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Heading through the 13,000-foot peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this 58-mile trek is the most scenic route between Santa Fe and Taos. Your classic car road trip begins at Espanola on U.S. 84, where you pick up Rte. 76 to Chimayo. Sights here include the fortified Plaza del Cerro, a remnant from the Spanish Colonial times, as well as the Santaurio de Chimayo, which draws the faithful from around the region for its sacred dirt believed to impart cures.
The famous Rancho de Chimayo is a great place to fortify yourself before heading back on the road. From Chimayo, Rte. 518 climbs through forests past Cordova and Truchas, a former Spanish outpost built on a high mesa beneath the 13,102-foot Truchas Peak. From Truchas, take the High Road to Taos through the Carson National Forest, a route peppered with tiny hillside towns. The highlight of this part of the trip is the village of Trampas, anchored by the 18th Century San Jose de Gracia Church. After Trampas, go northeast to Penasco, follow Rte. 75 to Rte. 518. At the end of the High Road is Ranchos de Taos and home of the San Francisco de Asis, an 18th Century church made famous by painter Georgia O'Keefe. The last leg of the drive is on Rte. 68 into the artist's enclave of Taos.
Classic Car Road Trip Stats
Starting Point:
Espanola, NM
Distance of Drive:
58 miles
Must Eat:
Horseman's Haven
6500 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87507
Phone: 505-471-5420
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Good Stop For: Green Chili
Best Time of Year for Drive:
Year round
Points of Interest on Drive:
Carson National Forest
18th Century San Jose de Gracia Church
See also:
This Classic Car Road Trip was provided by
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