Explore Northern New Mexico
Full and Half Day Trips From Santa Fe

map of daytrips in Northern New Mexico from Lamplighter Inn of Santa Fe, NM

O'KEEFFE COUNTRY
Full day. Travel north through the striking open country made famous by artist Georgia O'Keeffe and numerous photographers. Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs offers hot mineral water baths and spa treatments. The route passes O'Keeffe's Ghost Ranch and two of New Mexico's lakes. At Chama, board a narrow gauge steam train for an excursion into the past. Return crossing the Rio Grande Gorge and dine in Taos, before descent to Santa Fe through the Rio Grande Canyon.

TURQUOISE TRAIL
Half Day. Loop down through open country and the scenic little villages of Lamy and Galisteo, then find lunch and shopping in the restored 1890's town of Madrid. Turquoise was once mined in the Cerrillos, the little hills of the same name as the town north of Madrid.

  

PECOS NATIONAL
MONUMENT
Half day. This short drive east from Santa Fe follows old trade routes and gives the traveler a taste of the rocky beauty of New Mexico before taking Glorieta Pass into Pecos. At Pecos Historic Park enter restored kivas (ceremonial pit houses) and explore the ruins of a Spanish Colonal church dating from the conques

Spanish Mission Cathedral Ruins at Pecos National Monument near Santa Fe, NM
Cathedral at Pecos Natl. Monument
 
   

 

Sanctuario de Chimayo, near Santa Fe, NM
Sanctuario de Chimayo
Be sure to pick up your free, detailed highway map at our front desk.

HIGH ROAD TO TAOS
Full day. Drive north from Santa Fe through isolated mountain villages, each with its notable Spanish Colonial church. Photograph the statuesque church at Ranchos de Taos. Lunch in Taos and visit famous Taos Pueblo. Return before dark to appreciate spectacular scenery as highway 68 follows the narrow canyon of the Rio Grande south.

BANDELIER
Busy half day. A great hiking trail at Bandelier leads down to the shore of the Rio Grande. Also at this National Monument are extensive and well-preserved Anasazi ruins. The rock here is part of the same volcanic formation as around the town of Los Alamos. Further ahead is Valle Grande, an obvious circular volcanic caldera.

Bandelier Cliff Dwelling, Bandelier National Monument, near Santa Fe, NM
Anasazi Ruins at Bandelier

 


2405 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Information 505-471-8000
Reservations 800-767-5267

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