Explore Santa Fe's Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Biking, Golfing & More
After savoring Santa Fe's culinary delights, world-class museums, and vibrant flamenco performances, it's time to embrace the great outdoors. Our city's breathtaking landscapes offer endless opportunities for walking, hiking, biking, and golfing.
Santa Fe residents cherish outdoor living, earning the city recognition as the "3rd healthiest city in the world" from Citiesjournal.com. Stroll the scenic Santa Fe River Walk, hailed by Condé Nast as one of the "10 Great River Walks." Breathe in some of the nation's cleanest air while exploring these acclaimed trails.
Santa Fe's natural beauty welcomes walkers, hikers, and cyclists to the City Different.
Premier Hiking Trails
Short on time? The Dale Ball Trails will convince you otherwise. Highlighted by Sherman's Travel as one of "Six Under-the-Radar" hikes in 2014, this 22-mile network in the Sangre de Cristo foothills offers trails from easy to challenging, just 10 minutes from downtown. Well-marked signs ensure easy navigation, with connections to the Nature Conservancy and Dorothy Stewart trails.
Near St. John's College on the east side, the Atalaya Mountain Trail is a favorite for its accessibility. This strenuous three-hour round-trip ascent rewards with panoramic vistas—not for beginners.
Choose your challenge on the Dale Ball Trails.
Birdwatchers, head to the Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary. Spot up to 190 bird species with binoculars in hand (note: dogs prohibited to preserve wildlife).
Sunset Strolls
Chase a Santa Fe sunset on foot at the Cross of the Martyrs, northeast of Paseo de Peralta between East Marcy and Otero Streets. The steep climb yields one of the city's best vantage points.
Capture that iconic "Santa Fe Sunset."
Pet-Friendly Paths
Bring your furry companion—Santa Fe is pet-friendly. Leashed dogs are welcome in all city parks. For off-leash fun, visit the 130-acre Frank S. Ortiz Park or the fenced Santa Fe Animal Shelter Dog Park, with a small-dog area.
Dogs enjoy off-leash freedom at designated parks.
Bike the City Different
Santa Fe's compact layout, gentle terrain, and abundant sunshine make it a cyclist's paradise. Rent from Mellow Velo, New Mexico Bike & Sport, or The Broken Spoke. The League of American Bicyclists awarded Bronze (2011), then Silver (2013-2014) as a Bicycle Friendly Community. IMBA named it a Silver-Level Ride Center, and USA Today listed it among "America's Top Mountain Bike Towns."
Multi-use paths suit all riders; consult our Santa Fe trail map. Mountain bikers love La Tierra Trails in the northwest, with Fat Tire Society resources for rides and conditions.
Family bike rides on Santa Fe trails.
Golf Amid the Peaks
Golfing covers 5-7 kilometers of walking. Marty Sanchez Links de Santa Fe, our municipal course, featured on Fox Sports and Golf Life TV, offers 360-degree mountain views.
Golf with stunning mountain backdrops.
Wear suitable shoes, pack water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and rain gear. From lower elevations, acclimate slowly to avoid altitude sickness and dehydration—rest and hydrate frequently.
Santa Fe's azure skies and majestic mountains beckon. Whether hiking, biking, walking, or golfing, your outdoor adventure awaits!
