10 Easy Road Trips from Grants, New Mexico: Iconic Things To Do Just Outside Cibola County
If you’re in
Grants, New Mexico and itching to hit the road, you’re in luck. Within just a couple of hours, you can find red rock canyons, tribal art, hot springs, and even one of the best star‑gazing spots in the country.
The best part? All of these ideas are
outside Cibola County in nearby counties like Bernalillo, McKinley, Sandoval, Valencia, Socorro, Catron, and even Apache County across the border in Arizona.
So fill up the tank, grab some snacks, and let’s explore 10 short, out-of-county road trips from Grants that are absolutely worth the drive.
1. Discover Old Town Albuquerque (Bernalillo County, NM)
Approx. drive from Grants: about 75 miles east (around 1 hour 15 minutes)
Best for: Culture, history, food, and shopping
If you want a change of pace from small-town life,
Old Town Albuquerque in Bernalillo County is an easy day trip.
You can:
- Stroll the plaza and browse local shops for pottery, jewelry, and souvenirs
- Visit the historic San Felipe de Neri Church
- Grab green chile everything at one of the local restaurants
- Pop into museums like the Albuquerque Museum or Explora
I remember the first time I walked under the shady portal walkways there. It felt like walking onto a movie set, with adobe buildings, string lights, and musicians playing in the plaza. If you’re craving culture, food, and a little people‑watching, this is your spot.
2. Ride the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway (Bernalillo County, NM)
Approx. drive from Grants: around 90 miles east (about 1.5 hours)
Best for: Big views, cool temperatures, light hiking
Just outside Albuquerque, still in Bernalillo County, you’ll find the famous
Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway.
Why go?
- Ride one of the longest aerial tramways in the world
- Climb from the desert floor to over 10,000 feet at the summit
- Escape the heat in summer and enjoy cooler mountain air
- Take in sweeping views of Albuquerque and the Rio Grande Valley
If you time it for sunset, the mountains really do glow like their name —
Sandia means “watermelon,” and they turn this rosy pink that feels almost unreal.
3. Explore Gallup: The Native Art & Route 66 Hub (McKinley County, NM)
Approx. drive from Grants: about 60 miles west (around 1 hour)
Best for: Native American art, Route 66 vibes, local dining
Head west to
Gallup in McKinley County for a day packed with culture and history.
You can:
- Visit trading posts and galleries packed with Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi art
- Check out historic Route 66 motels and neon signs
- Walk downtown and hunt for murals and sculptures
- Grab a hearty New Mexican meal or a roadside burger
If you’re into shopping for turquoise or handwoven rugs, this is one of the best places in the Southwest to do it. Even if you’re just window shopping, the craftsmanship is impressive.
4. Hike Red Rocks at Red Rock Park (McKinley County, NM)
Approx. drive from Grants: about 55–60 miles west (around 1 hour)
Best for: Short hikes, scenic views, photos
Just east of Gallup lies
Red Rock Park, still in McKinley County, and it’s a fantastic place for a quick outdoor escape.
Expect:
- Bright red sandstone cliffs that look incredible in the morning or late afternoon
- Short to moderate hikes with rewarding views
- Family‑friendly trails and picnic areas
If you like taking photos, this is one of those places where every turn feels like a postcard. Bring water and good shoes — the trails aren’t extreme, but they’re still desert trails.
5. Santa Ana & Jemez Scenic Loop (Sandoval County, NM)
Approx. drive from Grants: 90–120 miles depending on route (about 1.5–2 hours)
Best for: Scenic drives, pueblos, hot springs, red rock canyons
Sandoval County offers one of the best
scenic drives you can do from Grants. You can turn this into a full-day loop.
Highlights might include:
- Santa Ana Pueblo area – casinos, golf, and views of the Rio Grande
- Jemez Pueblo & Jemez Springs – red rock canyons and small‑town charm
- Pull‑offs along the Jemez Mountain Trail for photos and picnics
The drive alone is worth it. One minute you’re in a wide, open valley; the next you’re winding through deep red canyon walls. It’s the kind of road that makes you roll down the windows and turn up the music.
6. Relax in Jemez Springs (Sandoval County, NM)
Approx. drive from Grants: about 120 miles northeast (about 2 hours)
Best for: Hot springs, slow-paced day, easy walks
If you want something slower and more peaceful, plan a day in
Jemez Springs, also in Sandoval County.
