Northern New Mexico Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Albuquerque showing street scenes
Canyon Road which includes signage
Puye Cliff Dwellings showing tranquil scenes and a ruin
Puye Cliff Dwellings featuring tranquil scenes
Puye Cliff Dwellings showing tranquil scenes

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

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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 Santa Fe Plaza or Lensic Performing Arts Center while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Downtown Santa Fe
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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 International Museum of Collage, Assemblage & Construction, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Santa Fe.

Southside
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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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Downtown Albuquerque

4/5(3 area reviews)

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

Downtown Albuquerque
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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 Albuquerque Museum while you're exploring the area.

Old Town Albuquerque
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Tesuque

Tesuque is noteworthy for its spas, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Shidoni Foundry and Glenn Green Galleries & Sculpture Garden.

Tesuque
The Querque Hotel

The Querque Hotel

3 out of 5
1760 Menaul Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM
The price is ฿2,267 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
฿2,267
฿2,621 total
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,182 reviews)
"The room was comfortable. The AC, fridge, and blackout curtains worked well. Shower was small. Toilet leaked near the handle when flushed. Found marijuana in the bathroom. Upholstery on the office chair was peeling. The staff were friendly."

Reviewed on 25 Jul 2025

The Querque Hotel
The Sage Hotel

The Sage Hotel

3 out of 5
725 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM
The price is ฿2,377 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
฿2,377
฿3,224 total
28 Jul - 29 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Santa Fe. Enjoy an outdoor pool, room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,780 reviews)
"Wonderful stay. We will return soon."

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

The Sage Hotel
Hotel 505

Hotel 505

2.5 out of 5
900 Medical Arts Ave Ne, Albuquerque, NM
The price is ฿1,819 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
฿1,819
฿2,103 total
28 Jul - 29 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,309 reviews)
Excelente hotel
"Really nice place friendly workers nice pool just to many ants clean rooms relaxing 4 days for me I be back for sure great price also breakfast neeed more fruit evething else great"

Reviewed on 25 Jul 2025

Hotel 505
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.
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a business centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,182 reviews)
"We rented a 3 bedroom for 5 people. It was very comfortable."

Reviewed on 25 Jul 2025

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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (560 reviews)
"Nice ski resort that has several amenities outside the ski season."

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2025

Alpine Village Suites
Auslander Condominiums

Auslander Condominiums

2 out of 5
303 Pioneer Rd, Red River, NM
Stay at this ski condo in Red River. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Red River Nature Trail and Red River Ski Area ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (27 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay! Already booked for a ski trip this upcoming winter and cannot wait! The managers were great and very accommodating!"

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Auslander Condominiums
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