If you’re standing in the middle of the Santa Fe Plaza and thinking about heading north, you’re probably asking a simple question: how far is Taos from Santa Fe?
The short answer? About 70 miles.
But honestly, if you just plug that into a GPS and gun it, you’re doing it wrong. In New Mexico, distance isn't really about miles. It’s about which version of the high desert you want to see today. You can get there in 90 minutes, or you can take five hours and feel like you’ve traveled back two centuries.
I’ve driven this stretch of Highway 68 and the winding mountain passes more times than I can count. Every time someone asks me about the distance, I have to ask them: are you in a hurry, or are you actually trying to see New Mexico?
The Two Main Ways to Get There
There are basically two "real" ways to make the trip. Most locals call them the Low Road and the High Road.
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The Low Road (Highway 68)
This is the "fast" way. It’s about 70 to 73 miles depending on where you start in Santa Fe.
You’ll leave the city, pass through Española—the lowrider capital of the world, no joke—and then you hit the Rio Grande gorge.
The drive takes roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes.
It’s stunning. You’re driving right alongside the river. Massive basalt cliffs tower over you. If it’s spring, the water is churning with rafters. If it’s fall, the cottonwoods along the banks turn a yellow so bright it almost hurts to look at.
The High Road (The Scenic Byway)
If you have the time, take the High Road. It’s roughly 105 miles and will take you at least 2.5 hours without stopping. But you will stop.
This route takes you through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. You’ll pass through tiny villages like Chimayó, Truchas, and Las Trampas. These aren't tourist traps; they’re old Spanish land-grant towns where people still live, farm, and weave like their ancestors did.
High Road vs. Low Road: Which Should You Take?
I always tell people to do a loop. Take the Low Road up and the High Road back (or vice versa).
The Low Road is easy. It’s a well-paved, four-lane highway for a good chunk of it, eventually narrowing down to two lanes as you enter the canyon. It’s the route for when you have a dinner reservation in Taos or you're trying to catch the first chairlift at Taos Ski Valley.
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The High Road is for the soul.
In Chimayó, you’ve got the Santuario de Chimayó. People trek there from all over the world for the "holy dirt" that’s said to have healing powers. Even if you aren't religious, the adobe architecture and the quiet vibe of the place are worth the detour.
Then there’s Truchas. It’s perched on a ridge so high you feel like you can see into next week. Robert Redford filmed The Milagro Beanfield War there because it looks exactly like the New Mexico people dream about.
Winter Driving and Road Conditions
Don't let the "desert" label fool you. Taos is at nearly 7,000 feet, and the Ski Valley is way higher.
In the winter, that 70-mile gap can feel like 700 miles if a storm rolls in. The Low Road through the canyon can get icy because the high walls keep the sun from hitting the pavement.
The High Road? Forget about it during a heavy snow unless you have 4WD and a lot of confidence. It climbs over 8,000 feet in spots.
Always check NMRoads.com before you head out. It's the official Department of Transportation site. If the map shows purple or red, stay in Santa Fe and grab another margarita. It’s not worth the slide.
Is There Public Transportation?
Believe it or not, yeah. You don't have to drive.
The North Central RTD (locals call it the "Blue Bus") is actually a bit of a hidden gem.
- The Taos Express: Usually runs on weekends. It’s a direct shot from the Santa Fe Depot to the Taos Plaza.
- The 300 Taos Route: This runs on weekdays. It’s free. Yes, literally free. It takes longer because it stops in Española, but if you're on a budget or just don't want to deal with the winding roads, it’s a lifesaver.
Hidden Stops You’ll Actually Enjoy
If you take the Low Road, stop in Embudo at the Classical Gas Museum. It’s this quirky, neon-soaked collection of vintage gas station memorabilia. It’s a great leg-stretcher.
Also, keep an eye out for the wineries in Dixon. Vivác Winery and La Chiripada are right off the path. New Mexico has a wine history that predates California, and a glass of local red while looking at the mesa is a top-tier experience.
For the High Road, you have to see the San Francisco de Asis Church in Ranchos de Taos. It’s just south of Taos proper. Georgia O’Keeffe and Ansel Adams both obsessed over this building. The back of the church, with its massive adobe buttresses, is arguably the most photographed spot in the state.
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Final Logistics
- Distance: 70 miles (Low Road) / 105 miles (High Road).
- Time: 1.5 hours vs. 3+ hours.
- Best time to go: Mid-October for the changing leaves, or late January for the best skiing (just watch the weather).
- Cell Service: Spotty. Once you get deep into the Rio Grande canyon or up into the Truchas peaks, your GPS might take a nap. Download offline maps.
Honestly, the "how far" part is the least interesting thing about the trip. Whether you're chasing the river or climbing the mountains, just make sure you leave enough time to actually pull over. The best parts of this drive aren't the destinations; they're the weird little art galleries and roadside apple stands you find along the way.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Download the NM Roads app for real-time traffic updates and check the North Central RTD website if you plan on using the free shuttle service. If you're driving the High Road, make sure your gas tank is full before leaving Española, as services are sparse once you hit the mountain villages.