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This is the perfect road trip leaving Albuquerque for the weekend. I suggest leaving early Friday afternoon and plan on a 3 hr. drive to Taos. Allow at least 3 hrs if you plan to drive straight through, or several more hours if you plan to stop and take a few photos in the Santa Fe/Pojoaque area or in the Rio Grande Canyon between Espanola and Taos.
There are lots of eating places to choose in Taos for the evening. Spend the morning and drive out to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge on US 64 about 20 miles northwest of Taos. The steel deck truss is approximately 1,200 ft. long and about 650 ft. above the Rio Grande. The Rio Grande Gorge is spectacular! You will not forget your visit to this scenic and unique setting/location.
Drive back into Taos and eat at Michael's Kitchen for lunch. Spend the afternoon walking around the Taos Plaza and local park. Taos is quite unique with its southwestern architecture, tight spaces and various southwestern Indian, wildlife and cowboy artwork.
Spend another evening in Taos, as you will want to if you have never been there before. In the morning, drive to Bandelier National Monument. This is done by driving back to Espanola then to White Rock and finally on to Bandelier. I suggest stopping in Espanola or Whiterock to grab a bite to eat and get some snacks and drinks for the visit of the National Monument. Enjoy the rest of the day at Bandelier cliff dwellings and then head back to Albuquerque when finished.
Plan on some moderate hiking and climbing. Use plenty of sunscreen. If you have extra time, which isn't too likely, Los Alamos is an interesting New Mexico town to visit. It is only about 15 miles from Bandelier. This is suggested, if you do not plan to hike around much at Bandelier. Have fun and enjoy some very special places in New Mexico. |
