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The Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway is one of eight official byways in New Mexico. This 132-mile loop is good for most vehicles and offers a convenient and comfortable way to see the best of Northern New Mexico in one day. Start going west from Los Alamos on State Road 501 and turn onto State Road 4 toward Jemez Springs, through Bandelier National Monument. The road climbs up more than 1,000 feet through lush, dense forest, reaching the top at an elevation of 9,000 feet. The incredible views of Valles Caldera will open up in front of you. Continue on to Jemez Falls campground. The easy 1/4-mile hiking trail runs down to a beautiful waterfall. As you return to State Road 4, you will pass by the majestic Battleship Rock on your left. To visit McCauley Warm Springs, you will have to take short but steep, hike. As you keep driving, you will pass by Soda Dam, Jemez State Monument, the Gilman Tunnels, Ponderosa Valley Vineyard and red rocks of Jemez Pueblo.
Jemez Springs, NM
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