One of the joys of this time of year is seeing the blaze of fall colors sweep across New Mexico. There are few sights as beautiful as a mountainside transformed by vibrant yellow aspens and do you know what that means? Road trip! We’ve combined several of the state’s most scenic drives into a trip that’ll give you an incredible leaf-peeping experience. Get ready for the ultimate fall foliage road trip in New Mexico!

Google Maps
This drive begins (or ends) in Santa Fe. It covers approximately 300 miles and the drive time is 7 hours, without stops. Check out our road trip itinerary to best plan for this fall road trip in New Mexico.
1. Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway
Santa Fe National Forest, New Mexico 87532, USA
Flickr/Will Keightley
Every year, the Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway wows locals and visitors alike. This drive is 16 miles each way and it’s extremely popular in the fall because of the incredible views of the aspens.

The twisting drive up Hyde Park Road (also called NM-475) culminates at the Santa Fe Ski Basin. Be sure to pause at the aptly named Aspen Vista on the way up (pictured). There are plenty of other potential stops for hiking, along with a scenic overlook that offers panoramic views.

On the map, you’ll notice the end destination is marked as the Winsor Trailhead. If you’re using GPS, we recommend inputting that rather than Ski Santa Fe, which often shows up incorrectly.
2. El Santuario de Chimayó
Santuario de Chimayo, 15 Santuario Dr, Chimayo, NM 87522, USA
SavantIII_11/TripAdvisor
Now it’s time to gas up and leave Santa Fe. You’re embarking on a journey through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains along the infamous High Road to Taos. Drive along the US-285/84, enjoying views of the mountains to your right and rock formations, mostly on the left. Make a right onto NM-503 and continue to NM-76. This part of the route does weave a little but just keep an eye out for the helpful signs that mark the High Road.

Stop to admire El Santuario de Chimayó, which is especially pretty at this time of year and to collect some of the sacred earth that draws pilgrims here.
3. Continue along the High Road to Taos. En route, you’ll pass through the mountain towns of Truchas ...
High Road to Taos, High Rd to Taos, New Mexico, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Bobak Ha'Eri
… Peñasco …
Flickr/Kent Kanouse
… and the Carson National Forest.
Flickr/Terri Hickox
4. The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway
Flickr/Shafi `
Now that you’ve reached Taos, transition to another of New Mexico’s scenic drives: The Enchanted Circle. This 83-mile drive is as bewitching as it sounds. It forms a loop joining the towns of Taos, Eagle Nest, Red River, and Questa.
5. Cimarron Canyon State Park
Cimarron Canyon State Park, 28869 US-64, Eagle Nest, NM 87718, USA
Flickr/Sarah Richter
Mid-way around the circle, leave the official route to visit Cimarron Canyon State Park. The Cimarron River gushes through this canyon, which is popular with fishermen and camping enthusiasts. The rocky cliffs make the scenery dramatic.

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6. Eagle Nest Lake State Park
Eagle Nest Lake State Park, 42 Marina Wy, Eagle Nest, NM 87718, USA
Susi Condon/Google
As you return to the Enchanted Circle, visit Eagle Nest State Park. You’re now at an elevation of 8,300 feet so the lake water is bracing if you’re brave enough to stick a toe in. This is a great spot for a picnic or a little wildlife watching.
Wheeler Peak
Wheeler Peak, New Mexico 87525, USA
Flickr/James
Okay, you’re not actually going to scale Wheeler Peak, the tallest mountain in New Mexico at 13,161 feet (unless you want to), but this mountain is in the center of the Enchanted Circle. Its presence contributes to the gorgeous landscapes. This is a view from the top.
7. Red River
Red River, NM, USA
John Williams/Google
Stretch your legs and soak in the natural beauty of Red River. Start with the Red River Nature Trail, which follows the path of the river. It's easy enough for almost anyone to enjoy.
You can also explore Red River Canyon ...
Tripadvisor/ared0723
... or try a more challenging hike. There are enough trails in this area to keep you walking for months!
8. Tres Piedras
Tres Piedras, NM 87577, USA
Flickr/Mark Seymour
Work your way around the Enchanted Circle then head west along US-64. You’ll spend much of this section of the drive in another section of the Carson National Forest. This road is tranquil, leaving you time to gaze at the foliage.
9. Tierra Amarilla
Tierra Amarilla, NM, USA
Flickr/Jordan Lewin
On the way to Tierra Amarilla, US-64 reaches an elevation of 10,507 feet. Definitely stop at the pull offs, which provide views of the Brazos Cliffs. If it’s been wet, you may spy a seasonal waterfall tumbling down the rock face.

Optional add-on: Heron Lake State Park, which is 12 miles from Tierra Amarilla.
10. Chama
Facebook/Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Arrive in Chama, where your drive comes to an end. As you can see, this area is spectacular in the fall.

Chama is also where you’ll find the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad. This has been voted as the country’s best train ride. The train runs between Chama in New Mexico and Antonito in Southern Colorado.
Chama, NM 87520, USA
Facebook/Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
This is an ideal way to conclude a fall foliage tour of New Mexico. Learn more about the train and get tickets yourself by visiting the official Cumbres & Toltec railroad website.

What’s your favorite place to view the fall foliage in New Mexico? If you don’t have time for a full road trip but still want to hit up a few of the state’s prettiest spots this season, here are the best fall foliage destinations in the Land of Enchantment. But, before you head on your way, make sure you are prepared for time in the car. Check out our ultimate road trip packing list so you are ready for anything that comes your way during your adventure.

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More to Explore

Fall Road Trip In New Mexico

Leah | September 25, 2020

Where are the best places to see fall foliage in New Mexico?

If you're wondering where to see fall colors in New Mexico other than this great road trip, you've got plenty of other options. The Jemez Mountain National Scenic Byway is another fantastic drive that will take you through gorgeous mountains that become ablaze with color this time of year. In Santa Fe? Give the Aspen Trail Loop a try - it's an 11-mile trail that winds through a forest that becomes a bright and vivid gold during the fall season. Another uniquely New Mexico fall experience is the famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. It happens annually in the first half of October, so you can watch hot air balloons glide over the autumn-colored landscape surrounding ABQ.

What is the weather like during the fall in New Mexico?

New Mexico is known for its many sunny days (an average of 293 sunny days happen per year in this state), and those don't go away come fall. With so many things to do in the fall in New Mexico, you'll be happy to know the weather is perfect for them all. Whether you take a road trip or stop by a pumpkin patch, expect temperatures in the 60-70-degree range. It can get chillier at night, but ultimately the days should be quite comfortable for all sorts of activities.

When can I see peak fall foliage in New Mexico?

The best time to see fall foliage in New Mexico is usually early October. It varies from year to year, but if you have leaf-peeping plans, your best bet on touring the Land of Enchantment when it's at its most colorful would be within the first two weeks of October. This is when the foliage peaks, but it will begin to change in September and the colors won't start fading or leaves falling until near the end of October and into early November.

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