Northern New Mexico

Travel Guide

Albuquerque showing street scenes
Canyon Road showing signage
Puye Cliff Dwellings showing a ruin and tranquil scenes
Puye Cliff Dwellings featuring tranquil scenes
Puye Cliff Dwellings showing tranquil scenes

Discover deep red desert landscapes, rugged Rocky Mountain terrain, historic native pueblos and a remote state park in the northern part of this southern state.

Northern New Mexico promises beautiful natural scenery, cultural attractions and a history rich in tradition. Visit pueblo sites, trek across wide open plains bordered by steep canyons and explore abandoned mining towns.

Throughout its history, the area has served as a trade route as well as the home to Native American tribes such as the Navajos. At the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, experience the living Native American community of Taos Pueblo, which has been continuously inhabited for almost 1,000 years. While here, take the opportunity to buy pottery and jewelry crafted by local artisans.

Head to Chama, a town in the Rocky Mountains known for stunning views and outdoor adventure activities. Go fishing, river rafting and hiking along the trails. Camp out overnight to star gaze at the Milky Way. Take a steam train excursion from Chamas train depot to Antonito, Colorado. Along the way, watch reenactments on this living history museum railroad.

Explore the area around the resort town of Red River to discover the history of a mountain mining town. Visit the Red River Ski & Summer Area for downhill snow sports in the winter and a mountaintop disc golf course in the summer.

The small town of Ojo Caliente near the Rio Grande River is known for its hot springs. The Native Americans of the region considered Ojo’s water to be sacred. At the resort and spa here, soak in the healing mineral waters, experience a mud treatment that is said to rejuvenate your skin and enjoy a roaring fire at night beside a private pool.

Find secluded hiking paths and quiet river banks trails at the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. Nearby is Rio Grande Gorge, a deep canyon carved through layers of volcanic rock.

Fly into Albuquerque International Sunport or the airport at Santa Fe. The best way to get around northern New Mexico is by car. The roads are well maintained and spacious, perfect for a relaxing drive through beautiful scenery. Parking is also free in most towns and attractions.

From the towering Rocky Mountains to hiking trails along dramatic gorges to Native American cultural sites, northern New Mexico has a diverse range of attractions.

Where to stay in Northern New Mexico

New Mexico Museum of Art which includes a statue or sculpture and art

Downtown Santa Fe

4.5/5(47 area reviews)

Visitors to Downtown Santa Fe rave about its fascinating museums, popular shops, and acclaimed art galleries. You might also want to make some time to see Lensic Performing Arts Center or Georgia O'Keefe Museum while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Downtown Santa Fe
Quick stop for refreshments at la cumbre brewing on girard off candelaria.

Northeast Heights

4/5(11 area reviews)

While visiting Northeast Heights, you might make a stop by sights like ABQ Uptown and Coronado Center.

Northeast Heights
Downtown city skyline of Albuquerque at night, New Mexico, United States of America.

Downtown Albuquerque

3/5(8 area reviews)

Central business district with highrise buildings, Downtown Albuquerque offers shopping, dining, and nightlife along Central and Gold Avenues. Explore landmarks like KiMo Theater and enjoy convenient public transit options.

Downtown Albuquerque
San Felipe de Neri Parish Church in the old town of Albuquerque

Old Town Albuquerque

Explore historic adobe buildings, dine at numerous restaurants, and shop at various stores in this popular tourist destination. Don't miss the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, and the nearby New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.

Old Town Albuquerque
San Esteban Del Rey Mission in Acoma Pueblo

Historic Eastside

While visiting Historic Eastside, you might make a stop by sights like Canyon Road and Edition ONE Gallery.

Historic Eastside
A peak inside Meow Wolf. Love this place!

Southside

4/5(30 area reviews)

Southside is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Meow Wolf and International Museum of Collage, Assemblage & Construction, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Santa Fe.

Southside
Best Western Airport Albuquerque InnSuites Hotel & Suites

Best Western Airport Albuquerque InnSuites Hotel & Suites

3.5 out of 5
2400 Yale Blvd Se Albuquerque NM
The price is CA $127 per night from Mar 22 to Mar 23
CA $127
per night
Mar 22 - Mar 23
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,927 reviews)
The staff were warm, efficient and very helpful! Rose and Alesh helped us check out and take us by shuttle to the airport at 3am! Great location very affordable. Would stay again.

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2026

Best Western Airport Albuquerque InnSuites Hotel & Suites
Nativo Lodge Hotel Albuquerque

Nativo Lodge Hotel Albuquerque

3 out of 5
6000 Pan American Fwy NE Albuquerque NM
The price is CA $108 per night from Mar 22 to Mar 23
CA $108
per night
Mar 22 - Mar 23
Stay at this hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and a 24-hour business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,395 reviews)
Good. Glad to see they had security after reading about problems in Albuquerque.

Reviewed on Mar 19, 2026

Nativo Lodge Hotel Albuquerque
Sandia Resort And Casino

Sandia Resort And Casino

4 out of 5
30 Rainbow Rd Ne Albuquerque NM
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $362 per night from Mar 23 to Mar 24
CA $362
per night
Mar 23 - Mar 24
Book a stay at this spa resort in Albuquerque. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,463 reviews)
Great

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2026

Sandia Resort And Casino
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Alpine Village Suites

Alpine Village Suites

3.5 out of 5
100 Thunderbird Rd Taos Ski Valley NM
Book a stay at this spa aparthotel in Taos Ski Valley. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (614 reviews)
This place is a gem!!

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2026

Alpine Village Suites
Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging

Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging

3 out of 5
321 Kearney Ave Santa Fe NM
Stay at this aparthotel in Santa Fe. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,227 reviews)
This was a real nice place. Really close to everything in the historic and arts district. Plenty of parking and very cozy. Hope to stay here again. The host was in touch to make sure everything was good for us.

Reviewed on Mar 16, 2026

Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging
The casita is a little getaway 2 blocks from Taos Plaza with free WiFi!

The casita is a little getaway 2 blocks from Taos Plaza with free WiFi!

Taos NM
Stay at this vacation home in Taos. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Harwood Museum of Art and Blumenschein Home ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (222 reviews)
Lovely place. Perfect location.

Reviewed on Feb 19, 2026

The casita is a little getaway 2 blocks from Taos Plaza with free WiFi!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Northern New Mexico

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