High Road to Taos

The High Road to Taos is a scenic byway in northern New Mexico connecting Santa Fe and Taos. The byway is about 56 miles long, beginning in Pojoaque and ending in Ranchos de Taos or vice versa. The route is traversed via State Roads 503, 76, 75, and 518. The road winds through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at its northern end and gradually descends into desert badlands at its southern end. On the way one passes through several old Spanish landgrant villages like Talpa, Penasco, Trampas (Las Trampas), Truchas, and Cordova. There are a lot of artisans in Trampas and Truchas. Chimayo is also on the route and is a must stop to visit Sanctuario de Chimayo. Nambe and Tesuque Pueblos are located at the southern end.
I came from Colorado to drive the High Road to Taos, and the last stretch was on U.S. Highway 64 that crosses over the Rio Grande River at the Rio Grande Gorge. Once I got to Ranchos de Taos I stopped at San Francisco de Asís Catholic Mission Church before actually starting on the High Road. I drove the High Road to Taos in April of 2025.

Rio Grande Gorge

Map of the High Road to Taos

San Francisco de Asís Catholic Mission Church

Initial construction of San Francisco de Asís began around 1772 and was completed in 1815 by the Franciscan order. Its patron saint is of course Saint Francis of Assisi. The church has undergone several renovations. The roof and ceiling beams were replaced in 1967, and copies of the original doors and corbels were installed. San Francisco de Asís is a classic example of a New Mexico Spanish Colonial Church, and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1970.

San Francisco de Asís Catholic Mission Church

Sanctuary

Altar

Confessional Booths

San Francisco de Asís

Ranchos de Taos to Cordova

This leg of our journey is abouth 41 miles long, comprises most of the High Road, and passes through the villages of Talpa, Vadito, Chamisal, Trampas (Las Trampas), Ojo Sarco, and Truchas. There will be stops at San Jose de Gracia Catholic Church in Trampas and Los Llanitos Cemetery.

Begin High Road to Taos Scenic Byway

Las Trampas Historic Marker en Espanol

Las Trampas Historic Marker in English

San Jose de Gracia Catholic Church

San Jose de Gracia Catholic Church
The church was closed when I was there

Part of church graveyard

View of Truchas from Truchas Overlook

One really neat thing about New Mexico is how colorful its cemeteries are. The citizens of the state like to remember their departed relatives with lots of flower arrangements and other colerful items. Los Llanitos Cemetery serves the residents of Truchas and Rio Arriba County.

Los Llanitos Cemetery

Once was a Biker

Very Colorful Grave

Cordova Historic Marker

View from scenic overlook about 2.25 miles west of Cordova on NM State Road 76

Sanctuario de Chimayó

El Santuario de Chimayó is a Roman Catholic church built in 1816. It's famous for its "holy dirt" which is thought to have healing properties. The church is a National Historic Landmark and probably the most important pilgrimage site in the U.S., receiving some 300,000 visitors per year. Several other religious structures, gift shops, and restaurants have built up around it over the years. It kind of gave me the vibe of a religious theme park (in a good way).