Last updated on May 19th, 2026
In this guide, we’re sharing the absolute best things to do in Northern New Mexico, plus helpful tips to plan your own trip through the Land of Enchantment!
Northern New Mexico is easily one of the most enchanting places we’ve ever explored. This region is home to the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains (the southernmost subrange of the Rockies!), ancient cliff dwellings, natural hot springs, and otherworldly volcanic badlands that truly make you feel like you’re on another planet.
But, it’s not just the landscapes that are mind blowing. This state has a ton of Native American history and gorgeous adobe architecture. Plus, you can’t come to New Mexico without eating your weight in green chile! The state produces 53,000 tons of it per year, and we definitely have consumed our fair share of it.
In this guide, we’re sharing the absolute best things to do in Northern New Mexico based on our own adventures. We’ve also included all the logistics you need to plan your own trip, including our top tips for getting around, and the best time to visit!
Things to do in Northern New Mexico
1. Go on a sunrise hot air balloon ride in Albuquerque
Albuquerque is the biggest city in New Mexico, and is most famously known as the “Hot Air Ballooning Capital of the World.” If you’re up for an early morning, a sunrise hot air balloon ride is one of the most memorable things you can do in northern New Mexico!
Even if you aren’t visiting during the massive International Balloon Fiesta in October, which features over 500 balloons (and is the largest and most photographed ballooning event on earth!), you can still book a flight with one of the many local companies all year long!
2. Ride the Sandia Peak Tramway
You really can’t visit Albuquerque without taking a ride on the Sandia Peak Tramway. It’s one of the longest aerial tramways in the world. The ride is 2.7-miles round trip and in just 15 minutes, it takes you up to 10,378 feet. From the top, the views of the Cibola National Forest are unreal! We highly recommend buying your tickets online in advance because they do sell out. And, if you want a meal with a view, check out TEN 3 at the top!
3. Learn Native American history
One thing we love about New Mexico is how easy it is to learn about the local Native American culture! And one of the best ways to do so is at Albuquerque’s Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. This center consists of a museum and gallery space, where you can spend quite a bit of time here exploring Native arts and artifacts! You can also visit the teaching kitchen and restaurant, all of which celebrate the history and culture of the 19 Pueblos.
4. See petroglyphs
For another Native American experience close to Albuquerque, head just west of town to Petroglyph National Monument. This is one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America, with thousands of designs carved into volcanic rock by Native Americans and early Spanish settlers centuries ago. To actually see the carvings, you’ll want to head to one of the two main trailheads, depending on how much time you have and how much hiking you want to do!
Boca Negra Canyon is where you can see a high concentration of petroglyphs. It’s the most developed area of the monument and very easy to navigate. It features three short, paved trails (Mesa Point, Macaw, and Cliff Base) that can all be completed in about an hour. Rinconada Canyon is a 2.2-mile unpaved loop trail that follows the base of a volcanic escarpment where hundreds of petroglyphs are scattered along the basalt rocks.
5. Visit Old Town Albuquerque
Exploring Old Town Albuquerque is consistently ranked as one of the best things to do in Northern New Mexico. Founded in 1706, Old Town is a ten-block area that reflects the traditional Spanish colonial town planning of the early 18th century.
Here, you can casually stroll through the narrow callejones (hidden alleys) with cobblestone streets while admiring the traditional adobe architecture. You could easily spend an afternoon discovering everything the more than 150 independent boutiques and restaurants have to offer in these historic courtyards.
Be sure to pop into The Candy Lady for their famous blue ice candy. Or grab a table at Church Street Cafe, which is located in one of the oldest residence buildings in the city!
If you’re visiting Old Town during the holidays, the plaza is famously lined with thousands of luminarias (paper lanterns). It is such a magical sight to see!
6. Eat your way through Sawmill Market
Just a short walk from Old Town is Sawmill Market, New Mexico’s first food hall, and it is so cool! It’s housed in a converted warehouse that was originally the site of the American Lumber Company. In the early 1900s, this area was the industrial heart of the city, fueled by the nearby railroad and employing over 800 people!
