Northern New Mexico was inhabited by Puebloans centuries (or longer) before the arrival of Spanish conquistadors in 1598. Rio Grande Pueblos, like Tesuque, Pojoaque, Nambe, San Ildefonso, Santa Clara, and Ohkay Owingeh traded with nearby mountain Pueblos, like Picuris and Taos. One of the largest arroyos in the Chimayo valley was an important trade route. That trail evolved into what is the network of paved roads between Pojoaque and Taos, now referred to as the “High Road to Taos.”
The High Road to Taos
The High Road is one of New Mexico’s most popular scenic byways for good reason. This area is beautiful throughout the year and downright eye-popping when the aspen gold peaks in autumn. The variety of landscapes provides a glorious smorgasbord of northern New Mexico’s natural assets, with a stretch of stark canyons and badlands in the foothills between Nambe and Chimayo, rising into dense forests and open meadows, surrounded by mountain peaks. It is one of eight routes in New Mexico to earn the distinction of National Scenic Byway.
Located in northern New Mexico, the 58-mile route (one way) is rich in art, culture, and history. The byway stitches together several paved state roads through the Sangre de Cristo mountains, passing through several Spanish Land Grant villages and Pueblo communities between Santa Fe and Taos. There are numerous studios and galleries on the way, representing a diverse variety of artistic disciplines, from traditional to contemporary.
If you are planning to do a round-trip to Taos from Santa Fe or Albuquerque, the Low Road to Taos runs through the canyon, often adjacent to the Rio Grande. The two combined provide a scenic introduction to the culture, history, and natural beauty of northern New Mexico.
Most of the information below focuses on the communities on the High Road, with few dining and lodging options tagged in Taos. This region is rich in terms of attractions and activities, from art and history to outdoor recreation. The links below are dedicated to the Taos area.
Catching the High Road
If you are coming from Taos, the turnoff is Highway 518 off Highway 68/Paseo del Pueblo in Ranchos de Taos. On the northbound route, there are four potential turnoffs to get on the High Road from US-84, as well as NM-68 (Espanola and Dixon). All of them are tagged on the map above.
Drive-time varies dramatically based on the number of stops, from 2.5 hours to all day.
From Santa Fe
- Highway 285/84 to Pojoaque, turning right on Highway 503 to Nambe. Approximately 16 miles from Santa Fe.
- Left on Highway 98 between Nambe and Chimayó. Turnoff is about 7.5 miles from Nambe. The Santuario de Chimayo is 2.5 miles from the turnoff.
- Right on Highway 76 at Chimayó. Take a hard left to stay on 76 in Truchas. Stay on Highway 76 until it meets Highway 75, which is between Picuris and Peñasco, approximately 24 miles.
- Right on Highway 75. Stay on Highway 75 until it runs into Highway 518, which will be about 6.5 miles.
- Left on Highway 518. There are several good scenic overlooks on this stretch. Stay on 518 until it runs into Highway 68 (in Ranchos de Taos), approximately 16.5 miles. Take a left if you want to see the San Franciso de Asis Mission. Take a right if you want to head to Taos Plaza or Taos Pueblo.
If you are interested in perusing shops and galleries on the way, here’s a map to small businesses and studios on the High Road. The cell phone signal is sporadic. Make appointments at galleries prior to embarking. Also, there are gas stations on the route, but not many. Gas up before you turn off NM-68 or NM-84.
Environment & Weather
The weather varies dramatically on the High Road due to changes in elevation and wind. It isn’t uncommon for the temperature to vary 50-60 degrees between early morning and nightfall, possibly more if elevation varies. Regardless of season, it is best to prepare for all possibilities, from warm to cold. Layering clothes is generally a good idea in New Mexico. No matter what it feels like outside, take plenty of water. You don’t notice water loss as much when it evaporates. For more general travel tips, please see New Mexico Travel Tips. That article has garnered a lot of good input from other nomadic New Mexicans over time.
High Road to Taos | Communities
There is a visceral connection to history and tradition in many of the small villages on the High Road. English was rarely spoken in this region until the 20th century, when paved roads and infrastructure connected formerly isolated villages to the amenities (and anxieties) of the modern world. The Spanish dialect preserved in the Spanish villages on the High Road was an offshoot of 15th century Castilian, with words and phrases that fell out of favor in Spain centuries ago.
Several of these remote Spanish outposts are associated with the Crypto Jews, the descendants of Jews who fled Spain during the Spanish Inquisition. Though they renounced their faith publicly to survive, some families continued to practice Judaism covertly. Others lost touch with their heritage completely, only to re-discover their roots through Ancestry.com or 23 and Me.
Nambé Pueblo


