If you’re looking for an enriching experience in the high deserts of northern New Mexico, there’s no better place to turn than the charming New Mexico mountain towns dotting these breathtaking landscapes. The landscapes are striking and awe-inspiring, but more than that, they are full of lovely towns with a rich cultural heritage and offer an unforgettable sense of place. The area between Santa Fe and Taos is especially enchanting, with its mix of rugged mountains, vast open skies, and the unique charm of small mountain towns.
Among the best destinations in this area is the charming village of Chimayó. Known for its famed Santuario de Chimayó, a site of pilgrimage and local devotion, this village offers a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural heart of New Mexico. Beyond its historical and religious significance, Chimayó and other nearby mountain towns offer many activities, from exploring local art galleries and craft shops to hiking scenic trails and savoring the flavors of traditional New Mexican cuisine. Each of these New Mexico mountain towns has a unique character and charm, promising a captivating adventure that will leave you refreshed and inspired.
If you’re looking for a getaway that marries welcoming hospitality, comfortable accommodations, and authenticity, there is no better place to stay than our northern New Mexico Bed and Breakfast in Chimayó. Our quaint Inn sits on six beautiful acres, surrounded by the Jemez and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges, offering our guests the opportunity to unplug in a way few other properties can boast. As you unwind, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the rich traditions and welcoming spirit of New Mexico, making your stay a memorable and profoundly enriching experience. Embrace the opportunity to reconnect with nature, history, and this extraordinary region. Book your stay at our top-rated Bed and Breakfast in Chimayó today!
The Best New Mexico Mountain Towns
Apart from the true flavor of New Mexico, you’ll gain while staying at our Chimayó Inn, one of the best reasons to use us as your home base is our convenient location near many of the top New Mexico mountain towns. This, of course, includes our own village of Chimayó, but that’s just the beginning of the charming towns, villages, and experiences awaiting you in the scenic high deserts of northern New Mexico.
Each mountain town offers something unique, including history, art, and outdoor adventure, inviting visitors to explore and appreciate the distinctive character that defines northern New Mexico. Whether you are drawn to the ancient traditions preserved in these towns or the breathtaking landscapes surrounding them, you will find countless opportunities to immerse yourself in enriching and invigorating experiences.
Below, we’ve listed seven of our favorite New Mexico mountain towns to draw you out into the mountains beyond the often-targeted cities of Taos and Santa Fe.
- Chimayó: Famous for the Santuario de Chimayó, this village is a spiritual and cultural hub – and it also happens to be where you’ll find our charming Bed and Breakfast. Visitors can explore the historic church, renowned for its miraculous healing earth, and browse the local weavers’ workshops for exquisite handmade textiles.
- Abiquiú: Known for its connection to artist Georgia O’Keeffe, Abiquiú offers stunning landscapes that inspired many of her paintings. The nearby Ghost Ranch provides hiking trails with dramatic views and a chance to visit O’Keeffe’s home and studio, making this one of the most popular New Mexico mountain towns to visit.
- Red River: A vibrant destination for outdoor enthusiasts, Red River is ideal for skiing in the winter and hiking or fishing in the summer. The town’s lively Main Street features charming shops, restaurants, and regular events, offering an authentic testament to the Old West.
- Angel Fire: This New Mexico mountain town is a haven for adventure sports, boasting excellent facilities for skiing, mountain biking, and golfing. Angel Fire also offers a variety of cultural activities, including art shows and music festivals throughout the year.
- Eagle Nest: Located near the scenic Eagle Nest Lake, Eagle Nest is one of the top mountain towns in New Mexico for fishing, boating, and wildlife watching.
- Los Alamos: This charming town is the gateway to 3 national parks, including Bandelier National Monument, Valles Caldera National Preserve, and the Manhattan Project National Historical Park.
- Jemez Springs: Drive through the beautiful mountains, and you’ll stumble upon one of the most serene New Mexico mountain towns, Jemez Springs. As the name suggests, there are natural thermal pools all around the town, with one of the most popular being the Jemez Hot Springs. The area also has several primitive hot springs tucked into the forest and requires a little adventure to get to.
Don’t Miss the Santuario de Chimayó Church
The Santuario de Chimayó Church, an iconic landmark in northern New Mexico, is a testament to the region’s deep spiritual roots and cultural heritage. Constructed in 1816 by Don Bernardo Abeyta, the Chimayó church’s foundation is steeped in local legend. It is said that a miraculous crucifix was discovered here, prompting the construction of the Santuario on that very spot. This historical significance, combined with its adobe architecture and scenic setting, makes it a profoundly moving site for visitors and pilgrims alike.
Each year during Holy Week, the Santuario de Chimayó church becomes the focal point of an impressive pilgrimage. Thousands of devotees walk from various parts of New Mexico and beyond, some covering distances of over 90 miles or more, to reach this sacred site. The pilgrimage is a powerful expression of faith and devotion, with pilgrims seeking spiritual renewal and the reputed healing powers of the church’s sacred earth. This annual event underscores the Santuario de Chimayó’s religious importance and highlights its role as a unifying force within the community.
Beyond the annual pilgrimage, visitors to the Santuario de Chimayó church can enjoy the serene environment, perfect for prayer and reflection. A visit to El Posito, the small room where the miraculous healing earth is kept, is a must; many believe in the curative properties of this earth, and they take small amounts with them. The grounds also feature beautiful gardens and a tranquil river, enhancing the overall spiritual experience. The Santuario de Chimayó’s reputation as a destination for healing, both physical and spiritual, continues to attract those seeking comfort and miracles, solidifying its status as a beacon of hope and faith in the American Southwest.
The Santuario de Chimayó church is just a few minutes from our Bed and Breakfast, offering guests easy access to this and other historic and cultural sights in this quaint mountain town. This is the place to stay if you’re seeking a relaxed, authentic experience that will revitalize you. Book your room at our Chimayó Bed and Breakfast today!