Today, the market features over 27 local vendors where you can try everything from wood-fired pizza to local New Mexican tapas. It’s our favorite spot to go when we can’t decide what we want to eat!
7. Drive part of Route 66
New Mexico is home to about 535 miles of Route 66, all of which run through the northern part of the state. There are many fun stops to make along the way! The Historic El Rancho Hotel in Gallup is considered a must-see. While Tucumcari out east is known for neon signs, the retro Blue Swallow Motel, and the TeePee Curios gift shop.
But besides just going through these small towns, you also can experience the Mother Road in Albuquerque! This stretch of Route 66 (which is Central Avenue in town) is a fun, nostalgic experience that has vintage neon signs and old-school diners.
There are several iconic spots along Central Avenue, but a few of our favorites include the 66 Diner, which is a must for a classic milkshake or a green chile cheeseburger. It’s housed in a converted 1940s gas station. You can also check out Duran Central Pharmacy! It’s a literal, functioning pharmacy, but in the back, you’ll find some of the best food in the city.
8. Explore Santa Fe
Santa Fe is not only the oldest state capital in the U.S., but it also holds the title for the highest capital city in the entire country (sitting at 7,199 feet!). The architecture here is almost entirely adobe, and it’s one of the most beautiful cities we’ve ever visited.
The heart of Santa Fe is the historic Plaza, which has been the center of the city for over 400 years. From there, you have to make the walk over to the Canyon Road District. This one-mile stretch is packed with over 100 galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. It’s very walkable, so we suggest parking once and exploring on foot.
And no stop to Santa Fe is complete without some drinking chocolate at Kakawa Chocolate House!
A+K Tip: if you don’t want to walk uphill the whole way, take the free Santa Fe Pickup shuttle from the Plaza to the top of Canyon Road and walk your way back down!
9. Get weird at Meow Wolf
If you want to get your mind blown, visiting Meow Wolf in Santa Fe is easily one of the best things to do in Northern New Mexico! It’s an immersive and interactive art installation that is honestly kind of hard to describe, but think of it as a psychedelic mystery house where you’ll crawl through refrigerators and slide down laundry chutes.
Built inside an old bowling alley, it’s a blast to spend a few hours exploring over 70 different rooms while trying to piece together the story of the family that vanished from the Victorian house at the center of the exhibit. The whole experience looks so incredibly cool and unlike anything we’ve done before!
10. Enjoy delicious New Mexican delicacies
If there’s one thing you absolutely have to do in Northern New Mexico, it’s eat. The food here is a distinct cuisine with centuries of history. And it almost always revolves around the state’s most famous question: “Red or green?” Whether you like it spicy (green) or earthy and rich (red), here are the spots we love across the northern part of the state:
Albuquerque
If you want to experience traditional Native American flavors from the 19 Pueblos, Indian Pueblo Kitchen is a must. They make a tasty Indian Taco on their famous fry bread, and their Green Chile Stew is award winning! For a side of history, Church Street Cafe is housed in the “Casa de Ruiz,” which dates back to 1709 and is one of the oldest residences in the state. We love their Old Town Combo to get a little taste of everything. Their salsa is also award winning!
Santa Fe
You can’t visit the capital without stopping at Tia Sophia’s , a local legend and the self-proclaimed birthplace of the breakfast burrito. Be sure to get yours smothered in chile “Christmas Style” to try both the red and green.
For a more historic atmosphere, The Shed sits in a 1692 hacienda and is famous for its hand-ground red chile. Their Red Chile Cheese Enchiladas on blue corn tortillas are world-famous! If you’re craving something a bit more modern and fresh, Tres Colores is a fantastic choice. Their blue corn encrusted Fish Tacos are super good!
Taos
Just a block south of the Taos Plaza, La Cueva Cafe is a tasty little spot serving up fantastic Chicken Mole Enchiladas. If you want a classic sampler, their Plato Combinado (taco, relleno, and enchilada) is the way to go. Another local favorite that is always packed is Orlando’s, which serves some of the best Chile Rellenos in the state. For dessert, you have to try the Frozen Avocado Lime Pie. It sounds strange, but it’s the perfect creamy, tart end to a spicy meal!
