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!

Albuquerque is a popular destination for vacationers, adventure-seekers, and fans of the desert’s natural beauty. When visiting a new and interesting place, it can sometimes be tricky to find best family activities. Albuquerque, however, has no shortage of family-friendly activities. So whether it be a festival, go-karts, a mountain view, New Mexico river rafting, or even paintball, here are some of the best family activities in Albuquerque:

1. ABQ BioPark – Botanic Garden
2. International Balloon Festival
3. Plan a River Adventure
4. Sandia Peak Tramway
5. Petroglyph National Monument
6. Hinkle Fun Center

ABQ BioPark – Botanic Garden

Albuquerque BioPark is located right in the middle of downtown, directly off the banks of the Rio Grande. A one-and-a-half mile maze through various gardens housing different species of plants endemic to everywhere from the deserts of the American southwest to the shores of the Mediterranean. The BioPark also hosts an exhibit of up to forty native pollinators such as butterflies, beetles, and moths. The BioPark is an excellent family-friendly option for those who love to enjoy the natural beauty of the world’s plant life.

International Balloon Festival

Every year in the first week of October, the city of Albuquerque hosts an international hot air balloon festival. It is one of the city’s biggest events of the year and is quite the spectacle for anyone, tourist or local. Hundreds of Balloons launch for the festival and fill the sky around the city. If Balloons aren’t of interest, worry not, as there are still plenty of different vendors, craft stands, and shops around the festival area. This event is perfect for any family visiting Albuquerque.

Plan a River Adventure

Head out of the city and onto the river. New Mexico River Adventures offers a variety of outdoor experiences in and around northern New Mexico. Our full-day Rio Grande rafting trip is great for the older kiddos but we have an epic half-day option, the Rio Grande Racecourse, for those who are 5+ too!

If you are curious about which trip is right for your family, check out the Rapid Classification System to help you under how rafting trips are classified and which trip will be a good fit for your family.

If your kiddos aren’t river rats, we also offer New Mexico Rock Climbing & New Mexico Horseback Riding too!

Sandia Peak Tramway

The Sandia Peak Tramway is the world’s third-longest single-span aerial tramway, stretching from the top of Sandia Peak to the northeast edge of the city. The tram takes visitors ten thousand feet in the air, providing riders with unmatched views of Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Visitors can also ride up and hike down, or vice versa, if they feel like exploring. A restaurant and lounge area at the peak makes sure that even those who might wish to enjoy the view a little longer.

Petroglyph National Monument

Another fun stop in Albuquerque is Petroglyph National Monument. Just outside of the city, Petroglyph National Monument is one of the largest single collections of petroglyphs in North America. These various markings and inscriptions hold great spiritual significance to the various indigenous tribes in the area and provide insight into colonial Spanish culture. Easy trails and interesting petroglyphs make this one of Albuquerque’s more interesting stops.

Hinkle Fun Center

Any family fun in Albuquerque would be a little less so without visiting the Hinkle Fun Center. A one-stop shop for fun activities for the whole family, the Hinkle Fun Center provides anything from go-karts, to paintball, to laser tag, and bumper boats. Visitors can just visit or stay all day and never run out of things to do. A day at the fun center is a day well spent in the city, and with its proximity to downtown, it’s quite easy to leave and see the downtown views or enjoy a good bite to eat.

Albuquerque is an astounding city, with fun for anyone and everyone who visits it. Make sure to stop and enjoy the many great things that New Mexico has to offer your family in Albuquerque!

New Mexico is a land of beauty and wonder. Home to two parks, two national historic parks, one national heritage area, and eleven national monuments, New Mexico’s natural beauty is well-protected and easily accessible to the public. With so many different spectacles spread across the entire state, it can be quite hard to make time to visit all of them. To make sure visitors see the best of New Mexico’s natural beauty, here are the top five New Mexico monuments and parks.

Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument

The Rio Grande Del Norte national monument is a 242,555 acre monument located just west of Taos, New Mexico. Sitting at 7,000 feet above sea level, this monument embodies the dry, high desert climate of the area. Featuring the exotic Rio Grande that cuts an 800-foot gorge through the landscape that provides protected habitat for bighorn sheep, this monument also provides visitors with a wealth of beauty and recreation, featuring activities from camping to Rio Grande rafting.

