If you are heading out on an Albuquerque to Santa Fe road trip, here are all the things to see and do on the way! We’ll cover the Albuquerque to Santa Fe driving distance, things to do between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, and I’ll even drop the route map below. Let’s dive in to all things Santa Fe and Albuquerque!
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New Mexico is called the “Land of Enchantment” and I’ve gotta say – it has certainly enchanted me. I’ve road tripped through New Mexico several times now and this state never ceases to amaze me.
New Mexico has loads of ancient Aztec history, stunning geology, and super relaxing hot springs that are all worth checking out. But today, we will be focusing specifically on the Albuquerque to Santa Fe drive. Let’s dive in to the Albuquerque to Santa Fe distance, route options, and stops to see on the way.
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The Albuquerque to Santa Fe Drive
First and foremost, if you do not live in New Mexico, you are likely flying into the Albuquerque Airport (also known as ABQ or the Albuquerque International Sunport) to start your trip.
While Santa Fe does have it’s own small regional airport, it is often much more expensive to fly into from most areas of the country. The easiest, cheapest, and most stress-free way to get there is to fly into ABQ.
This is exactly what I did on my most recent trip! I then picked up my rental car at the airport (I always get the best prices here) and I was on my way.
While the fastest route will only take you about one hour to drive from Albuquerque to Santa Fe, you might want to consider the Scenic Route instead. Let’s go over your two options below.
Albuquerque to Santa Fe Route Options
If you are short on time, you will likely choose to follow the I-25. It is a straight shot and will take only one hour to drive.
However, anyone visiting as a tourist or who wants to see a bit more of New Mexico’s beauty should consider driving a route called the Turquoise Trail.
A Drive Along the Turquoise Trail
This incredibly scenic route winds you through 50 beautiful miles. You’ll encounter everything from old mining towns to panoramic viewpoints.
These are the places you can’t miss on your drive from Albuquerque to Santa Fe. Keep reading until the end because I’ve got a useful map at the end!
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Sandia Crest
Just an hour outside of Albuquerque, the Sandia Crest is the highest point in the dramatic Sandia Mountains.
The simplest way to reach the summit is to drive up the winding road that leads to the top. However, for those feeling adventurous, there are a number of hiking trails that wind their way through alpine forests and offer stunning views of the Rio Grande Valley. At 10,678 feet, the Sandia Crest provides a welcome respite from the heat of the desert below.
In addition to its breathtaking views, the Sandia Crest is also home to a number of rare plants and animals. Pica oats and alpine forget-me-nots can be found blooming in the alpine meadows. Hikers may also spot elk or bighorn sheep grazing in the meadows.
Whether reached by car or by foot, the Sandia Crest is sure to impress.
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Golden
The Golden Mining town is located in between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, in the heart of New Mexico. This quaint little town gets its name from the golden hue that blanketed the area when miners first arrived in search of gold.
Although there is no longer any gold to be found in the hills around Golden, the town has managed to hold onto its small-town charm. The streets are lined with independent shops, and residents take pride in their community spirit.
Visitors can explore the historic buildings, go for a hike in the hills, or simply enjoy a meal in one of the local cafes. Whether you’re looking for adventure or a chance to relax, Golden Mining town is the perfect place to spend a few days.
Madrid
Madrid, New Mexico may be just a small dot on the map, but it has a lot to offer.
This former coal mining town is now home to a thriving art community. The town is home to a number of unique art galleries and shops, as well as a few restaurants and cafes serving New Mexican cuisine.
The town hosts a number of events throughout the year, particularly around the holidays. If you’re looking for a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Madrid is the place to go.
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Los Cerrillos
Picture the quintessential “Wild West” and you are probably picturing Los Cerrillos!
This small town is just 30 minutes from Santa Fe, in New Mexico, so youve almost finished your road trip. Los Cerrillos is home to a number of attractions, including the Cerrillos Hills State Park and the Cerrillos ghost town site.
This is one of the oldest Spanish colonial settlements and used to feature 21 saloons and four hotels. Now, things are a bit more quiet, but its still a great place to stop.
Visitors can also enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding in the area. Whether you’re looking for a taste of the Old West or just want to get away from it all for awhile, Los Cerrillos is definitely worth a visit.
What is the Albuquerque to Santa Fe Driving Distance on the Turquoise Trail?
If you were to drive this route without spending extra time at these four sights, it would take just over 2.5 hours to drive from Albuquerque to Santa Fe. The total mileage is 112 miles.
Depending on how long you stop at each point, and whether you hike, bike, or stop for a meal, you can easily make this a full one day trip. In fact, I highly recommend doing so!
What to Do When You Reach Santa Fe
- Take a Curated Art Walking Tour. Spend two hours on a guided tour of Santa Fe’s historic art district. Meet local artists and purchase a souvenir or two! Explore well known exhibits as well as off-the-beaten-path galleries. Book your art tour here!
- Take an Architecture and Wine Tour. What goes better than architecture and wine tasting? This tour showcases the prominent architectural styles in Santa Fe and the historic, social, and cultural movements that influenced it. Book your architecture and wine tour here!
- Do a Self Guided Audio Tour Downtown. Explore downtown Santa Fe with the help of an educational audio tour. Be fully immersed in the city and go at your pace through the historic sites and hidden gems. Book your audio tour here!
Where to Go Next
White Sands National Park
White Sands National Park sits 3.5 hours south of Albuquerque, New Mexico. It is one of only two national parks in the entire state, and it is my favorite one!
Endless white sand dunes stretch out into the distance, and several hiking trails are open for hikers. The most beautiful times to visit are sunrise and sunset. Check out my post on things to do in White Sands for all the details.
Bisti Badlands
Bisti Badlands is 2.5 hours northwest of Albuquerque. This incredible sandstone landscape sits on the Indian Reservation and is a vast stretch of wind-sculpted rock formations.
This was one of my favorite places I visited all year! It is incredible. However, it is tough to navigate, even with offline maps. To learn more about Bisti Badlands, head over here.
Aztec Ruins National Monument
Three hours north of Albuquerque, and an easy addition to your Bisti Badlands trip, Aztec Ruins National Monument is a hidden gem! Who knew that there were ruins in New Mexico, tucked all the way up near the Colorado border?
I learned a lot at this park. They left nearly all of the ruins untouched, but did reconstruct one of the Kivas in order to give visitors an idea of the form and function when it was fully intact. Read more about the park here.
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The Albuquerque to Santa Fe Road Trip can be a stunning experience if you choose the scenic route! The Turquoise Trail is an experience that everyone road tripping New Mexico should make the time to see.
If you have taken this route, let me know below which was your favorite stop!
Looking for more New Mexico planning resources? Check out these posts!
- Things To Do in White Sands National Park
- The Best New Mexico Road Trip Itinerary
- The Best Hot Springs Near Santa Fe
- Visiting the Bisti Badlands De Na Zin Wilderness Area
- Visiting Aztec Ruins National Monument
- Albuquerque to Santa Fe Road Trip Things To See
- The Best National Parks in the Southwestern USA
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