Discover the 13,000-foot Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Spanish Colonial plaza, sacred dirt, and an 18th Century church painted by Georgia O’Keefe.
Heading through the 13,000-foot peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this 58-mile trek is the most panoramic route between Taos and Santa Fe. Start out from Espanola on U.S. 84, picking up Route 76 to Chimayo. Sights here consists of the fortified Plaza del Cerro, a remnant from the Spanish Colonial times, as well as the Santaurio de Chimayo, which draws the faithful from around the area for its sacred dirt believed to impart cures.
The well known Rancho de Chimayo is a great spot to fortify yourself before heading back on the road. From Chimayo, Route 518 ascends through forests past Truchas and Cordova, a former Spanish outpost built on a high mesa beneath the 13,102-foot Truchas Peak. From Truchas, take the High Road to Taos through the Carson National Forest, a path peppered with small hillside towns. The climax of this part of the drive is the village of Trampas, anchored by the 18th Century San Jose de Gracia Church. After Trampas, proceed northeast to Penasco, follow Route 75 to Route 518. At the end of the High Road is Ranchos de Taos and seat of the San Francisco de Asis, an 18th Century church made popular by painter Georgia O’Keefe. The final leg of the drive is on Route 68 into the artist’s enclave of Taos.
Starting Point:
Espanola, NM
Distance of Drive:
58 miles
Must Eat:
Horseman’s Haven
6500 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87507
Phone: 505-471-5420
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Good Stop For: Green Chili
Best Time of Year for Drive:
Year round
Points of Interest on Drive:
18th Century San Jose de Gracia Church
Carson National Forest
Tagged with: best time:yearround • New Mexico • summer destinations
Filed under: Best Road Trips