With miles between cities, New Mexico isn’t a stranger to lonely roads. You can take a random exit off of the interstate and within minutes it seems you can be miles away from everything. However, there is one road less traveled in New Mexico where passing cars are scant and the scenery flows from rolling llanos to steep plateaus — Highway 104 New Mexico. This is one of the best scenic drives in New Mexico that you want to take when you truly want to get away from it all. Hop in the car, buckle up, and let’s go!

From rolling plains to steep overlooks, oft-overlooked New Mexico State Road 104 offers solitude and stunning views.
NM 104, road trip NM
Michael Rose/Flickr
Traveling west out of Tucumcari, most opt for I-40, or the Mother Road, Route 66. But for those who wish to veer north and escape for a couple of hours, this scenic drive along one of the prettiest back roads in New Mexico awaits.
Did we mention this is a lonely road in New Mexico? There are no services here. Be sure to have a full tank of gas and snacks for the road before you head out.
Map of NM state Road 104, from Tucumcari to Las Vegas, NM
Google Maps
The two-hour drive along New Mexico State Route 104 runs for 108 miles from Tucumcari to Las Vegas, New Mexico. Crossing parts of Quay and San Miquel Counties, there is nothing here but road.
As you head north out of Tucumcari, the city's namesake mountain grows smaller in your rearview mirror.
Tucumcari Mountain
Leaflet (Own work) [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons
New Mexico State Route 104, though often disregarded, is a favorite route for knowing motorcyclists and geology junkies.

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Coves, canyons, and sandy beaches await at Conchas Lake State Park.
Conchas Lake
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, photographer not specified or unknown [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
About 30 miles west of Tucumcari, a quick turn at mile marker 75 takes you to the south section of Conchas Lake, one of the state's largest lakes and one of the most beautiful places in New Mexico. This is a great place for hiking, birding, water recreation, or throwing in a line.
If you ever wondered where New Mexico tucked its tiny towns, you will find them along this scenic drive.
Trementia, road trip NM
Google Maps
Trementina, Trujillo, Alta Vista — unless you live there or travel on this back road in New Mexico often — you likely haven't heard of these tiny New Mexico towns. As you get closer to Trementina, you'll see mesas in the distance. It's no wonder this is one of the best scenic drives in New Mexico.
Twists, turns, and awesome views await as you climb Corazon Hill.
The road to Tucumcari on NM 104
Mzuriana/Flickr
It's up, then down again, as you draw closer to Las Vegas. At the end of your lonely drive, the ground gets flat again. You can see the peaks of the Sangre de Cristos in the distance. They are a distant destination for another drive on another day.

Have you ever traveled down Highway 104 New Mexico before? What is your favorite road in New Mexico for a scenic drive? Share your photos and experiences with us!

For more scenic drives in New Mexico, explore the back roads of New Mexico.

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More to Explore

Highway 104 in New Mexico

Courtnie Erickson | August 05, 2021

What are some of the best scenic drives in New Mexico?

A scenic drive is one of the best ways to explore and enjoy the beauty of the Land of Enchantment. There are many scenic drives in New Mexico that will leave you mesmerized such as the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway. Located in North Central New Mexico, this is one of the best scenic drives in New Mexico as it takes you through many gorgeous towns such as Taos and Red River.

Make sure to add the Jemez Mountain Trail Scenic Byway to your to-do list. This road is 163 miles and features some of the most remarkable scenery that the Land of Enchantment has to offer. You will drive near Soda Dam, Jemez Falls, and Valles Caldera.

Where are the most beautiful places in New Mexico that I should visit?

There is a reason that New Mexico is known as the Land of Enchantment. The entire state is … enchanting! There are many beautiful places in New Mexico that you must place high on your bucket list such as White Sands National Park, which is covered in gorgeous white sand dunes that will leave you speechless. Make sure you bring a sled when you visit this national park so you can slide down designated sand dunes.

The Rio Grande Gorge, located outside of Taos, is also a mesmerizing sight that you will not want to miss. The views are spectacular and you can drive across the Rio Grande Bridge, one of the highest bridges in New Mexico.

The Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness is another unique and beautiful place in New Mexico to visit. Also known as the Bisti Badlands, this area will make you feel like you are on a different planet. You’ll want to take your time exploring this unique and strange area in the Land of Enchantment. Just make sure you bring plenty of water, the right clothing, and sunscreen as there are no services in this area.

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Featured Addresses
New Mexico 104, NM-104, Tucumcari, NM, USA