Road trip · Northern New Mexico
New Mexico Enchantment Loop
The loop
Albuquerque, Bandelier's cliff dwellings, Santa Fe and Taos.
Overview line between stops, not turn-by-turn directions.
Stop by stop
- 1
Albuquerque
Suggested: 2 days (full guide: 2–4 days)
~51 mi straight-line from Albuquerque
2Bandelier National Monument
Suggested: 1 day (full guide: 1–2 days)
Seasonal Shuttle Requirements and Backcountry Permits
~21 mi straight-line from Bandelier National Monument
3Santa Fe
Suggested: 2 days (full guide: 2–4 days)
~54 mi straight-line from Santa Fe
4Taos
Suggested: 3 days (full guide: 3–5 days)
Quick answers
How many days do I need for the New Mexico Enchantment Loop?
Plan about 8 days to give each of the 4 stops its suggested minimum time, plus extra if you add rest days.
Which order should I visit the stops in?
Albuquerque, then Bandelier National Monument, then Santa Fe, then Taos. The order keeps each leg as short as possible.
Do any stops on this loop need reservations?
Check booking rules early for Bandelier National Monument. Each stop's guide links to the official source.