Interstate 25 Practically Runs Through All Of New Mexico And It's A Beautiful Drive
By Melanie Johnson|Updated on April 23, 2024(Originally published November 16, 2022)
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Melanie Johnson
Author
I am a nature lover and self-proclaimed foodie wrapped in one package. In my previous life, I was an Accountant, but numbers were boring and writing is the only thing that fuels my soul. So, I write because it's my freedom...it brings me joy. When I'm not writing dope articles for OnlyInYourState, I am writing and editing articles for my online blog on Medium.com. Or, when I get the chance, I am off on a trip with my family chasing waterfalls, or simply exploring the great outdoors. My mantra is to always find the best part of every day and bask in it.
When driving through the Land of Enchantment, Highway 25 in New Mexico is one of the best highways to see the gorgeous terrain of our state. Stretching for 460 miles from north to south, the highway passes through the most beautiful towns in the Land of Enchantment. They include Las Cruces, Truth or Consequences, and Socorro, just to name a few. Let’s take a scenic drive through New Mexico on Interstate 25 to witness these picturesque towns for ourselves.
To drive the entire stretch of Interstate 25, it will take approximately 7 hours. But have no worries, the drive will be worth it.
The terrain includes river valleys, mountain ranges, forests, deserts, and more. But best of all, you can witness the New Mexico sunset along the way. Let's get ready for the most scenic drive through New Mexico.
Interstate 25 begins in Las Cruces, and it’s a gorgeous college town known for its many attractions.
If you’re an art lover, a nature enthusiast, or a lover of festivals, this town has something for you. The town also boasts rich architecture, delicious restaurants, and one of the most incredible landscapes in New Mexico.
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From Las Cruces, you’ll head north for about 75 miles until you reach Truth or Consequences. Named after a popular radio game show, this scenic resort town has a lot to offer.
Besides its unusual name, it is known for its numerous hot springs. In fact, Hot Springs was the name of the town prior to 1950. Along with the springs, Truth or Consequences is a stone’s throw from the largest state park in New Mexico and the Rio Grande. So, there are lots of gorgeous landscapes as well as things to do and see in this small town.
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After you’ve basked in the beauty of Truth, drive about 70 miles north until you get to the town of Socorro, which is right outside of San Antonio.
This scenic town is located in the Rio Grande valley and is surrounded by water, mountains, and deserts. Making it a great place for outdoor activities. Of course, it is also home to the Very Large Array observatory, and the 80-foot telescopes are a sight to behold. And it's worth the detour off the highway.
Established in 1740, Belen is one of the oldest towns in New Mexico, which means it’s brimming with history. So, for all history buffs, this town has lots of sites for you to explore. Nicknamed the "Hub City" due to its central location, Belen is the epitome of everything Southwestern. And you’ll see that reflected in the gorgeous architecture. The town also boasts hiking and horseback trails, so it’s a great place to kick back and take things a bit easy.
You’re about halfway through the journey, and on this leg of the trip, you’ll be passing through Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
If you’ve worked up an appetite, then stop in one of these cities for some of the best food in New Mexico.
Now that you’re nice and full, you’ll continue on Interstate 25 meandering through the scenic Sante Fe National Forest, and you’ll eventually get to the town of Las Vegas.
This is a town that is rich in New Mexican history, boasting 900 historical landmarks. You'll fall in love with the Spanish Colonial style architecture, so spend some time exploring some of them. Be sure to drive through the adorable downtown area, you’ll want to take pictures of all the beautiful buildings.
On the home stretch, you’ll drive for approximately 100 miles until you get to the town of Raton. This is the end of Interstate 25 in New Mexico, and the rest of the highway stretches into Colorado.
Hopefully, you were able to catch the gorgeous New Mexico sunset along the way, as it’s as enchanting as can be.
So, now that you’ve completed the scenic drive through New Mexico, tell us in the comments which town you liked the best. And don’t forget to take a look at our ultimate road trip essentials packing list!
Are you ready for more adventure in the Land of Enchantment? Check out our previous article about these 9 historic trails in New Mexico:
