North Valley, New Mexico: 10 Best Short Road Trips Nearby

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10 Easy Road Trips from North Valley, New Mexico (All Outside Bernalillo County)

If you live in or near North Valley, New Mexico, you’re in a pretty sweet spot. In less than an hour or two, you can be wandering ancient pueblos, soaking in hot springs, or driving through quiet ranch country. This guide is all about short out-of-county road trips from North Valley. So we’re skipping Bernalillo County itself and heading into:
  • Cibola County, NM
  • Sandoval County, NM
  • Santa Fe County, NM
  • Torrance County, NM
  • Valencia County, NM
All of these trips work as easy day trips from North Valley, and most are within about 1–2 hours’ drive. Gas up the car, grab some snacks, and let’s hit the road.

1. Explore Ancient Sky City at Acoma Pueblo (Cibola County)

If you’ve never been to Acoma Pueblo, often called Sky City, it’s one of the most unforgettable places you can visit near North Valley. Perched on top of a sandstone mesa, this Native village has been lived in for hundreds of years. Some say it’s one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States.
  • Drive time from North Valley: About 1 hr 15 min west
  • Best for: History lovers, photographers, culture seekers
You’ll park below and take a guided tour up to the pueblo. A local guide will walk you through:
  • Traditional adobe homes
  • Historic Catholic mission church
  • Stories about Acoma culture and traditions
The views from the top are wide and dramatic—desert in every direction. Don’t rush. Stand near the edge (safely) and just soak in the silence. Tip: Check hours and tour times before you go. Bring water, a hat, and comfortable shoes—there’s a fair bit of walking and usually plenty of sun.

2. Hike and Soak at Jemez Springs (Sandoval County)

Looking for somewhere peaceful with red cliffs, green trees, and hot springs? Head north to Jemez Springs in Sandoval County.
  • Drive time from North Valley: About 1 hr 15–30 min via US-550 & NM-4
  • Best for: Scenic drives, hot springs, easy hikes
Along the way you’ll pass red rock canyons and the Jemez River. Once there, you can:
  • Walk the short trails at Jemez Historic Site
  • Relax in one of the paid hot spring resorts
  • Stop at roadside pullouts for quick photo ops
On one fall visit, I parked at a small picnic area off NM-4 and walked down to the river. Yellow leaves were floating in the water, and it felt like a different world from Albuquerque—even though it was just a quick drive away. Tip: Weekdays tend to be quieter. Bring a towel and swimsuit if you plan to soak.

3. Discover Petroglyphs at Boca Negra Canyon’s Cousins: Puye Cliff Dwellings & Bandelier Region (Sandoval/Santa Fe Counties)

While the famous Petroglyph National Monument is in Bernalillo County (so we’ll skip it), you can still get your ancient-history fix just outside the county line in nearby areas like Puye Cliff Dwellings (Santa Clara Pueblo land in Santa Fe County, near Sandoval).
  • Drive time from North Valley: About 1 hr 40–50 min
  • Best for: Families, beginner hikers, history fans
At Puye, you can:
  • Walk along old cliff dwellings carved right into the rock
  • Climb ladders to explore different levels (if you’re comfortable)
  • Look out over the valley from the mesa top
It’s a good alternative if you want a less crowded experience than bigger national parks. Tip: Confirm access and guided tour availability ahead of time. This is tribal land, and hours can shift.

4. Santa Fe Day Trip: Art, Food, and Adobe Charm (Santa Fe County)

You knew this one was coming. From North Valley, Santa Fe is an easy day trip and packs a lot into a small area.
  • Drive time from North Valley: About 1 hr 15 min via I-25
  • Best for: Art, shopping, architecture, food
Some classic things to do in Santa Fe:
  • Wander around the Historic Plaza
  • Visit art galleries along Canyon Road
  • Step into historic churches and museums
  • Grab green chile everything—from burgers to stews
If you go in the morning, you can park once near the Plaza and see a ton by foot. Stop often, sit on a bench, and just people-watch. Tip: Santa Fe sits at a higher elevation than North Valley, so take it easy if you’re sensitive to altitude. Drink plenty of water.

5. Scenic Drive through the Turquoise Trail (Santa Fe County)

If you like road trips for the drive itself, try the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway (NM-14). It runs between the Albuquerque area and Santa Fe, mostly in Santa Fe County, skipping the interstate and passing through old mining towns.
  • Drive time from North Valley: 1.5–2 hrs with stops, one way
  • Best for: Casual exploring, antique shopping, small-town cafés
Highlights along the Turquoise Trail include:
  • Madrid – a funky little town with art galleries, shops, and colorful houses
  • Cerrillos – quieter, with an Old West feel and a state park nearby
If you like to poke around in vintage shops and sip coffee on a shady porch, this route is perfect. Tip: Cell service can be spotty in stretches, so download your map for offline use before you head out.

