Resorts & Communities in Northern New Mexico

With Santa Fe as a launching point, this part of the Land of Enchantment is most frequently associated with seemingly watercolored landscapes, high peaks, and adobe architecture.

The region includes small communities extending from Santa Fe to Los Alamos and Chama to the north, while Taos and the Taos Ski Valley pave a route toward south-central Colorado. The area’s Enchanted Circle wraps around Wheeler Peak, guiding visitors to the top ski destinations of Angel Fire and Red River, while Highway 64 cuts across the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge before linking back up with the road to Chama in Tierra Amarilla.

The best time to visit this part of New Mexico depends on your preferred activities. Summer provides warm, sunny days perfect for rafting the Rio Grande, hiking the painted landscapes, and attending the region's famous outdoor cultural festivals. This is when top music and art festivals take place in Santa Fe, along with moving performances at the world-renowned Santa Fe Opera.

Late summer and early fall also serve as the best times to visit for hiking, fly-fishing, and mountain biking. During fall in northern New Mexico, the landscape transforms as the local aspen trees turn brilliant shades of gold, making scenic drives a popular activity.

Winter in New Mexico generally delivers exceptional powder to the high-altitude resorts, making December through March the prime season for skiing and snowboarding.

For those wishing to fly to the Land of Enchantment, the largest airport is Albuquerque International Sunport located about an hour south of Santa Fe. Renting a car is highly encouraged as a way to fully explore the area and experience all of its beauty. The smaller Santa Fe Regional Airport is another option, servicing principally United and American Airlines.