Northern New Mexico Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Canyon Road which includes signage
Discover deep red desert landscapes, rugged Rocky Mountain terrain, historic native pueblos and a remote state park in the northern part of this southern state.

Northern New Mexico promises beautiful natural scenery, cultural attractions and a history rich in tradition. Visit pueblo sites, trek across wide open plains bordered by steep canyons and explore abandoned mining towns.

Throughout its history, the area has served as a trade route as well as the home to Native American tribes such as the Navajos. At the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, experience the living Native American community of Taos Pueblo, which has been continuously inhabited for almost 1,000 years. While here, take the opportunity to buy pottery and jewelry crafted by local artisans.

Head to Chama, a town in the Rocky Mountains known for stunning views and outdoor adventure activities. Go fishing, river rafting and hiking along the trails. Camp out overnight to star gaze at the Milky Way. Take a steam train excursion from Chamas train depot to Antonito, Colorado. Along the way, watch reenactments on this living history museum railroad.

Explore the area around the resort town of Red River to discover the history of a mountain mining town. Visit the Red River Ski & Summer Area for downhill snow sports in the winter and a mountaintop disc golf course in the summer.

The small town of Ojo Caliente near the Rio Grande River is known for its hot springs. The Native Americans of the region considered Ojo’s water to be sacred. At the resort and spa here, soak in the healing mineral waters, experience a mud treatment that is said to rejuvenate your skin and enjoy a roaring fire at night beside a private pool.

Find secluded hiking paths and quiet river banks trails at the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. Nearby is Rio Grande Gorge, a deep canyon carved through layers of volcanic rock.

Fly into Albuquerque International Sunport or the airport at Santa Fe. The best way to get around northern New Mexico is by car. The roads are well maintained and spacious, perfect for a relaxing drive through beautiful scenery. Parking is also free in most towns and attractions.

From the towering Rocky Mountains to hiking trails along dramatic gorges to Native American cultural sites, northern New Mexico has a diverse range of attractions.

Where to stay in Northern New Mexico

New Mexico Museum of Art showing art and a statue or sculpture

Downtown Santa Fe

4.5/5(14 area reviews)

Visitors to Downtown Santa Fe rave about its fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries. You might also want to make some time to see Lensic Performing Arts Center or Georgia O'Keefe Museum while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Downtown Santa Fe
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Northeast Heights

3.5/5(3 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Northeast Heights, Cliff's Amusement Park and ABQ Uptown are top sights worth seeing.

Northeast Heights
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Old Town Albuquerque

Unique features of Old Town Albuquerque include the historical sites and restaurants. Make a stop by Old Town Plaza or New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science while you're exploring the area.

Old Town Albuquerque
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Downtown Albuquerque

4/5(3 area reviews)

Downtown Albuquerque is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to El Rey Theater and Albuquerque Civic Plaza while you're in town.

Downtown Albuquerque
Canyon Road featuring art and interior views

Historic Eastside

While visiting Historic Eastside, you might make a stop by sights like Canyon Road and Old Fort Marcy Park.

Historic Eastside
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Southside

3.5/5(5 area reviews)

Southside is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Meow Wolf and Camel Rock Casino, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Santa Fe.

Southside
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Albuquerque Northeast
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Albuquerque Northeast
2.5 out of 5
5241 San Antonio Dr Ne, Albuquerque, NM
The price is ฿2,359 per night from 5 May to 6 May
฿2,359
per night
5 May - 6 May
Stay at this business-friendly motel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,357 reviews)
"It was good, no complaints"

Reviewed on 26 Apr 2024

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Albuquerque Northeast
The Querque Hotel
The Querque Hotel
3 out of 5
1760 Menaul Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM
The price is ฿2,924 per night from 30 Apr to 1 May
฿2,924
per night
30 Apr - 1 May
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,034 reviews)
"Safe and easy access to rooms and off the highway"

Reviewed on 26 Apr 2024

The Querque Hotel
The Sage Hotel
The Sage Hotel
3 out of 5
725 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM
The price is ฿2,775 per night from 2 May to 3 May
฿2,775
per night
2 May - 3 May
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Santa Fe. Enjoy an outdoor pool, WiFi and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,535 reviews)
"Im getting tired of hotels charging a 'resort fee' which includes a pool that is closed. Yes,m winter- then dont charge the fee Plus, even worse, all day hearing hack hammers blasting away IN the pool. maintenance, great! BUT, again wave the fee"

Reviewed on 26 Apr 2024

The Sage Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Aspen Springs Angel fire
Aspen Springs Angel fire
4.5 out of 5
3080 NM 434, Angel Fire, NM
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury cabin in Angel Fire. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and private gardens. Popular attractions Lady Slipper Trailhead and Monte Verde ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)
"The cabin we stayed in was very nice and clean. Only complaint we had was the shower head was very poor"

Reviewed on 1 Apr 2024

Aspen Springs Angel fire
Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging
Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging
3 out of 5
321 Kearney Ave, Santa Fe, NM
Stay at this aparthotel in Santa Fe. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a business centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,101 reviews)
Efficiency apt.
"The unit had a living room area, kitchenette and bedroom and bathroom - a very comfortable mini-apartment."

Reviewed on 20 Mar 2024

Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging
Alpine Village Suites
Alpine Village Suites
3.5 out of 5
100 Thunderbird Rd, Taos Ski Valley, NM
Stay at this 3.5-star spa aparthotel in Taos Ski Valley. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (422 reviews)
"Everything at this resort was excellent"

Reviewed on 30 Dec 2023

Alpine Village Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Northern New Mexico