7 days in New Mexico's landscapes

Sunset over New Mexico with a cloudy sky.

Take in the vibrant cultures of the Southwest on this seven-day road trip through northern New Mexico’s stunning landscapes. See ancient pueblos, Spanish missions, and the cities of Albuquerque and Santa Fe.

Duration
7 days
Perfect for
History enthusiasts, hikers, photographers, and road trippers.
Highlights
Ancestral Puebloan sites, petroglyphs, volcanic landscapes, and stunning desert vistas.
Day 1 and 2

Exploring ancient pueblos

Ancient stone ruins with circular structure, set against a rocky desert landscape.

The heart of ancestral Puebloan civilization

Start at Chaco Culture National Historical Park, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Drive the Chaco Canyon Loop Road, stopping at Pueblo Bonito, the largest great house in the park, and Chetro Ketl, known for its many kiva structures.

Pueblo Alto Trail with shrubs under a blue sky.

Remote beauty and stargazing

Hike the Pueblo Alto Trail (5.5 miles loop) for panoramic views of the Chacoan structures. Stay for sunset, then experience one of the best dark sky locations in the world.

Aztec Ruins bathed in golden sunlight with a clear sky.

Cultural heritage sites

On day two, visit Aztec Ruins National Monument, where you can walk through a Great Kiva and explore these ancient dwellings. The half-mile self-guided trail takes you through remarkably preserved structures.

Day 3

Bandelier National Monument

Alcove house opening overlooking forest, person standing near stone ruins.

Cliff dwellings and canyon trails

Stop at the visitor center to learn more about the ancestral Puebloans who built the cave dwellings here. Hike the Main Loop Trail (1.4 miles) to see many of these structures. For a more adventurous trek, take the Alcove House Trail (additional 1 mile), where you’ll climb ladders to an ancient dwelling set high in the cliffs.

Aerial view of Frijoles Canyon amid green trees and a winding path.

Exploring Frijoles Canyon

Wander through Frijoles Canyon (8 mile one way trail). The Falls Trail (3 miles round-trip) leads to a picturesque waterfall. Looking for more adventures? There are plenty in this national monument, which has 70 miles of trails.

Desert landscape at sunset with vibrant pink and purple sky.

Sunset in Santa Fe

In the evening, spend more time discovering Santa Fe, a city rich in culture, history, and art.

Days 4 and 5

Exploring military history and volcanic landscapes

Spanish ruins under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Pecos National Historical Park

Start at the Pecos National Historical Park visitor center before walking the Ancestral Sites Trail (1.25 mile loop), to a 17th-century Spanish mission and Pecos Pueblo. Then hike the Glorieta Pass Battlefield Trail (2.25 mile loop) to learn about this important Civil War battle and take in views of the surrounding Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Fort remains archways under a blue sky.

Fort Union National Monument

Drive north to Fort Union National Monument, once a key military outpost on the Santa Fe Trail. Walk the Fort Union Ruins Trail (1.25 miles) through remnants of the adobe structures that once housed soldiers, travelers, and traders. Enjoy a ranger-led program to learn more.

Open road leading to Capulin under a blue and pink sky.

Capulin Volcano National Monument

Continue east to Capulin Volcano, an extinct cinder cone with panoramic views of the surrounding plains. Drive the Volcano Rim Road to the top and hike the Crater Rim Trail (1 mile loop) for breathtaking 360-degree views.

Days 6 through 7

Adventures near Albuquerque

Petroglyphs on a large rock under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

Discover ancient rock art

Petroglyph National Monument is home to hundreds of petroglyphs created by Indigenous peoples. Walk the Boca Negra Canyon Trail (1-mile loop) or the Piedras Marcadas Trail (1.5 miles) to see many of these carvings.

Waterfall in Albuquerque park

Explore the city

Spend a day exploring Albuquerque’s vibrant culture and food scene. Visit historic Old Town Albuquerque for charming shops and the captivating American International Rattlesnake Museum. Take the Sandia Peak Tramway for breathtaking views of the Rio Grande Valley or learn at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.

Ancient ruins under a dramatic cloudy sky.

Experience Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument

Conclude your journey by heading south to explore the Spanish missions and pueblos at the parks three districts—Gran Quivira, Abó, and Quarai. Stay until nightfall to enjoy some of the darkest night skies in the country.

Golden grass field with distant Fort Union under a partly cloudy sky.
Fort Union
Fort Union ruin under blue sky with clouds.
Fort Union remains
Chaco Culture ruins in a desert landscape under a partly cloudy sky.
Chaco Culture wall with passageways aligned in perspective.
Chaco Culture passageway
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Rustic wooden door with red chili peppers hanging, adobe walls under bright blue sky.
Optional add-on

Art in Santa Fe

Extend your trip with a full day exploring Santa Fe, a city rich in history, art, and culture. Wander through the Santa Fe Plaza, visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, and learn about the area's heritage in at the New Mexico History Museum.

Visit Smart

Plan ahead

Chaco Culture and some other sites are remote, with limited facilities. Bring extra food, water, and fuel. Some roads require high-clearance vehicles, especially in bad weather.

Stay informed

Check visitor center hours, road conditions, and guided tour availability. Some sites require permits for backcountry hikes.

Stay hydrated

New Mexico’s high-desert climate can be dry and hot, but cool down quickly at night. Carry plenty of water, sun protection, and layers.

Leave no trace

These lands hold deep cultural and historical significance for many Indigenous peoples. Stay on marked trails and follow Leave No Trace principles to help preserve them for future generations.

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