![\"\"](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/albuquerque-NM-008.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"Santa](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/santa-fe-131-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"Santa](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/santa-fe-123-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nNew Mexico is known for a whole slew of spectacular things. The striking white gypsum sand dunes of White Sands National Park<\/b><\/a>. The famous International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque<\/b><\/a>. The development of the first atomic bomb (yes, true story). Tons of Native American art, including pottery, jewelry, and textiles. Vast underground caves and formations in Carlsbad Caverns. The oldest capital city in the United States (Santa Fe<\/b><\/a>)!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I mean, the state\u2019s nickname is the \u201cLand of Enchantment\u201d afterall! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even American artist Georgia O’Keeffe made New Mexico her home and got tons of inspiration from its scenic landscapes. Oh, and you can\u2019t forget about that green chile stew and those blue-corn enchiladas. And all that traditional Pueblo architecture and adobe buildings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/truth-or-consequences-nm-034-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/truth-or-consequences-nm-088-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"Santa](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/santa-fe-025-750x563.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s unlike anywhere else in the Southwest, and so, so different from Texas! Even the iconic Route 66 passes through New Mexico. The state really has so much going for it, and yet, most people head straight to Arizona<\/b><\/a> or Utah<\/b><\/a> (completely forgetting about New Mexico altogether). What a shame! I bet this week in New Mexico itinerary will totally change your mind, wink wink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s even lava fields, volcanoes, and badlands. Bet you had no idea New Mexico was this diverse! We won\u2019t be able to see everything on our New Mexico road trip, but you\u2019ll definitely see a lot! Okay, I\u2019ll stop gushing\u2026 but if you\u2019ve never tried fry bread or a sopapilla drizzled with honey, book your flight right now. Promise you won\u2019t regret it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Overview and Logistics of this New Mexico Road Trip<\/strong><\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
- Day 1:<\/b> Albuquerque<\/a><\/li>
- Day 2:<\/b> Santa Fe<\/a><\/li>
- Day 3:<\/b> Santa Fe<\/li>
- Day 4:<\/b> Taos or Day Spa\u00a0<\/li>
- Day 5:<\/b> Bandelier National Monument<\/a><\/li>
- Day 6:<\/b> Truth or Consequences<\/a><\/li>
- Day 7:<\/b> White Sands National Park<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Estimated Driving Time: <\/b>+\/- 15 hours (1000+ miles)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This New Mexico road trip basically follows Interstate 25 \u2014 a major north-south highway traversing basically the entire length of the state. Meaning you\u2019re gonna see a whole lot!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"weekend](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/albuquerque-NM-046-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/albuquerque-NM-047-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Hatch-Chile-Market-NM-2-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/white-sands-new-mexico-69-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhere is New Mexico<\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
New Mexico is located in the southwestern region of the US, and bordered by Colorado, Oklahoma (a teensy tiny sliver!), Texas, and Arizona. Plus my favorite \u2013 the country of Mexico<\/b><\/a> to the south! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The state is<\/i> entirely landlocked (meaning no coastline or ocean\/sea), but I promise, you won\u2019t be missing the water as there\u2019s so many other views to admire! Lots of high mountain peaks, expansive deserts, and even sand dunes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s one of the four states that make up the Four Corners Monument, although we won\u2019t be headed that far northwest on this New Mexico itinerary (it\u2019s a few extra hours of driving if you\u2019re so inclined)! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And something I really had no clue about until I started researching \u2013 at 121,590 square miles, New Mexico is the fifth-largest state in the U.S.<\/i> (behind Alaska, Texas<\/b><\/a>, California<\/b><\/a>, and Montana). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/santa-fe-038-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/santa-fe-008-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/santa-fe-202-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"Santa](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/santa-fe-139-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAnd there\u2019s so much natural beauty! The Northern part of New Mexico is home to parts of the Rocky Mountains (yes, really) and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The Rio Grande is one of the major rivers in New Mexico, while you’ll find the Jemez Mountains to the northwest of Santa Fe. And then there\u2019s the Sandia Mountains, rising dramatically from the Rio Grande Valley east of Albuquerque.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where to Start Your New Mexico Road Trip<\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Where you start this New Mexico road trip really depends on what airport you decide to fly into! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most people fly into Albuquerque International Sunport <\/b>(airport code ABQ), the largest and busiest airport in New Mexico. Because of that, I\u2019m writing this New Mexico road trip starting in Albuquerque! But you can also fly into Santa Fe or even El Paso, Texas which I\u2019ll get into a bit below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Santa](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/santa-fe-151-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/truth-or-consequences-nm-042-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/santa-fe-183-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/santa-fe-120-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nComing from San Francisco, we couldn\u2019t find many nonstop flights to ABQ, so had to connect in Salt Lake City. And since we were traveling over a busy holiday weekend (Thanksgiving!), flights were more pricey than normal. Was it worth it to spend a week in New Mexico? 