Is it any wonder why New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment? To road trip to New Mexico is to enter a world of endless desert landscapes and relics of ancient cultures (+ delicious southwestern food).
No other place offers ancient wonders, rustic deserts, Pueblo culture, UFOs, and alien lore all in one spot, making New Mexico an incredibly unique road trip destination.
Below is your 4-day New Mexico road trip itinerary:
When to Road Trip in New Mexico
This southwestern state gets snow in the winter and has punishingly dry summers, so for the best road trip weather, aim to visit New Mexico from March through June or September through November.
If you want to save money but stay ahead of the heat, take a road trip in June when the temperature isn’t as hot and rental cars are more affordable.
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Should I Fly into Santa Fe or Albuquerque?
You will find much cheaper flights to Albuquerque than Santa Fe, as well as more direct flight options.
This is the best option for budget travelers, and you’ll get to experience the Turquoise Trail between ABQ and Santa Fe. If you skip the trail and use major highways, the two cities are only an hour apart.
If your New Mexico road trip is entirely flying-free, I recommend arriving via a section of Route 66.
Where to Stay: Santa Fe or Albuquerque?
Wondering if you should stay in Santa Fe or Albuquerque?
The answer is either! If you skip the trail and use major highways, the two cities are only an hour apart. If you choose to drive the scenic Turquoise Trail, the cities are still under two hours apart, without stops.
Note: ABQ is the best option for budget travelers as accommodation is cheaper.
Where to stay in Albuquerque
- Budget: Sandia Peak Inn
- Mid-range: Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town (in the heart of Old Town)
- Luxury: Hotel Andaluz (try MÁS, the hotel’s tapas bar, even if you don’t stay there)
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Where to stay in Santa Fe
- Budget: Silver Saddle Motel (now owned by La Quinta) or Econo Lodge
- Mid-range: Inn on the Alameda
- Luxury: La Fonda on the Plaza (directly across from La Plaza) or the Four Seasons for the ultimate luxury experience.
Day 1: Arrive in Albuquerque
Albuquerque (ABQ) is a sprawling, 300-year-old city known for its mix of modern and old-world architectural elements.
The largest city in New Mexico is filled to the brim with a romantic desert culture that’s part Spanish and part Native American.
ABQ is surrounded by natural canyons and geological wonders, making it nothing short of a dream for desert nature lovers.
Tip: When in Albuquerque, you absolutely cannot miss Piñon coffee- hands down, some of the best coffee I’ve had in the entire world (which is saying a lot).
I recommend the Maple Walnut Latte or the Adobe Morning if you like cinnamon. The breakfast burritos are also delicious and generously proportioned.
What to do in Albuquerque
My New Mexico road trip itinerary plans for a full day in the ABQ.
These suggestions will help you design the perfect day to fit your interests. With so much to see, so bring a portable charger to keep your phone fully charged and ready to take tons of photos.
How many days do you need in Albuquerque?
You really only need 1-2 two days in Albuquerque to visit highlights like Old Town, Sandia Peak Tramway, and Petroglyph National Monument. However, if you’d like to explore the surrounding natural areas, or hike into the la Luz Trail, consider adding an extra day.
Sunset at Old Town Albuquerque
The city of Albuquerque was founded in 1706 in historic Old Town. Today, Old Town is the heart of Albuquerque’s art scene, offering more than 100 boutique shops, art galleries, and eateries, all of which are locally crafted.
Old Town is, however, best experienced at sunset.
The sunlight paints its warmth onto the beautiful reds and oranges of the Pueblo-Spanish architecture, creating a quintessential desert vibe. You can also take this tour of Old Town, which includes wine plus meet and greets with local artists.
Read More: Guide to Old Town in Albuquerque
Ride a Hot Air Balloon
A hot air balloon ride will give you the best views imaginable views of Albuquerque and the dramatic Sandia Mountains. This tour is the best because it includes information about the landscape you’re flying over, breakfast, and sparkling wine after you land.
Best Nature in Albuquerque
- You can’t miss the Petroglyph National Monument! This land protects one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America, with symbols carved onto volcanic rocks by Native Americans dating back to 2000 B.C. The volcanic structures are fun to explore and will reward you with stunning views. Pack travel-friendly binoculars to take in the scenery.
- Hike La Luz Trail to Sandia Peak Tramway, where you can ascend to the 10,378-foot crest of the Sandia Mountains for a panoramic view of the city. If you aren’t up for a full hike, you can drive to the bottom of the cable car station for a stunning sunset-worthy view of the city. Note: Tickets can only be purchased 24 hours before arrival, and they go fast, so make sure to plan accordingly.
