Locals Guide to the High Road to Taos

One of the most scenic ways to travel between Santa Fe and Taos is following this High Road to Taos locals guide. As its name suggests the byway will travel through the Sangre de Christo mountains with stopping points in many small villages along the way. Traveling straight through will take just over 2 hours but there are plenty of attractions along the High Road to Taos route that you will want to allow yourself ample time to stop and explore the 105-mile trip.

High Road to Taos Directions

Starting in Santa Fe, head north towards Chimayo you will hop on NM-78 and begin The High Road. This town is marked as a US National Park American Latino Heritage site and is famous for healing miracles. El Santuario de Chimayo attracts over 300,000 individuals a year who are seeking remedies from the holy dirt of El Posito located inside the church. Take time to admire the beautiful Spanish Colonial architecture of this church as well as the artwork. Another must-see stop on the High Road to Taos is the Ortegas Weaving Shop. This family has been weaving in the Rio Grande Valley since the 1700s and produces high-quality, beautiful woven goods.

Pitstop in Truchas

Continuing north and gaining 1982 ft of elevation puts you in the village of Truchas- the halfway point on your High Road to Taos adventure. This village has attracted many artists over the years and therefore there are many shops and galleries to visit as well. If you’re driving through in September, you won’t want to miss The High Road Art Tour. Truchas was founded in 1754 and still observes original Spanish bylaws such as cars needing to share the road with livestock.

Historical Stop: Las Trampas

Your next High Road to Taos stop is Las Trampas, a historical town along the way. This village preserves the 18th-century Spanish architecture well with the San Jose de Gracia Church built in 1760 of true adobe structure. This church is still an active parish church so churchgoers will be present on weekends and out of respect please do not take any photos inside of the church.

Nature Break: Carson National Forest

The next stopping point on your travels will be in the Carson National Forest. This alpine landscape is dotted with tall ponderosa, fragrant junipers, and many opportunities for wildlife spotting. Pull off on the Pueblo Peak Viewpoint to see the landscape which is far different than the desert environment of Santa Fe and Taos.

Final High Road to Taos Stop

You’ll end your drive in Rancho de Taos right before Taos. Your first stop should be at San Fransisco de Assisi Church which was built in 1772 and the sight of paintings by Georgia O’Keefe and photographs by Ansel Adams. 

Taos has a great food scene with restaurants for every appetite. Some of our favorites are Ranchos Plaza Grill, Sushi Siam, and the Alley Cantina. Once you’ve filled up, head over to The Gorge Bridge- one of the nation’s tallest bridges spanning over the 600-foot-deep gorge and the Taos Box class IV rafting section of the Rio Grande. You won’t be disappointed by hitting this view at sunset. 

Return Trip: The Low Road to Santa Fe

After your time in Taos consider taking the low road back to Santa Fe. The Low Road is just as scenic yet named as such due to the lower elevations you encounter on the drive. Just a half-hour south of Taos is New Mexico River Adventures headquarters where you can stop off for a whitewater rafting trip. If making it back to Santa Fe is the plan, then our half-day Racecourse trip will be perfect to squeeze in.

Located directly across the street from New Mexico River Adventures is Blue Heron Brewery, New Mexico’s oldest female-owned and operated brewery and pizzeria. Stop by for a slice and pint while you continue on New Mexico 68 back to Santa Fe. This route parallels the Bosque section of the Rio Grande- a lush cottonwood stretch of river we love to drive past in the fall. No matter the season you can’t go wrong with road trips around northern New Mexico, and you will be blown away by the vast diversity of the culture, nature views and activities to do!

We hope you use this local guide of High Road to Taos to make the most of the beautiful drive. This guide outlines wonderful views, historical sites, and all the best High Road to Taos stops that you’ll want to make.

Looking to add an adventure to your trip? Check out the variety of River Adventures offered by New Mexico River Adventures.