Road Trips from Santa Fe, NM
Thinking about a weekend escape from Santa Fe? You've got options ranging from short, scenic drives under an hour to longer hauls that take up to five hours. Many of these routes stick to surface roads, offering a relaxed pace, but there are also highway-focused trips for faster travel. With several parks and national monuments accessible within a few hours, you can easily incorporate nature and history into your plans, whether you’re looking for a quick day trip or a more extensive drive.
Total Routes
10
Shortest
3.8h
With Parks Nearby
10
Full-day getaway
Twin Lakes, NM
3h 46m213.1 mi one way
This is one of the longer day trips, spanning 213.1 miles and 3.8 hours primarily on highways. While it doesn't have parks directly associated with it, it's a good choice for a longer drive focused on covering distance rather than park visits.
Aztec, NM
3h 55m205.6 mi one way
Weekend trip
8 total in this range
Hobbs, NM
6h 26m307.5 mi one way
Alamogordo, NM
4h 43m216.7 mi one way
Clocking in at 216.7 miles and 4.7 hours, this route mainly uses highways and scores a 9 for its drive. It's a substantial day trip that offers access to White Sands National Park, along with Pecos National Historical Park and Bandelier National Monument.
Atoka, NM
4h 42m237.2 mi one way
At 237.2 miles and 4.7 hours, this is a significant highway drive. It has a high drive score of 9, making it suitable for those who prefer faster travel and are looking for a longer day trip without specific park destinations listed.
Waterflow, NM
4h 22m226.5 mi one way
This destination is 226.5 miles away and takes about 4.4 hours on mostly highway roads. It has a drive score of 8 and provides access to parks like Aztec Ruins National Monument and Petroglyph National Monument, offering a longer drive with historical sites.
Berino, NM
5h 21m305.6 mi one way
This is the longest option at 305.6 miles and 5.4 hours, mostly on highways with a drive score of 8. It's a considerable drive that includes access to Petroglyph National Monument and Bandelier National Monument, suitable for an extended day trip.
Browse by Mood
Hobbs, NM
6h 26m307.5 mi one way
Alamogordo, NM
4h 43m216.7 mi one way
Atoka, NM
4h 42m237.2 mi one way
Waterflow, NM
4h 22m226.5 mi one way
Hobbs, NM
6h 26m307.5 mi one way
Alamogordo, NM
4h 43m216.7 mi one way
Aztec, NM
3h 55m205.6 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers good driving conditions for routes with parks like Bandelier National Monument and White Sands National Park.
Summer
Summer drives are viable for all destinations, with park access remaining a key feature for many routes.
Fall
Fall is ideal for exploring areas near Pecos National Historical Park and Manhattan Project National Historical Park, with pleasant driving weather.
Winter
Winter travel is suitable for highway-focused routes, though park accessibility may vary.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Santa Fe, NM city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.