25 Ways to Get into Nature in New MexicoCalling all nature lovers! Take these scenic byways off Route 66 to get into New Mexico's beautiful natural landscapes. Hike in the high desert, swim in a sparkling spring, ski in Santa Fe, or float above it all in a hot air balloon! Save these 25 ideas for your trip to the Land of Enchantment.AuthorsSteller
DestinationsNew MexicoItinerary

Mesalands Scenic Byway Stops

Santa Rosa Lake
The Mesalands Scenic Byway loops in and out of Route 66 between Santa Rosa and San Jon making it perfect for nature-seeking sidetrips! Locals and travelers alike flock to this lake in the summer to beat the heat. Enjoy water skiing, sailing, hiking, horseback riding, bird-watching, and camping.
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Blue Hole
Santa Rosa's famous geological phenomenon, the Blue Hole, is a unique 80-foot-deep pool connected to seven natural underground lakes. It's known for its ultra-clear water, which is why it's often called the scuba diving capital of the Southwest. Stop here for swimming, diving, snorkeling, and even scuba diving (with a permit). Fun fact: Blue Hole has been listed in the top 11 "Best Natural Swimming Holes in the US" by Condé Nast. Note: If you wish to scuba dive, purchase a permit at the Santa Rosa Blue Hole Dive Center. 🤿
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Sumner Lake State Park
South of Santa Rosa on Highway 84, Sumner Lake is situated among grassy plains, making it an excellent place for wildlife viewing and bird-watching. Lakeside camping and hiking are also available here.
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Conchas Lake State Park
With miles of shoreline to explore, there are many activities to enjoy in nature here, including hiking, birding, and boating. There are secluded coves to explore, too! Camp along the shore or in the surrounding highlands. Note: Cell service is limited or unavailable here.
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Ute Lake State Park
Enjoy the refreshing water at one of the longest lakes in the state—nearly 13 miles! You can go fishing, boating and sailing, kayaking, hiking, birding, and more at this state park. Camping is also available.
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Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway Stops

Turquoise Trail
The 52-mile Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway runs between Santa Fe and just east of Albuquerque on Highway 14. Named for the turquoise that was found along this route, it's also an absolutely beautiful place to get into nature with a lot of opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, and skiing. Tijeras is the gateway to the Turquoise Trail from Route 66. Tip: Before you head north on Highway 14, check out the section on Route 333 where the rumble strips play "America The Beautiful"! You can find the section by going eastbound between mile markers 4 and 5 near exit 170.
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Canyon Estates - Grand Enchantment Trailhead
If you're looking for some nearby hiking before leaving Tijeras, this trailhead is only about a mile from Route 66.
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Travertine Falls
Once you're headed north on the Turquoise Trail, the Travertine Falls Trail is another beautiful place to stop in the Sandia Mountain Wilderness area, with 11 trails in the area that will take you to Travertine Falls!
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Horseback Riding at Cedar Crest Stables in the Cibola National Forest. Lodging/Vacation Rental
Go horseback riding in the beautiful Cibola National Forest. This ranch is the only one with a permit to ride in the park. You can also rent the cottage and stay here.
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Turquoise Trail Campgrounds
Want to camp instead? At this campground, you can stay in your RV, rent a site for your tent, or reserve a cabin.
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Cerrillos Hills State Park
Step into over 1,000 years of mining history at this state park, which also features views of the Sandia, Ortiz, Jemez, and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges. The park, which has 5 miles of trails, is open year-round for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and picnicking.
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Broken Saddle Riding Co
There's another horseback riding opportunity just up the highway in Los Cerrillos. 🐎 You can ride Tennessee Walkers and Missouri Foxtrotters through Cerrillos Hills State Park year-round here! You'll head off over the scenic hills dotted with piñon pines and juniper and across the high desert. Plus, you'll get stunning views of all the area's mountain ranges.
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Garden of the Gods
Just a few miles from Cerrillos, stop at this stunning natural area to see beautiful and colorful sandstone formations. Some of these white, yellow, and pink rock wall formations were created before the Age of Dinosaurs and rise 40 feet!
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Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway

Santa Fe National Forest
The Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway begins in downtown Santa Fe and heads northeast on Highway 475 through 15 miles of aspen and evergreen forest. This scenic drive is especially beautiful in the fall when the aspens turn a fiery golden color! 🍂 In winter, this scenic byway takes skiers and snowboarders to the Santa Fe Ski Basin!
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Hyde Memorial State Park
Situated along Little Tesuque Creek, this state park along the Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway is perfect for hiking in the summer, or snowshoeing, sledding, and cross-country skiing in the winter! You can camp or rent a cozy yurt here, as well.
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Aspen Vista Picnic Ground
This spot is a beautiful place to stop for a picnic...and to take in the views. It's best in the fall for viewing the sea of golden aspens below.
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Vista Grande Overlook Observation Site
Stop here for gorgeous views of the Rio Grande Valley between the Jemez Mountains to the west and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the east!
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Ski Santa Fe
In winter, head up above 10,000 feet for unforgettable skiing in New Mexico in the Santa Fe National Forest. The mountain opens for skiing and snowboarding around the end of November and closes at the end of March or early April, depending on the snow levels.
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More Ideas!

Sky Railway
Here's another way to take in the stunning natural beauty of the Land of Enchantment. This 20-mile round-trip train route travels between Santa Fe and the town of Lamy, providing incredible views of the Rio Grande Gorge, forests, and mesas. There are several train rides to choose from. The "Sunset Serenade" round-trip is at just the right time to watch the sun go down behind the desert landscapes. "The Stargazer" gives you breathtaking views of the night sky. People also love the "Margarita Rail" and the "Santa Fe Scenic" trips. 🚂 Note that advance reservations are recommended.
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Rio Grande Gorge Full Day
See New Mexico from the waters of the Rio Grande! You'll float through the Lower Gorge's scenic Orilla Verde with a guide and spot birds and wildlife. Want a wilder ride? Request a kayak! The meeting and return point is near Santa Fe in Embudo.
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X-Treme-Lee Fun Balloon Adventures
Known as one of New Mexico's most scenic hot air balloon rides, all flights depart at sunrise from Red Rock Park near Gallup off Route 66. This is a unique way to view the area's landscape of red sandstone canyons and towering rock spires.
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Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunset
Albuquerque is famous for its fall balloon festival, but you can take this thrilling sunset ride over the area's beautiful landscapes any time between November and December. Of course, sunrise is the best time to go! Admire the Sandia Mountains in the distance as well as the iconic Rio Grande Valley from above.
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El Morro National Monument
El Morro is known for its towering multi-colored sandstone cliffs that date to the Jurassic Period, a hidden watering hole, and more than 2,000 ancient and historic rock inscriptions. At just under an hour from Route 66/Gallup, it is a popular area for hiking.
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Inscription Rock Trail
Located within El Morro, the Inscription Rock Trail is a short .75-mile loop that leads you to the base of the monument where you can view the natural pool, as well as the petroglyphs and inscriptions left by Ancestral Pueblans, Spanish explorers, and early American settlers. The trail also offers stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape!
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