Fall in New Mexico generally lasts from the middle of September through early November. In higher elevations, you can usually see peak foliage from early to mid-October, while lower elevations do not hit their brightest colors until mid-to-late October. If you’re looking to enjoy the fall foliage, here are six of the best spots for leaf peeping in the Land of Enchantment.
The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway
In northern New Mexico, Taos is the heart of beautiful fall colors. One of the best fall drives is the 80-mile Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, which starts and ends in this lovely New Mexican town. This scenic route winding through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains is dotted with quaint towns and beautiful vistas. Be sure to stop at Chimayo on your way for some of the best homemade New Mexican food you’ll ever have. Peak foliage is typically mid-October. Starting in Taos, take Highway 522 north to Questa, then go east on Highway 38 until you reach Eagle’s Nest. Some of the best views are in this area of the scenic byway, so be sure to bring your camera! Then head south on Highway 64, which will take you back to Taos. If you travel the entire Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway it can take three to six hours, depending on how many times you stop to soak in the stunning scenery.
Santa Fe National Forest and Scenic Byway
Located near New Mexico’s capital, the Santa Fe National Forest is one of the most beautiful areas in the state for stunning fall colors. The forest is renowned for its gorgeous groves of tall aspen trees, with glittering leaves that turn gold in the fall. There are four designated wilderness areas where you can horseback ride through the fall foliage, or you can gaze out on the autumn splendor from the comfort of an outdoor hot spring near Jemez Springs. The higher elevations here hit their peak foliage in the first week or two of October, while lower elevations may not reach their peak until the end of the month. The 16-mile Santa Fe Scenic Byway starts at Santa Fe Plaza and travels between the Sangre de Cristos and Jemez Mountains before returning to the Santa Fe Ski Basin. The views are spectacular here in the fall, especially along the Vista Grande Overlook.
Albuquerque
The largest city in New Mexico is Albuquerque, and it offers many excellent spots for leaf peeping. Some of the best places are in the mountains, such as the Sandia Mountains and the Manzano Mountains. You can also find great views of the city from different overlooks, such as at Central Avenue and Copper Avenue. The Albuquerque Biological Park, the Bosque, and the Rio Grande Valley State Park are all wonderful leaf-peeping spots as well. Peak colors in Albuquerque are usually in mid-October. If you visit in early October, you can go to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, which is the largest hot air balloon festival in the world. The fiesta takes place over a nine-day period and features over 750 hot air balloons. During the fiesta, the park is filled with spectators from all over the world who come to watch the balloon ascensions and enjoy the festivities. And of course, you can’t go leaf-peeping in New Mexico without taking a drive down Route 66! There is nothing like seeing the leaves change color while driving down one of America’s most iconic roads. The red, orange, and yellow leaves along the road contrast against the blue sky and make for a stunning sight. This legendary road runs right through Albuquerque, so you can take in the fall colors while also getting a taste of Americana.
Cibola National Forest
The fall colors in the Cibola National Forest are a unique combination of both Bigtooth and Rock Mountain maples with rich red, orange, and purple hues. You can take a scenic drive through the forest or travel up to the Sandia Peak observation deck. The journey to the observation deck offers a unique leaf-peeping experience as well, as you will need to book a ride on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway. This aerial transport travels above the forest trees, the Rio Grande Valley, and the Manzano Mountains, offering stunning views of the colorful fall foliage below. You can also travel to the Fourth of July Canyon Campground in Cibola National Forest, an area filled with lush trees of red and orange during the fall season. The campground is in the Manzano Mountains, where the leaves can change into their vivid autumn colors anytime between mid to late September and even into late October. It’s hard to know exactly when the leaves will be at their brightest colors. When the weather is colder, the leaves change more quickly, but a warmer fall season means later peak foliage. In general, however, the leaves in this area are alight with vivid fall colors about a week and a half into October. After a day spent leaf peeping, stop by the Manzano Mountain Apple Farm and Retreat Center to pick up some fresh apples. The orchard is just a quick drive south of Albuquerque, with many different types of apples and delicious cider.
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Another unique way to go leaf peeping in New Mexico is to hop aboard the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad! The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a heritage railroad that operates between Chama, New Mexico, and Antonito, Colorado. Peak foliage in this area is typically from early to mid-October. The railroad passes through some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, and in the fall, the leaves on the trees are simply stunning. The crisp air and brilliant colors make for an unforgettable experience. From full excursion trips (64 miles) to shorter, quick trips for families, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a great way to see the changing leaves up close. There are three different kinds of cars you can ride in on this train. The first-class Parlor Car is only for adults aged 21 and up, and it’s a really fancy car with lots of Victorian-style decorations. The Deluxe Car is also pretty upscale, but it’s open to people of all ages. It has café-style seating and big windows so you can enjoy the fresh Rocky Mountain air. The Coach Car is more basic, but it’s still comfortable. And finally, the gondola is an open-air car where you can learn about the history of the railroad from the docents.
Gila National Forest
Silver City’s Gila National Forest is a beautiful spot for leaf peeping in New Mexico, with scenic byways and natural wilderness. The best time to see colorful fall foliage is in October when the forest’s many different types of trees change color. It is a great place to take a hike and enjoy the scenery. There are many different trails to choose from, so you can find one that is perfect for you. There are also two scenic byways in Gila National Forest. The Geronimo Trail National Scenic Byway is a beautiful stretch of road that winds its way through stunning views of the mountains and valleys. There are also several hiking trails along the byway that offer access to even more breathtaking scenery. The Mountain Spirits Scenic Byway takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in the state, including the San Francisco Peaks and the Rio Grande Gorge. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to see some of the state’s wildlife, including elk, deer, and bighorn sheep.
Final Thoughts
Don’t miss your chance to see New Mexico in all its autumn glory! These are just a few of the best spots for leaf peeping in this beautiful state. As mentioned earlier, it’s tough to predict exactly when the fall colors will shine the brightest, due to moisture and temperature conditions. However, you can check out this fall foliage map to help you as you venture out for leaf peeping in New Mexico. So, get out there and enjoy the changing leaves while they last!
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Fall in New Mexico generally lasts from the middle of September through early November. In higher elevations, you can usually see peak foliage from early to mid-October, while lower elevations do not hit their brightest colors until mid-to-late October. What’s the best road trip to “peep” the changing leaves? The 16-mile Santa Fe Scenic Byway starts at Santa Fe Plaza and travels between the Sangre de Cristos and Jemez Mountains before returning to the Santa Fe Ski Basin. The views are spectacular here in the fall, especially along the Vista Grande Overlook.