100%!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Note that you can also fly into Santa Fe Municipal Airport (SAF)<\/b>, but the airport is TINY, and only serves regional flights. Meaning there\u2019s a super limited number of direct flights available (only from Dallas, Denver, and Phoenix at this time). If you\u2019re coming from one of those cities, definitely check into flying straight to Santa Fe as it\u2019ll decrease the overall drive time of this New Mexico road trip a tad!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And then there\u2019s ALSO El Paso International Airport (ELP)<\/b> \u2013 which, yes, is in Texas, but a great idea if you\u2019re starting your New Mexico road trip in the southern part of the state. It\u2019s only about an hour (50 miles) from Las Cruces, which is a great place to base yourself for visiting White Sands National Park. Do this road trip in reverse if you\u2019re flying into El Paso!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So basically, if you’re visiting central or northern New Mexico first, it’s best to fly into Albuquerque, and if you wanna start your week in New Mexico in the southern part of the state, El Paso may make more sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/santa-fe-064-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"Santa](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/santa-fe-024-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"Bandelier](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/bandelier-national-monument-nm-32-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"Santa](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/santa-fe-007-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nRound Trip Road Trip or One Way?<\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You can do this New Mexico road trip one of two ways:<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Starting and ending in Santa Fe\/Albuquerque<\/li>
- Flying into Santa Fe\/Albuquerque and flying out of El Paso (or vice versa)<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s pros and cons to both, but we ultimately decided to fly in and out of Albuquerque, so naturally headed back to ABQ at the end of our trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Roundtrip<\/b>: No one-way car rental fee, an extra 3-4 hours of driving, airfares will probably be more cost-effective<\/li>
- One-way<\/b>: Extra car rental fees, less driving, but possibly higher airfares<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
My recommendation? Look into car rental rates and airfares before you make your final decision!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Renting a Car in New Mexico<\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Since this is in fact a road trip<\/i>, you\u2019ll need a vehicle to get you from place to place! Worth mentioning so you don\u2019t forget to account for the cost of a rental car when following this New Mexico itinerary! I like to search via this site<\/b><\/a> in order to compare rental companies to see who has the best price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Things](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/white-sands-new-mexico-02-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/albuquerque-NM-079-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"weekend](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/albuquerque-NM-071-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/albuquerque-NM-105-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s plenty of car rental agencies right at the ABQ airport, and I recommend renting one for pickup as soon as you land. The top sites in Albuquerque are kinda spread out, so you\u2019ll definitely want the flexibility of your own car starting from Day 1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many rental car shops charge extra for returning their cars at different pick up\/drop off locations \u2013 just something to keep in mind if you\u2019re planning to head home from a different airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Note: We didn\u2019t pay any tolls on our New Mexico road trip, and if you follow this itinerary, you won\u2019t either! That\u2019s because there\u2019s NO toll roads in New Mexico at all! ZERO! You can drive from Santa Fe all the way south to White Sands National Park without having to worry about paying tolls or getting an EZPass\/Fast Track or other toll booth pass provider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, all the roads and main highways we drove on (I-25) were completely paved and easy to drive without any major potholes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When to Take this New Mexico Road Trip<\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This post assumes you\u2019ll be driving during the spring, summer, or fall, roughly between April and November. Note that snow is common in higher altitudes in New Mexico (Taos, Santa Fe, etc), so always be prepared for that (yes, even in April\/May and October\/November). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"weekend](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/albuquerque-NM-049-750x563.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nNew Mexico experiences a huge variety of climates, ranging from arid and semi-arid in the south to a more alpine climate in the northern mountains. Plus, the state\u2019s got a lot of big elevation changes, which definitely contributes to variations in temperature. When you go will drastically affect your trip, so read below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Spring (March to May)<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ohhh \u2013 spring is an excellent time for a New Mexico road trip! Temps will be mild (ranging from 50\u00b0F to 70\u00b0F), with lots of blooming flowers and green landscapes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do note that snowfall is still possible in early spring at higher elevations (particularly in mountainous areas), so just be aware of that. Thunderstorms are also possible (usually in the afternoon and evenings), but mornings are typically dry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Summer (June to August)<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Summer in New Mexico gets hot, hot, hot, with temps ranging from 80\u00b0F to 95\u00b0F in lower elevations. Thankfully, higher elevations are cooler and more moderate. This is when it’s most crowded, so make sure to grab all your accommodations and even restaurant reservations well in advance!