High Road to Taos Scenic Byway

The High Road to Taos Scenic Byway is one of New Mexico's most scenic drives, winding through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains with sweeping views, historic villages, and deep cultural roots. Along the way, you'll pass through destinations like Chimayó, Talpa, and end in Ranchos de Taos each offering a glimpse into the region's rich heritage.

A Scenic Route Between Santa Fe and Taos 

This 105-mile scenic byway climbs through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains between Santa Fe and Ranchos de Taos, a historic community southwest of Taos. The drive takes a little over two hours without stops—but it’s worth taking time along the way.

The route passes through both Spanish villages and even older Pueblo communities, with views that shift from the red rock formations and high desert valleys to forested slopes near Carson National Forest, home to some of New Mexico’s highest mountains.

Along the High Road: Villages, Churches, and Views

As you travel along the High Road to Taos, signs mark places to stop and explore along the route. Among them is the historic city of Española Established in 1598, it was the capital of the first Spanish settlement in the United States. This city’s architecture, culture and cuisine combine Native, Spanish, and American influences. Here you can explore their local museums and boutiques and grab a bite to eat.

Near Chimayó, you’ll pass through a farming valley that is home to El Santuario de Chimayó, a sanctuary that was built during the Spanish colonial era in the early 1800s to mark the presence of a healing clay. This tierra bendita remains one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in the United States, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

Farther north, you’ll also encounter the remote Spanish land grant village of Truchas, a rustic little town with sweeping views of the Española valley and glimpses of the snow-capped Truchas peaks.  

As you get closer to Ranchos de Taos, keep a lookout for Picuris Pueblo. This historic village is home to San Lorenzo de Picuris, a 200-year-old adobe church that the local Pueblo community restored by hand.

Experiencing the High Road to Taos

The journey ends in Ranchos de Taos, home to the San Francisco de Asís Church. At the heart of the village plaza, the church’s earthen exterior gives way to an intricately carved altar inside. Framed by adobe buildings, this landmark reflects centuries of Spanish colonial and Indigenous heritage, standing as one of the route’s most iconic views.

The High Road to Taos Scenic Byway isn’t long, but its history is extensive. The route encourages a slower pace, with time to explore village centers, visit local galleries, and take in the surrounding landscape.

Traveling from Santa Fe to Racho de Taos, the byway offers a more scenic, culturally immersive alternative to the main highway. Plan your sightseeing stops along the High Road and turn the drive into a uniquely New Mexico getaway.