Is there a sightseeing route? What should we see and how do you do it? Thanks

I guess you'll be combining 2 famous routes: the High Road to Taos, and the Turquoise Trail.

The High Road connects Taos to Santa Fe, and is famous for several old Spanish towns. Chimayo is one of them.

The Turquoise Trail is the long way to Santa Fe from ABQ; it goes around the east side of the Sandia Crest, through Madrid, and a couple of other picturesque small towns.

It's been so long since I took these roads that I can't give you much more detail. Journey to the High Southwest is a book that is really useful in exploring this area.

The Turquoise Trail is also referred to as the "old highway," which goes between Santa Fe and Albuquerque. It doesn't take much longer than the main highway, but travellyn is right - it goes through a few pretty little towns. Madrid is a neat place; it's mostly - if you can imagine this combination - artists and bikers. Many places have no running water or electricity but the main street (maybe the only street!) is lined with interesting shops and galleries.
The High Road from Taos is quite a bit longer than the main highway but it is beautiful. Be careful because it's quite twisty and winding, and even in the summer you might find bits of snow on the ground which could make it a little slippery in spots. We saw an accident that had happened shortly before we got there, evidently because the driver had taken a turn too quickly.

My husband and I have taken both of these routes once or twice as we have been there two times in the past three years and we are going back this August. From ABQ to Santa Fe, the Turquoise trail is really beautiful, in fact the 2nd time we did it, I had forgotten how pretty it is and was suprised all over again. We also drove up to Sandia Crest in ABQ before heading to Santa Fe last time and it was really beautiful. Great views of ABQ and a little place to grab lunch as well as trail heads for hiking around Sandia. You are in a different area than where the tram goes to but you can park and hike from this area. We didn't do the hike but talked to a guy who did. As far as the towns on the trail such as Madrid which gets the most publicity, they look like nothing so you have to be a little bit adventurous and stop to explore. But even if you just drive through the towns without stopping, it is much more fun than I25.
The High Road is really nice too. If you are coming from Taos then it will start with being in more alpine like area with lots of ponderosa pines and aspens and working your way down to the more high desert terrain. Be sure to stop at Santurio de Chimayo (sp?) which is the old church with the sacred dirt. I still have mine from my first trip and keep it in a little friendship bowl by my bed!!! It is supposed to have healing powers. I have been enjoying good health! Have fun

The hike on Sandia mountain from the parking lot to the tram stop is great. Be prepared for lower temps and pack lots of water.

Just back from a trip to the Southwest. Highly recommend the Mineshaft Tavern in Madrid if you are passing by at meal time. Great food! We had really good Mexican and homemade peach pie!
Also ate at Casa Sena in Santa Fe and it was awful! My salad had many yellowed spinach leaves and my partner's salad had a long hair in it! Service was terrible. All in all our worst dining experience in 17 days.