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And if you look towards the highest mountain peaks, you just maybe<\/i> will be able to see some lingering snow! So, so beautiful!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Important note: Summer is MONSOON season, with afternoon and evening thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. You don\u2019t wanna be outside this part of day. Flash foods do and can happen, although mostly in arroyos (dry stream beds). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re exploring remote parts of the state or desert areas, always be cautious of flash foods; they can happen pretty quickly! It\u2019s crucial to stay away from low-lying areas, dry washes, and arroyos during or after heavy rainfall. Not sure what those are? Look them up! Be safe, always \u2013 never take any chances with your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"weekend](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/albuquerque-balloon-fiesta-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nFall (September to November)<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fall in New Mexico is absolutely beautiful! It\u2019s a super pleasant season with cooler temperatures, vibrant foliage, and tons of cultural events. And a much less chance of thunderstorms than summer (thank goodness!). Plus the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta falls every October (!!!). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
My top choice for this week-long New Mexico road trip, although I wish we went a few weeks earlier than we did!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Expect crisp and comfortable weather (typically 50\u00b0F to 70\u00b0F) and beautiful fall foliage. Aspen trees turn golden yellow and cottonwoods get all red and orangey \u2013 gorgeous! If you\u2019re looking for the best foliage, head to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and other higher elevations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While snow typically doesn\u2019t fall until winter, you may catch the first snowfall in late fall at higher elevations!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For reference, we completed this New Mexico itinerary in mid-late November, and it was *so* much colder than expected, haha. I\u2019m not really sure why I thought it\u2019d be a little warm\u2026 probably because it\u2019s in the southwest and I associate that part of the country with scorching hot temps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alas, don\u2019t be me, and take along a true winter jacket if you\u2019re visiting in late fall and especially the dead of winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/santa-fe-235-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/santa-fe-061-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"weekend](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/albuquerque-NM-032-750x563.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWinter (December to February)<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
New Mexico in winter is kinda tricky \u2013 there\u2019ll still be plenty of blue sky days (winters are known to be crisp and clear), but it\u2019s gonna be COLD. And since elevation changes so much depending on where in the state you are, the weather can vary drastically from one area to the next. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Expect cities\/towns in low elevation (like Albuquerque, Las Cruces, and Carlsbad) to have highs ranging from 30\u00b0F to 50\u00b0F (so really, not terrible!), but temps in higher elevations (especially mountainous areas like Taos and Santa Fe) will be much colder \u2013 think 30\u00b0F to 40\u00b0F during the day and dropping below 10\u00b0F at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Come during winter if you\u2019re planning to ski or snowboard! Taos and even Santa Fe have some great ski resorts for both \u2013 and yes, tons of snow. It may snow at lower elevations but not super likely, and will probably melt pretty quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Experience with driving in snow is a big plus \u2013 you never know when there\u2019ll be a major snowstorm, especially in the mountains. This New-York-turned-California girl will not be driving during winter in New Mexico anytime soon, haha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where to Stay Along the Drive<\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Whenever I travel, I try to minimize the number of times I need to switch hotels. It\u2019s just so annoying to pack up every single day and move your stuff (in my opinion). Therefore, I attempted to do this for our New Mexico road trip, only staying in 4 different hotels during our week-long trip. Sure, it\u2019s still quite a few but better than 6 different hotels!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/santa-fe-240-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"Santa](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/santa-fe-046-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/santa-fe-134-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nHere\u2019s what we did and I recommend you do as well:<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Albuquerque<\/b>: 1 night at the beginning of the trip (Hotel Chaco<\/a>)<\/li>
- Santa Fe<\/b>: 3 nights (Rosewood Inn Of the Anasazi<\/a> and\/or Pueblo Bonito Santa Fe<\/a>)<\/li>
- Truth or Consequences<\/b>: 1 night (Holiday Inn Express & Suites Truth or Consequences<\/a>)<\/li>
- Las Cruces or Alamogordo<\/b>: 1 night (Holiday Inn Express Hotel Las Cruces<\/a>)<\/li>
- Albuquerque<\/b>: 1 night at the end of the trip (Hotel Chaco<\/a>)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ll notice we stayed in Santa Fe for 3 nights, which seems kinda overkill for a fast-moving road trip, dontcha think?! Fear not, you can easily do day trips to both Bandelier National Monument and Taos from Santa Fe, both in under an hour and a half.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019d really like, you can stay in Taos for a night, but I honestly don\u2019t think it’s worth changing hotels unless you wanna stay there for more than a day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other Important Things to Know for this New Mexico Itinerary<\/strong><\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
- Gas is inexpensive.<\/b> We paid about $2.50 a gallon, which, compared to the $5+ we typically pay in California, seemed exceptionally cheap to us. And for a road trip, we didn\u2019t even fill up that many times (I think twice over the course of our week in New Mexico if I remember correctly). Not bad!<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- On that note, there\u2019s not much gas between Las Cruces and Albuquerque<\/b>, so fill up ahead of time and don\u2019t let your tank get too low. If you\u2019re even half full and see a station, I\u2019d fill up just to be on the safe side.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- A lot of New Mexico is at high elevation<\/b> (including Santa Fe, Taos, Los Alamos, Jemez Springs, etc). If you plan to visit mountainous areas, stay hydrated and take breaks. You don\u2019t wanna fall victim to altitude sickness!<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/albuquerque-NM-114-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"weekend](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/albuquerque-NM-131-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/albuquerque-NM-121-750x563.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n- New Mexico gets lots of sunny days<\/b> (yay!), so slather on that sunscreen and wear sunglasses and a hat. That high-altitude sun is no joke!<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- If you follow this New Mexico road trip, you\u2019ll be traveling on one main highway \u2014 Highway I-25, which runs north to south. You\u2019ll encounter border patrol checkpoints<\/b> as you get to the southern part of the state \u2013 because our last stop, Las Cruces, is only about 50 miles from Mexico! We had no problems with these (just wanted you to be aware).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Have your camera ready at all times, as we saw stunning landscapes on the drives<\/b>. But be careful and only stop at designated turn offs (especially on mountain roads!). <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- New Mexico was popularized by the hit tv shows Breaking Bad<\/b> and Better Call Saul (we\u2019re huge fans!). You can even take a tour of the filming locations in Albuquerque.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- There\u2019s no way you can see all of New Mexico in a week<\/b>. If you\u2019ve got more time, consider adding Roswell, the Bisti Badlands, and\/or Carlsbad Caverns to your New Mexico itinerary! On my list for next time.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The Complete New Mexico Road Trip Itinerary <\/strong><\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Finally, what you came here for \u2014 the perfect week in New Mexico! I know I\u2019m exceptionally wordy, but hey, all that info above is important! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/bandelier-national-monument-nm-46-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"Santa](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/santa-fe-188-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/santa-fe-079-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/white-sands-new-mexico-49-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nNote: This New Mexico itinerary assumes you have a full week in the state. You\u2019ll wanna get to ABQ the night before in order to see and do everything on this road trip, unless you cut a few things out or spend less time at each spot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But don\u2019t fret \u2013 there\u2019s ways around it if you\u2019ve only got 5 or 6 full days. I recommend combining Days 4 and 5 by doing a short hike in Bandelier in the morning, and then spending the afternoon\/early evening at the spa. OR you can try and squeeze everything you wanna do in Santa Fe into one day instead of two! You\u2019ve definitely got options!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Day 1: Albuquerque <\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Welcome to ABQ! Time to get this New Mexico road trip underway! Get ready \u2013 it\u2019s gonna be an exhilarating week, filled with tons of scenic beauty, tons of Native American crafts, and too many blue corn enchiladas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But first \u2013
- There\u2019s no way you can see all of New Mexico in a week<\/b>. If you\u2019ve got more time, consider adding Roswell, the Bisti Badlands, and\/or Carlsbad Caverns to your New Mexico itinerary! On my list for next time.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- New Mexico was popularized by the hit tv shows Breaking Bad<\/b> and Better Call Saul (we\u2019re huge fans!). You can even take a tour of the filming locations in Albuquerque.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Have your camera ready at all times, as we saw stunning landscapes on the drives<\/b>. But be careful and only stop at designated turn offs (especially on mountain roads!). <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- If you follow this New Mexico road trip, you\u2019ll be traveling on one main highway \u2014 Highway I-25, which runs north to south. You\u2019ll encounter border patrol checkpoints<\/b> as you get to the southern part of the state \u2013 because our last stop, Las Cruces, is only about 50 miles from Mexico! We had no problems with these (just wanted you to be aware).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- A lot of New Mexico is at high elevation<\/b> (including Santa Fe, Taos, Los Alamos, Jemez Springs, etc). If you plan to visit mountainous areas, stay hydrated and take breaks. You don\u2019t wanna fall victim to altitude sickness!<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- On that note, there\u2019s not much gas between Las Cruces and Albuquerque<\/b>, so fill up ahead of time and don\u2019t let your tank get too low. If you\u2019re even half full and see a station, I\u2019d fill up just to be on the safe side.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Santa Fe<\/b>: 3 nights (Rosewood Inn Of the Anasazi<\/a> and\/or Pueblo Bonito Santa Fe<\/a>)<\/li>
- One-way<\/b>: Extra car rental fees, less driving, but possibly higher airfares<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Roundtrip<\/b>: No one-way car rental fee, an extra 3-4 hours of driving, airfares will probably be more cost-effective<\/li>
- Day 2:<\/b> Santa Fe<\/a><\/li>