Taos Panoramic Road Itinerary
The Taos Panoramic Road is an exciting road trip that starts in Santa Fe and ends in Taos, United States. Along the way, you will be able to take in the sights and sounds of Questa, Eagle Nest and other small towns. The distance of the trip is 267 km and can be completed in one day. The best time to take this road trip is during the spring and summer when you can admire the breathtaking landscapes and historical sites. The route is rich with UNESCO Heritage Monuments, making it an even more memorable experience. The road conditions are good and the trip can be managed with a moderate budget. This road trip is suitable for everyone and is sure to provide you with a high level of experience and unforgettable memories.
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number of days
267 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
moderate
accident level
START
Santa Fe
Distance 267 km
Driving time 4.5 h
Pace: modest
69.4 kWh
Airports
ABQ
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Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico, is an ideal starting point for the Taos Panoramic Road trip. Located at an elevation of 7,000 feet in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the city is renowned for its vibrant culture, art galleries and museums, and unique cuisine.
Santa Fe is home to many of America’s most significant historic landmarks, such as The Palace of the Governors, the oldest continuously occupied public building in the country, as well as the Loretto Chapel and the San Miguel Mission, both of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The city is also a great destination for outdoor lovers. The nearby Santa Fe National Forest offers a variety of activities, including camping, hiking, skiing, and fishing.
For those arriving via plane, the Santa Fe Municipal Airport (SAF) is the closest international airport. Car rentals are available at the airport for those wishing to take the Taos Panoramic Road trip.
Once in Santa Fe, visitors should be sure to visit the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, the New Mexico Museum of Art, and the Santa Fe Plaza. Other highlights include the Museum of International Folk Art, the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian, and the Loretto Chapel.
Santa Fe is a great place to start a road trip to Taos, and visitors can take in the city’s unique culture and beauty before beginning the journey. With its many attractions and outdoor activities, it is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
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Santa Fe
- Chimayo
- Las Trampas
- Taos
Distance 131 km
Driving time 2.5 h
Pace: modest
34.2 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on a road trip-adventure that will take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes of New Mexico. Start your journey in Santa Fe, the oldest capital city in the United States, and take a 82 mi drive to Taos, passing through Chimayo and Las Trampas. This journey will take you less than three hours, but you'll be amazed at the stunning scenery that awaits you along the way.
Chimayo is known for its historical sites and churches, and is a UNESCO Heritage site. Las Trampas, on the other hand, is home to a Spanish Colonial mission church and several other historical sites. Both of these towns are worth a visit for their cultural and historical significance.
As you continue your journey, take in the breathtaking views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Rio Grande. This is one of the stages of a larger tour, and more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route can be found in the Itinerary. So, get ready for an unforgettable road trip experience and explore the beauty of New Mexico!
Taos - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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2
Taos
- Questa
Distance 39 km
Driving time 0.5 h
Pace: fast
11.7 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an amazing road trip from Taos to Questa! This 24 mi journey takes less than 1 hour and is one of the most beautiful stages of your tour. Start with a visit to the Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest continuously inhabited community in the United States. Here you can learn about the culture and history of the native people of the area. Then, take a short drive to Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, where you can admire the stunning views of the Rio Grande. Before you reach Questa, make sure to visit the Wild Rivers Recreation Area, a great spot for camping, fishing, and hiking. Once you reach Questa, explore the Questa Mining Museum and the many art galleries in the area. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Questa - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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3
Questa
- Red River
- Eagle Nest
Distance 47 km
Driving time 0.7 h
Pace: fast
14.1 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip experience? Start your journey in Questa and drive 29 miles along the Red River until you reach Eagle Nest. This journey will take you less than one hour, so you can make the most of your time and explore the most interesting places along the way.
In Questa, take a walk through the historic downtown and visit the Questa Visitor Center for information about the area. In Red River, you can explore the Red River Ski & Summer Area, a popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing.
Finally, in Eagle Nest, don't miss the Eagle Nest Dam, a popular spot for fishing and swimming. You can also visit the Eagle Nest Lake State Park, where you can enjoy a variety of activities such as camping, hiking, and horseback riding.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Eagle Nest - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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4
Eagle Nest
- Carson
- Taos
Distance 50 km
Driving time 0.7 h
Pace: fast
14.9 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Eagle Nest to Taos and explore the beauty of the Carson area on the way! This 31mi drive will take you less than an hour to complete, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for interesting sites along the way. Make sure to check out some of the historical sites, as this route is home to several UNESCO Heritage sites. You'll also be passing through some stunning landscapes and can take a break to appreciate the natural beauty. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" section of this stage. So start your engine and get ready for an unforgettable journey!