11. Hike Through Northern New Mexico’s National Forests
Northern New Mexico offer some gorgeous, yet challenging terrain. We’ve spent a lot of time in the Carson, Santa Fe, and Cibola National Forests, and the views here are hard to beat! However, the elevation is no joke and many of these trails start above 8,000 feet. If you’re coming from sea level, give yourself a day or two to acclimate before tackling the bigger climbs!
South Piedra Lisa Trail (Albuquerque): Located in the Sandia Mountain Wilderness, this 4.5-mile hike offers incredible views of the rugged granite shields of the Sandias.
Nambe Lake (Santa Fe): This is one of the most iconic hikes in the Santa Fe National Forest. Starting from the Santa Fe Ski Basin, this 6.5 mile hike is steep, but it’s one of the best alpine lakes in the area.
Ravens Ridge (Santa Fe): This 5.9 mile hike offers epic views overlooking Nambe Lake, Santa Fe Baldy, and Lake Peak.
Williams Lake (Taos): A classic Taos hike that leads you into a stunning glacial cirque. At 3.8 miles round-trip, it’s relatively moderate. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, this is also the starting point for the summit of Wheeler Peak!
Gavilan Trail (Taos): This 5.1-mile hike follows a beautiful creek before opening up into alpine meadows that are covered in wildflowers. If you continue up to the ridgeline, you’ll reach the junction for Lobo Peak for even more incredible views!
Fourth of July & Cerro Blanco Loop (Tajique): If you are lucky enough to be here in the fall (late September to early October), stop everything and do this 6.5 mile hike. This area is famous for its Rocky Mountain Maples that turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and pink. It’s easily the best spot for fall colors in the entire state!
Don’t get lost on the trail!
In places where cell service is spotty, we always use AllTrails+ to download our maps ahead of time. You can use our code aplusk30 for 30% off your subscription!
12. Summit the highest peak in New Mexico
If you’re up for a challenge, you have to climb Wheeler Peak (it’s the highest point in New Mexico at 13,161 feet!). We started from Taos Ski Valley and hiked past Williams Lake before the trail became a series of steep switchbacks. At the summit, you’ll get gorgeous views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep! We saw a whole group of them hanging out near the top.
If you’re planning to tackle Wheeler Peak yourself, check out our video of the hike to see exactly what to expect!
13. Climb through cliff dwellings at Bandelier
Bandelier National Monument is easily one of our favorite places in the entire state! This monument has preserved the homes of the Ancestral Puebloans who lived in this area thousands of years ago. What makes it so unique, though, is the geology. Volcanic eruptions from the nearby Valles Caldera covered this area in soft ash called tuff. And because it’s so porous, the Ancestral Pueblo people were able to carve homes directly into the cliffs!
The best thing to do here is to hike the Pueblo Loop Trail. This 1.4-mile loop takes you past the excavated remains of Tyuonyi, which is a massive circular village on the canyon floor. From there, the trail leads you right along the base of the cliffs where you can even climb into some of the cavates (small human-made caves).
You can also continue past the loop an additional 0.5 miles to Alcove House. This ceremonial cave sits 140 feet above the canyon floor, and you will have to climb four near-vertical wooden ladders to reach it!
Note: Dogs aren’t allowed on the trails here. So if you’re traveling with your pup like we do with Kona, they’ll have to sit this one out. Also, if you visit in the summer, you’ll likely need to take a shuttle from White Rock.
If you want to see what it’s like to explore these cliff dwellings, check out our Bandelier adventure in this video!
14. Explore Valles Caldera
Visiting the Valles Caldera National Preserve is one of the most underrated things to do in Northern New Mexico. The Valles Caldera is a 14-mile wide volcanic caldera formed over a million years ago. It’s actually one of just three supervolcanoes in the U.S.! Even though we visited in the winter, and much of the park was closed due to snow, we still loved exploring the historic cabin district. But there is so much more to explore!
The Cerro La Jara Loop is a super easy 1.5-mile hike that circles a small volcanic dome. If you want to see the volcanic activity here, take the 0.5-mile walk along the Sulphur Creek Trail. It leads you to Sulphur Springs, where you can see bubbling mudpots and fumaroles!
