10 Easy Road Trips From Santa Fe, New Mexico: The Best Things To Do Just Outside Town
If you love Santa Fe but you’re itching to explore a little farther, you’re in luck. Within a couple of hours’ drive, you’ll find dramatic mountains, tiny historic towns, hot springs, ghost towns, and wide‑open high desert that seems to go on forever.
In this guide, we’ll look at
10 short out-of-county road trips from Santa Fe into these nearby New Mexico counties:
Bernalillo, Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, Sandoval, San Miguel, and Torrance.
All of these are
outside Santa Fe County, but close enough for a fun day trip or a relaxed overnight.
1. Los Alamos & Bandelier: Ancient Cliff Dwellings and Mountain Vibes
County: Los Alamos County & Sandoval County
Drive time from Santa Fe: About 45–60 minutes
If you only have time for one road trip from Santa Fe, this is a strong contender.
Start by heading to
Los Alamos, perched on a mesa with big views of the Jemez Mountains. The town itself is known for its role in the Manhattan Project, but what really stands out for visitors are the trails and nearby canyons.
A must-see stop is
Bandelier National Monument (in Sandoval County). Here, you can:
- Walk into ancient pueblo ruins and climb wooden ladders into cliff dwellings
- Stroll the easy Main Loop Trail, perfect if you’re not used to the altitude yet
- Listen to the wind in Frijoles Canyon and imagine what life was like here hundreds of years ago
If you’re feeling more active, add a hike up to the
Alcove House, which involves climbing several ladders up the cliff. It’s not for anyone afraid of heights, but the view from the top is worth every step.
On the way back to Santa Fe, watch the light hit the mesas. The colors shift from orange to purple in just a few minutes. If you time it around sunset, the drive itself becomes part of the adventure.
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2. Jemez Springs & the Jemez Mountains: Red Rocks, Hot Springs, and Forest Roads
County: Sandoval County
Drive time from Santa Fe: About 1.5–2 hours, depending on route
Looking for a classic New Mexico road trip with winding mountain roads and red rock views? Head to
Jemez Springs.
Along the way you can:
- Walk the short trail at Jemez Historic Site, with the remains of a 17th‑century mission and village
- Stop at roadside overlooks for pictures of the bright red cliffs and lush river valley
- Soak in rustic, clothing-required hot springs in the area (check current rules and water conditions before you go)
A nice add‑on is driving a little farther to the edge of
Valles Caldera National Preserve (also in Sandoval County). The huge grassy volcanic crater feels like a hidden world. In summer you may see elk grazing; in winter it often turns into a snowy wonderland.
This region gives you a completely different side of northern New Mexico compared to the adobe streets of Santa Fe: thicker forests, more water, and that slow, small‑mountain‑town pace.
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3. Albuquerque: Big City Energy, Route 66, and Mountain Views
County: Bernalillo County
Drive time from Santa Fe: Around 1 hour via I‑25
Sometimes you just want a little more buzz—more restaurants, more museums, more everything. That’s when you head down I‑25 to
Albuquerque.
A day trip to Albuquerque from Santa Fe can include:
- Strolling along Old Town with its plaza, shops, and museums
- Exploring the ABQ BioPark (zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden)
- Riding the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway up to the top of Sandia Peak for sweeping views
- Checking out classic neon signs and diners along old Route 66 (Central Avenue)
If you’re visiting in October, the
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a bucket-list event. Thousands of hot air balloons, early morning launches, and that crisp fall air—it’s one of those things you remember for years.
On a personal note, the first time I rode the Sandia Tram, I wasn’t ready for how calm the city looks from 10,000 feet up. The noise drops away, and Albuquerque feels almost peaceful, tucked between desert and mountain.
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4. Valles Caldera: Wide-Open Volcano Country
County: Sandoval County
Drive time from Santa Fe: About 1.5 hours
Yes, it’s technically a giant volcanic crater. But don’t picture lava and smoke. Instead, imagine a huge open meadow ringed by dark pine forest, with streams winding through the grass. That’s the
Valles Caldera National Preserve
Drive through the preserve and stop at overlooks to take in the scale of the caldera
Hike easy to moderate trails with sweeping views and big skies
Look for elk, birds, and other wildlife, especially early in the morning or near dusk
The high elevation means cooler temperatures than Santa Fe in summer. On hot days, this is a perfect escape. Be aware that weather can change quickly up here—always bring a jacket and some water, even for short walks.
If you’re into photography, the soft light over the meadows in late afternoon is magic. The landscape almost looks like it belongs in another country.
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5. Chimayó & the High Road to Taos: Sacred Sites and Small Villages
County: Rio Arriba County (and beyond)
Drive time from Santa Fe: About 45–60 minutes to the Chimayó area
Head north from Santa Fe toward Rio Arriba County and you’ll enter a quieter, more traditional side of northern New Mexico. Small villages, roadside shrines, and family-run restaurants replace city traffic and crowds.
A classic stop is the village of Chimayó, just outside Santa Fe County in Rio Arriba. The area is known for:
- Santuario de Chimayó, a historic church and pilgrimage site
- Locally woven Chimayó textiles—colorful blankets and rugs
- Home-style Northern New Mexico food, often with red and green chile that locals are proud of
From there, continue along the famous High Road to Taos, winding through more villages, galleries, and scenic overlooks. While Taos itself is farther north, even driving part of the High Road gives you a taste of the region’s art and history.
If you’ve ever wondered what people mean by “the real New Mexico,” this is a good place to find out.