6. Quiet Desert Roads in Torrance County: Moriarty & Beyond

When you’re tired of traffic and crowds, sometimes the best thing to do is head east into Torrance County. Towns like Moriarty and Estancia offer a slice of small-town New Mexico with a wide-open sky.
  • Drive time from North Valley: About 45–60 min east via I-40
  • Best for: Relaxed drives, Route 66 nostalgia, plane buffs
In and around Moriarty, you can:
  • Check out local spots with a Route 66 vibe
  • Watch small planes at the local airport area
  • Drive quiet farm roads at sunset
One evening drive out there, I pulled over just to watch a thunderstorm build far off on the plains. The sky looked absolutely huge—like you could see halfway across the state. Tip: Bring snacks and fill up on gas before you leave North Valley; services can be spread out.

7. Outdoor Escape at Manzano Mountains Region (Torrance/Valencia Counties)

To the southeast and south, the Manzano Mountains area, touching Torrance and Valencia Counties, gives you a cooler escape from the city.
  • Drive time from North Valley: About 1–1.5 hrs depending on trail or picnic spot
  • Best for: Hiking, picnics, fall colors
Choose a forest road or picnic area and enjoy:
  • Mild forest trails with pine and aspen
  • Cooler temperatures in summer
  • Golden leaves in late September and October
Tip: Forest road conditions can change with weather. Check for closures and bring extra water, especially if you’re hiking.

8. Valencia County Day Trip: Los Lunas & Belen

South of Bernalillo County, Valencia County is an easy place to go for a relaxed day trip from North Valley, especially around Los Lunas and Belen.
  • Drive time from North Valley: About 35–50 min south via I-25
  • Best for: Casual exploring, local food, river views
A few simple ideas:
  • Grab a classic New Mexico meal in Los Lunas or Belen
  • Take a slow drive on roads near the Rio Grande for farmland scenery
  • Walk around historic cores and snap some photos of old buildings
It’s not a flashy trip, but sometimes that’s the point. You get small-town charm, local flavors, and an easy break from your usual routine. Tip: Try going during a local event or festival; many small-town celebrations happen in spring and fall.

9. Santa Rosa Area Side Trip from Valencia/Torrance (Longer Day, Big Water)

If you’re up for a slightly longer day and don’t mind driving, you can continue east and a bit south from Valencia and Torrance County areas toward the famous “Blue Hole” in Santa Rosa (Guadalupe County). While it’s outside the main county list, it pairs naturally with an early start through Torrance County’s wide-open country.
  • Drive time from North Valley: About 2–2.5 hrs one way
  • Best for: Swimmers, road-trip junkies, Route 66 explorers
You can:
  • Drive older Route 66 stretches
  • Swim in the crystal-clear natural pool (very cold!)
  • Grab a burger or milkshake at a roadside stop
Tip: Start early, especially in summer. Bring towels, sunscreen, and maybe a change of clothes if you decide to jump in.

10. Multi-Stop Loop: Jemez → Valles Caldera Region → Santa Fe (Sandoval & Santa Fe Counties)

If you want one big adventure from North Valley that still fits into a (full) day, try a loop that hits Sandoval and Santa Fe Counties. A sample route from North Valley:
  • Head to Jemez Springs (Sandoval)
  • Continue toward the Valles Caldera area (Santa Fe County region)
  • Drop down into Santa Fe for dinner
  • Return to North Valley via I-25
  • Total drive time (not counting stops): About 4–5 hrs
  • Best for: Scenic drives, variety in one day, visitors from out of town
You’ll see:
  • Red-cliff canyons
  • High mountain meadows
  • Classic adobe buildings in the state capital
It’s like a “greatest hits” sampler of northern New Mexico landscapes—without needing an overnight stay. Tip: Pack layers. You’ll move through different elevations and temps can swing quite a bit, even in one afternoon.

Planning Your North Valley Road Trips

To make these New Mexico day trips from North Valley go smoothly, keep a simple checklist:
  • Check weather and road conditions before you leave
  • Bring more water than you think you’ll need
  • Fill up your gas tank in or near North Valley
  • Respect local communities and tribal lands—follow posted rules
  • Download offline maps for mountain and rural areas
Many of these short trips are close enough that you can leave after breakfast and still be home before dark. That makes them perfect for last-minute weekend ideas or showing off New Mexico to visiting friends and family.

What’s Your Favorite Road Trip from North Valley?

Have you driven any of these routes from North Valley into Cibola, Sandoval, Santa Fe, Torrance, or Valencia County? Did I miss a hidden gem—maybe a small café, a viewpoint, or a quiet trail?
  • Share your favorite spots in the comments.
  • Tell us which trip you’re planning to try next.
If you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends and family who are looking for easy road trips near North Valley, NM. The more we share our local knowledge, the more people can enjoy the amazing places just a short drive from home.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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