The Strangest Road Names in New Mexico and How They Got Them
A drive through Albuquerque, New Mexico’s largest city, reveals some road names that might make you pause—like Central Avenue, the former Route 66, which slices through Old Town and the vibrant Nob Hill district. This stretch is packed with neon signs, quirky shops, and historic motels that recall the heyday of the Mother Road. The name “Central Avenue” might sound ordinary, but it’s a living museum of Americana, where each block tells tales of cross-country travelers and the funky charm that has defined New Mexico’s largest city for decades. Exploring this street on foot or bike, especially in the cooler spring or fall months, lets you soak in the blend of Native, Hispanic, and mid-century modern influences that make Albuquerque a cultural crossroads.
Head about 30 miles north of Albuquerque to the town of Jemez Springs, nestled in the Santa Fe National Forest, where you’ll find the aptly named Hot Springs Road. This small stretch leads visitors to natural geothermal pools fed by volcanic activity, surrounded by pine forests and red rock cliffs. Hot Springs Road got its name from the mineral-rich waters that have drawn people here for centuries, including Native peoples and early Spanish settlers. After a refreshing soak, you can hike the Jemez Falls Trail, a moderate 1.5-mile loop that culminates in a dramatic 70-foot waterfall. Fall colors here are stunning, making this area an ideal destination during autumn’s crisp, clear days.
In the far north of the state, near the town of Chama and about 3 hours northwest of Santa Fe, you’ll encounter Cumbres Pass Road. This route climbs into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and closely follows the historic Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad. The road’s name comes from the Spanish word for “summits,” a nod to the rugged peaks it traverses at over 10,000 feet elevation. Visitors can take the steam-powered train along this route, but driving the road gives a more intimate look at alpine meadows and dense spruce-fir forests. Summer wildflowers bloom in profusion here, and the cool mountain air offers a welcome escape from New Mexico’s lower desert heat.
Down in southern New Mexico, in the historic town of Mesilla near Las Cruces, you’ll find the intriguingly named Tortugas Drive. “Tortugas” means turtles in Spanish, and the name recalls the small turtle-shaped rock formations native to the area. Mesilla’s Tortugas Drive leads you past adobe homes and centuries-old churches, including the San Albino Basilica, a prime example of territorial architecture. The nearby Tortugas Mountain Trail offers a moderate hike with panoramic views of the Mesilla Valley and surrounding desert, especially breathtaking in early morning light. The town’s blend of Old West history and vibrant culture makes this road more than just a path—it’s a journey into New Mexico’s layered past.
Near Santa Fe, in the foothills east of the city, Hyde Park Road winds through a residential area named after a 19th-century land grant. This road’s peculiar name comes from the original Hyde Park Land Grant, which references a British estate, a reminder of New Mexico’s complex history of land ownership under Spanish, Mexican, and American rule. From here, you can access the Dale Ball Trails, a network of more than 20 miles of easy to moderate hiking and biking paths weaving through piñon-juniper woodlands. Sunrises and sunsets viewed from these trails atop the Sangre de Cristo foothills reveal sweeping vistas of the city and distant mountains, especially magical in winter when the skies are crisp and clear.
In the southwestern corner of the state, in the village of Silver City, you’ll come across the intriguingly named Gila Cliff Dwellings Road. This route leads visitors to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, about an hour’s drive west of Silver City. The road’s name reflects the ancient dwellings built into natural caves by the Mogollon people in the late 1200s. Hiking the 1.5-mile Gila Cliff Dwellings Trail offers a close-up view of these remarkable stone homes perched high on cliff ledges, amid piñon pines and junipers. Summer monsoon rains bring dramatic thunderstorms that electrify the sky over these ruins, adding a thrilling backdrop to your visit.
Finally, in the quirky town of Taos, about 70 miles north of Santa Fe, you’ll find the famously odd name of Lama Road. It’s named for the nearby Lama Foundation, a spiritual community established in the late 1960s that still attracts artists, writers, and seekers today. Lama Road weaves through high desert landscapes dotted with juniper and sagebrush, leading toward the Rio Grande Gorge and the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. Visitors can hike the Rio Grande Gorge Trail for stunning views of the deep canyon carved by the river below. Spring and early summer are ideal for spotting wild cherries and desert flowers along the way, while the Lama Foundation’s ongoing workshops and retreats offer a unique cultural experience anchored in the land’s spiritual traditions.
These roads, scattered across New Mexico’s diverse landscapes—from alpine peaks to desert mesas—carry names steeped in history, nature, and culture. Traveling them offers more than just directional guidance; it’s a way to connect with the stories and spirit that make New Mexico so singular. Whether winding through a historic district, leading to ancient ruins, or hugging mountain summits, each name opens a door to a different chapter of the state’s rich and strange heritage.