The scenic byway know as "The High Road to Taos" is an enchanting drive through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains between Santa Fe and Taos, offering dynamic scenery including rugged peaks, tree-lined valleys, stark badlands and serene farmland, populated by the northern New Mexico locals of more than a dozen Spanish and Pueblo villages.
We recommend you set a full day aside to fully explore and enjoy this route. Here are our recommended stops along the route.
Santuario de Chimayo church, village of Chimayo
Las Trampas Historical Marker, village of Chamisal
San José de Gracia church, village of Chamisal
San Francisco de Asis Mission church, Ranchos de Taos
Taos Pueblo
Lunch in Taos
Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
Return via the "Low Road" along the Rio Grande River where there are many pullouts for taking in the views of the river and the inner canyon.
Another return alternative is via HWY 285, west of the Rio Grande Gorge. This will extend your travels and present some additional stops:
The Earthship Biotecture Visitors Center
Rio Grande del Norte National Monument
Ojo Caliente Hot Springs
