Summary of Day Trips
Few places in the United States so precisely depict the intriguing remnants of Spanish colonial life as the city of Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Situated near the Mexican border, this sunlit city serves as a tapestry of diverse heritages, featuring everything from traditional American art to Native American cultural centers and even authentic ranchos.
This beautiful city exudes the charm of a time long past, captivating history enthusiasts while also catering to nature lovers seeking adventure.
The expansive deserts, mountain ranges, and plains in the areas surrounding Santa Fe provide excellent options for day excursions, allowing visitors to explore numerous captivating sites within just a few hours.
Here are 15 of the most remarkable day trips you can embark on from Santa Fe.
1. Jemez Springs
The village of Jemez Springs can be reached from Santa Fe in less than two hours by traveling west through the picturesque Los Alamos, noted for its expansive, high-altitude prairies.
The hot mineral springs, renowned for their therapeutic properties, have attracted visitors for centuries, complemented by the charming small-town atmosphere.
With both spiritual and recreational retreats influenced by indigenous cultures, Jemez Springs offers an ideal setting for relaxation amidst stunning natural vistas.
2. Bandelier National Monument
An exceptional example of the fusion of natural beauty and ancient human habitation, Bandelier National Monument is a true haven for nature lovers and those interested in the region’s early cultures.
The landscape features rugged red sandstone cliffs encircled by scenic pine forests.
This location provides superb hiking trails, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the breathtaking environment.
Additionally, you can gain insights into the cave-dwelling natives who once inhabited these walls and marvel at their remarkable ingenuity.
3. Road Trip to Taos
The scenic route known as the “High Road to Taos” includes a winding journey through some of New Mexico’s most stunning geographical features and cultural landmarks.
This path is adorned with intriguing historical locations such as the Spanish pueblo of Chimayo, recognized for its exquisite adobe chapel named El Santuario.
You can also discover charming small towns like Truchas and Córdova; traveling between them is part of the excitement.
The journey takes you through enchanting high-desert badlands and pine-blanketed mountains, creating a distinct contrast to the urban areas left behind.
Be sure to reserve time to experience the town of Taos, which is a remarkable testament to the ancient traditions that the local community preserves.
4. Ghost Ranch
Located just an hour from Santa Fe, Ghost Ranch serves as an Education and Retreat Center that perfectly embodies New Mexico’s rural scenery.
Its stunning red landscapes are punctuated by tabletop mesas stretching as far as the eye can see.
The center offers various tours and activities, from horseback riding through the breathtaking landscapes to following in the footsteps of renowned artist Georgia O’Keeffe.
The tranquility of the surroundings is palpable during this day trip, and for those more interested in cultural heritage, notable sites include the Florence Hawley Ellis Museum of Anthropology and the Ruth Hall Museum of Paleontology.
5. Madrid
Claiming the highest density of artists per capita in the United States, Madrid is a charming and picturesque artist enclave that has evolved from its past as a ghost town in the 1970s.
Featuring brightly colored homes against the breathtaking backdrop of the Ortiz Mountains, the town is home to numerous galleries and artisanal stands that are unmissable.
History aficionados may also find the town’s coal mining heritage intriguing and can learn more at the Mine Shaft Tavern.
6. Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
Undoubtedly featuring one of the most stunning landscapes in New Mexico, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is an essential stop located just 10 miles from Taos, promising breathtaking views.
Suspended nearly 600 feet above the Rio Grande, the bridge is not recommended for those with a fear of heights; however, those who dare to venture onto it will find remarkable photographic opportunities.
From this vantage point, enjoy some of the most exceptional views of Wheeler Peak, the highest mountain in New Mexico.
7. Turquoise Trail
The National Scenic Byway, fondly referred to as the Turquoise Trail, links Santa Fe and Albuquerque. If you plan a day trip to Albuquerque, consider bypassing the interstate in favor of this captivating route.
The gently rolling landscape feels untouched, providing a sense of having escaped civilization, while the Sandia Mountains loom majestically in the distance amidst the reddish earth dotted with scrub vegetation.
8. Sandia Peak Tramway
If the views of the majestic Sandia Mountains from the ground do not suffice, the Sandia Peak Tramway offers an exhilarating alternative to appreciate this breathtaking panorama.
Spanning a thrilling 15-minute ride, the tramway elevates you from the hot desert climate to the cooler alpine environment at the summit of the Sandia Mountains.
Here, the views are unobstructed, and you can partake in various activities, from hiking to winter skiing.
9. White Mesa
A haven for adventurous spirits, hikers, nature enthusiasts, and paleontology lovers, White Mesa consists of a series of plateau-style mountain trails featuring numerous intriguing attractions.
The mesa derives its name from the gypsum that forms the surface of the route, rendering it a veritable paradise for mountain biking enthusiasts.
With sweeping views from the summit of the mesa, cyclists can navigate through rugged trails for hours on varied terrain.
Additionally, White Mesa is known for many paleontological finds, allowing visitors to spot fossilized remains during their exploration.
10. Black Mesa
Each year, Black Mesa transforms from vibrant red during summer to mottled white in winter, showcasing a stunning and dramatic landscape in all seasons.
This sacred mountain is part of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, offering excellent hiking trails and housing a notable attraction: the privately owned Capilla de la Familia Sagrada chapel, which ranks among the oldest in New Mexico.
11. White Sands National Monument
Far distant from the Caribbean beaches where it is usually found, the pristine white sands of the White Sands National Monument create one of the most fascinating day trips from Santa Fe.
The exceptionally rare gypsum dunes provide nature lovers with an extraordinary experience, resembling a vast expanse of snow.
Visitors can choose to hike along various moderate trails or even rent sleds to race down the steeper slopes.
12. Albuquerque
If you’re seeking a city with a more dynamic lifestyle than the charming yet occasionally tranquil Santa Fe, a brief journey to the lively city of Albuquerque is advisable.
This urban area abounds with art galleries, museums, and some of the finest culinary delights in the state.
As a cultural epicenter reflecting Native American, Hispanic, and American influences, Albuquerque presents a diverse array of tastes, sights, and sounds to engage the curious traveler.
13. Ojo Caliente Springs
Historically attracting a diverse range of visitors from adventurous travelers to wellness seekers, Ojo Caliente Springs is widely regarded as the premier destination for healing and relaxation near Santa Fe, and it’s easy to understand this reputation.
The resort and spa provide various experiences, including scenic hikes and numerous customized treatments in the mineral-rich natural springs.
Although it is situated just an hour from Santa Fe, consider extending your visit by spending a night in one of the beautiful accommodations to fully indulge in the rejuvenating atmosphere.
14. The Very Large Array
Nestled within the expansive Plains of San Agustin, the Very Large Array comprises a complex network of satellite dishes whose sheer magnitude and presence are almost as impressive as the groundbreaking discoveries they enable.
This facility operates the largest radio telescope on the planet, whose precision is remarkably enhanced by its remote location, experiencing minimal interference.
Visitors can stroll among the impressive dishes during self-guided tours to gain a deeper appreciation for this scientific marvel.
15. Valles Caldera National Preserve
A remarkable escape from urban life, the Valles Caldera National Preserve offers nearly a million acres of unspoiled wilderness, making it a sanctuary for hikers, skiers, anglers, and those seeking an authentic connection with nature.
Formed within a volcanic caldera, this expansive land features the stunning Jemez Mountains, numerous lakes, and a variety of landscapes ranging from grasslands to desert badlands.
Though it makes for an enchanting day trip, it is best appreciated over two days to experience as much of this locale as possible.
