El Camino Real
Places to Visit

  • Albuquerque

    Albuquerque (NM)

    Albuquerque blends America's prehistory with its future in a satisfying southwestern dish that is sure to please.

    Location:

    Located along I-25 in central New Mexico
  • Bandelier National Monument

    Bandelier National Monument (NM)

    Bandelier National Monument is a wonderful place to see the ruins of many cliff houses and pueblo style dwellings of 13th Century Pueblo Indians.

    Location:

    Located south of Los Alamos. Part of the northern border is lined by NM-4.
  • Bernalillo

    Bernalillo (NM)

    Bernalillo is one of the most historic cities in New Mexico. Several ancient pueblos and Spanish settlements, including Sandia, Santa Ana, Zia, San Felipe, Santo Domingo, Jemez, and Cochiti, are all nearby.

    Location:

    Located just west of I-25, north of Albuquerque, NM.

  • Bond House Museum (NM)

    A highlight of Española, and its cultural treasures, is the Bond House Museum. This fine home was built between 1877 and 1911 by railroad pioneer and entrepreneur Frank Bond.

    Location:

    The Bond House Museum is located at 706 Bond Street in Española.
  • Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge

    Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge (NM)

    The Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge protects 57,191 acres of upland desert and floodplain. The popular 15-mile auto tour loop allows visitors to enjoy wildlife viewing and photography. Wildlife here is accustomed to visitors and may be closely observed from vehicles, which serve as photo blinds.

    Location:

    The refuge is located at the northern edge of the Chihuahuan desert, and straddles the Rio Grande approximately 20 miles south of Socorro, New Mexico.
  • Caballo Lake State Park

    Caballo Lake State Park (NM)

    Caballo Lake, which is man-made, sits at the foot of the Caballo mountains, and it provides year-round adventures.

    Location:

    Located southeast of NM 152, along NM Route 187, about 10 miles east of Hillsboro.
  • Cibola National Forest

    Cibola National Forest (NM)

    Occupying three states and claiming four wildernesses, the Cibola National Forest provides endless recreational opportunities to visitors during all seasons.

    Location:

    Located in central New Mexico

  • El Camino Real International Heritage Center (NM)

    A New Mexico State Monument, El Camino Real International Heritage Center uses exhibits, trails, and more to tell the story of the Byway and its history.

    Distance from byway: 34.20000076294 mi / 55.0 km
    Travel time: 45 minutes
    Directions:

    From Socorro, follow I-25 south for 30 miles. Take Exit 115, and go east to Hwy 1, then go south 1.5 miles. Turn east onto County Road 1598, and drive 2.7 miles to the Center.
  • Elephant Butte Lake State Park

    Elephant Butte Lake State Park (NM)

    The most popular lake in New Mexico, Elephant Butte is the largest lake in the state. It is 43 miles long with more than 200 miles of shoreline. The mild climate of the area makes this park a great year-round destination.

    Location:

    Located northeast of the junction of NM 52 and NM 51.
  • Geronimo Springs Museum

    Geronimo Springs Museum (NM)

    The Geronimo Springs Museum highlights southwest history, and Indian lore and crafts help to enhance knowledge on many subjects of New Mexico and the area.

    Distance from byway: 0.5 mi / 0.8 km
    Travel time: 2 minutes
    Directions:

    From the junction of I-25 and NM-51, drive south for about 0.3 miles, then turn west and drive for about 0.2 miles until you come to the museum.