Espanola, New Mexico: 10 Scenic Road Trips Within a Short Drive

on

10 Easy Road Trips From Española, New Mexico: Iconic Things To Do Nearby

Looking for fun, easy day trips from Española, New Mexico that take you out of Rio Arriba County? You’re in the perfect spot. Within just a couple of hours, you can reach mountains, hot springs, ancient ruins, and even a national park. All of these ideas are outside Espanola’s home county and pull from nearby counties like Santa Fe, Taos, Los Alamos, Sandoval, Mora, San Juan, and even a little slice of Colorado (Archuleta and Conejos Counties). Most of these make great half-day or full-day trips, and you can easily string a few together into a long weekend.

1. Santa Fe Plaza & Canyon Road (Santa Fe County, NM)

If you only do one road trip from Española, make it Santa Fe. It’s about 25–30 miles south, an easy drive down US-84/285. Why go: The historic Santa Fe Plaza is the heart of the city, with centuries-old adobe buildings, galleries, and boutiques. Walk under the portals, listen to buskers, and grab a green chile cheeseburger from a local spot. From there, head to Canyon Road, one of the most famous art streets in the United States. You can wander in and out of galleries, many set in charming old homes. Even if you’re “not an art person,” the outdoor sculptures and colorful courtyards are fun to explore.
  • Drive time from Española: About 30–40 minutes
  • Good for: Walking, shopping, art, food, people-watching
  • Tip: Parking can be tight near the Plaza. Aim for earlier in the day, especially on weekends.

2. Bandelier National Monument (Los Alamos County, NM)

About 40 miles southwest of Española, Bandelier National Monument is one of the most fascinating places you can visit in northern New Mexico. What you’ll see: Think towering cliffs of soft rock, ancient dwellings carved into the stone, and ladders you can climb into old cliff rooms. The main area, Frijoles Canyon, has an easy loop trail where you can see cavates (cave homes), kivas, and petroglyphs. I still remember the first time I climbed one of those wooden ladders. It feels a bit like stepping into another time, imagining what life was like here hundreds of years ago.
  • Drive time from Española: Roughly 1–1.25 hours
  • Good for: Families, history buffs, light hiking
  • Tip: In busy seasons, there may be a shuttle from White Rock; check the National Park Service site before you go.

3. Los Alamos & the Bradbury Science Museum (Los Alamos County, NM)

On your way to or from Bandelier, stop in Los Alamos. It’s about 25–30 miles southwest of Española, but the drive feels much farther thanks to the dramatic mesas and canyons. Why it’s worth a stop: Los Alamos played a massive role in world history as part of the Manhattan Project. The Bradbury Science Museum (free admission) does a good job explaining the science and the story behind it in a balanced way. You’ll find interactive exhibits on nuclear science, energy, and space, plus a thoughtful look at the impact of the atomic bomb. It’s the kind of place where kids can push buttons and spin wheels while adults actually learn something.
  • Drive time from Española: About 45–50 minutes
  • Good for: Science fans, teens, adults, rainy-day backup plan
  • Tip: Combine Los Alamos + Bandelier for a full-day trip that’s both scenic and educational.

4. Taos Pueblo & Taos Plaza (Taos County, NM)

Drive northeast from Española for around 70–80 miles and you reach Taos, one of the most iconic towns in the Southwest. Taos Pueblo: This is a living Native community and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The multi-story adobe buildings against the mountains look like something out of a painting, but people have lived here for centuries. When it’s open to visitors, you can walk through, visit small shops, and respectfully learn about the culture and history. Taos Plaza & town: The Plaza has shops, galleries, and old churches. It’s smaller and more laid-back than Santa Fe, with a creative, slightly bohemian feel.
  • Drive time from Española: About 1.5 hours via NM-68 along the Rio Grande
  • Good for: Culture, photography, art, relaxed strolling
  • Tip: Check Taos Pueblo’s official schedule. It occasionally closes for community events or ceremonies.

5. Rio Grande Gorge Bridge & Wild Rivers Scenery (Taos County, NM)

About 12 miles northwest of Taos, outside the town, the landscape surprises you. You’re cruising along relatively flat land, and suddenly, the earth just drops away. That’s where you find the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, one of the highest bridges in the United States. What to expect: You can park at either end of the bridge and walk across. It’s not a long walk, but the view straight down into the canyon is serious “wow” material. You may feel it in your knees if you’re at all nervous about heights. There are also short trails along the rim with wide-open views of the gorge and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
  • Drive time from Española: About 1.75–2 hours
  • Good for: Photos, quick hikes, sunset drives
  • Tip: Wind can be strong on the bridge. Bring a light jacket even on warm days.

6. Abiquiú Lake & Ghost Ranch Area (Santa Fe County side & nearby)

While Abiquiú itself is in Rio Arriba County, you can still enjoy the wider region by focusing on spots that stretch into Santa Fe County and the surrounding landscape. Abiquiú Lake: A short drive northwest of Española brings you to clear blue water backed by red and gold cliffs. It’s a great spot for:
  • Picnics
  • Kayaking or boating
  • Just sitting on the shore watching the light change on the rocks
The area’s dramatic colors inspired artist Georgia O’Keeffe, who lived and painted nearby.
  • Drive time from Española: Around 40–50 minutes
  • Good for: Scenic drives, low-key outdoor time, photography
  • Tip: Bring sunscreen and a hat; shade is limited around the lake.

