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On High Road

The high road is a magic sort of ride. Through the spanning desert and near fascinating badlands, wetlands, and sandstone pueblos, the High Road to Taos is a byway rich in archeological interest and history. Route 518 will take you on a climb past the artisan town of Cordova and to Truchas, which was once a Spanish-outpost and offers spectacular views of the Rio Grande Valley and Truchas Peak. After Truchas, you will find yourself in the Carson National Forest and past small towns and lovely desert views. You will want to stop in the small town of Las Trampas, home to the San Jose de Gracia Church, one of the most beautiful colonial-era churches in the country. Continue north past the Picuris Pueblo, a small pueblo still inhabited by the Picuris tribe. You will end your journey at Ranchos de Taos. Be sure to visit the magnificent San Francisco de Asis, possibly the most photographed church in New Mexico, and the inspiration behind many paintings by Georgia O’Keefe.

Taos to Cimarron

In Spanish, Cimarron means “wild and unruly,” harking back to the historical turbulence of this now peaceful community. The area was once part of the controversial Maxwell Land Grant, which eventually caused the Colfax County War in the late 1800s. In addition to Cimarron’s rich Native American heritage, Spanish settlers, homesteaders, trappers, traders, and many other colorful characters made this beautiful area their home.

In the 1800s, few towns had such a reputation for gunplay and violence as Cimarron, New Mexico. Once luridly lawless, today this peaceful town echoes the sights and sounds of its historic past. You can still see ruts of the Santa Fe Trail and our museums and historic buildings offer fun and informative activities. Nearby recreation abounds in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Cimarron offers a colorful history and plenty to do any time of year. The sparkle of trail campfires and the howl of coyotes remind us that the old west and the new west overlap.