9 Exceptional Experiences to Awaken Your Senses in and Around Santa Fe, New Mexico
By Jacqueline Kehoe for Matador Network in paid partnership with TOURISM Santa Fe.
When Georgia O’Keeffe first encountered the New Mexican landscape around Santa Fe, she wrote, “I’d never seen anything like it before, but it fitted to me exactly. It’s something that’s in the air — it’s different. The sky is different, the wind is different. I shouldn’t say too much about it because other people may be interested and I don’t want them interested.”
O’Keeffe was spot on about this remarkable place—and about our growing fascination with it. In today's world, we yearn for fresh air, immersive experiences, vast open spaces, and the profound sense of renewal that only Santa Fe, The City Different, and its surroundings can deliver. Here are nine ways to reinvigorate your senses and discover your unique connection to this extraordinary destination.
Note: Always contact businesses, state and national parks, and monuments in advance to confirm accessibility and safety.
1. Hiking the Diverse Trails of Santa Fe National Forest
Photo: Light Benders Visuals/Shutterstock
Spanning nearly 1.6 million acres with hundreds of miles of trails, alpine lakes, mountain streams, aspen groves, hot springs, and elevations from 5,000 to 13,000 feet, Santa Fe National Forest offers unparalleled hiking variety. The flagship trek is the 14-mile round trip to 12,600-foot Santa Fe Baldy, ideal for a challenging day hike or multi-day backpacking. Start early or camp at the scenic Puerto Nambe meadow, five miles in, to savor the panoramic views.
Nearby, Lake Katherine rewards with a stunning 360-degree alpine panorama via an accessible hike, while Jemez Falls and Rio En Medio Falls offer easy and moderate options, respectively. Autumn's golden aspens shine brightest, but this forest thrives year-round.
2. Soaking in McCauley Hot Springs
Home to a dormant volcano, Santa Fe National Forest nurtures natural hot springs that echo New Mexico's geothermal legacy.
The 3.4-mile uphill hike to McCauley Hot Springs delivers sweeping views, from Battleship Rock at the trailhead to intimate waterfalls and pools accommodating 15-20 people. Claim it solo with friends for ultimate relaxation.
3. Exploring Tent Rocks and Hoodoos at Kasha-Katuwe
Photo: Juancat/Shutterstock
Millions of years of erosion transformed volcanic ash and tuff into the ethereal cones, hoodoos, and slot canyons of Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument.
The 1.5-mile Canyon Trail leads through a dramatic slot canyon, culminating in a steep 630-foot climb to a mesa mesa with vistas of the Sangre de Cristo, Jemez, and Sandia mountains over the Rio Grande Valley.
Note: Arrive early to beat the crowds.
4. Rafting the Rio Grande and Rio Chama
Just 30 minutes from Santa Fe, the Rio Grande and its tributary, Rio Chama, deliver thrilling and serene adventures. Tackle Class IV rapids in the remote Taos Box one day, then float gently the next.
The Wild and Scenic Rio Chama offers 30+ miles of multi-day floats with Class I-III rapids beneath towering sandstone cliffs—inspiration for Ansel Adams and Georgia O’Keeffe. For the Rio Grande, choose a Lower Gorge day trip, Taos Box challenge, or overnight in Orilla Verde. New Mexico River Adventures handles all options.
5. Mountain Biking the Sangre de Cristo Mountains
Photo: TOURISM Santa Fe
The Sangre de Cristo Mountains east of Santa Fe boast expert-level trails. Top picks:
- Dale Ball Outer Limits: 9.4-mile loops through city, county, and forest with 1,200 feet of elevation and 21% max grade.
- Jagged Axe: 2.7 miles of high-speed corners, rock rolls, and hike-a-bike near Glorieta.
- Upper Rio en Medio: 1.9-mile descent past waterfalls, creeks, and switchbacks.
Beginners can enjoy the Santa Fe Rail Trail from the Railyard District.
6. Golfing Amidst Desert Wilderness
Secure solitude on the links at Marty Sanchez Links de Santa Fe, a par-3 course framed by four mountain ranges in the high desert.
Southward, Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed Cochiti Golf Club weaves through juniper hills on a dramatic plateau.
7. Experiencing the Spirit of Puye Cliffs
Photo: Bas van den Heuvel/Shutterstock
At Puye Cliffs—“between the Earth and the sky”—Tewa Pueblo ancestors inhabited a 1,000-room complex from 900-1500 AD. Guided tours by descendants climb ladders to kivas and dwellings, sharing profound cultural stories. Visit respectfully and openly.
8. Driving Through Gilman Tunnels
For an epic road trip, drive Forest Service Road 376 from Jemez Springs through Rio Guadalupe box canyon, flanked by sheer rock walls. Pass historic 1920s logging railway tunnels that plunge into darkness, then continue to Highway 126 and US-4 for a scenic loop.
9. Stargazing New Mexico's Milky Way
Photo: JB Manning/Shutterstock
New Mexico's low light pollution reveals breathtaking night skies. Join:
- El Rito Observatory monthly star parties north of town.
- Astronomy Adventures Turquoise Trail tours with ranger-astronomer Peter.
- Night Sky Adventures personalized tours in Bandelier with NPS Dark Ranger Geoff.
- Exceptional views in the Jemez Mountains near Valles Caldera.
Whether by starlit trail or mountain path, Santa Fe awaits to refresh your senses.
Courtesy of Matador Network
