The High Road to Taos

The High Road Art Tour

The High Road to Taos is one of the most scenic and culturally rich drives you could wish to take in northern New Mexico. It's a New Mexican artist mecca and it's also a great side trip to a Santa Fe vacation. The High Road to Taos is known as a 56 mile route through the scenic Sangre de Cristo Mountains between Santa Fe and Taos New Mexico. The route winds through Indian villages, art community towns and parts of the high desert of northern New Mexico.


Officially, the High Road to Taos begins at the intersection of US Hwy 285/84 and NM 503. This is about 17 miles north of Santa Fe. The route officially ends in Rancho de Taos where NM 518 meets NM 68. Most New Mexican's however consider the end to be at the San Francisco de Asis Mission church which is a few blocks south. While every route between Santa Fe and Taos is scenic, if time permits, taking the High Road to Taos at least once is really a must drive to take.


In a lot of ways the Spanish heritage of New Mexico is most prominent in towns along this beautiful route. The local dialect is distinctive, and area residents can claim ancestors who settled the towns in the 18th century. While some of these towns to the New Mexico tourist may seem remote and a bit closed off geographically, you'll come upon quaint art galleries which offer the authentic quality of New Mexican artwork you'll find in galleries in Santa Fe and Taos. Actually, the scenery you see while driving the route is the same scenery that has inspired many artists and artisans who live along the High Road. This area of northern New Mexico gets it's share of snow and cold weather. That's one of the reasons that ski slopes in Santa Fe and Taos attract so many winter tourists. By the same token, some, not all,  of the galleries along the High Road to Taos also stay open year round. 

Gallery in Truchas New Mexico

One special time along this famous route is during the last half of September. This is the time of the "High Road Art Tour' which takes place the last two weekends every September. The High Road Art Tour gives you the opportunity to deal directly with the artists as well as visit the tiny, historic Land Grant villages along the way. You'll be able to browse multiple crafts and all types of traditional works along with contemporary painting and arts. As art tours are concerned, this one is truly unique in many ways. The High Road Art Tour is conducted by the High Road Artisans, a volunteer-run organization. You may want to visit their website for additional information and event postings at  highroadnewmexico.com

The High Road to Taos will also pass by Chimayo which is home to El Sancturario de Chimayo,  The Chimayo Sancturario is a world renown church which dates back to the very first Spanish settlers in the area and is considered a shrine where over 300,000 visitors travel there annually. This is a must stop while driving this route. 


The drive on the High Road to Taos is an adventure and a great photo taking opportunity.