Epic Santa Fe County Adventures: Jeep Tours, Petroglyphs & Spring Getaways
Spring has arrived, making it the ideal time to venture outdoors for unforgettable adventures in Santa Fe County. Beneath endless turquoise skies, stunning landscapes stretch for miles in this high-desert mountain region, creating lasting memories. Whether you're drawn to the majestic mountains and pristine wilderness or the rich history of ancient Pueblo cultures, a spring getaway here will leave you breathless.
Get off-road and deeper into Santa Fe's terrain with a Jeep tour. (Photo courtesy of Santa Fe County)
For an exhilarating off-road experience, join a rugged Jeep tour into Santa Fe County's wild landscapes. Santa Fe Jeep Tours offers four-wheel-drive expeditions through dramatic canyons and alpine forests, unveiling remote, majestic sites inaccessible by standard vehicles.
Options include a guided tour of the Diablo Canyon Recreation Area's striking rock formations. The trail winds past towering basalt cliffs over 300 feet high, culminating at the Rio Grande. Known for its stark beauty, Diablo Canyon has served as a filming location for movies like Cowboys & Aliens, 3:10 to Yuma, and The Missing. It's also a haven for rock climbers. After the tour, you'll appreciate the canyon's rugged perfection for thrilling Jeep adventures.
Santa Fe Jeep Tours takes you deep into Diablo Canyon. (Photo courtesy of Santa Fe County)
Experience Diablo Canyon at sunset for breathtaking views, as Santa Fe's golden light paints the cliffs in vibrant oranges, purples, and reds. Opt for a moonlit ride to see the canyon's nighttime allure, or choose the family-friendly bonfire tour: watch the sunset, gaze at stars, and enjoy s'mores, hot chocolate, and a cozy fire.
Fire roads in Santa Fe National Forest are ideal for four-wheel-drive adventures. (Photo courtesy of Santa Fe County)
For higher elevations, embark on a Jeep tour through the Santa Fe Ski Basin via the Sangre de Cristo Mountains' remote fire roads, canyons, and forests. Capture panoramic views from the summit overlooking Santa Fe and, on clear days, Albuquerque. In fall, witness vibrant aspen colors. For self-guided trips, obtain maps from the Santa Fe National Forest office.
A short hike leads to rocks covered with petroglyphs. (Photo courtesy of Santa Fe County)
For a historical adventure on foot, visit the La Cieneguilla Petroglyph Site, just southwest of Santa Fe city limits. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, this site features nearly 5,000 ancient Pueblo carvings on rocks and boulders, dating from 13th-17th centuries, with some as old as 8000-2000 BCE. Perched on a mesa above the Santa Fe River, it evokes a profound connection to the past. Images include birds, deer, hunters, and Kokopelli—the iconic humpback flute player seen on local merchandise today—linking to northern New Mexico's living Pueblo traditions.
How many symbols will you identify as you explore the La Cieneguilla Petroglyphs? (Photo courtesy of Santa Fe County)
To access the site, drive to Airport Road and NM 599 intersection, then west on Airport Road for 3.3 miles. Park in the gravel lot (BLM signage), and follow the arrow-marked trail 5-10 minutes to the basalt cliffs.
Plan your adventure-filled Santa Fe getaway with the 2018 Santa Fe Travel Guide. Check out deals and specials for savings.
This article was written in partnership with TOURISM Santa Fe and Santa Fe County.