Things to do:
- Soak in hot springs (public or private options)
- Walk along the river through the village
- Visit nearby sites like Jemez Historic Site ruins
- Enjoy a coffee or snack at a local café
It’s one of those little towns where you automatically relax. Time feels slower, and you start thinking, “Maybe I should come back and stay overnight.”
7. Step Back in Time at the Very Large Array Region (Socorro County, NM)
Approx. drive from Grants: about 120–140 miles south/southeast (around 2–2.5 hours)
Best for: Wide-open skies, science lovers, scenic driving
Socorro County is home to some of New Mexico’s most dramatic open landscapes. South of the town of Socorro, you’ll find the high desert plains dotted with huge radio dishes at the Very Large Array region.
Even if you’re just driving by, the experience is memorable:
- Flat plains that stretch for miles in every direction
- Tall white radio dishes turning toward the sky
- Open highways with almost no traffic
If you like science, astronomy, or just feeling small under a huge sky, this region will stick with you. It feels a bit like you stepped into a sci‑fi movie.
8. Birdwatch and Stroll Near Socorro & Bosque del Area (Socorro County, NM)
Approx. drive from Grants: roughly 110–130 miles southeast (around 2 hours)
Best for: Birdwatching, photography, quiet drives
Socorro County is a great place for a
slower, scenic outing:
- Drive around the Rio Grande valley south of Socorro for peaceful farmland views
- Look for migrating birds and other wildlife depending on the season
- Bring binoculars and a camera — the skies and landscapes are incredibly photogenic
If you’re the type who likes to park the car, stretch your legs, and just listen to the wind and birds, this is your kind of road trip.
9. Follow the Rio Grande and Villages in Valencia County, NM
Approx. drive from Grants: about 70–90 miles east/southeast (around 1–1.5 hours)
Best for: Small towns, local food, scenic backroads
Head toward
Valencia County and its communities like Belen and Los Lunas for a relaxed day.
Ideas:
- Walk through small downtown areas with murals and local shops
- Grab classic New Mexican food — think smothered burritos and stacked enchiladas
- Drive side roads near the Rio Grande and enjoy cottonwood trees and farmland
If you grew up in a small town, the atmosphere might feel familiar — slower pace, friendly faces, and plenty of local pride.
10. Cross the State Line to Petrified Forest Country (Apache County, AZ)
Approx. drive from Grants: around 130–150 miles west (about 2–2.5 hours)
Best for: Classic Southwest scenery, long views, road trip feel
Looking for an out-of-state adventure? Head west into
Apache County, Arizona. The drive alone gives you that true Southwest road trip vibe.
What makes it special:
- Vast desert views with mesas and distant buttes
- Small roadside stops for snacks, coffee, and quirky souvenirs
- Changing rock colors and big skies that seem to go on forever
It’s the kind of drive where you can put on your favorite playlist and just let the miles roll by. If you love the feeling of the open road, this one’s for you.
Tips for Road Tripping from Grants, New Mexico
To make these
short road trips from Grants smoother and more fun, keep a few basics in mind:
- Fuel up early: Some stretches between towns can be long and empty.
- Bring water and snacks: Desert air dries you out quickly.
- Check the weather: Summer heat, winter snow at higher elevations, and monsoon storms can all affect driving.
- Respect local communities and lands: Especially around pueblos and tribal areas — follow posted rules and be mindful with photos.
Final Thoughts: So Many Places, All So Close
Living in or visiting
Grants, New Mexico puts you in a surprisingly perfect spot for exploring the region. In just a couple of hours, you can:
- Walk historic streets in Old Town Albuquerque
- Ride high above the city on the Sandia tram
- Shop for Native art in Gallup
- Soak in Jemez Springs
- Drive quiet highways through Socorro, Sandoval, Valencia, Catron, and Apache Counties
So the next time you’re sitting at home in Grants wondering what to do this weekend, ask yourself:
Which direction do I want to explore today — east, west, north, or south? Chances are, there’s a memorable road trip waiting just beyond the county line.
Share Your Favorite Road Trips from Grants
Have you driven any of these routes from Grants?
Do you have a favorite hidden spot in
Bernalillo, McKinley, Sandoval, Socorro, Valencia, Catron, or Apache County that others should know about?
Drop a comment and share your tips, stories, and must‑see stops. Your experience might inspire someone’s next weekend adventure.
If you found this guide helpful, please:
- Share it with friends or family who live in New Mexico or are planning a Southwest road trip
- Save it for later so you’ve got ready‑made ideas whenever wanderlust hits
Happy road tripping from Grants — and don’t forget to look up at those New Mexico skies along the way.
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