The scenic byway passes through historic towns, alongside lakes and streams, and near ski resorts and recreational parks.

It is notable for its historic plaza, arts and music scene, and the nearby Taos Pueblo UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Traveling east on New Mexico State Road 38 (NM 38) is Bobcat Pass (9,820 feet (2,990 m)) which leads into the Moreno Valley and a view of the north side of Mount Wheeler.

[2][nb 2] At the eastern edge of the scenic byway is Moreno Valley, which lies between Eagle Nest and Angel Fire.

From Angel Fire, west on US 64 is the Palo Flechado Pass (9,101 feet (2,774 m)) with a distant view of San Juan.

The buffalo were considered "the best civil engineers in the world" for their ability to find the easiest, lowest paths through the mountains.

[7] A key trail into Taos was "The Old Taos Trail", which began at the Bent's Fort on the Arkansas River in Colorado, west of the Spanish Peaks, through Sangre de Cristo Pass (west of Walsenburg, Colorado), Old La Veta Pass and into Questa area (NM 522/NM38 area).