State Overviews

New Mexico
Culture

Reginal Overviews

   Northwest NM
   North Central NM
   Northeast NM
   Southwest NM
   Southeast NM

Topical Overviews

   Skiing
   Golfing
   Hiking
   National Parks

North Central New Mexico - Travel and Vacation Overview

North Central New Mexico draws the majority of New Mexico visitors because of the double attraction of Santa Fe and the Taos area. The close proximity to the Sangre de Cristo and Rocky Mountains means convenient access to all-season activities and world-famous artistic opportunities. This area is the world icon for New Mexico's identity and an excellent introduction to the state. It is small enough to take in a wide variety of activities yet large enough that a single visit will never be enough.

Scroll down for a summary of each of its attractions. Click on any link below to access comprehensive travel information for that destination.

Major Attractions and Cities

Enchanted Circle Scenic Drive

Approximately 84 miles long and looping through the mountains east of Santa Fe and Taos, the Enchanted Circle is both a scenic drive and artisitc tour of the American Southwest.

Bandelier National Monument

The grand majority of this National Monument is designated wilderness area, meaning it is for camping, hiking, etc and falls under Leave No Trace guidelines. For casual vistors, though, the Frijoles Canyon features restored and original cave and rock dwellings from ancestral peublo tribes, with visitor trails ranging from well developed loops to ones leading into the wilderness area where less visited ruins and waterfalls abound.

The Loretto Chapel and Staircase

Built in the end of the 19th century, The Loretto Chapel is constructed in the Gothic Revival style with stained glass windows imported from France. The chapel was put in the care of the Sisters of Loretto who, after realizing that the design did not include any access to the choir loft, prayed to St. Jospeh for nine days to intervene. The legend says that at the conclusion of their prayer a stranger appeared and volunteered to build a staircase using only primitive tools and non-local wood. The staircase still stands, with two 360 degree turns and no central support and no nails. The chapel is no longer used for religious services but is available for tours and weddings.

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