The best way to discover unfamiliar parts of New Mexico is to leave the interstate and meander along remote highways and country roads. This 49-mile drive takes you from Tres Piedras, through the Carson National Forest, to Tierra Amarilla. In our humble opinion, it’s one of the best scenic drives in New Mexico. Anyone searching for solitude and mountain views will love this scenic route.

Flickr/Mark Seymour
One of the best scenic drives in New Mexico will take just under an hour to complete without stops. Here is the Google Map for the journey.
Google Maps
Wikimedia Commons/US Forest Service
Since Tres Piedras sits at an elevation of 8081 feet, this is a good drive to take in summer when you want to escape the heat. Come fall, the aspens blaze like yellow flames across the landscape, making the scenery startlingly beautiful.

Tres Piedras, which was founded in 1879, is home to 1054 people. Although the point of cruising through this remote area is to get away from it all, before you abandon civilization, stop for a meal at Chili Line Depot.
Facebook/Chili Line Depot
The restaurant is housed in a building that once served as the bar and dancehall for the Chili Line Railroad. This one building has undergone numerous transformations, acting as everything from a movie theater to a roller skating rink! Nowadays, it’s a mom and pop restaurant cooking up high-quality green chile cheeseburgers (using local beef) and heavenly cinnamon rolls.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
And now we'll continue on one of the best scenic drives in New Mexico. This trip is very straightforward – you simply take US-64 West. The driving is also easy. No hairpin bends or high drop-offs here.

As the road passes into Carson National Forest you’ll quickly find yourself surrounded by ponderosa pines.
Flickr/yadem.hayseed
Pause at Hopewell Lake, a man-made body of water, at an altitude of 9500 feet. At 14 acres, this lake is fairly small but it’s just the right size for water activities like canoeing or fishing (it’s stocked with both brook and rainbow trout).

Related Stories

You'll Never Look At Donuts The Same Way After Trying Amy's Donuts In New Mexico

You'll Never Look At Donuts The Same Way After Trying Amy's Donuts In New Mexico

 This Cozy House Is The Best Home Base For Your Adventures In Albuquerque, New Mexico

This Cozy House Is The Best Home Base For Your Adventures In Albuquerque, New Mexico

 This Speakeasy Hidden Down An Alley In New Mexico Is Perfect For A Date Night

This Speakeasy Hidden Down An Alley In New Mexico Is Perfect For A Date Night
Flickr/rwslaughter
The road’s elevation increases on the approach to Brazos Summit (10,507 feet). There is only one highway that runs at a higher altitude in the whole state. Take time to investigate the pull-offs, which offer great views and photo ops.
Flickr/Thomas Galvez
You can also admire the Brazos Cliffs from the road. These rocks date back to the Precambrian eon, which means that they are millions, perhaps billions, of years old. Depending on snow or rainfall, a seasonal waterfall sometimes tumbles down these cliffs.
Flickr/Jordan Lewin
The highway descends into Tierra Amarilla, a community of 3443 people, which was settled in 1832.
Wikimedia Commons/G. Thomas
Technically, the scenic drive concludes at this point but if you’d like a specific destination then continue on an extra 12 miles to Heron Lake. This state park is a "quiet lake," which ensures a tranquil camping experience.
Flickr/Claudia Dunitz
Flickr/Ben Byrne
Boating, birding, and fishing are popular activities here. And thus concludes the trip down one of the best scenic drives in New Mexico!

Have you checked out one of the best scenic drives in New Mexico? There are plenty of other scenic drives in New Mexico that will fuel your adventures. Which one do you take when you’re looking for some peace and quiet?

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

best scenic drives in New Mexico

Beth C. | August 10, 2021

What are the most beautiful places in New Mexico?

New Mexico is nicknamed "The Land of Enchantment," and it doesn't take long to understand why. From the breathtaking white sand dunes to the craggy mountains and pine-dense forests, this state is a nature lover's playground. There are so many destinations throughout the state that will show you just how beautiful New Mexico can be. Some of these places include Clayton Lake State Park, Four Corners National Monument, Lava Flow at El Malpais, Aztec Ruins, Earthships near Taos, the San Miguel Chapel in Santa Fe, Rio Grande Gorge near Taos, Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument in the Mogollon Mountains, the view from Sandia Peak, Chaco Culture National Historical Park near Nageezi, Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks near Cochiti, and the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. Have you visited any of these beautiful places in New Mexico?

Where can I find one of the best scenic overlooks in New Mexico?

For those looking for an epic sunset, it doesn't get much better than the view from Sandia Crest. In fact, the Sandia Mountains are said to be named in honor of the sunsets that transform the landscape around them. No two sunsets are alike, which is why you may be tempted to view as many sunset shows as possible. From gentle pastels to bright golden hues, the sky seems to transform into a work of art as the sun descends behind the mountains. Plus, Sandia Crest is located at an elevation of 10,600 feet, so you'll be able to see for miles and miles. While you're up there, be sure to take the time to appreciate the unique views of Albuquerque below. Learn more about what makes Sandia Crest one of the best scenic overlooks in New Mexico.

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Tres Piedras, NM 87577, USA
Tierra Amarilla, NM, USA