Northern New Mexico Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

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Downtown Santa Fe

4.5/5(14 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 Santa Fe Plaza or Lensic Performing Arts Center while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Downtown Santa Fe
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Southside

3.5/5(5 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
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Northeast Heights

3.5/5(3 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Northeast Heights, Cliff's Amusement Park and ABQ Uptown are top sights worth seeing.

Northeast Heights
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Downtown Albuquerque

4/5(3 area reviews)

Downtown Albuquerque is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to KiMo Theater and Sunshine Theater while you're in town.

Downtown Albuquerque
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Old Town Albuquerque

Unique features of Old Town Albuquerque include the historical sites and restaurants. Make a stop by Old Town Plaza or Albuquerque Museum while you're exploring the area.

Old Town Albuquerque
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Tesuque

Tesuque is noteworthy for its spas, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Shidoni Foundry and Glenn Green Galleries & Sculpture Garden.

Tesuque
The Querque Hotel
The Querque Hotel
3 out of 5
1760 Menaul Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,992 reviews)
"Check in was a breeze and the staff were very friendly. The room was very spacious, extremely clean, and well appointed. This was by and large the best hotel I stayed in during this trip (in which I stayed at 10 different hotels). The only negative (and the reason for the 4-star amenity rating) was ..."

Reviewed on 21 Jun 2025

The Querque Hotel
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 Rp1.560.830 per night from 1 Jul to 2 Jul
Rp1.560.830
Rp1.804.710 total
1 Jul - 2 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,546 reviews)
"The best hotel ever"

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

Best Western Airport Albuquerque InnSuites Hotel & Suites
Hotel 505
Hotel 505
2.5 out of 5
900 Medical Arts Ave Ne, Albuquerque, NM
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp1.050.720 per night from 30 Jun to 1 Jul
Rp1.050.720
Rp1.214.894 total
30 Jun - 1 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,163 reviews)
"The front desk was AMAZING! The sweetest ladies there! Loved how they had a market there that you could get snacks if needed. Property has cameras to ensure vehicles safety. Pet friendly. The ONLY complaint was the room WOULD NOT cool off until it got dark because the windows were old and sun shining ..."

Reviewed on 20 Jun 2025

Hotel 505
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
Stay at this 3.5-star spa aparthotel in Taos Ski Valley. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (545 reviews)
"This is our second time staying here. We love coming here in the summer to stay. It’s beautiful and peaceful. The hotel staff is lovely. Our room is clean and so nice! Love this property!"

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2025

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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a business centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,168 reviews)
"We love staying at Fort Marcy. Close to downtown. Nice suites. The major downside is LOTS of steps."

Reviewed on 31 May 2025

Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging
Aspen Springs Angel fire
Aspen Springs Angel fire
4.5 out of 5
3080 NM 434, Angel Fire, NM
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury cabin in Angel Fire. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and concierge services. Popular attractions Lady Slipper Trailhead and Monte ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (43 reviews)
Quiet stay
"Great place to stay and beautiful location"

Reviewed on 6 Jun 2025

Aspen Springs Angel fire
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.

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Cities near Northern New Mexico