Spectacular New Mexico serves up a rich buffet of surreal landscapes, vibrant culture, and adventurous cuisine. With uncrowded highways and warming weather (plus lingering snow in the mountains), it’s the perfect destination for a fun-filled road trip over spring break.
New Mexico is known as the Land of Enchantment, and that accurately sums up this enchanting state, where abundant attractions range from famous cities to ancient Native American sites, and from ice-white sand dunes to the most infamous UFO site in the world.
Being the fifth-largest state, there are vast stretches of road to cruise past epic landscapes. Winters are cold, and summers hot, but spring is a fantastic time to experience New Mexico’s highways, with ideal skiing weather in the north and rising temperatures in the south.
Recommended Stops for a Perfect Spring Break Road Trip Through New Mexico
Albuquerque
Best for Family-Friendly Attractions
New Mexico’s largest city is the logical starting point for a highway odyssey, offering various family-friendly attractions. Start by admiring the land-locked sharks and sea turtles at the ABQ BioPark Aquarium, then stroll through its extensive Southwest-themed gardens. Local eateries such as the El Vado Motorlodge provide a great atmosphere to sample New Mexico craft beer and local food while kids enjoy the splash pad.
For a dose of local history, check out towering dinosaur skeletons at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, learn about New Mexico’s art and history at the Albuquerque Museum, and engage with hands-on experiments at ¡Explora!. Afterward, browse the historic stores and restaurants in Old Town, founded way back in 1706.
For outdoor adventures, take the Sandia Peak Tramway – America’s longest aerial tramway – to the top of the Sandia Mountains for incredible views or a meal at Ten 3 restaurant, perched at an elevation of 10,300 feet. A sunset visit offers magical city views as the lights turn on below.
Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway
Best for Encounters with Pueblo Culture
Taking Interstate 25 is the fastest way to get from Albuquerque to Santa Fe. However, consider a longer route that leads you through cultural experiences. Head northwest on US 550 to San Ysidro, then take the Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway (NM 4) north to Jemez Pueblo, home to one of New Mexico’s recognized Native American communities. At the Walatowa Visitor Center, gather stories about the ancient people, shop for Jemez pottery, and hike the Red Rock Canyon Trail adorned with stunning rock formations.
Take time to explore the quirky Jemez Springs with its art galleries, saloons, and shops before moving past scenic stops such as the waterfall at Soda Dam and Battleship Rock. A stop at Valles Caldera National Preserve, known for its wildlife and hot springs, is a must.
After soaking in nature, explore the famed Los Alamos. Here, learn about the town’s atomic history at the interactive Bradbury Science Museum and discover ancient cliff dwellings at Bandelier National Monument, built in the 1100s by ancestors of modern Pueblo communities.
Santa Fe
Best for Offbeat Attractions
Travel from Los Alamos to Santa Fe via US 84/285. Explore its historic Plaza, filled with art galleries, museums, shops, and restaurants, and enjoy a drink at one of the rooftop cantinas. Winter sports enthusiasts can hit the slopes at Ski Santa Fe or hike the accessible trails once the snow melts.
The art scene thrives along Canyon Road, while the interactive installation Meow Wolf offers a surreal experience for all ages. Visitors can wander through a mysterious fantasy house, exploring different “dimensions” through various entryways.
From Santa Fe, take NM 68 north towards Taos, stopping at the Orilla Verde Recreation Area along the way. This spot offers excellent opportunities for camping, rafting, and fishing along the banks of the Río Grande.
Taos
Best for Adobe Architecture
Entering Taos, admire the traditional adobe architecture. NM 68 leads to the Taos Plaza, surrounded by local shops and restaurants for a delightful start point. Kids will enjoy Twirl, a unique toy store featuring an outdoor playground, perfect for stretching legs after long drives.
Three miles north, a visit to the original Taos Pueblo is essential, showcasing traditional lifestyles in UNESCO-listed adobe buildings against a stunning mountain backdrop. Admission is $16 for adults, with free access for kids under 10. Photography rules vary, so be sure to follow community guidelines.
For winter sports, Taos Ski Valley is renowned for its steep terrain. In warmer months, hiking in the surrounding mountains and exploring the Carson National Forest provides excellent outdoor adventures.
Enchanted Circle National Scenic Byway
Best for Mountain Scenery
The Enchanted Circle National Scenic Byway makes a breathtaking 122-mile loop around Wheeler Peak, New Mexico’s highest peak. Quality hikes, including the trek to Wheeler Peak summit, are highlighted along this scenic route.
To pick up the byway from Taos, head north on NM 522 or east on US 64. This route meanders through the Sangre de Cristo mountains, revealing charming mountain communities along the way.
Angel Fire Resort offers thrilling skiing in the winter and an extensive mountain bike park during the summer, while Red River Ski Area is another popular destination for skiing and outdoor fun.
Heading South from Albuquerque
Best for UFO Encounters and Surreal Landscapes
Alternatively, consider driving south from Albuquerque, where the lower, warmer part of New Mexico offers its own treasures. Begin your journey south on Interstate 25 to San Antonio, making a stop at the Owl Bar Café for a welcome break. Next, take US 380 east through Capitan, home to the grave of Smokey Bear, the iconic wildfire symbol.
Then, visit Roswell, famed for its extraterrestrial lore. The International UFO Museum provides insights into the alleged 1947 alien crash and various UFO incidents worldwide. Expect interactions with enthusiasts seeking truth in this mysterious region.
Heading south on US 285 leads to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, harboring one of the largest cave systems globally. Marvel at extensive caverns like Hall of Giants, Queen’s Chamber, and Fairyland. Continuing to Carrizozo, the drive leads south to the stunning White Sands National Park, where 272 acres of gleaming white gypsum dunes provide a surreal terrain for exploration and photography.
From White Sands, a 55-mile drive via US 70 takes you to Las Cruces and the historical town of Mesilla, rich in stories from Spanish conquistadores to American spaceflight. The White Sands Missile Test Center Museum adds depth to your understanding of this pivotal area.
