Winding through the heart of northern New Mexico’s high country, the Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway delivers 15 miles of stunning mountain scenery just minutes from the historic city of Santa Fe. This state-designated scenic route climbs through fragrant ponderosa pine forests, past sun-dappled aspen groves, and along rushing mountain streams fed by snowmelt from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Travelers will discover sweeping vistas of the Rio Grande Valley, dramatic rock formations carved by centuries of wind and water, and meadows carpeted with wildflowers during summer months. Watch for mule deer, elk, and wild turkeys along the roadside. Trailheads beckon hikers into pristine wilderness, while picnic areas offer quiet spots to soak in the mountain air.

The drive pairs beautifully with a visit to the galleries and adobe architecture of Santa Fe, giving travelers the rare chance to experience world-class culture and untouched wilderness in a single day.

Allow one to two hours for the drive, with extra time for stops and short hikes. Fall brings the most spectacular scenery, when golden aspens blaze against deep blue skies, but summer and early spring offer their own quiet rewards. This is New Mexico at its most breathtaking.

Explore Nearby

• San Lorenzo Canyon — Public Land in New Mexico
• Black Mesa State Park — State Park in Oklahoma
• Sugarite Canyon State Park — State Park in New Mexico
• Penitente Canyon — Public Land in Colorado