High Road to Taos, Scenic mountain route between Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico, United States.
The High Road to Taos is a mountain route that winds through northern New Mexico, connecting historic villages at elevations reaching 8,500 feet. The road passes through pine forests, open slopes, and offers views of distant mountain ranges throughout the journey.
Spanish settlers established this road network in the 17th century to connect isolated communities and mission churches across the region. The route later became part of regional trading networks that linked different areas together.
The road passes through towns where weaving and woodcarving remain living crafts, visible in small workshops and family-run shops throughout the communities. Visitors can watch artisans at work and see how these traditions shape the daily rhythm of the villages.
The drive takes at least two and a half hours and requires careful navigation through winding mountain roads with varying road conditions. Multiple galleries, shops, and chapels are located along the way, so plan extra time for stops and exploration.
At the Santuario de Chimayo, a small chapel along the route, visitors collect soil from a small hole in the chapel floor that many believe has healing properties. This practice attracts thousands of people each year, especially during Holy Week.
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