This 75-mile Drives Is One of the Most Beautiful in the U.S.-With Sacred Sites, Adobe Homes, and Stunning Mountain Views

"Before hitting the road, download or print a map with directions in case you lose cell service. Also, be sure to fill up on gas, water, and snacks because gas stations are limited on this route. Plus, you'll want to check the weather prior to making the drive, since the winter months can mean snowy road conditions with the route's high elevation."

"Santa Fe, New Mexico's state capital, is a mecca for art collectors, foodies, and Southwest history buffs. Arrive the night before your drive and stay at the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado or The Inn of Five The Graces, where you can enjoy a dinner of Southwestern cuisine made with red or green chili sauce-or "Christmas-style," for both. The next morning, stroll the historic Santa Fe Plaza area to admire adobe-style architecture and shop for locally made jewelry from Native American vendors at the Palace of the Governors."

The High Road to Taos Scenic Byway is a less-than-75-mile route between Santa Fe and Taos that rewards slow travel with landscapes, historic churches, and mountain villages. Travelers should allow extra time despite the under-three-hour drive to appreciate heritage sites, art, and local traditions. Preparations include downloading or printing maps, filling gas, carrying water and snacks, and checking weather due to high-elevation winter snow. Santa Fe serves as a recommended starting point with lodging options and plazas offering Southwestern cuisine and Native American jewelry. The route shifts from Sangre de Cristo foothill vistas into narrower mountain passages, revealing community identity at each stop.

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