Escape Into New Mexico's Forests This Summer On These 5 Scenic Byways

Feel like hitting the road this weekend? If you’re in the mood for picturesque sights, cooler temperatures, and reason to leave the house for a few hours, you’ll want to check out some of New Mexico’s scenic byways. We’re lucky to have more than two dozen scattered across the state but you’ll definitely want to take a drive on one of these byways in our enchanting mountains.

Dave Hensley/Flickr

Known for its stunning array of colors in the fall, this byway is an equally refreshing drive in summer. On this loop, you'll drive approximately 85 miles from Taos to Red River to Angel Fire.

Route details: Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway

Ohad Ben-Yoseph/Flickr

Drive 70 miles between Santa Fe and Taos on this impressive drive where you'll see the land shift dramatically from colorful badlands and rock formations to a mountain landscape filled with juniper, piñon, and pine trees. In the meantime, enjoy the up-close view of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Route details: High Road to Taos Scenic Byway

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J. N. Stuart/Flickr

Stretching more than 160 miles, this is truly one of New Mexico's most scenic highways. Drive by locations like Bandelier National Monument, Valles Caldera, and Jemez Pueblo, in addition to spotting numerous small towns and wildlife.

Route details: Jemez Mountain Trail Scenic Byway

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Sarah Richter/Flickr

This scenic byway is a fairly short one, but its 15 miles make for a lovely drive that begins at Santa Fe's Palace of the Governors. From there, drive along State Road 475 to Hyde Memorial Park and up to Ski Santa Fe for a quick escape into the mountains.

Route details: Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway

Samat K Jain/Flickr

Another short drive through New Mexico's mountains, Sunspot Scenic Byway runs approximately 15 miles from Cloudcroft up to Apache Point Observatory in the Sacramento Mountains. Stop at lookouts and the observatory for a fantastic view of the landscape below.

Route details: Sunspot Scenic Byway

How many of these byways have you had a chance to drive along? Are there any other mountain drives you absolutely love? Feel free to leave a comment below, on our Facebook page, or submit a nomination!

Looking for more lovely drives across New Mexico? If you prefer to drive along more isolated, rural roads, you’ll want to check out some of our favorite backroads. Read our suggestions in The 7 Best Backroads In New Mexico For A Long Scenic Drive.