Things to do / Travel Guide
Some of the most beautiful mountain and desert scenery in the United States graces the scenic byways of this stretch of northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. From the seat of your car, this region will bombard you with a world of ridiculous landscape vistas in the types of colors you won't find even in a 64-color crayon box. Wherever you're driving in this region, if you're apt to take the old, state highway instead of the interstate, you're bound to see more attractions and more out-of-the-way places.
Scenic Drive on the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway
Possibly the United States' most beautiful scenic byway named after a semi-precious stone, the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway follows the old route between Albuquerque and Santa Fe before I-25 was built. The high road passes through small, backcountry villages and traces the footsteps of the ancient peoples who first forged this trail centuries ago. In recent years, the Sandia Peak Byway, which passes through the beautiful Cibola National Forest, has been incorporated into this scenic thoroughfare and if you have at least four hours on your hands, a ride through both byways is well worth it. The stretch of the road from Santa Fe to Sandia Crest is only 75 miles and can be easily done in a leisurely couple of hours, leaving you enough time to take it slow and snap pictures along the way.
Scenic Drive on the High Road to Taos
Passing through pueblos and old, Spanish towns, this byway paints a picture of the heritage of northern New Mexico. There are tons of scenic and historic places to stop along the way throughout your journey. The Jemez Mountains and dramatic desert badlands will leave you with a sore neck the day after. This 67-mile “National Scenic Byway” begins in Española and ends in Taos, and you should budget at least two hours each way, just so you have enough time for stops, taking pictures, and arguing about the radio.
Scenic Drive on the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway
This magical, doughnut-shaped byway, where movies such as “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” and “Easy Rider” have been filmed, definitely lives up to its name. New Mexico's oldest inhabited-pueblo, Taos Pueblo, the famous D.H. Lawrence Ranch, and the Elizabethtown ghost town, are a few of the historical sights that grace this byway as it passes through the high desert mountains outside of Taos. Make sure to also keep your eyes peeled as the road takes you through the beautiful Carson National Forest. A good place to start the 87-mile loop is in Taos. Leave yourself about 4 hours for the trip, and stop at nothing to secure a window seat.
Scenic Drives in Southern Colorado
A short road tour from Alamosa to Blanca Peak will give you a beautiful perspective of the scenery in this peaceful stretch of southern Colorado. The striking figure of Blanca Peak, southern Colorado's famous 14,317-foot mountain, is the star of the drive. The ride is only about 35 miles, but don't rush it, take some time to enjoy the scenery.
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