South Valley, New Mexico: 10 Easy Road Trips for Weekend Explorers

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10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips Near South Valley, New Mexico

If you live in or around South Valley, New Mexico, you know how tempting it is to just stick close to home. But some of the best adventures are only an hour or two away. In this guide, we’ll hit 10 short road trips outside Bernalillo County, exploring nearby places in:
  • Cibola County
  • Sandoval County
  • Santa Fe County
  • Torrance County
  • Valencia County
Each spot is perfect for a day trip or a simple weekend escape. Grab a coffee, fill up the tank, and let’s go.

1. Grants & El Malpaís National Monument (Cibola County)

Head west on I-40 for about 1.5 hours and you’ll reach Grants, a small desert town that makes a great base to explore El Malpaís National Monument. What makes it special? Think wild lava flows, natural arches, and strange black rock landscapes that look like another planet.
  • Walk a short trail over ancient lava fields.
  • Check out sandstone bluffs with sweeping views.
  • Stop at the El Malpaís Visitor Center for maps and tips.
It’s not a hard hike if you stick to the easy trails, but wear sturdy shoes. The lava rock can be rough and uneven. If you like wide open spaces and dramatic scenery, this is one of the best road trips from South Valley you can take.

2. Acoma Pueblo “Sky City” (Cibola County)

About 70 miles west of South Valley, perched high on a sandstone mesa, sits Acoma Pueblo, often called Sky City. It’s one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America. What to expect:
  • Guided tours led by Acoma guides who share history and stories.
  • Clay and pottery for sale directly from local artists.
  • Panoramic views across miles of desert from the mesa top.
This is a place where you slow down, listen, and learn. Out of respect, always follow your guide’s instructions, and be aware that photos are sometimes limited to certain areas. If you’re looking for a New Mexico cultural road trip that goes deeper than just pretty views, this is it.

3. Jemez Springs & Jemez Mountains (Sandoval County)

Drive about 1.5 hours northwest and you’ll reach the red cliffs and hot springs of Jemez Springs in Sandoval County. The winding drive along NM-4 is half the fun. Highlights along the way:
  • Jemez Pueblo roadside stands with fresh bread and fry bread.
  • Jemez Historic Site with mission ruins framed by red rock walls.
  • Short hiking trails with creek views and shady forest.
In cooler months, soaking in a hot spring with pine trees around you feels almost unreal. The whole area has a laid-back, small-town vibe that makes it a perfect quick escape from city noise.

4. Valles Caldera National Preserve (Sandoval County)

Continue past Jemez Springs and you’ll climb into a huge ancient volcanic crater called Valles Caldera. It’s about 2 hours from South Valley, but the drive is gorgeous and well worth it. What you’ll find there:
  • Wide grassy meadows filled with elk, especially around sunrise and sunset.
  • Miles of trails for hiking and wildlife watching.
  • Cooler temps and fresh mountain air, a nice break on hot summer days.
Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic with a view that feels like a movie scene. If you want a road trip near Albuquerque that feels completely different from the desert, this is your spot.

5. Santa Fe Plaza & Canyon Road (Santa Fe County)

Head about an hour and a half northeast and you’re in Santa Fe, a classic New Mexico road trip from South Valley. Even if you’ve been before, there’s always something new to discover. Around the historic Santa Fe Plaza you can:
  • Browse art galleries and Native jewelry stands.
  • Grab green chile stew or stacked enchiladas at a local café.
  • Visit historic churches and museums within walking distance.
Then stroll Canyon Road, packed with galleries ranging from classic Southwestern art to modern sculptures. You don’t need to buy anything; window shopping is half the fun. The vibe here is creative, colorful, and very walkable—great for a full-day getaway.

6. Turquoise Trail to Madrid (Santa Fe County)

Instead of taking the interstate to Santa Fe, try the scenic Turquoise Trail (Highway 14). Along this route, you’ll hit the quirky old mining town of Madrid, right on the line between Santa Fe and other counties but outside Bernalillo. Why go?
  • Colorful art galleries and funky shops in old miner cabins.
  • Live music on weekends at small local venues.
  • Classic New Mexico views: rolling hills, blue skies, and distant mountains.
It’s a perfect half-day trip if you don’t want to drive too far but still want that “I went somewhere different” feeling.

7. Estancia & Torrance County Farm Country (Torrance County)

Looking for a slower-paced trip? Head about an hour southeast to Estancia in Torrance County. This isn’t a big tourist town, but that’s what makes it fun. You’ll find:
  • Quiet, open landscapes with big skies and classic ranch scenery.
  • Seasonal events like fairs, rodeos, and harvest festivals.
  • Back roads made for peaceful drives and photo stops.
This is the kind of place where you roll down the windows, turn down the music, and just enjoy the wide-open New Mexico air. It’s simple, but sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

8. Moriarty & Route 66 Vibes (Torrance County)

Another easy option in Torrance County is Moriarty, about 45–60 minutes east of South Valley. If you love old-school Americana, this is a fun stop. Why it’s worth the drive:
  • Strong Route 66 history with roadside diners and classic signs.
  • Local museums and shops that celebrate old cars and the open road.
  • Wide desert views and big sunsets on the way back home.
It’s an ideal quick trip if you want a taste of Route 66 without committing to a long multi-day drive.

9. Los Lunas & Tome Hill (Valencia County)

Just south of Bernalillo County, Los Lunas in Valencia County is one of the easiest short road trips from South Valley. Depending on where you start, you can get there in under 40 minutes. One local favorite is Tome Hill, just east of town:
  • Short but steady hike with rewarding views of the Rio Grande Valley.
  • Popular for sunrise and sunset walks.
  • Good intro hike if you’re not used to long trails.
After your hike, grab something to eat in Los Lunas and enjoy a relaxed drive back home. It’s a simple, satisfying half-day outing.

10. Belen & the Harvey House Museum (Valencia County)

Continue a little farther south and you’ll reach Belen, another Valencia County town with a strong railroad history. It’s usually under an hour from South Valley. One of the main draws is the Harvey House Museum:
  • Learn about the old railroad days in New Mexico.
  • Walk through rooms that show what travel was like in the early 1900s.
  • Explore a quiet downtown with a classic small-town feel.
If you enjoy history, trains, or just wandering around peaceful streets, Belen makes a great low-stress day trip.

Tips for Easy Road Trips from South Valley

To keep your New Mexico day trips smooth and fun, a little planning goes a long way:
  • Check the weather – Especially for mountain and high desert areas; storms and snow can move in fast.
  • Bring water and snacks – Some stretches between towns are pretty empty.
  • Fuel up – Don’t assume the next gas station is just around the corner.
  • Wear layers – It can be warm in the valley and cool in the mountains on the same day.
I like to keep a small “road trip kit” in the car: a light jacket, hat, sunscreen, phone charger, and a simple first-aid kit. It makes spontaneous trips a lot easier.

Where Will You Go First?

From lava fields to art galleries, from quiet farm towns to ancient pueblos, there’s a lot to explore just outside Bernalillo County. You don’t need a long vacation; many of these spots work as quick road trips from South Valley that fit into a single day. Now it’s your turn:
  • Which of these 10 trips sounds best to you?
  • Do you have a favorite out-of-county spot that I missed?
Share your ideas and experiences in the comments—your tips might inspire someone else’s next adventure. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends and family who live in the Albuquerque and South Valley area. The more we share, the more people get out and enjoy the incredible places right in our own backyard.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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