About
One of New Mexico’s most scenic drives transports visitors through historic Spanish villages and Pueblo communities, highlighting sweeping views, deep cultural roots, and high desert valleys. The High Road to Taos Scenic Byway is one of New Mexico’s classic road trips, best known for big mountain views and a strong sense of living culture along the way.
Whether starting from Santa Fe and winding one’s way toward Ranchos de Taos, or taking a day trip after some time on the Taos Plaza to venture south, the route encourages exploration and traveling at a slower pace.
The High Road to Taos runs about 105 miles between Santa Fe and Ranchos de Taos, climbing into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains while unveiling constant scenery shifts as you go. The route itself can take a little over two hours, though there are plenty of valuable stops along the way, making for a more than worthwhile day trip.
In addition to the scenery, what makes the High Road to Taos special is the wealth of history one passes through along the way. If starting in Ranchos de Taos, just southwest of downtown Taos, be sure to first stop off at the landmark San Francisco de Asis Church in the heart of the village plaza. The route then takes you through the historic Picuris Pueblo before climbing up to the small villages of Trampas and Truchas, offering sweeping views of the valley below.
As you drop down into the valley from Truchas, you’ll come to the small community of Chimayo and the renowned El Santuario de Chimayo church. This peaceful national historic landmark is visited by thousands of visitors annually as it is said to have magical healing soil. From Chimayo, you can circle around toward Santa Fe by going through the communities of Nambe and Pojoaque Pueblo or visit Española - the 16th century capital of the first Spanish settlement in the area.
Enjoy an adventure on the High Road to Taos, threading through Spanish colonial-era communities and older Pueblo lands, where churches, plazas, and family farms still shape daily life. It’s a drive that feels slower by design, and that’s the point. You’ll want time to stop, look around, and take it all in.
High Road to Taos Scenic Byway: Fun Facts & Cool Features
The 105-mile scenic byway takes a little over two hours without stops, but it’s honestly better as a half-day or full-day meander. Rolling through the Sangre de Cristo mountains, views along the High Road transform from red rock formations more to the south to forested slopes of Carson National Forest.
The drive along the High Road to Taos tops 8,500 feet in elevation, winding through alpine forest, piñon and juniper woodlands, as well as ponderosa pine and spruce-firs. The fall foliage along this route is an experience all its own as golden aspen groves paint the landscape.
From Taos, the route begins and ends in Ranchos de Taos, home to the iconic San Francisco de Asís Church, famous for its dramatic adobe exterior and the artists it has inspired.
All told, the High Road is worth building into any Northern New Mexico vacation because it turns travel time into the experience, with culture, scenery, and small-town stops that bring culture and heritage to life.
Local Tips
- Pack water and snacks since services can be sparse between villages.
- Expect cooler temps as you gain elevation, even when Santa Fe or Taos is warm.
- Plan quick photo stops at viewpoints like Truchas Overlook and Apache Canyon Scenic Viewpoint.
- Afternoon thunderstorms are common in warmer months, so bring a light rain layer.
