These 9 Beautiful Byways In New Mexico Are Perfect For A Scenic Drive

As the fifth-largest state in the country, New Mexico covers 121,590 square miles. You could combine the nine smallest states in the nation and New Mexico would still be bigger! There's a lot of land to explore here and the best way to see it is by car. We hope that these nine best New Mexico scenic drives will inspire you to load up your vehicle and hit the road.

1. Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway

The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway exceeds the expectations created by its name. The breathtaking scenery makes it my favorite drive of all time. This loop covers 85 miles in North Central New Mexico and goes through the towns of Taos, Eagle Nest, Red River, and Questa. The route includes Elizabethtown (now a ghost town) and panoramic vistas of some of the prettiest peaks in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Take this byway and find out why it's one of the best scenic drives in New Mexico.

Route: US 64, Highway 38, Highway 522

Take a look at this video by @justcallusnomads5935:

2. Sunspot Scenic Byway

Stretching between Cloudcroft and Sunspot, this byway guides you through the Sacramento Mountains on a road that is 16 miles long (one-way). Highlights include views of the Tularosa Basin and the Apache Point Observatory, where visitors are allowed to wander around the grounds.

Route: Highway 130, Highway 6563

3. Billy the Kid Scenic Byway

Whether you're obsessed with the Old West or simply curious about New Mexico's most infamous outlaw, this 84-mile drive delivers. It's a loop with three spurs that require you to double back. This road trip means driving through towns such as Capitan, Ruidoso, and Lincoln. The latter gives you an excellent feel for life in the Wild West as you drive by some of the most incredible New Mexico scenery.

Route: Highway 380, Highway 48, Highway 70

4. High Road to Taos Scenic Byway

While the Low Road to Taos offers impressive scenery, the High Road is nothing short of spectacular. It runs from Santa Fe to Taos. The landscape between Santa Fe and Chimayo is filled with dramatic rock formations. After that, the route passes by the Truchas Peaks to Las Trampas (pause to admire the church), through miles of forest that continue until the descent towards Taos. This road trip is about 70 miles long and is one of the most spectacular scenic drives in New Mexico.

Route: Highway 503 (off Highway 285), Highway 520, Highway 76, Highway 75, Highway 518. Keep an eye out for the signs marking the byway as it does weave quite a bit.

Take a look at this video by @T3Times:

5. Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway

The scenery along this 33-mile drive is as unique as it is stark. This unpaved road travels through the wilderness of El Malpais, a national monument that features a volcanic landscape and lava flows.

Route: County Road 42 (accessible via NM 53 or NM 117)

Tip: Only attempt this drive in a high-clearance vehicle and when the weather is good.

6. Jemez Mountain Trail Scenic Byway

The Jemez Mountain Trail Scenic Byway packs an insane amount of natural beauty into its 163 miles. This trip incorporates Valles Caldera (a great place to spot wildlife), Jemez Falls, and Soda Dam. Along the way, you’ll have access to developed hot springs or, if you’re in the mood for adventure, hike to some of the area’s primitive hot springs. It's one of the best scenic drives in New Mexico.

Route: NM 4, US 550, NM 126

7. Route 66 National Scenic Byway

The portion of Route 66 that spans New Mexico runs alongside I-40. The Mother Road passes through kitsch-laden Tucumcari, Santa Rosa (check out the Blue Hole), Albuquerque, Grants, and Gallup (stop to admire El Rancho Hotel).

Take a look at this video by @ThroughMyLens:

8. El Camino Real National Scenic Byway

Nowadays, the stretch of El Camino Real in New Mexico essentially follows I-25 - it branches off onto Highway 285 between Santa Fe and Espanola. This approximately 310-mile drive passes attractions such as Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Center and, of course, El Camino Real International Heritage Center.

9. Geronimo Trail National Scenic Byway

This 154-mile loop trail is named after the military leader Geronimo, who called this region home. You can start the drive at either San Lorenzo (near Silver City) or Beaverhead to the north. It passes through ghost towns such as Winston, the stunning Gila Wilderness, and Truth or Consequences where you can relax with a soak at one of the town’s many hot springs resorts.

Route from San Lorenzo: Highway 152, NM 187, 181, Highway 52, Highway 59

Have you explored any of these best New Mexico scenic drives? Which one is your favorite? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Looking for more fun? Here are more exciting road trips through New Mexico that'll take you to some quirky and interesting places. And don't forget to check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List before you hit the road!