- The ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden is rated by the Travel Channel as one of the 12 best botanical gardens in the country. More than 1.5 miles of paths lead through vibrant desert gardens that ignite the senses and double as a beautiful backdrop for selfies.
Museums in Albuquerque
- The Turquoise Museum is your spot for in-depth guided tours of a natural turquoise collection, showing off art, jewelry, and raw turquoise in tons of great exhibits.
- The Nuclear Museum is a repository of nuclear science information, ranging from the first nuclear tests to modern nuclear energy.
- The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is all about Pueblo culture, featuring art and historical artifacts, as well as a traditional Pueblo kitchen where you can taste-test ancient recipes!
If you visit ABQ in the fall, make sure to check out the Albuquerque Balloon Festival, a stunning display of over 500 hot air balloons the first week in October.
Day 2: The Turquoise Trail
A half-day should be perfect for just a few stops on the Turquoise Trail, but a full day may be needed to fully explore each of the historic towns along the way.
The truth about the Turquoise Trail
This stunning scenic area covers 15,000 miles in the desert heart of New Mexico, linking Albuquerque and Santa Fe. The name comes from the turquoise first mined by the early Pueblo people in 900 A.D.
A gold rush in 1825 brought most of the population that went on to form Madrid, Golden, and the other former mining towns in the area.
Take a moment to consider:
Spain arrived here in the 1500s. Outlaws and Confederate soldiers also camped in the area, and ancient people led their lives here. Battles were fought over this land, and lives were taken.
This area has a truly magical feeling, with many layers of important historical value resting on top of each other, creating an atmosphere that is hard to describe with words.
The Towns of the Turquoise Trail
Tijeras
Welcome to the southern gateway to The Turquoise Trail. Stop by the Tijeras Pueblo Archaeological Site and check out the world’s longest tramway—2.7 miles with a panoramic view the entire way.
Cedar Crest
Cedar Crest is home to the Center for New Mexico Archaeology, which explores 12,000 years of North America’s earliest inhabitants through the Battle of Wounded Knee in 1890.
Golden
The Post Office, where the name Golden came from, was opened in 1880. Pueblos have been in the area since 1300 A.D. A gold rush drew prospectors here until around the 1880s.
The San Francisco Catholic Church is one of the most photographed buildings along the Trail.
Madrid
Once a coal-mining town, Madrid’s modest miner’s homes have been converted into shops and galleries. This is the main stop on the Turquoise Trail, where people spend the most time.
Take the time to peek into each shop to find locally made treasures not found anywhere else. I recommend a lunchtime visit to the Mine Shaft Tavern, built in 1944.
Tip:
My absolute favorite place to get jewelry is at Gypsy Gem in Madrid.
Since 1988, they mine everything locally, and their sterling silver bands are handmade by local Native American craftsmen. Below is my turquoise ring purchased from Gypsy Gem a few years ago.
I’ve traveled with it all over the world, and it’s still beautiful.
Cerrillos
This ghost town is known for its Cerrillos Turquoise and for serving as the setting for the movie “Young Guns.”
This is the quintessential dusty southwestern town, but worth visiting for the few shops, art studios, and western scenery.
Read More: Full Guide to Canyon Road
Tips for the Turquoise Trail
- Gas up before you go- there aren’t any gas stations along the more rural parts of the trail.
- Plan to stop in Madrid to eat, which is basically the only town with food.
- Remember, this is a National Scenic Byway- take time for photos! Pack lots of blues to contrast the rusty reds of the desert.
- The hot New Mexico Sun will beat down through the car window, so don’t skip on the sunscreen. I like this one because it’s lightweight and doesn’t break out my oily skin- plus, this tiny bottle easily lasts up 5-6 months.
- I also pack a soothing lip balm with SPF to protect my lips from the sun.
After a full day of exploring, arrive for dinner in Santa Fe, the next leg of your New Mexico road trip.
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Day 3: Santa Fe
Santa Fe is a high-desert city standing in the backdrop of the famed Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Aside from the stunning desert landscape, there’s just something about Santa Fe’s vibe that calls to the spirit. Artists like Georgia O’Keeffe and Agnes Martin felt it, too, as they came here to live and make art.
In this state capital, you’ll find savory New Mexican cuisine, unique boutiques, hip art galleries, and a ton of museums.
How many days do you need in Santa Fe?
You need at least 2-3 days in Santa Fe to truly experience its unique blend of cultures, art scene, and delicious Southwestern food. Taking 2-3 will give you enough time to visit attractions like the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, Canyon Road, and Plaza de Santa Fe without feeling rushed.
What to do in Santa Fe
Depending on how much time you spend on the Turquoise Trail, this New Mexico road trip itinerary provides 1-2 full days in beautiful Santa Fe! You’ll be doing a lot of walking to take everything in, so make sure to wear very comfortable sneakers.
Taste Santa Fe
Santa Fe has some of the best food in all of New Mexico. I love this tour because the samples add up to an entire meal (and then some), and you even get historical information thrown in.
Canyon Road
Picture this: over 100 locally crafted art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants gathered in only half a mile of the desert landscape. Canyon Road is perfect for souvenirs, photos, and general art appreciation.
Canyon Road is a mile-long art district with over a hundred local art galleries and studios with all sorts of art. This area is especially known for Native American art and artifacts, Latino art, regional art, folk art, and all things New Mexico.
Tip: I recommend starting at the bottom of Canyon Road (where it intersects with Paseo de Peralta). You can also take a guided walking tour for the best info and insider secrets.
Santuario de Chimayo
The Santuario de Chimayo is a small religious shrine located in Chimayo, NM.
It’s a gorgeous and spiritually significant place that has been used for worship since at least the early 1800s, bringing many generations of people of different ethnic origins together at this one sacred site.
This is my absolute favorite place to visit in New Mexico!
Best nature in Santa Fe
- Pecos National Historic Park (pictured above) sits in the middle of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, 33 minutes from Santa Fe. These rustic-colored remains of Indian Pueblos are nothing short of stunning both on and off camera.
- Bandelier National Monument will allow you to experience Petroglyphs, ancient ruins and cave dwellings, and volcanic mountains in over 33,000 acres of rugged canyon land. This gem is about a 50-minute drive from Santa Fe.
- Randall Davey Audubon Center and Sanctuary has a peaceful garden to watch the birds and a scenic hikers loop on the hillside.
- Galisteo Basin Preserve is totally surreal. It offers a wide view of grassy plains, which is much different from Santa Fe, which is up against the mountains.
Best Museums in Santa Fe
- Georgia O’Keeffe Museum is a vast collection of the artist’s works, from her New Mexico desert landscapes to her Lake George paintings.
- The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture aims to tell the stories of Native people in the Southwest, specifically their culture from prehistoric times through the present.
- SAR Indian Arts Research Center is where you can book a tour of over 12,000 works of Southwestern Native American art.
- IAIA Museum of Contemporary Art is a very colorful and vibrant museum and probably the second most popular behind Georgia O’Keefe.
More Stuff To Do in Santa Fe
- The Santa Fe Opera hosts five rotating shows alongside an elegant tailgating setup with mountainous views.
- The Santa Fe Farmers Market in the Railyard District is the place to find locally grown and in-season items: think New Mexico hatch chiles, farm-fresh eggs, organic veggies, and lavender soaps.
- The Cathedral of Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is a grand 19th-century church steeped in history.
- Meow Wolf: this mind-bending, immersive art-meets-sci-fi installation needs little introduction.
Day 4: More Santa Fe
This New Mexico road trip itinerary allows for 2 full days in Santa Fe because of all that the city has to offer. While all that is mentioned here can be done in 2 days, it probably shouldn’t be.
Frequently asked questions
Is New Mexico a good place to road trip?
New Mexico is a fantastic place for a road trip. The state is brimming with bucket-list desert scenery, rich native cultural experiences, and endless outdoor adventures. Whether rolling along scenic byways or trekking respectfully thorugh ancient ruins, New Mexico is the Land of Enchantment.
How many days is enough to visit New Mexico?
A week or at least five days is enough to visit New Mexico and comfortably experience its main cities, such as Santa Fe and Albuquerque, and all the cute ghost towns in between. If you’re pressed for time, a 3-4 day trip could cover the essentials, though it might feel rushed.
What is the prettiest part of New Mexico?
New Mexico has so many beautifully dramatic areas, but my favorite has to be the area around Santa Fe. The combination of the wrathful desert, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and the charming adobe architecture scattered throughout make this area one of the prettiest parts of New Mexico.
Is there a lot to do in New Mexico?
New Mexico has so much to do, with activities and attractions for every interest, from the ancient history in places like Santuario de Chimayo to the world of art in Old Town Albuquerque and gorgeous mountains that adventure seekers can hike, cycle, and ski. So yes, there’s a lot to do in New Mexico.
What is the most scenic route from Albuquerque to Santa Fe?
The Turquoise Trail, also known as New Mexico State Road 14, is the most scenic route between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Passing through several memorable and quirky towns like Madrid and Cerrillos, the Turquoise Trail follows spectacular views of the Sandia Mountains and unfolds New Mexico’s rich mining history.
Check-in
New Mexico is a historically rich, colorful, and vibrant state that has much to offer any traveler with the desire to visit, but it is especially perfect for road trips.
Comment below and tell me how your road trip through New Mexico went!
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