If you want to see even more of the preserve without a massive hike, we highly recommend trying to snag a Backcountry Vehicle Permit. They only release 35 of these a day during the summer and fall, and they allow you to drive your own vehicle into the deeper valleys of the caldera.
15. Enjoy Winter Sports in the High Peaks
While New Mexico is often thought of as a desert state, the northern mountains offer some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the Southwest!
If you’re based in Santa Fe, Ski Santa Fe is a convenient option because it’s just 16 miles from the downtown plaza. And because the base elevation is so high (over 10,000 feet!), the snow quality is often surprisingly good!
For those looking for something a bit more challenging, Taos Ski Valley is world-famous for its steep, technical terrain and its unique European style village.
Angel Fire Resort is another one of our top picks, especially since they offer some of the best night skiing in the state. They also have a great Nordic center for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
16. Road trip through Jemez Springs
Jemez Springs might be the best gem we’ve stumbled upon in New Mexico. This tiny town is tucked away in a deep canyon surrounded by red rock cliffs and winding forest roads. It is ridiculously beautiful! And the drive along Highway 4 is easily one of the most scenic in the state!
One of the spots at the very top of our list is the East Fork Trail via Las Conchas Trailhead. It’s a relatively easy, flat hike that follows a creek through a stunning meadow. While you’re exploring the canyon, make the short hike out to Jemez Falls.
You also can’t miss Soda Dam, a 7,000-year-old geologic formation right off the highway. It was created by hot spring water spilling out of the rocks and depositing calcium carbonate, which slowly built up a massive, bridge-like structure over time. It’s such a cool, weird feature that’s worth a quick stop.
If you have a bit more time, the Jemez Historic Site is nearby, where you can wander through the ruins of a 17th-century mission church and an ancient village.
17. Soak in Northern New Mexico’s Best Hot Springs
If you know us, you know we love a good soak! And Northern New Mexico is a geothermal hotspot. One of our absolute favorite things we did in the state was soaking in the natural hot springs.
For a more relaxing resort experience, Ten Thousand Waves in Santa Fe is a Japanese-inspired spa tucked into the piñon-covered hills that feels like a portal to Kyoto. About an hour north, Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs is one of the oldest health spas in the country and the only place in the world with four different sulfur-free healing minerals (don’t miss their famous Mud Pool!). If you’re in the heart of the village, Jemez Hot Springs offers beautifully landscaped pools with mineral-dense water piped in from the nearby Valles Caldera.
If you prefer a more primitive soak, there are a few spots you can hike to in Jemez Springs:
San Antonio Hot Springs: Our absolute top pick! Most of the year it’s a quick hike to get to the hot springs. However, in the winter, the road is often closed, which means you have to hike in 5 miles one way or take an additional route. But soaking in tiered pools deep in the Santa Fe National Forest is a memory we’ll never forget.
McCauley Warm Springs: This is a fantastic destination for hikers, requiring a 3.5-mile round trip hike from the Battleship Rock trailhead. The pools are a bit cooler (around 85-90°F) and surrounded by tall ponderosa pines.
Spence Hot Springs: A popular primitive spot just north of the village. It’s a short hike from the parking lot to a couple of small pools that overlook the Jemez Canyon.
18. See the Taos Pueblo
The Taos Pueblo is one of the most unique and culturally significant places you can visit in the state! Located at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Pueblo has been continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years, making it one of the oldest living communities in the country.
Here, you can see the impressive multi-storied adobe buildings known as the North and South Houses. These are made of sun dried mud bricks and remain largely unchanged from how they looked centuries ago! You can also wander through the San Geronimo Chapel, a beautiful adobe church, or browse the local shops where tribal members sell traditional handmade pottery, silver jewelry, and fry bread!
We also highly recommend taking a guided tour while you’re there! They only take about 20-30 minutes and it’s the best way to learn about the culture, history, and people who call this incredible place home.
