort: This ski resort near Vadito, NM, is a playground during the summer months! Go mountain biking, hike various trails throughout the surrounding mountains and Carson National Forest, or fish along the Rio Pueblo. During the summer months, Sipapu also provides a disc golf course, outdoor yoga, and special events.
6: San Francisco de Asís Mission Church: Located in Ranchos de Taos, NM, the San Francisco de Asís Mission Church captivates visitors and photographers alike. The church's thick earthen walls and pueblo-style construction are hallmarks of its character, and it is famous for the massive buttresses that both support the structure and cast intriguing shadow patterns.
7. Taos: Your High Road to Taos journey ends in Taos, a town rich in art, culture, and history. Check out Taos Plaza and consider exploring the Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Map of the High Road to Taos Scenic Byway, from Santa Fe to Taos, NM
3. Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway
The Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway, also known as New Mexico State Route 475 or Hyde Park Road, is an approximately 16-mile route winding through the Santa Fe National Forest.
Starting near the town of Santa Fe, the Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway travels through the beauty of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the Santa Fe Ski Area.
There are lots of great photo opportunities and hikes along the way to get out of the car, stretch your legs, and take in the stunning fall foliage! Our favorite stop was the Alamo Visit Picnic Ground. Here, you’ll actually find two trails: Alamo Vista and Aspen Vista.
We originally planned on hiking the more popular Aspen Vista trail, but once we arrived in the Aspen Vista Parking Area, we noticed two trailheads: the Aspen Vista on the right and the Alamo Vista on the left. Since it appeared less trafficked, we chose the Alamo Vista Trailhead.
From what we’ve read, both hikes are amazing in the fall for viewing fall foliage! The Aspen Vista trail tends to be more popular, so if you’re looking for solitude, consider the Alamo Vista instead. We loved hiking this trail, but the elevation and steep gain were tough. Views at the top are INCREDIBLE, but you’re definitely in for a workout on this one!
Views from the summit are absolutely spectacular!!! The Alamo Vista Trail is dog-friendly, too!
Keep planning your road trip to New Mexico
Keep planning your trip to New Mexico with The Unsung Hero: 10-Day New Mexico Road Trip Itinerary.
Or check out these 7 amazing ways to experience fall in New Mexico and our experience with 24 hours at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta.
And don’t forget to scroll through 8 of our favorite New Mexico fall photos below, ones we hope inspire a visit to this magical state soon! 😍
Your turn! Please leave us a comment below
What’s your favorite scenic drive in New Mexico, or which of these scenic drives would you love to explore? We hope to hear from you in the comments below!
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