According to forum posts, for scenic drives in New Mexico, the northern route from Santa Fe through Durango, Pagosa Springs, and Chama is highly recommended. It offers good road conditions and beautiful views, though travelers should watch for speed traps around Chama.

Some travelers suggested taking US 285 from Santa Fe to Carlsbad for a direct but less scenic route. Alternatively, detours west of US 285 leading to attractions like White Sands National Park and the Valley of Fires State Recreation Area can enrich the journey, though these detours significantly lengthen travel time.

For those concerned about mountainous terrains and driving ease, Route 54 has been mentioned as a less challenging and scenic option, especially suitable for those who prefer driving through valleys. This route is recommended for avoiding high elevation and significant climbs, making it suitable for travelers with such preferences.

Travelers have called out the importance of planning driving times to avoid dusk, as wildlife encounters on the road can be a hazard. For long drives, ensuring all travel is done during daylight is advisable for safety.

According to forum posts, Santa Fe and Albuquerque are highly recommended cities to visit in New Mexico. Santa Fe offers a rich array of historical sites and museums, and Albuquerque is known for cultural sites like the Pueblo Cultural Center and the National Hispanic Cultural Center.

Travelers have called out Bandelier National Monument as a must-visit for its historical significance. Additionally, the Valles Caldera National Preserve is praised for its scenic beauty and is considered an underrated gem.

Some users highlighted the Gila Cliff Dwellings and White Sands National Park as key natural attractions. Though White Sands can be extremely hot during the summer, it's noted for its stunning landscapes.

For a unique experience, forum contributors suggest visiting places like the Petroglyph National Monument near Albuquerque. Taos Pueblo and the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge near Taos are also frequently mentioned for their cultural and scenic value.

Some travelers mentioned common road trip routes that involve Santa Fe. One such route is from Houston to Santa Fe, with a suggestion to avoid Dallas and instead pass through College Station, Temple, Abilene, Lubbock, and Clovis before heading north. Another discussed route is from Colorado Springs to Santa Fe, where travelers can choose between the High Road or Low Road to Taos, each offering unique scenic views.

For those traveling from Mesa Verde to Santa Fe, it was suggested to take US-160 E and 84 E for a more scenic experience, or to remain on 550 and then take 96 through Gallina to Abiquiu before heading down to Santa Fe. Another route from Tucumcari to Santa Fe includes taking I-40 to US 285, offering a pretty and pleasant drive according to one user.

Travelers have called out various stops along these routes that enrich the road trip experience. Stops at historical sites in Taos, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, and various national monuments like Bandelier and Petroglyph are popular. The Turquoise Trail between Santa Fe and Albuquerque is also highlighted for its scenery and cultural stops.

According to forum posts, Santa Fe offers a variety of holiday activities, including the Winter lights walk on Canyon Road on Christmas Eve, which is recommended as a wonderful family outing. Some travelers suggested skiing at Ski Santa Fe or sledding at Hyde Memorial State Park, as these locations remain operational during Christmas.

Travelers have called out that most local restaurants in Santa Fe close on Christmas Day, with some exceptions like hotel restaurants. For those seeking a unique dining experience, Shotgun Willies in Red River offers breakfast and BBQ and is accessible as part of the Enchanted Circle drive mentioned by some users.

For cultural experiences during the holidays, some users mentioned attending Native American dances at nearby Pueblos or exploring hotel-based events that tend to remain open.

Some travelers recommend taking Route NM 96 through Abiquiu and then south to Espanola, followed by a trip to Los Alamos and Bandelier. This route is praised for its scenic variety and good road conditions, although it passes through remote areas with limited gas stations. An alternative is to continue south on 550 past Cuba to San Ysidro, then onto NM 4, which passes right by Valles Caldera National Preserve on the way to Bandelier, offering more services and a shorter travel time.

According to forum posts, from Albuquerque, one can opt for a scenic drive through the Jemez Mountains, which is longer but offers beautiful landscapes and potential wildlife sightings. From Santa Fe, travelers have explored routes that include going through Los Alamos, which involves some mountainous, winding roads but is considered worth the trip for its views and unique geological features.

Before visiting White Sands National Park, travelers should be aware that the park has been closed until further notice as of March 22, 2020, due to health guidelines promoting social distancing. Travelers are recommended to check the White Sands NP official website for the latest updates on park operations.

Travelers have suggested that if visiting, it's worthwhile to plan for activities like sledding on the dunes and attending the ranger-led sunset hike, which are highlights of the park. However, for those with limited time, a single visit in the afternoon to catch the sunset may suffice, as the sunsets at White Sands are particularly renowned.

For lodging, Alamogordo has been recommended as a convenient place to stay due to its proximity to the park. It also offers additional attractions like the space and flight museum. For those traveling from afar, the nearest major airport is in El Paso, Texas, which requires a drive to reach the park.

According to forum posts, Carlsbad Caverns itself is a must-see attraction, especially renowned for its Big Room and Kings Palace tour. The natural beauty and unique geological formations make it a standout destination. Travelers have called out the guided tours, particularly the Kings Palace Tour, as highly recommended for observing the impressive formations.

Some travelers mentioned the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park as a worthwhile visit near Carlsbad. This state park offers a blend of botanical garden and native wildlife exhibits, providing an enjoyable and educational experience for all ages. Additionally, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, located about 45 minutes from Carlsbad Caverns, was recommended for its natural beauty and hiking opportunities.

For those exploring further, some posts suggested visiting nearby towns and attractions such as White Sands National Park, which is known for its dramatic landscape of white gypsum sand dunes. The drive between White Sands and Carlsbad Caverns also offers scenic views and potential stops in interesting towns like Alamogordo, known for its Space History Museum.

According to forum posts, Chaco Culture National Historical Park is considered one of the most amazing places in the country, particularly noted for its historical and archaeological significance. Travelers have called out its grandeur and the unique experience it offers to those interested in history and archaeology.

Several users have highlighted the challenging access to Chaco due to the unpaved and rough roads leading to the site. It is advised to have a suitable vehicle and to check weather conditions before visiting, as the roads can become impassable after rain.

Travelers should note that the museum at Chaco occasionally undergoes renovations, which can affect the availability of displays and artifacts. Despite this, the site itself provides a rich educational experience.

For visitors planning a trip, it's recommended to be prepared for the basic and remote nature of the facilities. Chaco offers a profound look into the past, but with limited amenities, suggesting a visit here is for those who are somewhat adventurous and self-sufficient.