As the heat of the summer fades this fall, tourism will once again pick up. Fall is one of the busiest times in Santa Fe, and it’s also one of the most beautiful. Though there are plenty of things to do in Santa Fe, like shopping, art galleries, and museums, we encourage you to plan an afternoon on one of these epic Santa Fe scenic drives. The High Road to Taos, which travels a mountain road through the mountains and small mountain communities between Santa Fe and Taos, is one of the most popular, but it’s not the only scenic drive to consider!
There’s something special about winding through the mountains amidst the golden glow of New Mexico’s colorful aspens. These Santa Fe scenic drives are made even better by the quaint communities you’ll visit. Fall is also a great time to visit local artisans in these communities, especially toward the end of September when the High Road Studio Tour begins. The scenic byways leading to and from Santa Fe offer a variety of day trips and stunning scenery and should be a “must” during your fall getaway.
Regardless of how you plan to enjoy your fall getaway in Santa Fe, there’s only one place worth considering as your home away from home. Our Bed and Breakfast in Santa Fe is conveniently located within walking distance to the historic Santa Fe Plaza and the New Mexico Capitol, but it’s tucked away on a quiet residential street for an intimate, peaceful retreat. With gorgeous and spacious accommodations, a delicious daily breakfast, and exceptional hospitality, there’s no better place to stay in Santa Fe. Book a room at our Bed and Breakfast in Santa Fe today!
Our Favorite Santa Fe Scenic Drives to Take This Fall
Autumn in the Santa Fe area transforms the high deserts and national forests into a mesmerizing display of color, and there’s no better way to enjoy them than Santa Fe scenic drives. These beautiful desert landscapes become even more enchanting when the bright pops of fall foliage make their appearance. The play of light on the rugged terrain and the bright pops of yellow aspens peeking out amidst the deep green pines are captivating.
One of the most popular Santa Fe scenic drives is the High Road to Taos, but there’s also the broader Enchanted Circle drive that treats you to the best of northern New Mexico. These aren’t the only gorgeous Santa Fe scenic drives worth taking this fall, though, and we have your guide to the best of them. Below, we’ve listed the five best routes for Santa Fe scenic drives.
- One of the most popular fall drives in New Mexico is the Enchanted Circle. This route takes you through historic towns and landmarks, like the oldest occupied residence of New Mexico and the Taos Pueblo, not to mention scenic alpine forests and lakes. The route encircles Wheeler Peak, the tallest part of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, showcasing some of New Mexico’s most stunning fall foliage.
- We’ve mentioned it already, but the High Road to Taos is among the most popular Santa Fe scenic drives. This picturesque fall drive winds through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, offering breathtaking vistas of mountains, forests, and traditional Pueblo villages. The fall colors along this route are particularly stunning, making it a favorite for leaf peepers.
- The Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway takes you through the heart of New Mexico’s mining history, offering stunning views of the Sandia Mountains and the vibrant fall foliage. It also passes through charming towns like Madrid and Cerrillos, known for their unique art galleries and quaint shops.
- Santa Fe Forest National Scenic Byway takes you deep into the Santa Fe National Forest, where you can witness the vibrant transformation of aspens and cottonwoods. It’s one of the most gorgeous Santa Fe scenic drives, and it’s also the perfect place to stop for some of the best fall hiking in Santa Fe.
- The Jemez Mountain Trail Scenic Byway offers diverse scenic beauty, from the Jemez Pueblo to the inspiring beauty of Valles Caldera National Preserve. The changing leaves enhance the area’s natural beauty in the fall, making it a must-see.
Fall Studio Tours on the High Road to Taos
There are more reasons to drive the Scenic High Road to Taos than the scenic fall beauty out your car window. This is one of those Santa Fe scenic drives that is beautiful regardless of the season, but there’s another reason to take this route during the fall.
Toward the end of September, the famed artisans along the High Road to Taos open their doors for the annual High Road Artisans Tour, one of the many New Mexico studio tours in the fall. This year marks the 27th year of the High Road Artisans Studio Tour, which will take place September 21 – 22 and 28 – 29. The studios open during this event are diverse, representing traditional and contemporary artists with various mediums and crafts.
Though some of these studios are open year-round, some only open during this coveted event, marking this studio tour as one of the best times to visit the area, especially if you’re looking to purchase art directly from the artist. In addition to visiting the High Road Artisans Tour studios, there are several beautiful towns and historical landmarks on the High Road to Taos. Some of the highlights on this gorgeous fall drive include:
- The Santuario de Chimayó
- The San Antonio de Padua Church
- The village of Truchas
- The San Francisco de Asis Church
Whether you come to Santa Fe for the art of you’re here to to embrace the unique confluence of culture that defines the northern New Mexico region, we’d love to share the best of Santa Fe with you. There’s no better place to stay in Santa Fe than Four Kachinas Inn and El Farolito Bed and Breakfast. Our two Inns represent the best Bed and Breakfast in Santa Fe. Book your stay with us today!
