New Mexico may be famous for desert landscapes, but there are still plenty of trees with autumnal leaves. Here are 10 places to go leaf-peeping in New Mexico.
New Mexico may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about fall foliage. After all, this is the Land of Enchantment, not exactly the Land of Maple Trees. Once autumn arrives, though, the state’s mountains, forests, and river trails transform into brilliant hues of gold, yellow, rust, and, in a few special places, red.
The best time to peep varies by elevation. Higher elevations typically see color beginning in late September, while lower elevations change through October and, in some places, into early November. This year, drought conditions across the Southern Rockies are predicted to make fall foliage drop earlier than usual, making timing especially important for anyone planning a dedicated fall foliage trip.
Pro tip: Weekly leaf-peeping not only increases your chances of catching the color but also gives you a much-deserved escape into nature.
Whether you want to take a scenic drive, hike beneath a canopy of aspens, wander Albuquerque’s bosque, or take a step back in time and ride a train, there are plenty of ways to enjoy New Mexico’s fall colors.
Hiking and nature
Once the temperatures have cooled down and the sun has lost some of its sting, hiking through the forests makes for a wonderful autumn adventure. Choose your timing carefully for cooperative weather, accessible trails, and the chance to take in some fantastic color-changing foliage.
Taos Ski Valley
Peak foliage: Late September to early October
Taos Ski Valley offers high-altitude hiking with plenty of opportunities to get right into the fall colors. Trails such as Williams Lake provide close views of golden aspens framed by rugged mountain peaks. If you have a weekend to dedicate to the sport of leaf-peeping, Taos Ski Valley also happens to be a great place to go bookdocking. Just pay attention to the weather app, as it is known to snow here as early as October.
Fourth of July Canyon
Peak foliage: Early to mid-October
Tucked into the Manzano Mountains near Albuquerque, Fourth of July Canyon is known for something a little different. Alongside the yellow aspens are rare red bigtooth maples, creating a striking palette of autumn colors. Peeping here may actually have you wondering if we are, in fact, in the Land of Maple Trees.
Note for 2026: The campground and surrounding trails are under a temporary USDA Forest Service closure through at least September 30, 2026, due to firefighting operations associated with the Cerro and Blanco fires. Check current Forest Service alerts before planning a trip.
Paseo del Bosque Trail
Peak foliage: Late October to early November
For a flatter, lower elevation option—aka a milder hike—the Paseo del Bosque Trail follows a 16-mile paved route through Albuquerque along the Rio Grande. Long but relatively easy, this hike is a great way to get the blood moving while taking in the beauty of fall—even without strong hiking skills.
The surrounding bosque—the Spanish word for forest—transforms into deep golden foliage in late October, offering a peaceful way to experience fall without climbing a mountain. It’s also a good option for cyclists, walkers, and anyone who would rather admire the scenery than spend the day questioning their fitness at higher elevations.
Chamisa Trail Loop via Saddleback and Winsor
Peak foliage: Early to mid October
The approximately 10-mile Chamisa Trail loop through the Santa Fe National Forest offers vibrant fall colors among aspens, cottonwoods, and willows along Tesuque Creek. The combination of colorful foliage, mountain scenery, and creekside vegetation makes this a strong choice for hikers looking to spend several hours immersed in the season. Since this trail is near Santa Fe Ski Basin, you may consider ending the day sipping hot cocoa at Kakawa Chocolate House or seeking spa treatment at Ten Thousand Waves, two of the more unique things to do in Santa Fe.
Scenic drives
Why hike when you can load up the car with snacks, hot cocoa, and your favorite people for a drive through the trees? Leaf-peeping by car is a wholesome fall tradition for families across the country—in fact, my in-laws from Michigan make an annual drive through their favorite forest to see the leaves change. Maybe your family can find an even more enchanting place to make your own annual tradition in New Mexico—there are plenty of places to see the forest for the trees, after all.
Santa Fe Ski Road
Peak foliage: Mid-September to mid-October
Highway 475—aka Artists Road—climbs toward the Santa Fe Ski Basin, winding through dense forests that increase in beauty as the elevation rises. If you have a moonroof, now is a good time to sit in the passenger seat—or simply pull over in Hyde Memorial State Park—and look up as golden aspen canopies crowd overhead.
This leaf-peeping experience is magical and requires no hiking, only a full tank of gas and the willingness to cruise leisurely up the winding mountain road. The road ends at the ski basin that sits at over 10,000 feet, so bring that cozy sweater you’ve been saving for sweater weather—the time to wear it is now.
Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway
Peak foliage: Late September to early October
The 84-mile Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway makes a loop through some of northern New Mexico’s most dramatic mountain scenery, beginning near Taos and passing through Red River and Angel Fire. Massive mountain slopes covered in golden aspens make this one of the state’s quintessential fall drives. For the best chance of catching peak color in 2026, consider going toward the beginning of the expected window, particularly if dry conditions continue to speed up the season.
Pro Tip: Head out on a Saturday and catch a quaint seller’s open-air market near the Rio Grande bridge in Taos. You’ll find friendly people selling unique wares—in fact, I’m currently wearing a pair of Zuni-made earrings I purchased there three years ago!
Jemez Mountain Trail Scenic Byway
Peak foliage: Early to mid-October
Highway 4 passes through Jemez Springs and the Valles Caldera National Preserve, combining colorful autumn foliage with the dramatic volcanic landscape of the Jemez Mountains. Expect plenty of yellow foliage, but don’t forget to look beyond the trees. Deep red rock formations and broad mountain views fill the route with a fall color palette that could inspire your next Thanksgiving centerpiece.
To make a day of it, plan to go rock hounding while here—you just might find obsidian, agate, jasper, and shell fossils.
Sunspot Scenic Byway
Peak foliage: Mid to late October
For a later-season drive, head south toward Cloudcroft to ooh-and-ahhh at the 15-mile Sunspot Scenic Byway. The aspens here typically change later in the season, making it a great way to extend your wholesome leaf-peeping well into spooky season. The area also offers sweeping views across the desert valleys below, making it an ideal place to watch the sunset—when the sky puts on its own colorful show.
Take the scenic route—by train
If you’re anything like me, you’re the one constantly in the driver’s seat watching the road while others take in the scenery. For a chance to sit back, relax, and literally enjoy the passing scenery, consider a train ride through some of the state’s best fall foliage.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Peak foliage: Late September to early October
There is a train that runs between two of the Four Corners states, offering a unique and expansive way to see the season’s colors. The historic Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad runs through the high country near the New Mexico and Colorado border, offering autumn views from a historic narrow-gauge line. The route passes through mountain scenery that can be especially spectacular when the aspens change from green to golden.
The railroad has also added several special experiences for fall 2026, giving leaf-peepers a few more reasons to climb aboard. The 2026 season includes special autumn excursions, including the Oktoberfest Express, where passengers enjoy views and brews, as well as the Historic Galloping Goose.
Galloping Goose No. 5
October 2–4 and 9–11, 2026
The historic Galloping Goose No. 5, a 1930s railcar, will return to the tracks for special fall excursions Oct. 2 through 4 and Oct. 9 through 11. Built in 1933 for the Rio Grande Southern Railroad, No. 5 is a famous surviving “Goose” that once carried mail, freight, and passengers during the Great Depression.
As part of a ride package that includes lunch and photo stops, the 64-mile journey on the historic car crosses over Cumbres Pass from Chama to Antonito, offering unforgettable scenery complete with insta-worthy fall leaves. As the official website puts it, “along the way, travel through high mountain passes, deep canyons, tunnels, trestles, forests and wide-open Western landscapes as the Goose follows the historic railroad across the Colorado–New Mexico border.” Tickets for the limited event start at $185.
🍁 Happy leaf-peeping!
