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HomeRoad TripsNorth AmericaUnited StatesWest USANew MexicoJemez
New Mexico

Jemez Road Trip

Albuquerque - San Ysidro - Cuba - Los Alamos - Santa Fe

Expect on your itinerary

Security Security
Landscape Landscape
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Historical sites Historical sites
Road conditions Road conditions
Urban life Urban life
Culture Culture
Comfort Comfort
Jemez Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages4 km356 h/stage1.3

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Jemez Road Trip in New Mexico?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 90EUR drive & more 50EUR sleep & more 154EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 348EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 438EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 108EUR drive & more 63EUR sleep & more 242EUR eat & more 216EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 521EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 629EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 180EUR drive & more 88EUR sleep & more 396EUR eat & more 288EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 772EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 952EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 450EUR drive & more 100EUR sleep & more 110EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 354EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 804EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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Jemez Itinerary

The Jemez Road Trip is a great way to explore the beautiful landscapes of the United States. Starting in Albuquerque and ending in Santa Fe, this road trip covers a distance of ca. 356km and is best completed in two days. Along the way, travelers will pass through the towns of San Ysidro, Cuba, and Los Alamos, each with its own unique attractions. The best time of the year to drive this route is during spring and summer, when the terrain is lush and the views are breathtaking. The road conditions are generally good, making this a relatively easy trip to navigate. The Jemez Road Trip is perfect for any driver, providing a high level of experience and memories without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a longer journey, this trip is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
number of days 2 number of days
route length 356 km route length
budget fair budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Albuquerque

Distance 356 km Driving time 5.3 h Pace: fast 106.7 kWh Airports ABQ
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Albuquerque, located in the state of New Mexico in the United States, is an excellent starting point for a road trip named "Jemez Road Trip". The city is the largest in the state, and the gateway to the Land of Enchantment. It is a vibrant city filled with cultural attractions, outdoor recreation, and plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy. The city is home to many interesting sites, including the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, the Old Town Albuquerque, and the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History. The nearby Petroglyph National Monument is also worth a visit. For outdoor lovers, the Sandia Mountains offer great hiking, biking, and nature trails. Albuquerque International Airport (ABQ) is the closest international airport for those traveling by air. Car rentals are available at the airport, making it easy to get around town and explore the surrounding area. Albuquerque is a great place to start a road trip. With its many cultural attractions, outdoor recreation opportunities, and easy access to the airport, Albuquerque is an ideal starting point for "Jemez Road Trip".

1 Albuquerque - San Ysidro

Distance 73 km Driving time 0.8 h Pace: fast 21.9 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting  historic site accommodation options
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Take a road trip from Albuquerque to San Ysidro, a journey of only 45 miles that will take you less than an hour. On the way, you will be able to visit and explore some of the most interesting places in this region. Start your trip in Albuquerque and make your way to the Petroglyph National Monument, home to more than 20,000 ancient petroglyphs. Stop at the Sandia Peak Tramway, a 2.7-mile cable car ride that takes you to the top of the 10,378-foot Sandia Peak. Afterward, head to San Ysidro, the gateway to Mexico. Here, you can visit the historic San Ysidro Church, the oldest mission in the state of New Mexico. As you continue your journey, you will find the Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, a stunning bridge that spans the Rio Grande Gorge. Finally, make your way to the San Ysidro Port of Entry, the busiest land border crossing in the world. Along the way, make sure to keep an eye out for historical sites and other attractions. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage.

2 San Ysidro - Cuba

Distance 83 km Driving time 0.9 h Pace: fast 25.0 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip from San Ysidro in the United States to Cuba? This 52mi drive will take you less than 1 hour, and you will be able to enjoy some of the most amazing places along the way. Starting in San Ysidro, you can visit the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, where you can learn about the city's history, or the San Diego Zoo, one of the largest zoos in the world. Once you arrive in Cuba, you can explore the city's colonial architecture, visit the Plaza de la Revolución, and admire the beauty of the El Malecón. You can also take a tour of the Ernest Hemingway Museum, located in the Finca La Vigía, or take a boat trip to the Bay of Pigs. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Don't miss out on this amazing experience!