Today in Nambé
Nambé Pueblo encompasses almost 20,000 acres of towering cottonwoods, juniper, scrub oak and sandstone outcroppings. The village is home to approximately 1,100 members, most of whom are nominally Catholic; however, the community has maintained their connection to traditional cultural and religious customs. Until about 1830, Nambe was known for a pottery style called Nambe Polychrome. Pottery is making a comeback today, particularly black-on-black and red-on-white. Nambé Lake offers outstanding fishing opportunities and Nambé Falls Recreation Area is a popular summertime location for camping, picnics, and hiking. There are short trails to the waterfall. One follows the Rio Nambé. That one is relatively flat, coming to an end at the base of the waterfall. You will get wet on this trail. The second trail leads to an overlook of the waterfall. It is only ½ mile, but the elevation gain is over 200 feet, making it a bit more challenging than creekside. The recreation area also offers kayak rentals for visitors who want to spend some time on the lake. The Pueblo hosts a number of ceremonial dances that are open to the public. One of the most popular is the Nambé Falls Independence Day Celebration, which is an annual celebration on the 4th of July. The event has been a community tradition since the 1960s, with dance groups from multiple pueblos participating. Nambé Pueblo 15A NP 102 West Santa Fe, NM 87506 (505) 455-4410Stops Nearby
Chimayo Chile Brothers 147 NM-503 Santa Fe, NM 87506 (505) 570-9460 Powdered Chimayo red chile, an heirloom variety known for its unique flavor. Rancho Nambe 243 Camino del Rincon Santa Fe, NM 87506 (505) 455-3603 Bed and Breakfast with a gorgeous pool and fire places nestled in the lush, peaceful Nambé River Valley, twenty minutes north of Santa Fe. Sagrado Corazón de Jesus Catholic Church 192 NM-503 Santa Fe, NM 87506 Nambe Badlands Trailhead The Nambe Badlands Trail consists of two loops that cover about 5 miles of rolling terrain with several steep pitches. There are also excellent views of colorful eroded badlands. Located 4.5 miles north of the Nambe Pueblo Road intersection on NM 503, and 5.5 miles south of the NM503 and NM 98 road intersection south of Chimayo.Chimayó

Prayer and Pilgrimage
Built in 1816 by the Penitente Brotherhood, the Santuario de Chimayó is known for dirt with curative properties. Chimayo’s holy dirt is sold at shops near the church, but visitors can grab some from the chapel’s El Pocito, a back room in the chapel, with a well. The faithful rub the dirt on their bodies to ease arthritis, paralysis, sore throat, sadness, and the pains of childbirth. There are rooms in the lower courtyard dedicated to ex votos, offerings to saints who have fulfilled prayers for healing or provided protection, with an additional room full of crutches left behind by those healed. Additionally, the church is home to five colorful sacred paintings and numerous artifacts. The Santo Nino Chapel is next to the Santuario. This shrine is one of three in the world to honor Santo Nino de Atocha, the manifestation of Jesus as a child. The shrine is particularly significant to the New Mexican survivors of the Bataan Death March.
Lourdes of North America
Chimayó is an important Catholic pilgrimage site, often cited as the “Lourdes of North America.” The small chapels attract more than 300,000 visitors a year. The largest pilgrimage is on Holy Thursday and Good Friday, with up to 30,000 people walking to Chimayó, some from as far away as Albuquerque, which is about 90 miles south.Bataan Death March Survivors
During World War II, the Japanese Army captured 60,000-80,000 U.S. and Filipino servicemen after the Battle of Bataan. Thousands of the men were from New Mexico. They were forced to march over 60 miles without food or water. Thousands died. Many of the soldiers from New Mexico said they prayed to the Santo Niño de Atocha throughout the march. Many of the survivors participated in the annual pilgrimage to give thanks and to honor their fallen comrades, with their descendants continuing the tradition.
Chimayo Red Chile
Chimayó red chile is grown from original heirloom seeds passed down from generation to generation, with smaller pods than other varieties. The deep red color occurs during the drying process. The chile is usually oven-roasted, giving it a distinctive smoky flavor.Vigil Store | Potrero Trading Post
17 Santuario Dr # A Chimayo, NM 87522 (505) 351-4112 The Vigil store is between the Santuario and the Santo Nino chapel. They have a variety of crucifixes, candles, spiritual paraphernalia, and, most importantly, chile powder, including the coveted Chimayó heirloom red chile. They even provide a red chile sauce recipe. The Vigil store also carry chicos, a northern New Mexico specialty. They are made by steaming whole ears of corn in the husk and then drying them. It is a very labor-intensive, time-consuming process. The sun-dried corn has a sweet, fresh flavor. Corn roasted in an horno produces darker kernels, with a slightly smoky flavor.Rancho de Chimayó
300 Juan Medina Rd Chimayo, NM 87522 (505) 351-4444 Rancho de Chimayó has been THE place to eat in Chimayó for more than 50 years. Specializing in northern New Mexican cuisine, the restaurant is in a historic adobe ranch house up the road from the plaza. There are seven rooms. Each opens to an enclosed courtyard. It’s a warm and cozy atmosphere in the window, with numerous fireplaces. When it is warmer, the patio is the place to be, preferably with a margarita. Signature dishes include carne adovada, tender pork marinated in red chile, and stuffed sopaipillas. Whereas the state question is “red or green” and many opt for both, the answer in Chimayó should always be RED. If you have concerns about heat, order the red chile sauce on the side.
Chimayó Weavers
Centinela Traditional Arts, Ortega’s Weaving Shop and Trujillo’s Weaving Shop are multi-generational, family owned studios, specializing in traditional Chimayó weaving. The Chimayó style grew out of the Rio Grande and Saltillo styles in the early 20th century. It is defined by two sections of stripes and a center design. The central motif is usually diamond or hourglass shaped and very elaborate.
Centinela Traditional Arts
946 State Road 76, HCR 64 Box 4
Chimayo, NM 87522
(505) 351-2180
Ortega’s Weaving Shop
53 Plaza Del Cerro
Chimayó, NM 87522
(505) 351-4215
Trujillo’s Weaving Shop
814 NM 76
Chimayó, NM 87522
(505) 351-4457Córdova

Truchas

Truchas Land Grant
Truchas (Spanish for trout) was established by a 15,000-acre Spanish land grant in 1754. Like many of the small villages established on the perimeter of the Spanish territory at that time, Truchas was a farming community that doubled as fortification against the Apache and Comanche raiding parties who frequently pillaged both the Spanish settlements and Pueblos on the Rio Grande. The walled compound surrounded a central plaza. It is a fertile area, with a short growing season. Settlers dug miles of acequias (irrigation canals) to channel water from the Rio Quemado and Rio Truchas to surrounding fields. The primary channel begins four miles from the village.
Nuestra Señora del Sagrado Rosario
Nuestra Señora del Rosario, was completed around 1805. It is still used for services in the summer months. The adobe church is small and narrow, with a single aisle and wooden beam roof typical of New Mexican churches. A choir loft is present in the back of the church. The church contains a variety of 19th-century liturgical art, including crucifixes, retablos, and altar screens. Special permission from the Archdiocese of Santa Fe is generally necessary for admission to the church. They do not allow photography. Nuestra Señora del Sagrado Rosario 1664 NM-76 Truchas, NM 87578 (505) 351-9961
Las Trampas


Picurís Pueblo
San Lorenzo de Picurís
The original Spanish Mission in Picurís Pueblo was destroyed during the Pueblo Revolt in 1680. However, Franciscan missionaries restored the San Lorenzo de Picurís church between 1740-1750. When the 200-year-old church collapsed in 1989 due to water damage, pueblo members rebuilt it by hand. The public is welcome to view the San Lorenzo de Picurís church and the Picurís Pueblo Museum. The museum displays and sells beadwork, weaving and mica-infused pottery by local artists. Photography permits and self-guided tours within the pueblo are available to visitors. Please get permission before taking photos anywhere on the pueblo. Permits for trout fishing at Pu-La Lake are available by contacting the Picurís Pueblo Fish & Game and Parks & Wildlife. There are also picnic and campground facilities: (575) 587-1601. San Lorenzo Feast Day is August 10.Peñasco
Sipapu
Talpa

Ranchos de Taos

History of Taos
High Road to Taos | Travel Resources
Art

Art on the High Road
Oviedo Gallery NM-76 Chimayo, NM 87522 (505) 351-2280 The gallery features both wood carved and bronze sculpture from miniature to monumental.
Chimayó Weavers
The Chimayó style grew out of the Rio Grande and Saltillo styles in the early 20th century. It is defined by two sections of stripes and a center design. The central motif is usually diamond or hourglass shaped and very elaborate.
Centinela Traditional Arts 946 State Road 76, HCR 64 Box 4 Chimayo, NM 87522 (505) 351-2180
Ortega’s Weaving Shop 53 Plaza Del Cerro Chimayó, NM 87522 (505) 351-4215 Ninth generation weaving shop and gallery. Trujillo’s Weaving Shop 814 NM 76 Chimayó, NM 87522 (505) 351-4457Dining

Chile "Fix"
Chimayó Chile Brothers 147 NM-503 Santa Fe, NM 87506 (505) 570-9460 Powdered Chimayó red chile, an heirloom variety known for its unique flavor. Vigil Store | Potrero Trading Post 17 Santuario Dr # A Chimayó, NM 87522 (505) 351-4112 El Potrero carries the highest quality of religious articles, green and red chile, and folk art from New Mexico, including retablos (saints painted on wood), bultos (carved saints), tin crosses and mirrors, milagros, Mexican tin retablos, and other traditional art created by well-known Spanish Market artists.Lodging


