The Sangre de Cristo Mountains, beyond the western edge of the region, are full of interest, including the classic travel destinations of Taos and Santa Fe.
If you're following the Route 66 itinerary which follows I-40 here, the section of the road east of this region is one of the most boring on the entire highway; however, there are several points of interest on the westbound side, as you head into the central region. Clines Corners is a wide spot in the road on the boundary between northeast and central that's of no great interest itself well, a little interest for its historic role of servicing travelers on 66 -- grab a tank of gas and some munchies but serves to alert you that more interesting terrain lies ahead.
I-25 leaves the state north of Raton and continues over Raton Pass into Colorado. Trinidad is the first town north of the state line and has several points of interest connected with the Santa Fe Trail, as well as serving as a departure point for roads heading west into the Colorado mountains.
