High Road to Taos

Spanning 105 miles, driving the High Road to Taos takes about 2 hours without any stops. As the name implies, this scenic byway is at a higher elevation when compared to the Low Road, starting at 5,280 feet (1,609 meters) in Nambe and reaching 8,000 feet (2,438 feet) in Truchas. It is also the windy of the two—for those who get car sick, take heed.

This landscape showcases the influence of Old Spain, rich with tiny villages, Spanish Colonial architecture, juniper- and sagebrush-spotted hills, and unique local crafts. Stop in Chimayo, a U.S. National Park American Latino Heritage site, famed for its red chile and village church with healing earth. The halfway point is Truchas, the 18th century-era village where the 1988 Robert Redford film, The Milagro Beanfield War, was set. After driving through the alpine scenery of the Carson National Forest, you'll come to Taos, your destination.

• Gas stations are sparse along this rural highway, so fuel up before you head out.

• Visitors to the Santuario de Chimayo can take a bit of sacred dirt from "El Pocito" (meaning "little well") in the room to the left of the main altar, which is said to bring healing and miracles.

• Experience dishes made with Chimayo's beloved red chile at the Rancho de Chimayo restaurant, and take some home after a visit to the El Potrero Trading Post.

• For those interested in 18th-century Spanish Colonial art and architecture, Truchas is a treasure trove—be sure to visit the galleries and open studios in town off State Road 76.

From Santa Fe, head north on US 84/285. Pass Pojoaque and take a right on NM 503 to get on the official High Road to Taos. Take another right on NM 76 through Chimayo, Cordova, Truchas, Trampas, and Ojo Sarco. Take the 518 through the Carson National Forest until US 68 at Ranchos de Taos. Most stop and take a picture of the 18th century National Historic Landmark, San Francisco de Asis Church. Both Taos and Taos Pueblo are just a few miles up the road.

Aside from the risk of snow and ice in the winter, the High Road to Taos is scenic in all seasons, especially fall, when the air is heavy with the scent of roasting chiles and aspens dot the landscape with sunny yellows. Fitting with the pace of this Northern New Mexico region, you won't likely find much traffic, except around the Easter holidays, when thousands of pilgrims trek to the Santuario de Chimayo.

A 400-year-old weaving tradition makes Chimayo a destination for traditional Spanish Colonial textiles. This Hispanic tradition is showcased at Centinela Traditional Arts, Trujillo's Weaving Shop, and Ortega's Weaving Shop. The villages of Trampas and Truchas are known for woodcarving, most notably the Catholic santos made from local cottonwood. Be sure to visit the many galleries and studios that showcase these unique local crafts.