The 10 Best Outdoor Activities to Do in Santa Fe, New Mexico
SAN DIEGO, USA – SEP 28, 2014: UNION STATION ON SEPTEMBER 28, 2014 IN SAN DIEGO, USA.
As more competition arises and fuel prices drop, airfare's become more affordable. This means people who once couldn't afford to travel are now getting out and seeing different parts of the world.
If you're one of these travelers, you may want to start small and tour your own country before venturing out to other nations. Below are the 10 best outdoor activities to do in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
1. Visit Madrid
No, I don't mean the Madrid in Spain. There is, in fact, a Madrid right here in America!
This is an old mining town that's become a beautiful collection of shops and galleries. All of the buildings are of different colors, which makes it a vibrant destination.
If you've seen the 2007 film "Wild Hogs," then you'll definitely want to make a stop here. This movie was shot in this town!
2. Visit Chimayo
This hamlet was first settled in the 1740s and is a very important part of Santa Fe. First of all, they have a weaving technique that's lasted throughout the years, which makes it unique.
Also, Chimayo is known for their chile and their church, the Santuario de Chimayo. Supposedly, a miracle happened at this church; it has healing dirt you can take with you.
If you're not that interested in the history of this hamlet, you'll still have plenty to do. Chimayo has lots of art galleries and shops, as well as fantastic restaurants to dine at.
3. Visit the Bandelier National Monument
The Bandelier National Monument is truly a wonder. Here, there's evidence of humans being around the area over 10,000 years ago! At this site, you can also see cliff dwellings that ancient Pueblo people lived in.
If you enjoy hiking, you can take the Main Loop Trail and you'll get to go inside some caves. Or you can climb some wooden ladders to visit the Alcove House that overlooks the Frijoles Canyon.
4. Go to Pecos National Historical Park
This historical park is located just a half hour's drive away from Santa Fe. This area has great significance since it was where the Plains Indians and Pueblo people did their trading from 1,100 AD until the 1830s.
You'll get to enjoy going through a 1.2-mile trail where you'll get an up-close and personal look at the pueblo. There's also a 2.3-mile trail closeby, as well as the Forked Lightning Ranch tour on Sundays.
5. Go Golfing
If you want to play it safe, you should enjoy Santa Fe's golf courses. They're top-tier and are very convenient to get to.
For the picky golfers, you'll be pleased to know that there are 8 golf courses within a 2-hour radius of Santa Fe. The courses will even customize a trip for you for free.
6. Take a Stroll Down Canyon Road
Art buffs will go crazy for Canyon Road; there are over 200 art galleries on this stretch! Not only will you find art galleries, but you'll also find cute boutiques and restaurants to have quaint meals at.
If you can, try and visit during Christmastime. There's the Canyon Road Farolito Walk on Christmas Eve, where there are plenty of candles and bonfires, as well as people walking around singing Christmas carols.
7. Visit El Rancho de las Golondrinas
El Rancho de las Golondrinas is a small village nearby Santa Fe. It was a camping stop (or parejo) in the Spanish Colonial days.
If you like recreations and reenactments, you'll enjoy visiting this parejo. They've brought and recreated various buildings, such as mills, blacksmith's stations, and a schoolhouse. There are also docents who reenact period activities like weaving and grain milling.
Make sure you stop by the Museum Shop. You'll be able to buy unique souvenirs made by artists who are descendants of the Spanish Colonial people.
8. Go Rafting
For wilderness lovers, there's the usual route of taking hikes and exploring trails. But that's all on land; wouldn't you rather get a different perspective for once?
One such option in Santa Fe is white river rafting. Not only will you get to partake in an exciting activity, but you'll also get to practice teamwork while taking in the beautiful sights.
Full day rafting trips are available for rafters of all skill levels, which means everyone in your group can easily enjoy what this activity has to offer. Spend the day getting a different view of Santa Fe.
9. Go Skiing or Snowboarding
When you think about Santa Fe, you probably envision a desert, not a winter wonderland. But it's true: Santa Fe can be good for skiing!
Ski Santa Fe offers 77 trails, which means it'll make every level of skier or snowboarder content. It also has a rental shop so you won't have to haul your own equipment up. When you tire of the activities, you can grab a bite to eat at La Casa Food Court.
10. Go to the Puye Cliffs
The Puye Cliffs have lots of history in them, as they're where the ancestors of modern-day Santa Clara Pueblo people lived from 900 to 1,500 AD. In order to go on a tour here, you have to get a Santa Clara guide.
You can choose from 2 tours: the first is where you go up the cliff, and the other takes you to the mesa to see the old pueblo. If you're curious about both, you can take a combined tour.
Do note that there are some secrets the Santa Clara Pueblo people keep within their culture, so there may be questions that go unanswered on your tours.
Enjoy Your Time in Santa Fe
With this fantastic list of things to outdoor things to do in Santa Fe, New Mexico, there should be no excuse for being bored on your vacation. So pencil in a few of these things, call around, plan, and get going on your wonderful adventures!
Going on a long trip soon? Then you'll want to read some packing tips from my blog!
