With deep red canyons, pristine desserts and lofty mountains the beauty of the landscape beckons you. We have a cache of unique treasures in Sandoval County. Here will you find the pure architecture of the early Spanish Missions, the ancient cliff dwellings, organic adobe buildings. Whatever you are seeking follow the byways.
- Jemez Mountain Trail
- Turquoise Trail
- El Camino Real
- Route 66
- Corrales Road
Jemez Mountain Trail
Your drive slowly winds past the Jemez Pueblo, twists and turns through the red cliffs and cuts through the high volcanic cliffs and mesas that define these mountains. Stop by the rushing waters of the Jemez Rivers for a refreshing dip then continue on through the Santa Fe National forest and the Valles Caldera National Preserve where you may view the magnificence and breathtaking expanse of nature. Continue on to Los Alamos, Bandelier National Monument to view thousand-year-old ancestral cliff dwellings.
Turquoise Trail
This phenomenal scenic route is the back way to Santa Fe cruising up through Placitas and over the wild Sandia Mountains trough old mining towns of Madrid where you can stop and have a green chile cheeseburger with a cold beer and tour the local artisans’ offerings.
El Camino Real
This “Royal Road” was traversed by travelers for centuries by the local Native Americans then the Spanish Conquistadors making their way from the south of the Rio Grande to the northern Taos territory. Nowadays you may enjoy this bucolic, charming, country drive through pueblos and villages of Cochiti, Pena Blanca, Santo Domingo, San Felipe and Algodones. Bring a picnic basket of salami, local cheese and Indian bread to stop by the Rio Grande for a relaxing lunch.
Route 66
Route 66 history began with travelers on foot then came the luxury of horse back and carriages on a rough dirt carved road traversing precarious mountain passes. The modern age changed the course but not the history. Nowadays you may travel in a convertible enjoying the New Mexico warm breeze while enjoying the historic communities like Bernalillo where Our Lady of Sorrows Chapel was built in 1716 on top of the kiva of an old Indian Pueblo, Now that’s history.
Corrales Road
Nestled in the Rio Grande Valley the Village of Corrales offers seven lazy miles of New Mexico charm reminiscent of old west horse and buggy days. Stroll the eclectic shops, for Indian jewelry, artisan crafts, local artists, have lunch at the farm to table bistros and relax amongst the cottonwoods at the breweries. Yes, dogs are allowed!