Discover the best things to do and see between Dallas and Taos
A jaw-dropping winter road trip from Dallas to northeast New Mexico, with stunning stops along the way.
I think I might be in love with New Mexico.
I don’t know if it’s the dramatic landscape, the uniqueness of the place in comparison to the rest of the U.S., the architecture, the food, the colors, all of it together… But it somehow grew on me to the point I keep coming back again and again and again : )
New Mexico does not get half of the attention it deserves. It’s a mind-blowing under the radar destination, with places you wouldn’t expect to be able to visit within a driving distance from Dallas. The northeast portion of the state is specially amazing and make the top of my personal “trips of a lifetime” list.
The road trip from Dallas to Taos is perfect to be taken during the winter months, so you can combine New Mexico’s superb landscape, culture and culinary with snow fun – Taos is one of the closest Ski Resorts to Dallas, and definitively the best one among those.
The road trip from Dallas to Taos requires ideally at least a 5 to 7 days’ time frame (I’ve already done it in 4 days, but I’m a little nuts). So, plan to take it whenever you have a longer break – think Thanksgiving, Winter Break and Spring Break.
In the next lines you’ll find my favorite itinerary there. Explore it, make your own plans and hit the road! I hope you enjoy northeast New Mexico it as much as I did!
If you have a shorter time frame or don’t want to drive that much, dig into our Trips from Dallas page. Discover surprising destinations as close as 30 minutes from DFW!
Road Trip Itinerary from Dallas to Taos, New Mexico
I’ve done the Dallas – Taos route before twice, and I’m planning to do it again this winter. So, there is no need to ask me if it is worth the trip lol.
Here I share with you my favorite stops along the way. This itinerary includes Amarillo, Santa Fe and Taos. Check bellow what to do and see in this towns and how to better explore its amazing surroundings.
1. Amarillo, TX
364 miles/ 5h 20m from Dallas
Amarillo is your first stop in this road trip from Dallas to Northeast New Mexico. It can be perfect the place to take a break from the road and stretch your legs.
If you plan to reach New Mexico the same day, spend only a couple hours there to cover the city highlights: Big Texan Steakhouse, Route 66 and Cadillac Ranch.
But if you can, spend one night there and spare half a day to explore the nearby Palo Duro Canyon State Park, the second largest canyon in the U.S. – only behind the Grand Canyon.
Check bellow Amarillo’s main attractions and for further details on things to do in Amarillo and Palo Duro Canyon, read this article (destination #1, Amarillo, TX):
Big Texan Steak Ranch
Have lunch at the Big Texan Steak Ranch, part of the old Route 66 and famous for its 72oz steak challenge (eat it all plus side dishes in less than one hour and you don’t pay the bill!).
Route 66
Head to the Route 66 Historic District to drive by the portion of the legendary Route 66 that crosses Amarillo. There are a few shops and restaurants here and there, but what really makes the slight detour interesting is crossing “driving Route 66” from your bucket list (and taking a quick snapshot to register the moment for posterity, of course!)
Cadillac Ranch
Stop by the world-famous Cadillac Ranch. Bring your own spray cans and spray paint real antique Cadillacs. You won’t go to jail for that, I promise – spray painting at the Cadillac Ranch is not only allowed but encouraged as part of this unusual art installation.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is about 30 minutes away from Amarillo. Watch Palo Duro Canyon opening right in front of your eyes as you approach the area, in the middle of the otherwise flat Texas Panhandle, is something special.
The canyon is a destination by itself and you could easily spend a few nights there. But as your final destination – Taos – lies many miles ahead, I would recommend you spend half a day there instead. A good option to make the most of your short visit is to take in the views from the overlook area and then hike the iconic Lighthouse Trail.
2. Santa Fe, NM
279 miles/ 4h 00m from Amarillo
Santa Fe is an amazing and charming small town with a unique artsy vibe, surrounded by incredible nature and cultural wonders. It scored #2 in the 2019 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Award and it was considered one of the 14 Best Places to Travel in 2019 by Forbes.
Plan to spend at least 2 to 3 days there. Here is what to do and the must-sees in Santa Fe and surroundings:
Santa Fe
In Santa Fe, explore the Santa Fe Plaza surroundings. Stroll through its shops and galleries. Visit San Miguel Chapel, the oldest church in the US. Stop by the Palace of the Governors to check on Native American artisans selling authentic art, pottery and jewelry. Try The Shed restaurant just down the street (reservations recommended).
