How to Experience New Mexico’s Most Enchanting Drive from Santa Fe to Taos
When temperatures go low, it’s time to go high; along the High Road to Taos—my favorite stretch of road from Santa Fe to Taos. Between the bustling streets of Santa Fe and the artistic enclave of Taos lies one of the best road trips in the country—a winding path through high desert landscapes, ancient villages, and a culture steeped in centuries of tradition. The High Road to Taos isn’t merely a route between destinations; it’s a portal into the soul of northern New Mexico.
The 56-mile (one-way) scenic drive is dotted with historic adobe churches, pueblos, art galleries, and chile stands, with clear blue skies overhead and the sparkling Truchas Peaks in the distance. A perfect alternative to highway driving, the High Road rewards those who like to linger. Allow for a full day or an overnight, stopping to sample local cuisine, browse for handcrafted treasures, or simply admire the rich colors and the diverse landscape that has drawn artists here for generations.
These are a few of my favorite stops along the High Road to Taos, driving from Santa Fe to Taos.
Starting in Santa Fe
Whether you’re planning a day trip or a long weekend getaway from Santa Fe to Taos, I suggest you start with a few stops in Santa Fe to inspire and fuel your adventures.
Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
Just steps from Santa Fe’s historic plaza, the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum stands as a pilgrimage site for art lovers. Perhaps best known for her intimate paintings of flowers and skulls, Georgia O’Keeffe also became synonymous with northern New Mexico’s landscapes, and the small museum houses the largest permanent collection of her work in the world.
Sift through photographs by her husband, Alfred Stieglitz, and personal effects from her Abiquiú home in Ghost Ranch offer glimpses into the private world of this fiercely independent artist. Beyond the walls of hanging art, the museum serves as a gateway to understanding O’Keeffe’s deep connection to northern New Mexico—the same dramatic terrain you’ll encounter on the High Road to Taos. A stop at the museum is the perfect prelude to this epic journey.
And before you hit the road for your drive from Santa Fe to Taos, grab a coffee from the Dolina Bakery & Cafe. This buzzing bakery draws in locals and travelers with its tasty lattes and flaky pastries.
Tesuque Village Market, Santa Fe
If you’re hungry and looking to fuel up before the drive, be sure to stop at the Tesuque Village Market. Try the blue corn pancakes or egg tacos for breakfast, then stock up on provisions for your drive from the cafe’s bakery and general store. You’ll find outdoor seating if you want to stay and eat, as well as local artists selling authentic pottery and jewelry.
Santuario de Chimayo
As the High Road ascends into the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the landscape unfolds, revealing its beauty and much of New Mexico’s cultural history. The villages you’ll find along the route tell stories of resilience and cultural preservation.
In Chimayó, a village known for its chile, weavers, and artists, visit the 19th-century holy shrine of Santuario de Chimayo, which calls in the spiritual who seek healing from its ‘holy dirt.’ To learn more about the historic community, stop in at the Chimayo Museum, located inside the neighborhood of Plaza del Cerro—one of the best surviving examples of a fortified plaza in New Mexico.
The Centinela Handweaving Workshop in Chimayo
Local weavers continue traditions passed down through generations with workshops and galleries displaying vibrant textiles that capture the region’s distinctive palette. Watch fourth-generation weavers create bold textile pieces while perusing beautiful, colored blankets, patterned rugs, and more. If you plan ahead, sign up for a handweaving workshop at the Chimayo Weavers.
Tip: Before continuing, be sure to stop for a quick bite of spicy guacamole and red chile at Rancho de Chimayó—an experience not to be missed.
Cordova
Continuing north, roughly 10 minutes from Chimayo, take the time to detour off the High Road and visit the historic village of Cordova. You’ll weave through the tight-knit community along dirt roads to see the tiny San Antonio de Padua chapel. Built in 1832, the small church still sits nestled within the community, so you might miss it if you don’t know it exists. I did not get a chance to go inside, but you can see the efforts being made to restore this historical landmark.
Village of Truchas
The next notable stop is in the village of Truchas. The remote community lives perched at 8,000 feet in elevation, its centuries-old plaza offers scenic panoramic views of the Rio Grande Valley below and a glimpse at the historic mission. Artists drawn to this remote outpost have transformed humble adobes into galleries showcasing work inspired by the surrounding landscapes.
Las Trampas
If you want to avoid the tourists, stop in at the San Jose de Gracia Church in Las Trampas. It is the only Spanish Colonial building that remains completely intact within the historic district of Las Trampas. Built in the 18th century with the thick walls and elegant lines of the Spanish Colonial period, it is one of the more beautiful adobe churches you’ll find along your drive from Santa Fe to Taos.
Ending in Taos, New Mexico
By the time you reach Taos (in just under an hour from Las Trampas), having climbed to nearly 7,000 feet, you’ve traversed not just 56 miles of asphalt but centuries of living history. But first, you’ll pass through Ranchos de Taos—a historic district located about four miles south of the town of Taos.
San Francisco de Assisi Mission Church
A must-visit in Ranchos de Taos is the iconic San Francisco de Assisi Mission Church. Built in 1772, the large adobe church has inspired many artists, including paintings by Georgia O’Keeffe and photographs by Ansel Adams. It’s my favorite stop on the journey from Santa Fe to Taos.
Taos Pueblo
Conclude your journey at the Taos Pueblo—North America’s oldest continuously inhabited community and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the Taos-speaking Pueblo people for over 1,000 years. Nestled within the adobe settlement are multi-story dwellings, a graveyard, and the central structure of the San Geronimo Chapel.
Approximately 150 people still live at the pueblo without electricity or running water, preserving ancestral ways while simultaneously navigating the modern world. Explore on your own or take a guided tour, often led by pueblo residents, that provides insights into the historic pueblo.
Inside the pueblo’s walls, you can explore small shops featuring handcrafted jewelry, drums, pottery, and the pueblo’s signature micaceous clay cookware.
The best time to drive the High Road to Taos
The best time to drive the High Road to Taos is during the spring and fall, when temperatures are a little cooler and the off-season offers a bit of reprieve from summer crowds. If you plan to come in the fall, make plans to visit during the High Road Art Tour. Held the last two weekends in September, it’s the best time to discover all the artists and their studios that make up the scenic route.
Where to stay in Santa Fe
There are plenty of hotel and Airbnb options in Santa Fe, but for a truly unique experience that immerses you in the beauty of northern New Mexico’s landscape, book your stay at the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe. A former ranch now turned luxury resort, the Four Seasons Resort sits secluded in the desert landscape outside Santa Fe. Find comfort in one of their private casitas complete with spa-like amenities, private porches, and Kiva fireplaces. On-property designated trails and outdoor pursuits are easy to explore right outside your door. Whether you plan to stay just one night or make it a few, be sure to sign up for one of their guided excursions.
From Santa Fe to Taos, the 56-mile scenic drive runs along HWY 76 and takes roughly 2.5 – 3 hours to complete. But you’ll want to allow for much more time to explore.
I love the High Road to Taos not just for its physical beauty but for its cultural depth. Each bend reveals another layer of New Mexico’s vibrant heritage of Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and American cultures. Sometimes the most meaningful journeys aren’t about the destination but about the slow unfolding of a place’s secrets—one village, one vista, one encounter at a time.
