1 Of The Best Scenic Drives In New Mexico
Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway
The stunning Jemez Mountains sit northwest of Santa Fe and offer one of the best scenic drives in New Mexico. Head up through Los Alamos or White Rock to access roads like Highway 4 that weave and wind through deep gorgeous, Jemez Springs, and tons of hiking trails (some with hot springs at the end)!
Natural Qualities of the Jemez Mountain Trail
You'll find many wonders along the Jemez Mountain Trail. For example, the history of the Jemez Mountains goes back one million years to a volcano's eruption. The eruption created an area of mountains, mesas, and canyons the size of a small eastern state.
Dominating the western half of the Santa Fe National Forest, the Jemez Mountains resemble a wagon wheel on a topographic map. The hub is formed by the giant Valles Caldera (a crater created by the volcano's violent explosion), and the spokes are made by the mesas built of volcanic tuft. Elevations in the range from 6,000 to 11,000 feet. One of the legacies of the volcano is the canyons' Swiss cheeselike rock cliffs and strange cone-shaped tent rocks.
The towering volcanic plug of Cabezon (meaning big head) is famous in Navajo folklore. The volcano has a trail leading to its 8,000-foot summit. In addition, one mile north of the Jemez State Monument at Soda Dam is an unusual geological formation where, over thousands of years, minerals from a natural spring have created a dam that blocks the Jemez River. The river pours through a hole in the dam, forming a waterfall. Soda Dam has become one of the most popular swimming holes in the Jemez Mountains.
Also along the byway is Battleship Rock, a sheer cliff that rises suddenly above the river like the prow of a ship. A few miles past Battleship Rock is the parking lot for Spence Hot Springs, an accessible and scenic place for a long soak in hot mineral waters.
Recreational Qualities of the Jemez Mountain Trail
The Jemez Mountain Trail offers all sorts of outdoor recreation. Travelers enjoy hiking trails of varying degrees of difficulty, biking trails, fishing, and several camping locations. The unique geological features also allow for outdoor adventures; you can visit caves and tunnels.
For the adventurous, Battleship Rock in the Jemez Mountains provides challenging terrain and an intriguing landscape: The trail is covered in shiny black obsidian created from volcanic eruptions five million years ago.
If you enjoy biking, the Jemez Mountain Trail provides several trails. Advanced bikers may want to explore Guacamalla and Paliza Canyons, a steep terrain that offers excellent views of green meadows.
Highlights of the Jemez Mountain Trail
In all seasons, the Jemez Mountains offer some magnificent scenery. Visitors enjoy escaping to a quieter, more relaxing way of life. As you travel the Jemez Mountain Trail, consider using this itinerary.
Los Alamos: Your trip through the Jemez Mountains begins in Los Alamos, famous as the home of the Los Alamos National Laboratory for its work and historic role in the Manhattan Project and the development of the atomic bomb. The Bradbury Science Museum offers a great deal of information.
Valle Grande: After that, travel east and follow the signs to Valle Grande, the remains of a volcano that erupted 1.4 million years ago. Hot springs and recreational opportunities abound here.
Cuba: After Valle Grande, continue north to Highway 126. This road, all the way to Cuba, is not paved but is well traveled. However, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended for better safety.
Cabezon: After a rest in Cuba, travel south along Interstate 550. A quick detour off of the byway heading west on 197 will take you to Cabezon, a ghost town that was a flourishing city until the 1940s. Back on Interstate 550, head south through the national forest and down toward the many American Indian pueblos. The Zia and Jemez Pueblos have wonderful opportunities for learning and adventure. (Note that the Jemez Pueblo is not open to the public, except on festival days.)
Spence Hot Springs: The Jemez State Monument is a perfect getaway in the late afternoon and is highlighted by a dip in the Spence Hot Springs.
Bandelier National Monument and Ghost Ranch: Bandelier National Monument, near the Rio Grande, is a wonderful place to see the ruins of many cliff houses and pueblo-style dwellings of 13th-century Pueblo Indians. A little to the north of Los Alamos, in Abiquiu, a cluster of fantastic museums at Ghost Ranch is a trip not to be missed. (All though we did not do these this trip due to Covid)
You're sure to be wowed by all the cultural, historic, and scenic wonders there is to discover along New Mexico's Jemez Mountain Trail.
Jemez Pueblo
Jemez Pueblo, about five miles from San Ysidro, is located at the gateway of the majestic Canon de San Diego. There are more than 3,000 Native Americans here, most of whom reside in a single Puebloan village known as walatowa -- the Towa word meaning "this is the place." Enjoy traditional Jemez foods and arts and crafts available at roadside stands in the beautiful Red Rocks area. Jemez Pueblo also offers recreation areas where you can picnic, fish, and enjoy the great outdoors.
Definitely recommend Highway 4 Cafe & Bakery for a coffee and sweet treat!!!! This cafe has a nice patio overlooking the village and the mountains. Food is fresh, and they often have local, organic eggs for sale.
And Los Ojos for a burger and beer!!!