19. Walk across the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
Just outside of Taos, the Rio Grande Gorge cuts deep through the plateau, where a massive road bridge was built over the widest section of the canyon. At roughly 600 feet above the river, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is one of the highest bridges in the U.S. highway system. You can park on either side of the bridge and walk across, which we highly recommend doing for the best views!
The perspective from the bridge is incredibly impressive. But warning: there’s only a railing between you and a 600-foot drop! If you’re at all wary of heights, it might be a bit intense. Especially since you can feel the bridge vibrate as cars pass by!
If you aren’t a fan of heights, you can do the West Rim Trail. It follows the edge of the gorge and gives you a great perspective of the bridge’s scale.
20. Drive the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway
The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is one of the most scenic drives in Northern New Mexico. It is the perfect way to see the heart of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains! This 84-mile loop in Northern New Mexico circles Wheeler Peak (the state’s highest point!). Starting and ending in Taos, the drive takes roughly 3 hours and takes you through a series of charming mountain towns.
The byway is open year-round, but the route does include some steep, narrow mountain roads (particularly at Bobcat Pass) so you’ll want to drive with caution, especially if you’re visiting during the winter months.
21. Explore Abiquiu
Abiquiu is famous for being the home of artist Georgia O’Keeffe, and it’s easy to see why she was so inspired. We stayed at one of our favorite free campsites ever right on the rim of a canyon (you can find it here)! From the van, we could walk to the Rim Vista Trail, a short hike that takes you through the colorful desert terrain. While here, don’t miss Plaza Blanca, where you can wander through towering white sandstone formations that are otherworldly.
22. Wander through the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness
If you want to feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet, you have to go to the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, located near Farmington. There are no marked trails here, but we suggest following this Valley of Dreams route to help you know where to go. We spent the afternoon wandering through bizarre hoodoos, petrified wood, and weird rock formations. And loved every second!
Note: This area is remote and rugged. Make sure you have a high-clearance vehicle, plenty of water, and your AllTrails+ maps downloaded ahead of time since cell service is basically non-existent!
Planning your trip to Northern New Mexico
How to get to Northern New Mexico
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ is the best airport to fly into to visit northern New Mexico. As the state’s largest airport, it usually has the most flight options and is the most central starting point. From here, you are only about an hour drive from Santa Fe and roughly two and a half hours from Taos.
Getting Around Northern New Mexico
To really see the best of Northern New Mexico, you’re definitely going to want a car! While the historic plazas are walkable, many of the best trailheads, hidden hot springs, and scenic overlooks are spread far apart or tucked away at the end of winding mountain roads where public transport just doesn’t go.
For most of the main towns like Santa Fe and Taos, or for driving the Enchanted Circle, a standard rental car will work just fine. However, if you plan to head deep into the Carson or Santa Fe National Forests to find a secluded campsite or reach a rugged trailhead, we highly recommend a high-clearance vehicle since those forest roads can get pretty bumpy.
If you’re thinking about renting a camping rig, check out our guide on Stoked to Camp for the best campervan rentals in the U.S.!
Best time to visit Northern New Mexico
Spring (March–May): This is a beautiful time for exploring the galleries in Santa Fe or the Rio Grande Gorge. The weather is mild in the valleys, but keep in mind that many high-elevation hiking trails will still be buried under snow through late spring!
Summer (June–August): If you are visiting Northern New Mexico for hiking, we suggest the summer! This is the absolute best time to head into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The snow has finally melted from the passes, the wildflowers have bloomed, and the cooler mountain temperatures are a perfect escape from the summer heat.
Fall (September–November): One of our absolute favorite times to explore! The air gets crisp, the crowds thin out, and the fall colors are gorgeous. It’s also peak green chile roasting season, so the whole region smells incredible.
Winter (December–February): Winter is magical if you love skiing! However, if your goal is hiking, keep in mind that many spots are tough to access in the winter months due to heavy snow, and some scenic forest roads may be closed for the season.
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About the author
This blog post was written by our writer Nicoll. Learn a bit about her below!
After six years of full-time travel, Nicoll is now a mountain-loving mama living in Colorado with her husband Jake, their sweet baby girl Teagan, and their pup Gunner. She loves hiking, riding her dirt bike, and finding joy in the little things.