Taos
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Taos, in the United States, is a vibrant town located at the end of the Taos Panoramic Road. This scenic drive offers spectacular views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. The town itself is a mix of Native American and Spanish culture, and is known for its beautiful art galleries, museums, and restaurants.
The Taos Plaza is the center of the town and is surrounded by adobe buildings, churches, and shops. Visitors can explore the Taos Pueblo, one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States, and take in the beauty of the Rio Grande Gorge. The nearby Taos Ski Valley offers skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities, while Taos Mountain Casino provides a variety of gaming opportunities.
The Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive is another popular attraction, offering spectacular views of New Mexico's highest peak. There are also a number of local hot springs and lakes to explore. For those looking to experience the great outdoors, Red River and Questa offer hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
The closest international airport to Taos is the Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), located about two and a half hours away by car. Whether you're looking for a cultural experience, or an outdoor adventure, Taos is the perfect destination to end your Taos Panoramic Road trip.
Taos Panoramic Road at a glance
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Start:
Santa Fe
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End:
Taos
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Distance:
267 km
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Stay:
1 day
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Getting there:
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)
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When to drive:
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
We believe that the presented journey idea gave you numerous inspirations for your future holiday excursions.
It is a ready-made option that can be conveniently expanded into a longer itinerary – you can do literally anything you’d like.
If car travel is a means of travel that you prefer, there are a number of vital traffic regulations to follow and a bunch of things to keep in mind to make your journey smooth.
These tips will surely become useful for travellers who opt for car rental or camper rental.
In New Mexico, there are a number of traffic rules to be kept in mind while driving.
Alcohol is best to be avoided at any expense while moving in a car around New Mexico.
Tourists ought to remember that the legal alcohol limit is extremely low and cannot exceed 0.5‰.
Exceeding the maximum permissible speed, which is 40km/h, when travelling around the urban areas may lead to a speeding fine.
When it comes to non-build-up areas, you should keep in mind that the maximum allowed speed is 72km/h.
While on motorways, you can drive at the allowed speed of 129km/h.
In order to stay safe, we recommend driving with your headlights on at daytime and equipping your vehicle with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit.
One of the decisive factors when scheduling an itinerary is costs.
Depending on the budget option that you are interested in, the final cost of the whole undertaking will vary.
A wide range of budget possibilities is described below.
We estimate that the budget option when it comes to fuel to cover the planned 5 stages across New Mexico may be roughly 38 EUR.
Economy accommodation options will cost you approximately 77 EUR.
Holidaymakers who take advantage of this option will spend about 72 EUR on restaurants and food.
Travellers will have to pay about 45 EUR if they go for the budget car hire option as well.
Thus, going for vehicle rental will increase the expenses of the road trip from approximately 187 EUR to approximately 232 EUR.
When it comes to the standard offer, you have to spend the maximum of 38 EUR to cover the planned stages of the road trip.
If you are into standard accommodation options, you should remember that the expenses can amount up to around 121 EUR.
The slightly increased standard in comparison to the budget option entails costs amounting to around 108 EUR.
Travellers who want to cover the trip in a standard rental car can expect a cost of around 54 EUR.
Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay more or less 333 EUR for the whole trip, whereas those who are not interested in vehicle rental will spend roughly 279 EUR.
Tourists who are considering the highest level of convenience will be pleased with the premium option.
When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total approximately 495 EUR for drivers who are considering car hire and 279 EUR for those who do not need a rental vehicle.
Travellers who want to cover the tour in a premium hire car can expect a cost of about 90 EUR.
In the premium option of the itinerary, you will pay approximately 63 EUR for gasoline.
You should expect to pay roughly 144 EUR for restaurants and food and approximately 198 EUR for overnight stays if you are interested in the top standard of services during your itinerary.
Our tour is also a thrilling opportunity for all camper enthusiasts.
If you choose this travel option, you should expect the costs of more or less 225 EUR.
Holidayers will spend more or less 75 EUR on fuel allowing to cover all stages of the road trip.
You should expect to pay more or less 72 EUR for expenses connected with food and about 55 EUR for accommodation if you are searching for camper hire.
The Road Trip Costs section shows all the presented details in a simple manner.
There are plenty of intriguing road trips and scenic drives that are available on our website if you like Taos Panoramic Road.
Even the most demanding of holidayers will definitely be taken aback by the great diversity of trips that we offer.