Northern New Mexico Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

New Mexico Museum of Art which includes a statue or sculpture and art

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 Santuario De Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe or Lensic Performing Arts Center while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Downtown Santa Fe
Dramatic, beautiful sunset casts purple and orange colors and hues on clouds and mountains over a neighborhood in Tesuque, near Santa Fe, New Mexico

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
Quick stop for refreshments at la cumbre brewing on girard off candelaria.

Northeast Heights

3.5/5(3 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Northeast Heights, ABQ Uptown and Coronado Center are top sights worth seeing.

Northeast Heights
San Felipe de Neri Parish Church in the old town of Albuquerque

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
San Esteban Del Rey Mission in Acoma Pueblo

Historic Eastside

While visiting Historic Eastside, you might make a stop by sights like Canyon Road and ViVO Contemporary.

Historic Eastside
A peak inside Meow Wolf. Love this place!

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
The Querque Hotel

The Querque Hotel

3 out of 5
1760 Menaul Rd NE Albuquerque NM
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,956 reviews)
Great as always

Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026

The Querque Hotel
Sonesta ES Suites Albuquerque

Sonesta ES Suites Albuquerque

3 out of 5
3300 Prospect Ave Ne Albuquerque NM
The price is ฿2,747 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
฿2,747
฿3,176 total
22 Feb - 23 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,065 reviews)
Awesome

Reviewed on 26 Jan 2026

Sonesta ES Suites Albuquerque
La Fonda on the Plaza

La Fonda on the Plaza

4 out of 5
100 E San Francisco St Santa Fe NM
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿5,087 per night from 3 Feb to 4 Feb
฿5,087
฿5,859 total
3 Feb - 4 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this historic hotel in Santa Fe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,090 reviews)
Staff was great, clean and perfect location access to the plaza

Reviewed on 30 Jan 2026

La Fonda on the Plaza
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.
Alpine Village Suites

Alpine Village Suites

3.5 out of 5
100 Thunderbird Rd Taos Ski Valley NM
Stay at this 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 reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (609 reviews)
room was clean and the staff was very accommodating

Reviewed on 26 Jan 2026

Alpine Village Suites
Aspen Springs Angel fire

Aspen Springs Angel fire

4.5 out of 5
3080 NM 434 Angel Fire NM
Stay at this luxury cabin in Angel Fire. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and concierge services. Popular attractions Lady Slipper Trailhead and Monte Verde Lake ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (64 reviews)
The cabin was clean, well decorated, and thoughtfully appointed. Anything you could need when being away from home for a long weekend was provided. We loved the thoughtful touches like a heated bed and towel warmer for the cold winter days. The property itself was perfect for a family as the Cave ...

Reviewed on 26 Jan 2026

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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a business centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,214 reviews)
Booked for the Santa Fe Wine and Chile Festival. Great location!

Reviewed on 4 Dec 2025

Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging
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