The Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway Offers Some Of The Most Breathtaking Views In New Mexico

As you travel through New Mexico, you will see some truly incredible sights. The Land of Enchantment is full of gorgeous landscapes and scenery that will take your breath away. One of the best ways to spend your day and to bask in the beauty of this state is to drive on the Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway.

The Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway is one of the few official byways in New Mexico.

This scenic byway is approximately 150-miles long and forms a large loop. You will travel through a variety of terrain such as remarkable forests, awe-inspiring volcanic craters, and large meadows in the northern part of New Mexico.

Take your time as you travel on this gorgeous road.

There are dozens of hiking, camping, fishing, and backpacking opportunities along this national scenic byway. You will find many places to eat, shop, and learn along the route as well.

You may choose to begin your drive in Los Alamos. This is near Bandelier National Monument.

You’ll drive right past the stunning Valles Caldera National Preserve.

The Valles Caldera National Preserve is a large volcanic crater. There are many hiking trails for all skill levels in this area. To start, check out the easy 2.9-mile Cerro La Jara Loop Trail. Along this trail, keep your eyes open for fields of wildflowers, wildlife, and stunning views.

Fenton Lake State Park is another area on this drive with magnificent views.

You can fish and hike at this stop on your adventure. This is also a great place to camp for the night if you want to turn this drive into a long excursion.

Spend some time enjoying the beauty of San Pedro Parks Wilderness.

In this wilderness area, the average elevation is 10,000 feet above sea level. You will see rolling hills, lush meadows, and fabulous streams. This may become one of your favorite areas on the journey.

You must stop at Soda Dam.

This natural dam is 300 feet long, 50 feet high, and 50 feet wide. This is a great place to get out and stretch your legs.

Battleship Rock is not only a terrific stop if you want to capture some amazing pictures, but this is a perfect picnic area as well.

Battleship Rock is made from volcanic rock that stands 200 feet tall. Look closely and you will see the rock closely resembles a Navy warship.

Give yourself plenty of time to soak in the Spence Hot Springs near the end of this scenic byway.

You must take a short 0.7-mile out-and-back trail to the small pool. This spring is a warm 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

Have you ever traveled on the Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience!

For more scenic byways in the Land of Enchantment, here are nine that you won’t want to miss.