Canyon Road

Upper Canyon Road begins where the historic Canyon Road shifts from adobe art galleries to adobe residences. Mostly single-family homes, many of which were built back in the 1600s and 1700s, this area is rich in history and in character. The roads, for example, are narrow and wind this way and that because their original users were people riding into town on horseback and mule. 

Nestled as it is in the heart of the city (a mile east of the historic Plaza and the state’s Capitol building), what Upper Canyon may lack in views it makes up for in unusually colorful gardens, its feeling of romance, and an abundance of history and grace. The homes are primarily Pueblo-style and Territorial and the lots may not be overwhelmingly spacious, but the tone is luxurious, well-appointed, and grand. 

Upper Canyon Road is an extension of Canyon Road’s world-famous art galleries and restaurants on one end, and to the east, the Randall Davey Audubon Center offers 135 acres of hiking trails and grounds. Down on Canyon Road, in the fall, visitors and residents can take part in road’s Paint & Sculpt Out, and every Christmas Eve, 25,000 visitors—locals and out-of-towners—descend on Canyon and Upper Canyon for the annual Farolito Walk. This is when paper bags weighted with sand and candles line the streets and walls, bonfires are burning every couple blocks or so, residents open their doors for hot cider and wine, and revelers sing carols.