The Spontaneous Road Trip Through New Mexico That Is The Perfect Weekend Of Adventure

There are times when that itch to travel comes about and I can’t help but jump in my car and hit the road, oftentimes with no plan in mind. I love exploring new-to-me places within an hour or two from where I live in order to satisfy my wanderlust when I can’t just hop on a plane and travel far. If you’re like me and, from time to time, could use a spontaneous road trip through New Mexico, here’s one you might like:

Google Maps

As it stands, the route is 207 miles and will roughly take 4.5 hours of driving time. It's also a loop, so you can start at the closest point to where you live. Ready to get going?

Petroglyph National Monument, Western Trail NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120, USA

Angel Schatz/Flickr

Our first stop is at Petroglyph National Monument. Here you will discover tens of thousands of images etched into the rocks by Ancestral Pueblos as well as Spanish settlers. It's utterly fascinating as you walk around looking at what these ancient people depicted in stone.

Advertisement

Sandia Peak Tramway, 30 Tramway Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122, USA

Management/TripAdvisor

It's time for some fun...and some scenery! There's no attraction quite like the Sandia Peak Tramway, and as the longest tram in the country, you'll be taken on a 2.7-mile ride up the mountain. Have your camera ready for the picturesque vistas you're about to see!

Advertisement

Meow Wolf Santa Fe, 1352 Rufina Cir, Santa Fe, NM 87507, USA

Meow Wolf/Facebook

Next up is Santa Fe where you'll find another fun and unique attraction known as Meow Wolf. This museum offers over 100 sensational art pieces made by local artists that you can interact with. The art is spread throughout 70 rooms and four floors, and you'll surely have a great time!

Related Stories

We Dare You To Take This Road Trip To New Mexico’s Most Abandoned Places

Take This Hidden Gems Road Trip When You Want To See Some Little-Known Places In New Mexico

The Christmas Lights Road Trip Through New Mexico That's Nothing Short Of Magical

Santa Fe Plaza, 63 Lincoln Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA

Amber Z/TripAdvisor

While you're in the city, you may as well peruse the Santa Fe Plaza. You can spend a few hours shopping, maybe stop at a cafe for a coffee, have some lunch or dinner...the choice is yours! Santa Fe may also be a great place to spend the night before continuing on this road trip. I suggest the highly-rated La Posada de Santa Fe, A Tribute Portfolio Resort & Spa.

Los Alamos, NM 87544, USA

Kari Nousiainen/Flickr

Once home to the Manhattan Project, Los Alamos is a fascinating destination in New Mexico. Not only can you learn about this community where the first atomic bomb was created, but there are numerous natural areas to explore. You can take some time to explore the Bradbury Science Museum and the Los Alamos History Museum, and perhaps a hike at the Los Alamos Nature Center. There's plenty to see around town!

Jemez Springs, NM 87025, USA

Matthew Dillon/Flickr

Home to Soda Dam, a unique natural wonder, Jemez Springs is always worth a stop. Of course, you have to see the Soda Dam itself. Measuring 300 feet in length and 50 feet in height, this unique geological feature has small caves, a small waterfall, and a pool to explore.

Rinconada Canyon Trail, 7601 St Josephs Ave, Albuquerque, NM 87120, USA

Jacob Read/AllTrails

Now, looping back into Albuquerque, we are going to take a hike along the Rinconada Canyon Trail. This trail is located in the Rinconada section of the 7,200-acre Petroglyph National Monument. Yes, I know we started out at this national monument but it's worth visiting it again, especially this part of it. The hike is just over two miles long and will take most people less than an hour to complete. It's a gorgeous trail with petroglyphs along the way.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for a spontaneous road trip through New Mexico, would you consider taking this one? What stops would you add? Let us know!

Before you head out on any road trip through the Land of Enchantment, make sure you take a look at our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List for everything you’ll need.