El Morro National Monument

This national monument is a small sandstone bluff in western New Mexico. While the bluff itself certainly holds a plethora of natural beauty, this monument is more about the reliable watering hole at the base of the bluff. In the days of western expansion, this watering hole made El Morro a popular campsite for everyone from American explorers, to Spanish travelers, and ancestral Puebloans alike. Over time these visitors carved more than 2,000 signatures, dates, and petroglyphs over the surrounding area, gifting El Morro with a cultural and historic significance that makes it one of the most special New Mexico monuments.

White Sands National Park

White Sands National Park, located in Alamogordo, New Mexico, is a stunning landscape of rolling sand dunes. However, the sand is as white as flour. Windswept gypsum deposits in the area slowly eroded under the windy environment, creating the stark white sand dunes that can be seen from miles into the air. Visitors can walk anywhere on the dunes, and even take a sled down some of the steeper ones. White Sands is a testament to the power of the wind and is a must-see if one visits New Mexico.

Four Corners National Park

Four Corners national monument is located on the intersection of four state lines: Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona. This area is commonly known as the Colorado plateau, and offers a unique perspective on the high desert environment. It is also the only place in the United States where one can stand in four different states at once, making it quite a popular visit for tourists. The Monument is also located on Navajo tribal lands, meaning that it is administered by the native government and not the National Park Service.
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Chama Canyon Wilderness

The Chama Canyon Wilderness is a federally designated Wilderness area north of Espanola, New Mexico. In the summer and autumn, El Vado dam increases water flow through the canyon, allowing visitors to partake in all kinds of river activities, from boating to fishing. The unmatched solitude and beauty of the Canyon allows visitors to separate from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and take in nature’s beauty untouched by humanity. With sights like the Chama Wall and Christ in the Desert monastery accompanying the adventure, the Chama Canyon is well worth the trip for anyone visiting New Mexico. You absolutely don’t want to miss Rio Chama rafting too!

The land of enchantment has many sights for visitors to see, so be sure to not miss these spectacular parks and New Mexico monuments while you visit! After checking out the parks, book an adventure with New Mexico’s top-rated outfitter! New Mexico River Adventures offers Whitewater Raft Trips, New Mexico Kayaking, Rock Climbing, Horseback Riding, and more all over New Mexico. Check it out and book your next adventure today!

Top 4 Santa Fe Rafting Locations

Northern New Mexico is a hotspot for many different outdoor activities; from hiking to skiing, to rock climbing, there is plenty of excitement to be found just about everywhere around Santa Fe. As many lovers of the outdoors might know, some ski slopes are better than others, and some trails end at a better view than other trails, and just like trails, hills, and climbing spots, not all rapids in the river are created equal. It’s important for anyone to know the correct spot for the right river adventure. Whether you are a seasoned thrill-seeker looking for big splashes and intense currents, or a weekend family looking for a relaxing yet energetic float, the area has tons of Santa Fe white water rafting locations for every type of experience.

The Rio Chama

Location: Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico

The Rio Chama is a major tributary of the Rio Grande that starts in Colorado and flows through the Chama Canyon Wilderness. While it is much less popular than other spots on the Rio Grande, the Chama still offers its own unique beauty in the canyons that surround it. The river’s secluded nature offers an excellent opportunity for multiple-day Rio Chama rafting trips that provide one with a nice relaxing float with intermittent but exciting class II rapids, paired with overnight stays in the New Mexico wilderness.

The Taos Box

Location: Taos, New Mexico

The Rio Grande in New Mexico was one of the first eight rivers to be designated a national wild and scenic river by congress in 1968, and it remains just as wild and senic today. The Rio Grande features many excellent river rafting opportunities, among them one of the most intense and technical rapids sections in the Santa Fe area: The Taos Box. This isolated section of river only 8 minutes west of Taos, offers powerful class IV and V rapids that are surrounded by eight hundred plus feet of steep canyon walls. This makes it one of the most difficult commercially available whitewater rafting in New Mexico. With rapid names such as ‘Fishhook’, ‘Dead Car’, and ‘Rock Garden’ providing some of the largest elevation change on the river, the Taos Box will leave any thrill-seeker with a rush of excitement.

