Northern New Mexico, NM

Travel Guide

Albuquerque showing street scenes
Albuquerque showing street scenes
Canyon Road featuring signage
Puye Cliff Dwellings featuring a ruin and tranquil scenes
Puye Cliff Dwellings featuring tranquil scenes

Discover deep red desert landscapes, rugged Rocky Mountain terrain, historic native pueblos and a remote state park in the northern part of this southern state.

Northern New Mexico promises beautiful natural scenery, cultural attractions and a history rich in tradition. Visit pueblo sites, trek across wide open plains bordered by steep canyons and explore abandoned mining towns.

Throughout its history, the area has served as a trade route as well as the home to Native American tribes such as the Navajos. At the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, experience the living Native American community of Taos Pueblo, which has been continuously inhabited for almost 1,000 years. While here, take the opportunity to buy pottery and jewelry crafted by local artisans.

Head to Chama, a town in the Rocky Mountains known for stunning views and outdoor adventure activities. Go fishing, river rafting and hiking along the trails. Camp out overnight to star gaze at the Milky Way. Take a steam train excursion from Chamas train depot to Antonito, Colorado. Along the way, watch reenactments on this living history museum railroad.

Explore the area around the resort town of Red River to discover the history of a mountain mining town. Visit the Red River Ski & Summer Area for downhill snow sports in the winter and a mountaintop disc golf course in the summer.

The small town of Ojo Caliente near the Rio Grande River is known for its hot springs. The Native Americans of the region considered Ojo’s water to be sacred. At the resort and spa here, soak in the healing mineral waters, experience a mud treatment that is said to rejuvenate your skin and enjoy a roaring fire at night beside a private pool.

Find secluded hiking paths and quiet river banks trails at the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. Nearby is Rio Grande Gorge, a deep canyon carved through layers of volcanic rock.

Fly into Albuquerque International Sunport or the airport at Santa Fe. The best way to get around northern New Mexico is by car. The roads are well maintained and spacious, perfect for a relaxing drive through beautiful scenery. Parking is also free in most towns and attractions.

From the towering Rocky Mountains to hiking trails along dramatic gorges to Native American cultural sites, northern New Mexico has a diverse range of attractions.

Where to stay in Northern New Mexico

New Mexico Museum of Art which includes a statue or sculpture and art

Downtown Santa Fe

4.5/5(1,990 area reviews)

Visitors to Downtown Santa Fe rave about its fascinating museums, popular shops, and acclaimed art galleries. You might also want to make some time to see Santuario De Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe or Lensic Performing Arts Center while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Downtown Santa Fe
Dramatic, beautiful sunset casts purple and orange colors and hues on clouds and mountains over a neighborhood in Tesuque, near Santa Fe, New Mexico

Tesuque

Tesuque is noteworthy for its spas, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Shidoni Foundry and Glenn Green Galleries & Sculpture Garden.

Tesuque
Quick stop for refreshments at la cumbre brewing on girard off candelaria.

Northeast Heights

3.5/5(1,327 area reviews)

While visiting Northeast Heights, you might make a stop by sights like ABQ Uptown and Coronado Center.

Northeast Heights
San Felipe de Neri Parish Church in the old town of Albuquerque

Old Town Albuquerque

Explore historic adobe buildings, dine at numerous restaurants, and shop at various stores in this popular tourist destination. Don't miss the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, and the nearby New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.

Old Town Albuquerque
San Esteban Del Rey Mission in Acoma Pueblo

Historic Eastside

4.5/5(54 area reviews)

While visiting Historic Eastside, you might make a stop by sights like Canyon Road and ViVO Contemporary.

Historic Eastside
A peak inside Meow Wolf. Love this place!

Southside

4/5(1,497 area reviews)

Southside is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Meow Wolf and International Museum of Collage, Assemblage & Construction, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Santa Fe.

Southside
The Querque Hotel

The Querque Hotel

3 out of 5
1760 Menaul Rd NE Albuquerque NM
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,960 reviews)
Front desk is always welcoming. Room was spotless

Reviewed on Feb 2, 2026

The Querque Hotel
Sonesta ES Suites Albuquerque

Sonesta ES Suites Albuquerque

3 out of 5
3300 Prospect Ave Ne Albuquerque NM
The price is ₩126,159 per night from Mar 1 to Mar 2
₩126,159
₩145,870 total
Mar 1 - Mar 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,061 reviews)
Room was nice, staff was very helpful.

Reviewed on Jan 29, 2026

Sonesta ES Suites Albuquerque
Isleta Resort and Casino

Isleta Resort and Casino

4 out of 5
11000 Broadway Blvd SE Albuquerque NM
The price is ₩155,306 per night from Feb 19 to Feb 20
₩155,306
₩174,235 total
Feb 19 - Feb 20
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa resort in Albuquerque. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,742 reviews)
The room was nice and clean and we loved the balcony. We also loved the pool and the food at Embers Steakhouse was awesome. The staff all around was really friendly and helpful.

Reviewed on Jan 30, 2026

Isleta Resort and Casino
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Alpine Village Suites

Alpine Village Suites

3.5 out of 5
100 Thunderbird Rd Taos Ski Valley NM
Book a stay at this spa aparthotel in Taos Ski Valley. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (609 reviews)
room was clean and the staff was very accommodating

Reviewed on Jan 26, 2026

Alpine Village Suites
Aspen Springs Angel fire

Aspen Springs Angel fire

4.5 out of 5
3080 NM 434 Angel Fire NM
Book a stay at this luxury cabin in Angel Fire. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and concierge services. Popular attractions Lady Slipper Trailhead and Monte Verde ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (64 reviews)
The cabin was clean, well decorated, and thoughtfully appointed. Anything you could need when being away from home for a long weekend was provided. We loved the thoughtful touches like a heated bed and towel warmer for the cold winter days. The property itself was perfect for a family as the Cave ...

Reviewed on Jan 26, 2026

Aspen Springs Angel fire
Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging

Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging

3 out of 5
321 Kearney Ave Santa Fe NM
Stay at this aparthotel in Santa Fe. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,214 reviews)
Booked for the Santa Fe Wine and Chile Festival. Great location!

Reviewed on Dec 4, 2025

Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Northern New Mexico