New Mexico State Highways

New Mexico’s state highway system plays a vital role in connecting its diverse landscapes—from high desert plateaus and rugged mountains to remote pueblos and bustling urban centers. The state’s Department of Transportation oversees a network of more than 7,000 miles of state-maintained roads, designated as State Roads (SR or NM followed by a route number). These routes range from short connectors to major cross-state corridors and often serve as critical links between Interstates, U.S. Highways, and rural communities.

A number of state routes in New Mexico hold historical or scenic value. NM 14, part of the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway, connects Albuquerque to Santa Fe via a route rich with mining history and artist enclaves. NM 4 travels through the Jemez Mountains and Bandelier National Monument, offering dramatic landscapes and cultural significance. Some roads, like NM 502, provide essential access to key facilities such as Los Alamos National Laboratory, blending modern utility with regional importance.

The state’s numbering system includes many low-digit routes that are primary arteries, while three-digit numbers often represent spurs or more localized roads. Over the years, several older alignments of U.S. and even Route 66 highways have been redesignated as state roads, preserving their legacy. Whether navigating to remote trailheads or traveling through scenic desert expanses, New Mexico’s state highways form a foundational part of the state’s transportation identity.