Scenic Byways and Drives Scenic Byways and Drives

New Mexico Scenic Byways Map
High Road to Taos Scenic Byway

 

High Road to Taos Scenic Byway Map, New Mexico Map Symbols

High Road to Taos Scenic Byway near Taos, NM

Vacationers can travel from Santa Fe to Taos any number of ways, but one of the most scenic and entertaining routes is on the High Road to Taos.

The 67-mile-long scenic byway takes drivers through several small Spanish-influenced towns that are home to historic buildings, beautiful artwork and astounding natural sites. Heading north from Santa Fe on US 285, drivers can access the beginning of the route by turning east on NM 503 and following it to NM 520.

Traveling north on the road, vacationers stop in the small foothills town of Chimayo. Once a Spanish fortress, the town's plaza is home to the famous Santuario de Chimayo, a center that draws countless pilgrims because of its supposed ability to heal the sick. The historic building houses five colorful sacred paintings and numerous artifacts, but the real draw is El Posito ≠ a hole where cure seekers can grab handfuls of dirt to rub on their bodies or take with them.

From Chimayo, drivers head northeast on NM 76 to Cordova, a small forested town where resident artisans carve exquisite figures from Aspen and Cedar wood. Farther up the road lies Truchas, which was used as the setting for the Robert Redford movie ≥The Milagro Beanfield War.≤ Look for the adobe building with the cross near the town's entrance ≠ it's a meeting place for the Brotherhood of the Penitentes, a secret religious society know for its self-flagellation rites.

The route enters Carson National Forest just past Truchas, where drivers can take in the surrounding Sangre de Cristo mountains. Drivers turn south onto NM 75 and follow it to NM 518 to continue on the route. Along the way, numerous pullouts offer scenic views of the mountains and vegetation that surround the road.

History buffs can make a stop and stretch their legs at Carson National Forest's Pot Creek Cultural Site. The site's gate is locked, but vehicles can park along the road and walk in. Visitors to the site will find a one-mile loop trail that leads to a kiva and a reproduction of a pueblo room.

Finally, drivers follow NM 518 until it drops into Ranchos de Taos. The quaint town is home to the San Francisco de Asis, a beautifully simple 18th century mission church. The structure's rustic adobe walls have inspired countless artists and photographers, including famous painter Georgia O'Keefe.

Heading north on NM 68 will take vacationers the rest of the way to Taos ≠ but who's in a hurry? With so much to do and see along the High Road to Taos, getting there is half the fun.

More Activities & Information

Taos, New Mexico


Scenic Byways in Colorado


Click to return to main Colorado Scenic Byway Map

horizontal rule
Follow Us
Follow us on Facebook Button Follow us on Pinterest Button Follow us on Instagram Button

Places to Stay, Rentals & Amenities
Cabins & Cottages | Motels & Hotels | Lodging & Lodges | Vacation Homes | Condos, Suites & Townhomes | Bed & Breakfast | Tent Camping | RV Parks & Campgrounds | RV Sales, Service & Rentals | Romance Packages | Family Friendly | Pets Welcome | By Water | Swimming Pools | Guest Horses | Groups, Reunions & Retreats | Weddings & Elopements | Winter Lodging

Fun Things to Do
Calendars of Events | National Parks, Monuments & Historic Sites | Scenic Byways & Drives | Fishing & Fly Fishing | Hot Springs | Horse Riding | ATV/UTVing | Jeeping & 4WD | Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking | Attractions | Golfing | Restaurants & Dining | More Fun Stuff | Hunting & Land Leases | Snowmobiling | Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding | Snowshoeing | Cross-Country Skiing

A-Z Towns & Areas | Colorado Maps | About Us

Established 1980 | ©Copyright by The Colorado Directory, Inc. This is a directory only; it is not and does not contain a recommendation, warranty, guaranty, inducement or endorsement of any kind. Representations herein were supplied by the individual businesses. The publisher, The Colorado Directory, Inc., does not assume any responsibility for truth, falsity or completeness of any representation made herein or any errors, changes, services rendered, or changes made in the use of this directory. This information was compiled as accurately as possible. Prices and services are frequently subject to change. Errors called to the publisher's attention will be corrected in the future. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, without permission in writing from the publisher.