How lucky we are to live in such a beautiful, vibrant landscape. Our seasons are distinct, and fall in New Mexico arguably takes the cake. With all of its changing colors, New Mexico’s fall leaves are not to be missed. Take a road trip to visit them all, but don’t forget to savor the views in your own backyard.
We’d like to thank Manzano Day School for sponsoring this Guide to Fall Leaves.
Manzano Day School is dedicated to innovative child-centered education, excellence in teaching, and Joy in Learning® to prepare children for a life of discovery and community involvement in our diverse world. Founded in 1938, Manzano Day School is an independent, nonprofit elementary school for children in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. The school’s historic six-acre campus borders Old Town and downtown Albuquerque. Get a jump-start on the 2024-2025 academic year by attending Manzano Day School’s Open House on Sunday, October 15, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Prospective parents will learn about Manzano Day School’s core values, how outstanding faculty inspire Joy in Learning® through our curriculum, the one-of-a-kind Fenton Ranch environmental education, and service learning projects, as well as the admission process and financial aid. RSVP here to attend!
Botanic Gardens
2601 Central Ave. NW, Albuquerque
The Botanic Gardens are beautiful all year round, but there’s just something special about the color changes that occur right before the winter frost sets in. Make sure to grab your tickets ahead of time on the BioPark website.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
500 Terrace Avenue, Chama
Voted one of the best train rides in the whole country, what better way to take in everything fall has to offer than a train ride along the New Mexico/Colorado border. Did we mention the views are breathtaking?
The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway
This road begins in Taos on NM 522 and circles all the around back to Taos on Kit Carson Road. See a map here. Learn all about where to stop on your road trip here.
Fourth of July Canyon
See the map at the link above for detailed directions to the Canyon located in Cibola National Forest in Estancia
The Fourth of July Canyon gets its name from the gorgeous maple leaves that turn orange, red, pink, and yellow every October. There’s nothing better than seeing fireworks in the fall.
Los Alamos & The Jemez
See the map at the link above for detailed directions on where to start your drive
Take The Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway, which will take you past San Ysidro Pueblo through Jemez Springs, Jemez Pueblo, and Valles Caldera. There’s so much to see and do along the way . . . including catching a glimpse of some gorgeous fall color. This is quite possibly one of the most beautiful drives in New Mexico. And for the first couple of weeks in October, it will be scattered with yellow and red.
Paseo del Bosque Trail
See the link above for all the different points of entry.
Bike, jog, or stroll follow this 17.6-mile trail and take in the gorgeous yellow cottonwood trees right along our Rio Grande River.
Sandia Peak
See the link above for a map to the bottom all the way to the top of the peak
There’s is not much more beautiful or peaceful than Aspen leaves on a crisp fall day. Take a drive up the backside of the mountain and enjoy the bright yellow leaves of the Aspens contrasting with their white bark and the green pine trees.
Ski Santa Fe
Santa Fe Recreation Area, Santa Fe
Catch a glimpse of glowing Aspens at Ski Santa Fe before the snow falls. The ski area usually opens up its ski lift for a ride through the leaves at eye level.
Open Space Visitor Center
Thousands of Sandhill Cranes migrate through the Middle Rio Grande Valley in the fall. A great place to see them at the City of Albuquerque Open Space Visitor Center.
