DAy trips from Santa Fe
 

I've been doing a lot of reading today, and my goodness, there is so much to see outside the cities.
I'll be in Santa Fe for 5 nights... one of them in ABQ and perhaps Christmas day to Taos and TAos Pueblo.

I love dramatic scenery.. What should I do and where should I drive to???
Is it usually ok to take the high road to Taos in winter...and the Gorge bridge?
There seems to be so much dramatic scenery and amazing little towns.
I'd really like a day or two of side trips.
Any advice...?

As long as the roads are open, I think the high road to Taos would be a great trip. I've done it in February and July, and it was beautiful both times.

Bandelier National Monument is pretty neat, too, and makes a nice day trip from Santa Fe.

You might enjoy driving up to Abiquiu, where Georgia O'Keeffe painted a lot of her pictures.

Lee Ann

Elen, thanks for the great ideas. I bought the Lonely Planet book and it's filled with great things to do.
I already know I'll have to make another trip to the area.

Do you think I should rent a bigger car than my usual economy car?

I wouldn't worry about your usual economy car rental Kodi. I drive a Nissan Sentra, and it's been over New Mexico's and Colorado's mountain passes many times.

The only place it would be "strained" is on I-25 from Albuquerque to Santa Fe. That is posted for 75mph, and from experience I can tell you that's for the right lane only! That is also why I'd recommend using NM-14, or the "Turquoise Trail" between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. It will only add 30-45 minutes driving time, and is much more scenic passing through pinon groves, badlands, and old mining towns. The most prominent is Madrid (Mad-rid) which was featured in the "Wild Hogs" movie that was recently out. If you rent the movie you'll see a great deal of the area on film. This includes the US-64 bridge over the Rio Grande Gorge, NW of Taos.

If you are going to be in Taos around Christmas, check ahead with the Taos Convention & Visitors Bureau, because Taos Pueblo is sometimes closed for religious ceremonies...and you don't want to miss this 15th Century beauty.

Have a great trip, and "research" as much as you can.

Oh, winter is fickle. Last year lots of snow, and cold...the year before warm and dry. I would not attempt the high road (don't miss the Santuario de Chimayo) if the weather is bad, and the roads not dry. Winter is also an excellent time to explore the plethora of diverse museums in both Santa Fe, and Albuquerque (near Old Town.) Enjoy!

NM, thank you so, so much for the great tips. I appreciate it. I'll stick with renting a small car.
Everything sounds so wonderful...I can't wait. It's an area I've wanted to visit for a long time.

I'll have to rent Wild Hogs.

As I said before, I already know I will want to visit the area again.
I love dramatic scenery and I also can't wait to taste the food.