Orilla Verde

Location: Carson, New Mexico

The Orilla Verde Section of the Rio Grande river is another great spot for family recreation in Santa Fe. Located fifty minutes north of Santa Fe, the Orilla Verde recreation area offers an easily accessible put-in for a relaxing float down the Rio Grande Gorge. Calm and relaxing, the Orilla Verde features canyon walls and intense greenery, all surrounding calm flatwaters until the very end, where it surprises visitors with short but exciting class II rapids. The Orilla Verde section makes an excellent choice for large groups and families alike to lay back, relax, and enjoy the scenery northern New Mexico has to offer all in one day.

The Racecourse

Location: Pilar, New Mexico

Far and away the best spot near Santa Fe to river raft is called the Racecourse. Starting just downstream of the village of Pilar, the racecourse is a medium difficulty section featuring numerous Class II and III rapids that are ideal for both experienced rafters, families, and beginners alike. While water flow can vary on the racecourse, as in all other sections of the Rio Grande, it does not affect the exhilarating experience that this section provides visitors. The racecourse also offers those on the river with a wide variety of geological formations from hardened and exposed lava flows to the towering embudo cliffs, as well as an equally diverse selection of wildlife like bighorn sheep, herons, and the occasional river otter.

Interested in exploring northern New Mexico’s rivers? Check us out at New Mexico River Adventures for your chance to surf the whitewaters of the Rio Grande and Rio Chama. Book your Santa Fe white water rafting trip today!

Looking to stare out into the darkness in the pursuit of understanding the vastness beyond our planet? Or maybe you simply enjoy the beauty of an unimpeded night sky? You’ve come to the right place. New Mexico stargazing is like no other stargazing destination due to its vast locations without city lights obscuring your view.

Capulin Volcano National Monument

To many, a volcano might not be the first place that comes to mind when one mentions New Mexico stargazing. However, in this case, it should be. Capulin Volcano National Monument is a long-dormant cinder-cone volcano that provides insight into northeastern New Mexico’s diverse geological history. Moreover, the national monument provides visitors with another unique opportunity: Stargazing. The peak is International Dark Sky Association Gold-Tier Certified. Hence, it is some of the darkest and most unpolluted sky available to visitors almost anywhere in the world.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park

On the other side of northern New Mexico, Chaco Culture National Historic Site presents visitors with another gold-tier certified dark sky. Chaco Culture National Historical Park is a concentration of ancestral lands and sites of the Pueblo people that sits between Albuquerque and Farmington. The national park service has taken many steps to preserve the area’s culture and mystery. As a result, the “Chaco Night Sky Program” was created. Through this program, some 14,000 visitors a year can view the amazingly dark night sky of New Mexico from the Chaco observatory and park telescopes.

Fort Union National Monument

Looking for a little history intermixed with New Mexico stargazing? Fort Union National Monument offers the best of both worlds. Established in 1851, Fort Union was designed to help defend sections of the Santa Fe trail as settlers moved westwards. Additionally, it provided the newly minted U.S territory with a military influence. Uniquely, the fort’s location is very remote and the neighboring hills protect it from the I-25 corridor’s development. At Fort Union, view some of the Milky Way’s most complex formations through the park’s telescopes and evening programs.

Cosmic Campground

In Gila National Forest, there are plenty of outdoor activities and opportunities for recreation. Above all, the forest has a campground dedicated to New Mexico stargazing. Cosmic Campground is a camping site dedicated to being an international dark sky sanctuary. In addition, visitors can experience a 360-degree unobstructed view of the beautiful night sky of New Mexico.  The campground even hosts ‘star parties’ with a partner group called “Friends of the Cosmic Campground.”

Rio Chama Rafting Trip

Convinced yet that New Mexico is one of the best states for stargazing? For those who want to stargaze with an extra dose of excitement, we bring you the Chama River Canyon Wilderness! Starting near Tierra Amarilla, visitors and families can float down sections of the Rio Chama. By day, discover the many red-rock canyon walls and badlands that inspired artist Georgia O’Keefe. In the evening, experience New Mexico stargazing after a day full of swimming and class II rapids. The high elevation and seclusion of the area provide visitors with the best and clearest night sky New Mexico has to offer.

Looking to hunt for stars atop an ancient volcano, aside from age-old Puebloan ruins, or among the walls of a military fort? Or maybe stargazing beside the flow of a wild and scenic river is more your style. Then, look no further! If you are interested in a float down the Rio Chama under the stars, learn more about New Mexico River Adventures and New Mexico Family Vacations. As one of the top-rated Rio Chama rafting outfitters, we would love to prove to you that New Mexico is one of the best states for stargazing!