Popular Places To Add To Your New Mexico Road Trip Travel Itinerary For A 7 Day Vacation

A scenic, relaxing roadtrip through New Mexico is an excellent route for your slow travel vacation. If you want to travel through the heart of New Mexico here is a good itinerary:

You can start with the San Ildefonso Pueblo. You just head East from Los Alamos on SR 502. Just right over the Rio Grande you will see it. They are known for its traditional black on black polished pottery, as well as their red and polychrome pottery. There are also painters, jewelry makers, weavers, carvers, seamstresses, and moccasin makers there. Normal hours of visitation are 8am-5pm, Monday thru Sunday, the Museum opens 8am-4pm, Monday thru Friday. A reservation is not required to visit. The Pueblo’s fees are $10 per carload, $10 fee PER camera permit, $20 fee for video permit. The artisans shops operate out of private homes and open and close at their own discretion.

Call ahead if you have any questions at 505-455-3549 www.sanipueblo.org

Nambé Falls Recreation Area

Next, head further east from there  on SR 502 to Pojoaque exit North onto US 285/84 and drive one mile and turn right onto SR 503. Drive four miles to the Nambe Pueblo on SR 101. It is in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.  The Nambé Falls Recreation Area which is nearby, offers swimming, fishing, a double-drop waterfall and camping. Go to the Governor’s Office for information on self-guided tours. If you want some exercise you can hike to Nambe Falls (open April–Oct.).  The falls offer breathtaking scenic viewpoints that are a must-see on your roadtrip.

Call ahead for more information about your visit at 505-455-2036

Santuario De Chimayó

Continue on to SR 503 for 10 minutes and go on to SR 98 to Chimayó. Santuario de Chimayo is well known to the thousands of people who make the annual pilgrimage to this 1816 church for healing and touching the miraculous dirt there. Chimayó is also home to several famous weaving families like the Ortega’s, shops and galleries. Grab a meal at Rancho de Chimayo for some native New Mexico specialties. You will most likely notice roadside stands to pick up the local specialty, red chile powder. Chimayo is the Red Chile capital of the region. You can also get it and other local items at The El Potrero Trading Post which is family owned. They have religious articles, traditional artwork and food specialty items there.

Truchas & Trampas

We are not done traveling yet! Continue on SR 98 and turn right on SR 76. You are now ready for some scenery. With breathtaking, serene viewpoints, this is even an excellent spot for solo travel destinations and experiences. Head to Truchas which is where the movie “The Milagro Beanfield War” was filmed. The town is considered remote due to its high elevation of 8000 feet, did not have paved roads until the 1970’s and it is relatively unchanged throughout time.

Las Trampas is worth a stop to see the very well preserved San Jose de Gracia church. It is a great example of Spanish Colonial architecture. The town itself dates back to the 18th century.

By the way, if you have interest in a fabulous three hour tour, you can get a guided tour that departs from the Santuario de Chimayó location to the historic churches in Córdova, Truchas, and Las Trampas. These three churches, which are rarely seen by non parishioners, are particularly outstanding for their historical and cultural importance and their conservation of santeria altar screens. Frank Graziano, author of HISTORIC CHURCHES OF NEW MEXICO TODAY runs the tours. To see dates available check out www.nuevo-mexico-profundo.com. Tours are $25

Visiting Wineries

Heading west on SR 75 you will find vineyards and other towns worth visiting. At SR 68 turn left and head through Velarde.

Black Mesa Winery In Velarde Is a good stop. They are open Mon- Sat 11-6, Sun 12-5​
Stop by their tasting room to enjoy some of the best wines in New Mexico. All of their wine and hard apple cider are made right on the premises, using only their own and other New Mexico fruit. You can choose from over 30 wines to taste. Of course, ensure you know what kinds of wines you can drink when traveling with allergies. They have hard apple cider on tap, along with New Mexico craft beer. They have daily tours. Call in advance at 505-852-2820.

This adventure is a four hours of driving time round trip.

Chaco Canyon

Chaco Canyon is a must-see destination on your New Mexico roadtrip. The world famous canyon is home to some of the most incredible ancient ruins in the entire United States. One of the best parts about Chaco canyon is that it is never packed with tourists. Therefore, visiting always offers the opportunity to be an amazing profound, intrinsic, and spiritual experience. Visiting at night, you can view an abundance of beautiful stars amongst the incredibly scenery. Of course, remember to bring a travel phone backup battery so you have enough energy to document your day. In the day, Chaco canyon is an excellent spot for guided tours, hiking, biking, camping, and education. As you plan your New Mexico roadtrip travel itinerary, be sure to make a stop at the famous Chaco Canyon.

Take The Scenic Byway

Planning your New Mexico roadtrip travel itinerary, you need to plan on taking the High Road Scenic Byway. The most popular route along the High Road Scenic Byway is traveling from Santa Fe to Taos. This is an excellent route to add to your car or RV travel guide. While most roads traveling towards Taos offer incredible views, none are as spectacular as the scenic byway. The scenery presents dramatic rock formations as you climb the Truchas Peaks. Offering over 65 miles of incredible scenery, the High Road Scenic Byway is a must-see destination on your New Mexico roadtrip itinerary.

Las Cruces

Las Cruces is the southernmost city in New Mexico. More so, it is the jumping off point to reach White Sands National Park, the Organ Mountains and Desert Peaks National Monument. Its a picture perfect location for both sunrise and sunset. In fact, you can watch the sunset while on a hike in the Dripping Springs Natural Area. There are many popular spots to stop to eat including The Shed and the Spotted Dog Brewery. Certainly, consider visiting Las Cruces while on a New Mexico road trip.

White Sands National Monument

Throughout planning your New Mexico roadtrip itinerary, you need to make a stop at the White Sands National Monument. Be sure to calculate the route beforehand. This way, you avoid the most common travel mishaps. White Sands is located approximately fifteen miles South of Alamogordo, New Mexico. The best route is likely by taking Highways 70. Visiting White Sands, bring your sled or purchase one before you arrive. This way, you will be able to hike across sand dunes and sled down sandy, powdery hills. At the same time, there are may tours going around the park if you would like to see more. Planning your New Mexico roadtrip itinerary, you need to visit White Sands National Monument.

Visit The Hot Springs Of Truth Or Consequences

Before you leave town, be sure to soak in the Hot Springs of Truth or Consequences. The town is actually named after the 1950’s game show Truth or Consequences. During the show’s tenth anniversary, the host offered to broadcast live from any town willing to officially name itself Truth or Consequences. Eventually, the town of Hot Springs New Mexico accepted the challenge and officially changed their name. Here, you can experience some of the most breathtaking views, atmosphere, and serenity in all of New Mexico. Certainly, relax as if you were getting a deep spa treatment in French Polynesia. Peacefully surrounded by the Turtleback Mountains, the hot springs are certainly a can’t-miss stop on your itinerary.

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