Head then to the Canyon Road area. Wander through the art galleries. Geronimo and The Compound are both great restaurant options on Canyon Road. For a quick meal or a treat, try The Teahouse or Cafe des Artistes.
Bandelier National Monument and Santuario de Chimayo
Visit the amazing Bandelier National Monument, an incredible spot nestled in a canyon, with petroglyphs and dwellings on rocks dating over 11.000 years. The Bandelier National Monument is about 50 minutes away from Santa Fe. It offers several trails. If you only have time to take one, choose the Main Loop Trail, which takes you to the stairs from where you can access the cavates, small human-carved alcoves.
On your way in or out the Bandelier National Monument, take a slight detour and stop by Santuario de Chimayo, a National Historic Landmark and most important Catholic pilgrimage site in the United States. It is a small and adorable church said to have healing powers through its “holy dirt”. Whether you believe in miracles or not, it is a magical place that totally deserves the attention that it gets.
For lunch, head to the nearby Rancho de Chimayo, a pueblo-style traditional New Mexican restaurant.
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
Oh my. I LOVE this place. When planning my trip, I was in doubt if I should choose to explore Tent Rocks National Monument or Bandelier National Monument. I ended up doing both, but If I had to pick only one, I would definitively go with Tent Rocks.
Both are amazing, but Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks is something out of this world. It’s stunning. A unique landscaping different from anything I’d ever seen.
Once there, hike through the slop canyons up to the top. It is not a difficult hike, but it includes some climbing. I did it with 2 kids, including a 3-year-old, and we were fine.
The Tent Rocks National Monument is about 50 minutes away from Santa Fe, making it a perfect day trip to explore the town surroundings.
3. Taos, NM
70 miles/ 1h 20m from Santa Fe
Taos town is a more laid-back version of Santa Fe and can be used as your base to reach the ski resorts of the Enchanted Circle. Plan to spend at least 2 days there (more if you plan on skiing or snowboarding).
I like using Taos as a base and driving up and down the mountain every day for snowboarding. It allows me to enjoy what the town has to offer and to explore more the surroundings, instead of spending the whole time in the ski resort.
But it’s a personal preference. Staying in a ski resort is another great option (sometimes they offer packages including the ski lift). Do your research, weigh the possibilities and decide what suits you better.
But Taos is not only about snow sports. It is a charming small town with a handful of good restaurants, shops and art galleries, offering amazing experiences in its surroundings. It is the perfect winter destination even if you don’t intend to hit the snow slopes.
Check bellow the best things to do and see in and around Taos:
High Road to Taos
Make sure to reach Taos using the Scenic High Road Byway. The views are gorgeous.
The High Road Scenic Byway passes through Chimayo, so if you didn’t visit the Santuario de Chimayo in your way to the Bandelier National Monument, here is your chance to redeem.
There are also another possible stops along the way. I haven’t checked them myself yet, but the waterfalls at Pueblo of Nambe are definitely something I’ll explore next time I take this route.
San Francisco de Asis Mission Church
On your way to Taos, stop by the neighboring Rancho de Taos.
Check on the San Francisco de Asis Mission Church, a World Heritage site over 250 years old and one of the most photographed churches in North America.
Taos
In Taos, explore the Taos Plaza shops and galleries. Visit the Kit Carson and Millicent Rogers museums. Check on the art galleries along the historic Kit Carson Road.
If you have kids in tow, check on the Twirl, a quaint toy store by Taos plaza, with a great play area attached open to the public.
For dinner, try Doc Martin’s, Lambert’s or Love Apple.
Taos Pueblo
An ancient Native American village over 2000 years old, Taos Pueblo is a National Landmark listed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The village, located at the base of the Sangre de Cristo mountains, is jaw-dropping. The ancient houses, strong colors and Sangre de Cristo mountain range background make the visual just amazing.
Taos Pueblo is opened to visitation through guided tours and a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Taos.
Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
A huge iron bridge crossing a spectacular canyon over the Rio Grande. The visual is superb.
The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is a short drive away from Taos (about 15 minutes) and totally worth the stop. You can just drive by to take in the views, park and cross the bridge walking or even take the trails bordering the canyon if you have spare time.
Enchanted Circle Drive and Stagecoach Hot Springs
The Enchanted Circle is a beautiful scenic drive which connects Taos, Red River, Eagle Nest and Angel Fire.
The 84-mile trip takes you through the mountains and New Mexico’s history. It’s a breathtaking scenery which offers interesting stops along the way, such as the charming skiing town of Red River and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial,
Consider taking a small detour and soaking in the Stagecoach Hot Springs (aka Manby Hot Springs) , in Arroyo Hondo. Full disclosure: I haven’t been there yet. But sounds promising and it’s in my bucket list for the next time I visit Taos, so I’m sharing with you (if you go before I do please come back here and let me know if it was worth the trip!).
Taos Ski Valley, Sipapu Ski Resort and Arroyo Seco
I’ve been to 2 ski resorts near Taos town: Taos Ski Valley and Sipapu, both within 30 minutes from the town. They are basically two whole different worlds. I’ve enjoyed both for different reasons.
Taos Ski Valley is a world-class ski resort for more advanced skiers and snowboarders – but there are beginner slopes as well. If you are looking for a top-notch ski resort, go for it.
In case you decide to do so, make sure to stop by the picturesque village of Arroyo Seco on your way back from Taos Ski Valley. Check on the artisans and try one of the top local restaurants – ACEQ, Sabroso’s and Abe’s Cantina and Cocina (make reservations, especially in high season). Or, for a quick meal, try Taos Cow.
Sipapu Ski Resort, in the other hand, is a local small ski resort without all the hype of Taos but offering way more affordable prices. If all you want is to enjoy some snow fun without breaking the bank, can be a great option. Just have in mind that there are way less lifts and trails, amenities and “fanciness” there and you’ll be good.
Another (not tested) ski resort options around are the Red River Ski Area, about one hour away from Taos, and Angel Fire, about 40 minutes away from Taos. Both in the Enchanted Circle.
But can I ski or snowboard in New Mexico in Thanksgiving or Spring Break?
A word of wisdom: check on snow conditions before heading to New Mexico with the sole purpose of skiing, especially if you plan to go on Thanksgiving or Spring Break. Those two dates usually mark the beginning and end of the season and, depending on the year’s snow fall, the season can be shorter.
I’ve been there both in Thanksgiving and Spring Break and was able to snowboard in both occasions. But in Spring Break snow conditions were already not the best and the last time I went down the slope was remarkable: I fell and landed in a small pond formed by melting snow. Getting soaked under freezing temperatures was NOT cool lol.
Summing Up
Go to northeast New Mexico. Now! If you haven’t been there yet, you’re missing out.
Santa Fe and Taos are real American hidden gems. They are not in everyone’s radar such as Colorado, Grand Canyon or New York. But they are definitely travel destinations that will surprise you in a (very) good way. Taking the Dallas to Taos road trip is an out of this world experience guaranteed to build unforgettable memories.
The itinerary explored in this post includes 3 main stops: Amarillo, Santa Fe and Taos.
In Amarillo, visit Palo Duro Canyon, the second largest canyon in the U.S., and iconic places such as Route 66, Cadillac Ranch and Big Texan Steak House.
In Santa Fe, explore this charming New Mexico’s artsy town and get astonished by the Bandelier, Tent Rocks and Santuario de Chimayo, in its surroundings.
Take then the high road to Taos to enjoy the best this laid-back mountain village has to offer. Experience the town unique vibe and culinary. Visit the ancient Taos Pueblo and San Francisco de Assissi Mission Church. Cross the inspiring Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. Drive the beautiful Enchanted Circle. Soak up in the Stagecoach Hot Springs. Hit the slopes at Taos Ski Valley, Sipapu Ski Resort, Angel Fire or Red River.
Then get back here and let me know how it was. I hope you have the time of your life and like it as much as I did!
Have you taken this road trip before? If so, do you know of any must-see places or attractions not mentioned in this post? Leave a comment! I’ll love to gather new ideas to check on my next trip to Taos.
Pingback: Winter Road Trips from Dallas - Dallas Wanderer
Pingback: Long Road Trips from Dallas - Dallas Wanderer