If you are looking for a scenic New Mexico road trip through the Land of Enchantment, look no further – we’ve got you covered. This road trip will take you through some of the most picturesque locations in northern New Mexico as you explore Sugarite Canyon State Park, Red River, Taos, Carson National Forest, Gallinas Peak, and other natural wonders in New Mexico on this 300-mile road trip west. So, gas up the car and grab your favorite snacks and drinks for the road – it’s time to get a move on!

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The total estimated driving time for this road trip through some of the finest New Mexico scenery is 7 hours and 6 minutes. If you choose to go on this adventure during the cold weather months, don't forget your winter packing essentials.
1. Sugarite Canyon State Park, Raton
Tara Pagan/Google Local
Sugarite Canyon State Park can be found in northern New Mexico, near the Colorado border. This is the spot where you'll begin your scenic road trip through the Land of Enchantment.
Sugarite Canyon, New Mexico 87740, USA
kevin graff/Google Local
The landscape in the park was shaped by ancient volcanic activity and its attendant lava flows. Today, you'll find beautiful ponderosa pine and gambel oak forests in the park. They make for a perfect, leg-stretching hike on this first stop of your trip. For the best views in the park, save time for a stop at scenic Lake Maloya.
2. Red River
Red River Ski & Summer Area/Google Local
Red River, New Mexico, is your next stop on the road trip.
Red River, NM, USA
Gabriela Nagase/Google Local
In the winter, this resort town is the perfect destination for skiing or snowboarding at the resort. But it also makes for an ideal destination in the summer, as well, when you can explore the mountain and use the chairlifts to get around. You'll also find plenty of other exciting summertime activities in the area, including an aerial ropes course and zip lining. If you've never been to the ski resort in the summer, this may be your new favorite spot.

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3. Taos
Josha/Google Local
The third stop on your road trip through northern New Mexico is Taos.
Taos, NM 87571, USA
January Sadler/Google Local
Taos, which is located in the stunning Sangre de Cristo mountain range, is also a well known skiing destination. The Sangre de Cristos are so beautiful, no matter what time of year you visit, you will not be disappointed. In the summer, hiking, fishing, and hot air ballooning are popular, and we recommend seeking out one of Taos' hot springs whatever the season.
4. Carson National Forest
Fenrir 2016/Google Local
Carson National Forest, New Mexico 87530, USA
Donald Campbell/Google Local
Time for some hiking! Carson National Forest has more than 70 beautiful hiking trails, many of which bring you to gorgeous mountain lakes. Our favorite hikes are the Trampas Lakes Trail and Williams Lake Trail, but you really can't go wrong exploring Carson National Forest.
5. Gallina Peak, Corona
Kevin Smith/AllTrails
The last stop on your road trip will be Gallina Peak, a small peak located near the town of Corona.
Gallina Peak, New Mexico 87027, USA
Kevin Smith/AllTrails
Although this may not be New Mexico's biggest peak, it is quite isolated, and a climb to the top will give you incredible views of the surrounding New Mexico landscape.

Although the total driving time for this scenic New Mexico road trip is only about seven hours, you should plan to spend at least a full day – or better yet, a weekend – exploring so you’re not rushed and have all the time you need to see why they call our beautiful state the Land of Enchantment.

Have you been to any of these stops before? Which is your favorite and what stops would you add?

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More to Explore

Consider These For Your Next New Mexico Road Trip

Trent Jonas | February 08, 2023

Ideas For The Most Scenic Road Trip In New Mexico

If you're hoping to put together the most scenic road trip in New Mexico, we have good news and we have bad news. The bad news is you're going to have a difficult time. The good news is you're going to have a difficult time because there are so many stunning places in the Land of Enchantment, it's impossible to see them all in a single road trip. But we have some thoughts for itineraries that will take you to some absolutely gorgeous places. 

Any one of these nine beautiful byways, for example, will take you through some of the most magical landscapes in the Land of Enchantment. If you've only got one day for your trip, consider this epic sunrise-to-sunset itinerary.

Where To Find Some Of The Best New Mexico Scenery

If you really want to see some of the best New Mexico scenery, the state parks are a fantastic place to start. The state is also home to some amazingly picturesque small towns that have much to offer a traveler.

Natural Wonders In New Mexico

On any road trip, you will have no difficulty finding natural wonders in New Mexico. There is so much beauty in the state that really, all you have to do is look around. Many of our natural wonders are hiding in plain sight. And some of the most amazing natural wonders cost you nothing to enjoy.

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