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6. Las Vegas, New Mexico: Railroad History and Victorian Charm
County: San Miguel County
Drive time from Santa Fe: About 1.25–1.5 hours east on I‑25
Not to be confused with that other Las Vegas, this Las Vegas, New Mexico feels like a movie set—with good reason: plenty of films and shows have been shot here.
In San Miguel County, this small city offers:
- A large historic plaza with 19th‑century buildings
- Victorian-era homes and old hotels that hint at its railroad boom days
- Nearby outdoor options like Storrie Lake State Park for picnicking, walking, or paddling on a calm day
Spend some time walking the streets near the plaza and noticing the details on the old brick buildings. It’s the kind of place where you half expect a cowboy to ride through—yet you can still grab a modern coffee and relax.
If you’re driving back to Santa Fe in the afternoon, the rolling plains between the two cities glow gold in the sun. It’s simple scenery, but that’s part of the charm.
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7. Mora & the Rural Northeast: Green Valleys and Quiet Roads
County: Mora County
Drive time from Santa Fe: Around 1.5–2 hours, depending on route
If you’re craving quiet, point your car toward Mora County. This area feels more like northern Colorado or Wyoming than what many people expect from New Mexico: green valleys, ranch land, and forested hills.
Near the village of Mora, you’ll find:
- Peaceful backroads that are great for scenic drives
- Small churches and traditional homes that show the area’s deep roots
- Access to nearby mountain areas and forest land for hiking and picnics
Services can be limited, so it’s smart to fill your gas tank and bring snacks and water before you go. But that’s part of the appeal: fewer people, less noise, more sky.
If you like photography, clouds rolling over the green hills make for beautiful shots. It’s also a good place to simply roll down the window, slow down, and listen to the wind in the grass.
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8. Bernalillo & the Rio Grande Valley: Wineries and Pueblo History
County: Sandoval County (town of Bernalillo, near Bernalillo County)
Drive time from Santa Fe: About 45 minutes–1 hour
Just north of Albuquerque, the town of Bernalillo sits along the Rio Grande, with views of the Sandia Mountains and easy access to history and wine tasting.
In and around Bernalillo you can:
- Visit local wineries and tasting rooms in the valley
- Stop at nearby Coronado Historic Site, with kiva murals and views of the river
- Explore the small-town streets, where old and new New Mexico sit side by side
In late summer, the town hosts Fiestas de San Lorenzo, blending tradition, dance, and community. Even if your timing doesn’t line up with a festival, the drive itself is pleasant, with glimpses of the river and cottonwood trees.
It’s a nice option when you don’t want a long day but still want to leave Santa Fe County and see something different.
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9. Mountainair & Salinas Pueblo Missions: Ghost Town Feel and Big Skies
County: Torrance County
Drive time from Santa Fe: Around 2 hours
Head southeast into Torrance County and you’ll discover a very different side of New Mexico: wide plains, old mission sites, and tiny towns that feel almost frozen in time.
Near the town of Mountainair, you’ll find the three units of Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument. These preserved mission and pueblo sites tell the story of early contact between Spanish colonists and Native communities.
You can:
- Wander through mission ruins that rise out of the grassland
- Visit multiple sites in one day—each one has its own atmosphere
- Enjoy long stretches of road with very little traffic and huge horizons
On my first visit, I was surprised by how quiet it was. No big crowds, no loud tour buses—just the sound of the wind and a few birds. It felt like stepping back a few centuries.
This is a great road trip if you enjoy history, photography, or just that lonely, beautiful desert feel.
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10. Northern Rio Arriba Backroads: Ghost Towns and River Views
County: Rio Arriba County
Drive time from Santa Fe: Varies by route, often 1.5–2 hours
If you like to wander a bit, northern Rio Arriba County offers backroads, old settlements, and stretches of river that feel wonderfully remote.
Depending on your vehicle and comfort level with rural driving, you can:
- Explore old mining or logging areas that now feel like ghost towns
- Follow parts of the Chama River corridor for views and fishing spots
- Discover small villages where time moves a little slower
Some of these roads can be rough or muddy after storms, so it’s smart to check conditions and carry a paper map or downloaded map data—cell service can be spotty out here.
The payoff is that sense of discovery. You may find an old church, a quiet bend in the river, or a hillside full of wildflowers, and you’ll feel like you have it all to yourself.
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Tips for Road Trips From Santa Fe
Before you hit the road from Santa Fe into neighboring counties, keep a few things in mind:
- Altitude & sun: Much of northern New Mexico is above 6,000 feet. Drink water, take it easy at first, and wear sunscreen.
- Weather swings: It can be 75°F and sunny in town and 20 degrees cooler with wind in the mountains. Layer up.
- Gas and food: In rural areas like Mora, Torrance, and parts of Rio Arriba, services may be far apart. Fill up before leaving the main highways.
- Respect local communities: Many of these places aren’t just tourist destinations—they’re home. Drive slowly through villages, follow posted signs, and ask permission if you’re unsure about access.
Ready to Explore Beyond Santa Fe?
One of the best things about staying in Santa Fe is how easy it is to escape for a day. In less than two hours, you can be soaking in a hot spring, walking through ancient ruins, wandering a Victorian-era plaza, or staring across a quiet volcanic meadow.
If you’re planning a trip to New Mexico, consider adding a few of these out-of-county road trips from Santa Fe to your itinerary. They show you just how diverse this corner of the Southwest really is.
Have you driven any of these routes, or do you have a favorite hidden spot near Santa Fe?
Share your experiences or questions in the comments—I’d love to hear what you discover.
And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family planning a Santa Fe vacation. Your share might be the nudge they need to explore a little farther down the road.
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