7. Jemez Springs & the Jemez Mountains (Sandoval County, NM)

Head southwest from Española toward Jemez Springs, a cozy village in the Jemez Mountains, located in Sandoval County. Depending on your route, the drive may take a bit longer, but the scenery makes it worth it. Why people love it: This area is all about hot springs, red rock cliffs, and pine forests. The small town of Jemez Springs has a mellow vibe, with a few cafes, galleries, and bathhouses. Nearby you can find:
  • Pay-to-use hot spring bathhouses
  • Hiking trails through forest and canyons
  • Beautiful roadside viewpoints
On a cool day, slipping into those warm waters after a hike feels like the perfect reward.
  • Drive time from Española: About 1.75–2.25 hours, depending on route and stops
  • Good for: Couples, relaxation days, hikers
  • Tip: Check current conditions in the Jemez area; storms or snow can affect roads and access.

8. Valles Caldera National Preserve (Sandoval County, NM)

On the way toward Jemez Springs—or as its own adventure—you can visit the Valles Caldera National Preserve, a massive volcanic crater in the Jemez Mountains. When you first drive into the caldera, the landscape suddenly opens into a huge grassy basin ringed by forested hills. It almost looks like a giant, high-altitude meadow. Things to do:
  • Look for elk in the morning or evening
  • Hike or bike designated trails (check permits and seasonal rules)
  • Enjoy the cool mountain air and long-distance views
  • Drive time from Española: Around 1.25–1.75 hours
  • Good for: Wildlife watchers, photographers, cooler summer escape
  • Tip: Weather changes fast at higher elevations; pack layers and plenty of water.

9. Chama River Canyon & Southern San Juan County Vibes (San Juan County, NM)

While much of the Chama River region is in Rio Arriba County, you can still chase its feel further northwest by exploring the wider Four Corners approach and grazing the edges of San Juan County, NM. Why go this direction: As you drive toward northwestern New Mexico, the scenery slowly shifts from high desert to a more dramatic, layered canyon country. It’s a different flavor from the forests and mountains near Española. Look for:
  • River overlooks along the way
  • Pullouts with big-sky views
  • Fishing spots along sections of the river (license required)
It’s more of a “wandering road trip” than a single attraction—ideal if you love scenic driving and stopping whenever something catches your eye.
  • Drive time from Española to the broader area: About 2–3 hours, depending on how far into San Juan County you go
  • Good for: Road trippers, anglers, photographers
  • Tip: Download offline maps; cell service can be spotty in remote sections.

10. Pagosa Springs & Southern Rockies (Archuleta County, CO)

Want to leave New Mexico for the day? Head north into Colorado and visit Pagosa Springs in Archuleta County. This is a longer drive, but many people from northern New Mexico do it as a weekend or long-day trip. You’ll pass through beautiful mountain country as you climb into the southern Rockies. Highlights in Pagosa Springs:
  • Soaking in developed hot springs along the San Juan River
  • Walking the riverwalk path through town
  • Grabbing lunch or coffee at a local cafe with mountain views
If you’ve ever wanted that classic Colorado mix of mountains, hot water, and cool air, this is it.
  • Drive time from Española: Around 2.5–3 hours, depending on route and conditions
  • Good for: Weekend getaways, couples, anyone who loves hot springs
  • Tip: In winter, check road conditions over the passes. Storms can make driving tricky.

Bonus: Scenic Drive Toward Conejos County, Colorado

Even if you don’t go deep into Conejos County, CO, the drive up toward the New Mexico–Colorado border is beautiful, especially in late September and early October when the aspens turn gold. Think:
  • Mountain valleys
  • Quiet two-lane roads
  • Patches of bright yellow aspens mixed with dark green pines
It’s more about the journey than a single “must-see” spot, and sometimes that’s exactly what a road trip from Española should be.

Tips for Planning Road Trips From Española

  • Check road and weather conditions: Mountain routes can be affected by snow or summer storms.
  • Bring snacks and water: Once you’re out of town, services can be spread out.
  • Fill up with gas in Española: It’s often easier (and sometimes cheaper) before you head into rural areas.
  • Respect local communities and lands: Follow posted rules at pueblos, parks, and preserves.

Share Your Favorite Road Trip From Española

Have you taken a memorable drive from Española to any of these spots—or maybe somewhere I didn’t mention yet?
  • Which route is your favorite?
  • Do you have a secret viewpoint, cafe, or trail you love (that you’re willing to share)?
Drop your stories, tips, and questions in the comments. Your ideas help other travelers plan their own adventures. And if you know someone living in or visiting northern New Mexico, share this post with them. You might just inspire their next great road trip out of Española.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

Comments

Post a Comment