Camping
Bureau of Land Management | Taos Field Office
1024 Paseo del Pueblo Sur Taos, New Mexico 87571 (505) 351-1438 Overlook Campground (Santa Cruz Lake) Owned and operated by the BLM it has 12 first come, first served campsites. Each site is spacious and level with a shaded picnic table, grill, fire ring and trash can. A vault toilet is located centrally to all the sites, no water furnished. Trailers and RV's are limited to 30-feet in length due to site size and turns on the road. Built in October 1976 the campground is very well maintained with retro styling of its picnic table covers. The views are tremendous here from all the sites with dark skies and gentle breezes at night. $9/night.Carson National Forest
208 Cruz Alta Road Taos, NM 87571 (575) 758-6200 Comales Campground These sites are at the trailhead of Comales Canyon Trail. Close to paved road and Rio Pueblo fishing. Two sites. Toilets, but no potable water available. Under 36’ trailer mobility. $14/night Day use parking is $7/day. Map Information Duran Canyon Campground 12 single campsites on Duran Creek. Trailhead to La Cueva Lake Trail #8 and Duran/Policarpio Trail #13. 2 miles north east of Tres Ritos along Forest Road 76, off of State Highway 518. No host or services. Bathrooms are open, but not serviced. No toilet paper. Not clean. Trailer mobility - under 16.' Hodges Primitive Campground Primitive campground for hikers and backpackers. 14 sites. Pack in, pack out. Trampas Diamante Campground 16 primitive campsites with fire rings and picnic tables, and vault toilets are available for visitor use. The campsites are first-come-first-serve. An interesting fact about the area is that it was once used as a filming location for the television show "Longmire." Fans of the show might recognize the campground as the location where Sheriff Longmire and his friend Henry Standing Bear go camping. Trampas Medio Campground Trampas Medio campground is about 1/4 mile from the Trampas Lakes trailhead and perhaps 1/2 mile from the San Leonardo Lakes trailhead where FR 207 and FR 639 meet. The campground has 3-4 campsites. The sites are right along the Rio de las Trampas. Santa Barbara Campground 29 developed campsites at popular drop-off/pick-up point for Pecos Wilderness hikers and riders heading to Jicarita Peak (12,835-feet). Adjacent to Rio Santa Barbara, with fly-fishing available. Outstanding fall colors. Equestrian parking. Heavy usage on holiday weekends and weekends in July. Medium to light usage most other days of the open season.
Carson National Forest | Camino Real Ranger District
15160 NM-75 Penasco, NM 87553 (575) 587-2255 Agua Piedra Campground Agua Piedra campground and group shelters are located in a mixed forest of spruce, fir and aspen trees, which provide some shade throughout the day. At an altitude of 8,100 feet, temperatures can cool off during the summer nights. Two trailheads begin in the area, including a novice trail that is entirely accessible. An intermediate and longer trail is also available for not only hiking, but also horseback riding and biking, and cross country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. The campground includes 40 single sites each with a table and fire ring, two double sites each with two tables and a fire ring, and two group shelters located west of the campground. Vault toilets, drinking water from faucets, and trash removal are provided. Firewood is available to purchase from the host.Santa Fe National Forest
11 Forest Lane Santa Fe, NM 87508 (505) 438-5300 Borrego Mesa Campground The Borrego Mesa Campground is located close to several trailheads leading into the north half of the Pecos Wilderness. 8 sites. Amenities include picnic tables, firepits, and small corrals at each site suitable for one or two horses. The vaulted toilet is currently not in service. Adjacent to and south of the campground is the Rio Medio Trailhead, one of the major trailheads into the Pecos Wilderness. The campground is rather primitive and little used, and is much less developed than most. Twenty miles east of Española NM. To get to Borrego Mesa, take State Road 503 out of Pojoaque through Nambe and Cundiyo. Just past the turn off to the west to Santa Cruz Lake you will see the junction with Forest Road 306. Turn right on FR 306. Just after nine miles turn right on Forest Road 435 into the Borrego Mesa campground.RV Park
Taos Valley RV Park 120 Este Es Road Ranchos De Taos, NM 87571 (575) 758-4469 TaosValleyRV@gmail.comThings to See

Pot Creek Cultural Site
13 Farrell St Ranchos De Taos, NM 87557 The Pot Creek Cultural Site is open from June to September. The Ancestral Puebloan village was occupied by approximately 1000 people in the 1300s. The one-mile loop trail winds through the ruins of three adobe structures. Additionally, one building has been restored, with an 8-room home and kiva. There are stone artifacts and pottery shards throughout. The site's gate is locked, but vehicles can park on the pull-out next to the road and walk in.Churches & Missions
Sagrado Corazón de Jesus Catholic Church 192 NM-503 Santa Fe, NM 87506

