![]() For the time being, Jemez Springs is your best bet for a hot springs day trip near Santa Fe. If you’ve seen Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs come up as a suggestion for New Mexico hot springs, be aware that the facility suffered a tragic fire in 2020 and is not expected to reopen until summer 2021. If that’s not of interest, Jemez Springs combines nicely with Bandelier National Monument (described above) or Valles Caldera National Preserve (below). The atomic history - and current research - is a defining part of northern New Mexico, so if that’s of interest to you, be sure to stop in town to visit the Bradbury Science Museum. You’ll pass through Los Alamos to get to Jemez Springs. If you spend the night, you’ll also have time to explore downtown Taos (for museums, breweries, and more), detour to the stunning Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, and add in scenic drive along the Enchanted Circle. Taos has enough to offer that you might want more time than you can fit in a Santa Fe day trip. Obviously magical in the winter, it’s also a great place for hiking and mountain biking in the summer as you enjoy views of mountain peaks rising over 12,000 feet in the air. Farther north, you can also visit Taos Ski Valley. First, there’s Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can tour two huge adobe structures about a thousand years old. ![]() The town of Taos can actually be broken into a few sections, but there are two main areas that are great for a day trip. Both are easy to combine for a full day away from Santa Fe. If you’ve got time left in your day, you can swing through Albuquerque or return via the Turquoise Trail scenic byway. My family at the top of Sandia Peak in December Alternatively, you can drive to the top - a good option if you intend to stop at one of the many trailheads along the way. You’ll soar over the Sandia Mountain peaks until you reach the top at 10,378 feet where you overlook Albuquerque (and beyond) down below. Believe it or not, it’s the highest aerial tramway in the country. Sandia Peak Tramwayįor an exhilarating experience, be sure to take the short jaunt to the Sandia Peak Tramway. Red sandstone cliffs dot the landscape, providing the perfect backdrop to hike and enjoy the national beauty of New Mexico. Some of the cliff dwellings are accessible by ladder, while others can easily be viewed from ground level. Here, you can explore the former dwellings of the ancestral Puebloans who used to live in the region. It’s far less visited than a national park, but still offers a great intersection of local history and nature. You’ll find Bandalier National Monument less than an hour from Santa Fe. You’ll feel like you’re in an entirely different world despite only being about 45 minutes from Santa Fe.Ĭliff dwellings at Bandalier National Monument Yes, that’s a bold claim but the main hike here takes you past hoodoos, slot canyons, and other incredible rock formations. Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocksįor an outdoor adventure, Tent Rocks is by far the best option in the entire state of New Mexico. I guarantee you’ll leave feeling inspired. Or ignore her work and let creativity wash over you instead. Hike to see the mountains that inspired Georgia O’Keefe (or take a guided walking tour to learn more about time in the area). There aren’t a lot of attractions here, although Ghost Ranch is an absolute do-not-miss. The changing light makes every landscape feel fresh and new. Red rocks seemingly appear out of nowhere, leading to views of the forest, lake, and something I often overlook - the sky. This small town has some of the state’s most dramatic scenery. AbiquiuĪbiqiui is my favorite place in all of New Mexico. Consider this article as inspiration for the future. Residents of “high-risk” states are required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival and many state attractions are closed due to strict state restrictions. HEADS UP FOR 2020: Unfortunately, New Mexico is essentially off-limits to travelers right now. Here are eight of the best day trips from Santa Fe to consider on your next New Mexico adventure. ![]() Whether you only need one Santa Fe day trip suggestion or several, I’ve got plenty of recommendations for you. What makes day tripping so great is the ability to not have to pack and unpack all the time (and to return for Santa Fe’s excellent restaurants for dinner!). You’ll truly find it all - history and the outdoors being principal players. ![]() However, this idyllic region of the Southwest has an abundance of day trip opportunities. As such, I find myself leaving city limits more often that not. I’ve been a few times, but the primary draws are museums and private galleries - neither one my cup of tea. While Santa Fe itself is a popular travel destination, it’s not one that fits well into my personal interests. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |