Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a hiker’s paradise, offering a diverse landscape with breathtaking natural beauty. From rugged mountains to enchanting canyons, the region surrounding Santa Fe provides ample opportunities for outdoor exploration. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a beginner looking to embark on a memorable adventure, we have compiled a list of the top five best hikes near Santa Fe, allowing you to immerse yourself in the area’s stunning scenery and discover the wonders of northern New Mexico.

Top 5 Best Hikes near Santa Fe, New Mexico

1. Atalaya Mountain Trail

2. Tent Rocks National Monument

3. Aspen Vista Trail

4. Dale Ball Trails

5. Bandelier National Monument

Atalaya Mountain Trail 

Atalaya Mountain Trail is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, offering panoramic views of Santa Fe and the surrounding area. This 6-mile round trip hike starts at St. John’s College and ascends 1,700 feet to the summit of Atalaya Mountain. The trail meanders through a fragrant piñon and juniper forest before emerging into a more exposed section with stunning vistas. From the summit, hikers are rewarded with sweeping vistas of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Rio Grande Valley. The trail is well-marked and moderately challenging, making it suitable for hikers of varying skill levels. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and sun protection, especially during warmer months, as shade is limited along the route.

Tent Rocks National Monument 

Located about an hour’s drive from Santa Fe, Tent Rocks National Monument showcases a unique geological formation and offers an unforgettable hiking experience. The 1.5-mile Cave Loop Trail takes you through a slot canyon and winds its way up to the top of the canyon rim, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. The trail then descends into a maze of cone-shaped tent rocks, formed by volcanic ash deposits and erosion over millions of years. The other trail option, the 3-mile Slot Canyon Trail, delves deeper into the slot canyon, revealing narrow passages and towering rock walls. This hike offers a captivating blend of geology, flora, and fauna, showcasing the area’s natural wonders.

Aspen Vista Trail

For those seeking a peaceful hike amid a forested setting, the Aspen Vista Trail is a must-visit destination. Located in the Santa Fe National Forest, this 11-mile out-and-back trail winds through a dense aspen grove, making it particularly enchanting in the fall when the leaves turn vibrant shades of gold and orange. The trail offers a gentle incline, making it accessible for hikers of varying fitness levels. Along the way, hikers can relish in the serenity of the forest, listen to the babbling streams, and enjoy occasional panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. This trail is a true delight for nature lovers and a perfect escape from the bustle of everyday life.

Dale Ball Trails

The Dale Ball Trails system, located on the outskirts of Santa Fe, provides an extensive network of interconnected trails, totaling over 22 miles in length. This trail system offers a variety of routes, ranging from easy to moderate, with options for shorter or longer hikes. The trails wind through picturesque woodlands and open meadows, offering glimpses of the distant mountains and Santa Fe’s stunning vistas. Hikers can tailor their experience by choosing different trail combinations, such as the 4-mile Picacho Loop or the 6-mile Winsor Trail to hike in a more secluded setting. With its well-marked trails and diverse landscapes, the Dale Ball Trails system is a great choice for hikers looking for flexibility and a customizable outdoor adventure.

Bandelier National Monument

Although a bit farther from Santa Fe, Bandelier National Monument is well worth the journey. Home to ancient Pueblo cliff dwellings, this national monument provides a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the ancestral Pueblo people. The Frijoles Canyon Loop Trail offers a 1.2-mile hike that takes you past the iconic cliff dwellings and allows you to view the remnants of this ancient civilization. Additionally, the Alcove House Trail provides a more challenging adventure, featuring a steep climb and ladders leading to a cliffside alcove dwelling. While hiking through the monument, you’ll also encounter stunning rock formations and the serene beauty of the canyon, providing a truly immersive experience.

Explore Santa Fe rafting

Experience the thrilling world of Santa Fe rafting with New Mexico River Adventures. Our experienced guides will lead you through the rapids, ensuring your safety while providing an exhilarating journey down the iconic Rio Chama and Rio Grande. From half-day trips on the Rio Grande racecourse to full-day Rio Grande rafting to three-day Chama river rafting trips, we have the perfect trip for you and your group. So, gear up and let us be your gateway to an unforgettable water adventure in the enchanting beauty of Santa Fe’s natural wonders!

Santa Fe and its surrounding areas boast an array of remarkable hiking trails, allowing outdoor enthusiasts to discover the natural wonders of New Mexico. Whether you prefer panoramic vistas, unique geological formations, serene forested hikes, or a blend of history and nature, these five hikes near Santa Fe offer something for everyone.

But why limit yourself to just one type of adventure? Combine the beauty of the Southwest’s landscapes with the thrill of Santa Fe rafting! Embark on an unforgettable journey that includes both land and water exploration. Don’t miss the chance to experience the best of Santa Fe’s outdoor wonders. Explore our exciting rafting trips and add an exhilarating twist to your Southwest adventure!

Nestled in the heart of northern New Mexico, Taos is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and natural beauty. With its picturesque landscapes, rugged mountains, and serene rivers, the region offers a wide array of camping options that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the stunning surroundings. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a novice explorer, this guide will provide you with valuable insights into the top camping near Taos, ensuring an unforgettable outdoor experience.

Best Camping Near Taos

Carson National Forest 

Carson National Forest encompassing over 1.5 million acres, is a camping paradise near Taos. With its diverse terrain, the forest offers a range of camping opportunities to suit different preferences. From developed campgrounds with amenities to dispersed camping in remote areas, there’s something for every camper. For a scenic camping experience, head to the Wild Rivers Recreation Area, where you can set up camp alongside the Rio Grande or Red River canyons. The forest also features several campgrounds with facilities such as restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings. For a true backcountry adventure, backpack into the Wheeler Peak Wilderness, where you can explore alpine lakes and hike to the highest peak in New Mexico.

Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

Located northwest of Taos, the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument is a breathtaking natural wonder and an excellent camping destination. The Orilla Verde Recreation Area offers a variety of camping options along the banks of the Rio Grande (it’s also a great location for a gentle, scenic rafting trip). With its tranquil atmosphere and stunning views, this area is ideal for fishing, rafting, and enjoying scenic hikes. The nearby Taos Junction Campground provides developed campsites with picnic tables and fire rings, allowing you to unwind while surrounded by the beauty of the river and towering canyon walls. Make sure to explore the impressive Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, a must-visit attraction offering panoramic views of the rugged landscape.

Taos Ski Valley

Although known primarily as a winter sports destination, Taos Ski Valley also offers excellent camping opportunities during the summer months. The valley is nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and boasts breathtaking alpine scenery. The Twining Campground, located near the base of Kachina Peak, provides a peaceful camping experience amidst towering pines and wildflowers. Hikers can access numerous trails from the campground, including the popular Williams Lake Trail, which rewards visitors with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Camping in Taos Ski Valley offers a unique blend of mountain beauty and outdoor recreation, allowing you to reconnect with nature in a serene alpine setting.

Cimarron Canyon State Park

Situated east of Taos, Cimarron Canyon State Park is a hidden gem offering camping options in a picturesque canyon setting. The park features two campgrounds: Maverick and Tolby, both nestled along the scenic Cimarron River. Maverick Campground provides developed sites with amenities such as restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings, while Tolby Campground offers a more rustic camping experience. Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to catch trout in the river, while hikers can explore the trails that wind through the park’s enchanting landscapes. With its tranquility and natural beauty, Cimarron Canyon State Park is an idyllic camping destination near Taos.

Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway

For those seeking a unique camping experience combined with a scenic road trip, the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is the perfect choice. This 83-mile loop around Wheeler Peak, the highest peak in New Mexico, showcases the region’s stunning landscapes. Along the route, you’ll find several campgrounds offering diverse camping experiences, from developed sites to primitive spots. From the quaint town of Questa to the charming villages of Red River, Eagle Nest, and Taos, there are ample opportunities to explore and discover hidden gems. Enjoy fishing, hiking, and wildlife spotting while soaking up the beauty of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Rio Grande Valley.

Rafting Near Taos

Add a splash of adventure to your Taos camping trip with New Mexico River Adventures’ unforgettable rafting excursions on the Rio Grande and Rio Chama! Our expert guides will lead you through the majestic canyons, taking you on a journey through the heart of New Mexico’s stunning landscapes. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping rapids (hello Taos Box) or a family looking for a scenic float, we have the perfect rafting trip to suit your needs. Prepare to be amazed by the breathtaking scenery, the rush of the river, and the camaraderie that comes with navigating these pristine waters together!

Pro Tip: If you want to combine camping and rafting, check out our Taos Box Overnight 2-Day trip!

Taos, New Mexico, is a gateway to incredible camping adventures, allowing visitors to experience the beauty of the region’s diverse landscapes. From national forests and state parks to scenic byways, the camping options near Taos offer a range of outdoor experiences for nature enthusiasts. Embark on a camping (and rafting!) trip and create memories amidst the awe-inspiring beauty of northern New Mexico.

Planning a road trip from the bustling city of Phoenix to the charming cultural hub of Santa Fe? According to Google Maps, a Phoenix to Santa Fe road trip takes 7 hours and 33 minutes to complete, not including stops. The 484-mile journey has two great options—National Forests and Albuquerque—for pitstops or overnight stays along the journey. Whether you’re a seasoned road tripper or a first-time adventurer, this Phoenix to Santa Fe road trip promises to be an experience of a lifetime. So pack your bags, buckle up, and get ready to hit the road with us! 

Option #1: National Forests-focused

Trip Highlights: Tonto, Gila, and Cibola National Forest

During the first seven hours of the road trip, you will pass three separate national forests: Tonto National Forest, Gila National Forest, and Cibola National Forest.

Tonto National Forest, a little over an hour outside of Phoenix, features 600,000 acres of rugged beauty. Tonto is known for the Sonoran Desert cacti that ascends into the highlands of the Mogollon Rim at 7,900 feet. You can easily visit Tonto anytime of the year through its lake beaches or cool pine forests. Tonto’s government website also offers tons of resources to check the recreation status of the activity you want to enjoy at Tonto. 

Gila National Forest would add a couple hours to your road trip because you would have to drive up and over Fort Apache and San Carlos Reservations to then head south into Gila. But with over three million acres of forest and mountains, it might be worth the detour. Gila is also the United States Forest Service’s first officially designated wilderness area. Some of the highlights of visiting Gila include the Catwalk Recreation Area, an easy hike for all ages; Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument; and Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary, a 360-degree, unobstructed view of the night sky. 

Cibola National Forest, 6 hours and 29 min from Phoenix, easily fits along Google Map’s route for your Phoenix to Santa Fe road trip. The Cibola National Forest encompasses 1.9 million acres, and the New Mexico portion has mountain elevations up to 11, 301 ft. If you don’t want to get out of your car, one of the most famous activities at Cibola National Forest is to enjoy a winding drive up the Sandia Mountains. At the top of your drive, you can even gaze out upon Albuquerque!

Option #2: Albuquerque

Trip Highlights: Balloons, Pueblo Center, and Art

Once you have arrived in Albuquerque, you will only have about an hour left of drive time to arrive in Santa Fe. So, why not take some time to explore the city? Some of the top things to do in the city include the International Balloon Fiesta, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and the ABQ Artwalk. 

The International Balloon Fiesta occurs each October, but you can learn about the history of ballooning year-round at Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum. The fiesta lasts nine days where balloons in all shapes, sizes, and colors flock to celebrate ballooning. The dates for the 2023 Fiesta are October 7-15, but make sure to check the website if you plan to travel a different year. 

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center represents the gateway to the 19 pueblos of New Mexico. The Center is collectively owned by New Mexico’s pueblos, which are sovereign nations home to a few hundred or, in some cases, a few thousand Native Americans. 

At the center, you can tour a collection of murals by Pueblo artists, dine at the Indian Pueblo Kitchen, and shop at the Indian Pueblo Store. The kitchen also offers classes around Indigenous food ways.

The ABQ Artwalk occurs the first Friday of the month from 5-9 pm. The program offers an eclectic conglomerate of local musicians and artists displayed block-by-block. You can also sometimes find people dressed in costumes! While you can bring your kids to the Artwalk, it might be a better fit for an adult-only night. 

Whatever route you choose to take, if you pack a smile and a positive attitude, We’re sure you’ll enjoy your Phoenix to Santa Fe road trip. If you find yourself wanting to create your own road trip, make sure to check out Roadside America for offbeat tourist such as yourself. Happy travels!

On a road trip from Austin to Santa Fe, you’ll journey through some of the most breathtaking scenery and vibrant cultural destinations the Southwest has to offer. According to Google Maps, an Austin to Santa Fe road trip will take 11 hours and 6 minutes to complete, not including stops. The app also displays two separate options. One route has tolls while the other does not. The one with tolls only costs $3.87, and both are the same drive time. The two optimal places to stop along the approximately 687-mile journey are Lubbock, Texas (toll route) and Roswell, NM (non-toll route). Whether you’re a seasoned road tripper or a first-time adventurer, the Austin to Santa Fe road trip is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Route Option #1: Lubbock, Texas 

Trip Highlights: Football, Music, and Animals

6 hours, 6 minutes from Austin (373 mi)

Lubbock, Texas: home of the Texas Tech Red Raiders, Buddy Holly, and the Moody Planetarium. If you plan your road trip for some time in the fall, you could catch a home football game at the University of Texas Tech. To share a pro tip, wear black and red to show support and bring a side of tortillas. The tortilla tip sounds strange—because it is—but home fans throw tortillas throughout the football game to boost morale. 

If you don’t like football and tailgates, perhaps music is the better option. Rock ’n’ roll legend Buddy Holly calls Lubbock home. The Buddy Holly Center is considered a historic site that preserves, collects, and promotes Holly’s life along with other West Texas musicians. Additionally, nearby is the West Texas Walk of Fame. At the West Texas Walk of Fame, you can find a statue of Holly along with several plaques displaying the names of other musicians from the area. 

If both football and music fail to pique your interest, maybe you love animals! The Moody Planetaruim specifically focuses on education as a pathway to spark love for our oceans. The aquarium also believes that children are the most valuable assets to save our oceans. They provide educational opportunities for kids through various types of crafts and up-close encounters with the animals. 

Route Option #2: Roswell, New Mexico 

Trip Highlights: Aliens, Nature, and Wine/Art

8 hours, 6 min from Austin (513 mi)

Roswell, New Mexico: home of the 1947 UFO landing. From the International UFO Museum and Research Center to the Roswell UFO Spacewalk, Roswell has all the opportunities to learn more about our space neighbors. According to TripAdvisor, the International UFO Museum and Research Center displays all pertinent information about the 1947 landing to convince you that a UFO did land in Roswell. The Roswell UFO Spacewalk, winner of the 2022 Traveler’s Choice Award, features a walkthrough blacklight adventure great for all ages. 

If you’re not interested in aliens, Roswell has several opportunities for nature lovers. Bottomless Lakes State Park contains sinkholes ranging from 17 to 90 feet deep. Anybody can visit eight of the nine lakes, but only Lake Lea permits swimming. If you love birds, Roswell also offers Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge along with J. Kenneth Smith Bird Sanctuary and Nature Center. 

If you’re traveling without kids, Roswell has several art and wine opportunities. The top-rated winery in Roswell is Pecos Flavors Winery. Make sure to check their event page to see if they have any upcoming events during your travel dates. Regarding art, Roswell has eclectic museums such as the Miniatures and Curious Collections Museum to more established museums such as the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art. 

Helpful Tips for your Austin to Santa Fe Road Trip

Of course, there are ample different routes you could take to complete this epic road trip. And if you pack snacks, and a positive attitude, we’re sure you’ll enjoy your journey! 

One important safety note—drive safe in West Texas. US-285 is known as the “Death Highway” because there are so many accidents in the area. In 2017, 93 people lost their lives along Route 285 on the Texas portion alone. Have fun. But stay safe!

If you find yourself wanting to create your own road trip, make sure you check out Roadside America for the offbeat tourist such as yourself. 

In addition to the many cultural and natural attractions along the route, don’t forget to include a thrilling Santa Fe white water rafting trip with New Mexico River Adventures, where you can experience the rush of the Rio Grande rafting or the Rio Chama rafting, and take in the stunning New Mexico scenery from a unique perspective. We’ll save you a seat!

There’s a reason that New Mexico is called “The Land of Enchantment”. From deep canyons, to towering peaks, to rivers near Santa Fe, the options for outdoor activity aren’t better anywhere else. But even with the plethora of activities available to any outdoor adventurers, it’s still important to know when and where to go. So whether you hail from Santa Fe, Taos, Albuquerque, or Silver City, there’s an outdoor adventure waiting nearby.

The Best Outdoor Activities in New Mexico

Fishing

While fishing isn’t necessarily everyone’s forte, an experienced fisherman knows when they have good water. You can fish just about any body of water in New Mexico, but only a few areas provide the rare but plentiful stomping grounds that keep even locals coming back. Red River is a popular stocking location for trout, which ensures plentiful catches. The Cimarron River to the east and the Chama River to the west both provide excellent fly fishing. Some of the best trout fishing in the state is just a few miles above El Vado Dam near Chama, New Mexico. So whether you are catching just to catch, or hunting for the elusive smallmouth bass or rainbow trout, New Mexico has fishing for anybody and everybody.

Snow Sports

As winter falls upon New Mexico, it’s important to remember that even though the cold weather may trap some inside, it opens up a whole new world of fun for most. With snow on the peaks, ski resorts like Sipapu, Ski Santa Fe, Taos Ski Valley, and the Sandia Peak Ski Area are opening up to the public. Skiing and snowboarding at any of these locations offer visitors a unique experience, whether it be the amenities of Ski Santa Fe, or the steep badge of honor that comes with riding Taos Ski Valley.

PS: New Mexico is one of the only states in the country where you can ski and whitewater raft on the same day!

Bike Parks & Mountain Biking

Santa Fe has some of the best selections of mountain biking trails in the country. A bold claim, sure, but a true one. The area has a variety of terrain from dusty desert to forested peaks, and with year-round trails that will sometimes climb in and out of different climate zones, Santa Fe can make any trail a blast rides like the La Tierra trails can be friendly to any level biker, while other places like the Glorietta downhill trails are so good they have hosted national competitions. . .twice. So if mountain biking is your game, then Santa Fe is calling your name!

Hiking & Backpacking

Hiking and backpacking have to be the oldest outdoor tradition of them all. Walking not to a destination, but simply to enjoy and appreciate your surroundings. Hiking is also an outdoor activity that New Mexico is certainly not short of. From Pecos Wilderness to the Taos Mountains, hiking in New Mexico is a game of options. For real hardcore hikers, the Continental Divide trail snakes its way south-to-north through the state and onwards, and for more relaxed and scenic hikes, Bandelier National Monument provides short hikes with excellent views of pre-historic Native American settlements.

Whitewater Rafting

For those who aren’t necessarily fans of being in the water, New Mexico has plenty of places to be on the water too. Up and down the Rio Grande is top-class whitewater available for New Mexico river rafting, New Mexico kayaking, paddleboarding, and any paddlesport. With sections like the Rio Grande Racecourse, providing a fun yet safe experience for beginners, or sections like the Taos Box and the Razorblades for those looking for bigger water. And if it’s a longer river adventure you seek, the Rio Chama releases water for the Chama Canyon wilderness area during the summers, providing an excellent multiple-day boating trip. Out of all of these amazing outdoor activities in New Mexico, whitewater rafting has to be our favorite adventure.

What are you waiting for? Book your next adventure with New Mexico River Adventures today!

The history of the American southwest is one that predates our culture by thousands of years. Even before the English settled their first western colony, Santa Fe was an established and bustling Spanish capital city. With its unique and long history, it’s no surprise that the Santa Fe area has more than a few museums for travelers to visit, with everything from artifacts to art to show the diverse history of the area.

From folk art to Native American art, from the works of Georgia O’Keeffe to the history of the Southwest, Santa Fe’s museums offer something for everyone. Here are the top 5 best museums in Santa Fe that are a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the city’s rich cultural offerings:

Top 5 Best Museums in Santa Fe

1. Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
2. Museum of Indian Arts & Culture
3. Loretto Chapel
4. Museum of Spanish Colonial Art
5. El Rancho de las Golondrinas

Georgia O’Keeffe Museum

Georgia O’Keeffe is an American artist who is famous for her renditions of various places in New Mexico, namely the Ghost Ranch and Abiquiú. Her museum in Santa Fe houses over 150 of her works, as well as over 700 sketches available for the public. From paintings of flowers and animal skulls, to landscape portraits of the southwest, her art showcases the best of New Mexico and the surrounding area, and shouldn’t be missed.

Museum of Indian Arts & Culture

Another museum important to the area’s history is the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture. Even before the Spanish arrived here, the indigenous Pueblo and Navajo people dominated the area we now know as Santa Fe. The museum of Indian Arts & Culture includes more than 80,000 different archeological and fine art artifacts from these societies. The museum also does a great job of interpreting the history and contemporary life of indigenous people today, as well as telling their history of yesterday.

Loretto Chapel

In 1878, the Archbishop brought in two french designers to build a chapel in Santa Fe. Those designers brought Santa Fe the Loretto Chapel, which stands as the highlight of the city’s historical district today. Aside from standing tall and beautiful downtown, the Chapel also operates as a wedding venue, and museum for the supposedly ‘miraculous’ spiral staircase leading to the upper levels, which is suspended without a center column for support.

Museum of Spanish Colonial Art

Santa Fe is a town bursting with Hispanic influence, and no other museum provides as valuable insight into that cultural history as the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art. The museum shows artifacts from New Mexico and southern Colorado with other contemporary art and devotional pieces from around the Spanish colonial area. The museum also regularly hosts educational programs and art-making workshops, for those who like a hands-on approach to their experience.

El Rancho de las Golondrinas

Spanish for ‘the ranch of the swallows’, this historic ranch was a stopping point along the royal road to Santa Fe-the camino royale-and provides visitors with a look into the frontier past of Santa Fe. Opened in 1972, the ranch hosts 10 annual festivals, and its irrigation system is a part of the National Register of Historic places. Visitors can meet guides dressed in period-accurate clothing, who show them many skills those on the frontier would have used, from blacksmithing to hide tanning to weaving. This experience is very in-depth, and for lovers of the frontier, it is the place to see in Santa Fe.

Looking for an adventure?

Looking for an adventure after exploring the many museums in Santa Fe? Consider an epic whitewater rafting trip! Here at New Mexico River Adventures, we’re proud to offer five-star guided rafting trips on the Rio Grande and the Rio Chama. These rivers wind through beautiful canyons and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rafter, there are trips available for all skill levels. Along with the thrill of the rapids, you’ll have the opportunity to spot wildlife, learn about the area’s history, and take in the beauty of this iconic area. So, if you’re up for a little adventure, consider adding a Santa Fe white water rafting trip to your itinerary!

New Mexico offers some of the most beautiful ski destinations in the United States. With its diverse terrain, ranging from wide-open slopes to challenging steeps, there is something for every skier and snowboarder. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, the mountains in New Mexico have something to offer. These ski resorts are known for their exceptional skiing conditions and breathtaking views. So, if you’re planning a ski trip to New Mexico, be sure to check out these top-notch places to ski:

1. Taos Ski Valley
2. Ski Santa Fe
3. Red River Ski Area
4. Angel Fire Resort

Top 4 New Mexico Ski Areas

1. Taos Ski Valley

Within the Sangre de Cristo Mountain range rests over 1,200 acres of world-class intermediate to expert terrain that is Taos Ski Valley. The ski area boasts some of the best uninterrupted fall-line skiing in the country. They don’t call Taos a 4-letter word for steep for nothing! From Freeride competitions to hosting the World Pro Ski Tour Championship, there’s more than one reason people keep coming back for more! Not only does Taos bring the goods in the form of ski terrain, but they also embrace the mix of Puebloan and European cultures that define Taos, New Mexico. From the spiritual performances by the Taos Pueblo that kick off the season to enjoying the famous ski-in ski-out restaurant, the Bavarian, you won’t be short on the full Taos Ski Valley experience!

Fun Fact: Did you know that Taos Ski Valley is the world’s first ski area to be a certified B-Corporation?

2. Ski Santa Fe

With the town of Santa Fe only 16 miles from the ski area’s base, you won’t have to travel far for some of the best gladed tree-skiing in the state, we suggest Tequila Trees! Did you know Ski Santa Fe is one of the highest ski areas in the country? With a base elevation of 10,350ft and the summit at 12,075ft, you won’t be short on incredible views! Before you hit the top, make sure to check out the on-mountain restaurant, Totemoffs Bar and Grill for live music and great signature cocktails!

Fun Fact: A moose has taken up residence near the ski area!

3. Red River Ski Area

Nestled within the Enchanted Circle, amongst one of the most picturesque mountain towns in New Mexico, is Red River Ski Area. With over 67 runs of beginner to advanced terrain, this mountain is perfect for the whole family! Red River now offers the state’s only RFID Technology, allowing for fast and easy access to the chairlifts and even their snow tubing facilities! Don’t miss out on the great restaurants and breweries that sit right at the base of the mountain.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Red River Ski Area was built by miners?

4. Angel Fire Resort

Angel Fire has a multitude of activities for the whole family, allowing guests to enjoy the best parts of a New Mexican Winter! With 560 acres of skiable terrain and 2 of the best terrain parks in New Mexico, you won’t be disappointed with your day on the hill. Don’t worry, the fun doesn’t have to end when the lifts close. Angel Fire keeps the stoke going with the states only night skiing! If alpine skiing isn’t your jam, grab some snowshoes or cross-country skis and hit the 12km of Nordic terrain Angel Fire has to offer.

Fun Fact: Angel Fire was given its name from the Moache Utes, calling it “fire of the gods”. This statement was later interpreted by Franciscan Friars as, “the place of the fire of the angel”.

Raft and Ski?

With New Mexico’s ski season running from November to April, you won’t be short on fantastic adventures throughout the Winter into Spring. New Mexico is one of the only states in the country where you can ski and raft on the same day! Be sure to hit the Taos Special this Spring Break by skiing in the morning and punching through the rapids of the Racecourse in the afternoon. You won’t be disappointed!

New Mexico River Adventures is your premier adventure outfitter for whitewater rafting, New Mexico kayaking, climbing, and many other activities in the area. Book your next adventure with us today!