Northern New Mexico Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Albuquerque which includes street scenes
Canyon Road showing signage
Puye Cliff Dwellings featuring tranquil scenes and a ruin
Puye Cliff Dwellings featuring tranquil scenes
Puye Cliff Dwellings showing tranquil scenes

Discover deep red desert landscapes, rugged Rocky Mountain terrain, historic native pueblos and a remote state park in the northern part of this southern state.

Northern New Mexico promises beautiful natural scenery, cultural attractions and a history rich in tradition. Visit pueblo sites, trek across wide open plains bordered by steep canyons and explore abandoned mining towns.

Throughout its history, the area has served as a trade route as well as the home to Native American tribes such as the Navajos. At the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, experience the living Native American community of Taos Pueblo, which has been continuously inhabited for almost 1,000 years. While here, take the opportunity to buy pottery and jewelry crafted by local artisans.

Head to Chama, a town in the Rocky Mountains known for stunning views and outdoor adventure activities. Go fishing, river rafting and hiking along the trails. Camp out overnight to star gaze at the Milky Way. Take a steam train excursion from Chamas train depot to Antonito, Colorado. Along the way, watch reenactments on this living history museum railroad.

Explore the area around the resort town of Red River to discover the history of a mountain mining town. Visit the Red River Ski & Summer Area for downhill snow sports in the winter and a mountaintop disc golf course in the summer.

The small town of Ojo Caliente near the Rio Grande River is known for its hot springs. The Native Americans of the region considered Ojo’s water to be sacred. At the resort and spa here, soak in the healing mineral waters, experience a mud treatment that is said to rejuvenate your skin and enjoy a roaring fire at night beside a private pool.

Find secluded hiking paths and quiet river banks trails at the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. Nearby is Rio Grande Gorge, a deep canyon carved through layers of volcanic rock.

Fly into Albuquerque International Sunport or the airport at Santa Fe. The best way to get around northern New Mexico is by car. The roads are well maintained and spacious, perfect for a relaxing drive through beautiful scenery. Parking is also free in most towns and attractions.

From the towering Rocky Mountains to hiking trails along dramatic gorges to Native American cultural sites, northern New Mexico has a diverse range of attractions.

Where to stay in Northern New Mexico

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Downtown Santa Fe

5/5(5 area reviews)

Visitors to Downtown Santa Fe rave about its fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries. You might also want to make some time to see Santuario De Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe or Lensic Performing Arts Center while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Downtown Santa Fe
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Northeast Heights

4/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in Northeast Heights, iT'Z Albuquerque and ABQ Uptown are top sights worth seeing.

Northeast Heights
Canyon Road showing art and interior views

Historic Eastside

While visiting Historic Eastside, you might make a stop by sights like Canyon Road and Edition ONE Gallery.

Historic Eastside
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Southside

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

Southside is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Meow Wolf and Greer Garson Theater Center, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Santa Fe.

Southside
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Downtown Albuquerque

4/5(4 area reviews)

Downtown Albuquerque is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to KiMo Theater and Sunshine Theater while you're in town.

Downtown Albuquerque
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Old Town Albuquerque

Unique features of Old Town Albuquerque include the historical sites and restaurants. Make a stop by Old Town Plaza or Albuquerque Museum while you're exploring the area.

Old Town Albuquerque
Best Western Airport Albuquerque InnSuites Hotel & Suites

Best Western Airport Albuquerque InnSuites Hotel & Suites

3.5 out of 5
2400 Yale Blvd Se Albuquerque NM
The price is NZ$153 per night from 5 Jan to 6 Jan
NZ$153
5 Jan - 6 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,864 reviews)
Nice hotel for the money

Reviewed on 25 Dec 2025

Best Western Airport Albuquerque InnSuites Hotel & Suites
The Sage Hotel

The Sage Hotel

3 out of 5
725 Cerrillos Rd Santa Fe NM
The price is NZ$142 per night from 5 Jan to 6 Jan
NZ$142
5 Jan - 6 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Fe. Enjoy an outdoor pool, room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,158 reviews)
We had two rooms. One was missing a remote control. The other wasnt fully cleaned (we found a few things left from previous tenant). Overall, it served our needs of beds and showers during our Holiday travels. The women at the front desk were all verly kind.

Reviewed on 29 Dec 2025

The Sage Hotel
La Fonda on the Plaza

La Fonda on the Plaza

4 out of 5
100 E San Francisco St Santa Fe NM
The price is NZ$285 per night from 4 Jan to 5 Jan
NZ$285
4 Jan - 5 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this historic hotel in Santa Fe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,040 reviews)
Love this hotel!! Location and vibe fabulous. In house restaurant is top notch

Reviewed on 28 Dec 2025

La Fonda on the Plaza
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Alpine Village Suites

Alpine Village Suites

3.5 out of 5
100 Thunderbird Rd Taos Ski Valley NM
Stay at this spa aparthotel in Taos Ski Valley. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (602 reviews)
The room bathtub had a plumbing issue. The room was tight for 4 people. Once we opened the sofa queen bed, there was no space to move around or open luggage. Location and view are perfect though. Will look for more affordable and more spacious places next time.

Reviewed on 27 Dec 2025

Alpine Village Suites
Aspen Springs Angel fire

Aspen Springs Angel fire

4.5 out of 5
3080 NM 434 Angel Fire NM
Stay at this luxury cabin in Angel Fire. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and concierge services. Popular attractions Lady Slipper Trailhead and Monte Verde Lake ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (59 reviews)
Super nice!

Reviewed on 19 Dec 2025

Aspen Springs Angel fire
Auslander Condominiums

Auslander Condominiums

2 out of 5
303 Pioneer Rd Red River NM
Stay at this ski condo in Red River. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Red River Nature Trail and Red River Ski Area ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (30 reviews)
Bed in loft was very comfortable. Sleeper sofa was awful. Location of TV was awkward and because of size almost unwatchable. We were there for a bike ride so it wasn’t a big deal. We love the town, restaurants and shops. A very walkable community as well as beautiful.

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

Auslander Condominiums
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

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Cities near Northern New Mexico