3 Cuba - Los Alamos

Distance 110 km Driving time 2.0 h Pace: modest 28.5 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options
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Are you ready to explore Cuba, United States and Los Alamos? Then you are in the right place! This 68mi journey will take you less than 2 hours, and you will have the opportunity to visit some of the most amazing places in these locations. Start your journey in Cuba, where you can visit the picturesque Plaza de la Revolución, the iconic El Capitolio, and the beautiful Malecón. Then, head to the United States to explore the breathtaking views of the Florida Keys, the fascinating Everglades National Park, and the iconic Mallory Square. Finally, end your journey in Los Alamos, where you can explore the beautiful Jemez Mountains and the fascinating Bandelier National Monument. This is just one of the many stages of your journey, but if you want more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, you can find it in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your perfect road trip now!

4 Los Alamos - Santa Fe

Distance 89 km Driving time 1.6 h Pace: modest 23.2 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting  historic site interesting cultural site accommodation options
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip? Start your journey in Los Alamos, United States, and take the 56mi drive to Santa Fe. It will take you less than two hours to get there. Along the way, you'll find plenty of historical sites to explore. Visit the Los Alamos Historical Museum and the Bradbury Science Museum to learn more about the area's unique history. If you're looking for something a little more adventurous, take a hike up to the top of Bandelier National Monument and take in the breathtaking views. Once you get to Santa Fe, make sure to check out the Loretto Chapel and the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. You'll also find plenty of great restaurants and shops to explore. So, get ready for an unforgettable road trip! For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage.

  Santa Fe

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The end of the "Jemez Road Trip" is the beautiful city of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Located in the foothills of the southern Rocky Mountains, Santa Fe is a city of culture, history and great outdoor activities. Whether you are a foodie, an art lover, a history buff or an outdoor enthusiast, you will find something to love in this vibrant city. For the foodie, Santa Fe offers a variety of delicious local restaurants, from the classic New Mexican cuisine to the innovative flavors of the city's many fine dining establishments. For the art lover, Santa Fe is home to the world-renowned Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, as well as numerous galleries and art studios. History buffs will enjoy exploring the city's many historic sites, from the Palace of the Governors to the Loretto Chapel. Outdoor enthusiasts will love Santa Fe's many hiking and biking trails, as well as the nearby ski slopes of Santa Fe Ski Basin. With its beautiful natural scenery and diverse cultural attractions, Santa Fe is the perfect destination for a road trip. The closest international airport to Santa Fe is Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ). From there, the drive to Santa Fe is about an hour and a half, though the stunning views of the Jemez Mountains make the drive worth it. So, if you are looking for an unforgettable road trip, end it in Santa Fe.

Jemez at a glance

Before you set off

The Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway is a breathtaking journey that spans from Albuquerque to Santa Fe in New Mexico, covering approximately 356 kilometers (about 221 miles). This route is perfect for a two-day adventure, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the diverse landscapes, rich culture, and unique geology of the region.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

The byway weaves through the Valles Caldera National Preserve, an expansive volcanic caldera that offers stunning vistas and outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching. Visitors can explore the charming towns of Jemez Springs, known for its hot springs and the Jemez Historic Site, which features the ruins of a 17th-century Spanish mission and a Native American village. The town of Los Alamos, home to the Los Alamos National Laboratory and the Bradbury Science Museum, provides insights into the Manhattan Project and the creation of the atomic bomb. Bandelier National Monument is another must-see, with its ancient cave dwellings and petroglyphs.

Best Time to Go:

The optimal periods for embarking on the Jemez Road Trip are the spring and summer months. Travelers can enjoy the lush, vibrant landscapes and comfortable weather, making outdoor activities and sightseeing particularly enjoyable.

Potential Risks:

While the journey is generally safe and the Roads are well-maintained, travelers should be prepared for sudden weather changes, especially at higher elevations. Also, some stretches of the route are relatively remote, so it's important to have a full tank of gas and necessary supplies.

Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:

  • The Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway passes through the Santa Fe National Forest, offering access to a variety of recreational opportunities.
  • The Pueblo of Jemez is one of the 19 pueblos located in New Mexico and is a sovereign nation within the United States.
  • The area is geologically active with the Jemez Volcanic Field, which includes the Valles Caldera, one of the largest young calderas in North America.

A good choice for:

The Jemez Road Trip is an enriching and accessible travel experience that offers a unique blend of breathtaking natural scenery, cultural heritage, and intriguing history. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer exploration, this scenic byway is an unforgettable route that promises adventure and lasting memories.

Facts for safer driving in New Mexico

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 40 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 72 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 129 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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