Santa Fe and its environs offer visitors plenty of sights and experiences. Using the City Different as a base, you can make a variety of day trips to explore everything from ancient ruins and historic mountain towns to rushing rivers ripe for rafting and fishing.
Explore a New Mexico Pueblo
Those looking to step back in time should head to the Puye Cliff Dwellings, a National Historic Landmark and home to the ancestors of today’s Santa Clara Pueblo people. Then hit the links for a round of golf at nearby Black Mesa Golf Club. When the stomachs start to growl, take the family to Burgers, Wings & Brews at the Santa Claran Hotel.
A visit to one of New Mexico’s pueblos is a must-see during your stay. The Pueblo of Acoma, just west of Albuquerque, is one of the most scenic of the state’s nineteen Native American communities. Deemed “Sky City” due to its location on top of a 367-foot-high sandstone mesa, it offers a jaw-dropping view that’s hard to match. Take a guided walking tour to learn about the pueblo’s history and present day way of life, and make sure to stop at the Haak’u Museum, which houses one of the Southwest’s most exemplary collections of native pottery.
Santuario de Chimayo
The historic village of Chimayo is a favorite day trip for many visitors. This charming hamlet is home to the Santuario de Chimayo, a shrine and National Historic Landmark that is one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage centers in the country. You’ll also enjoy the arts and crafts heritage of the town, especially the weaving scene at Ortega’s Weaving Shop. Weavers ply their ancient craft right on site and the showroom features world-renowned Ortega blankets, rugs, coats, purses, and more. When you’ve shopped ‘til you drop, get some sustenance at Rancho de Chimayo, a delightful old world restaurant serving traditional New Mexican cuisine.
Georgia O’Keeffe
For Georgia O’Keeffe fans, an excursion to Ghost Ranch provides insight into the unique scenery that provided much inspiration for the artist’s work in New Mexico. You can experience the landscape through several tours, including one on horseback. Other tours focus on history, archaeology, paleontology, and movie set locations. There’s even a Museum of Paleontology highlighting the dinosaurs discovered on site. You can also opt to explore the red canyons and high-desert mesas on foot, choosing one of five hiking trails available.
White Water Rafting New Mexico Style
Adrenaline junkies and thrill seekers will want to join Los Rios River Runners on one of its half or full day whitewater rafting adventures. The company, which is the oldest, most experienced river rafting company in New Mexico, offers mild and wild trips on the mighty Rio Grande and Rio Chama.
Fly Fishing New Mexico Style
For more river fun, try fly fishing with High Desert Angler, a full service fly shop, school and guide service. The company tailors its services to match your needs and has the ability to get you fly fishing on the most private, premiere fly fishing destinations in Northern New Mexico.
