Rio Grande Racecourse Half Day
$60 Child
Santa Fe, a town with 310 days of yearly sunlight, is a place where adventure shines. Rich in history, Santa Fe holds the title for the oldest government seat, church, and house in the United States. The 1600s era presence of Santa Fe persists today in large part due to the 23 Native American Tribes, Nations, and Pueblos who still reside in New Mexico. In fact, 8 out of 19 Native American Pueblos remain in close proximity to Santa Fe. Additionally, Santa Fe offers thrilling outdoor activities, including Santa Fe rafting, as it sits at 7,000 feet of elevation and boasts a semi-arid steppe climate. This means that there is a myriad of hiking trails to explore on foot, bike, boat, and more!
San Miguel Chapel is the oldest church in the continental United States. As oral history tells it, the chapel was created by a group of Mexican Indians on behalf of orders from Franciscan friars. Although the Pueblo Revolt of 1680 partially destroyed the chapel, the present building dates from 1710 (including intense structural amendments). Furthermore, throughout history, the chapel has not only served as a place of worship; but, it has also served as an infirmary, ceremonial venue, and military basecamp. If your idea of an adventure includes walking the tightrope of time, then travel back 400 years into the past by visiting San Miguel Chapel.
Although Indigenous celebrations are held throughout the year (excluding March, a quiet month for most Pueblos), there are five worth planning a visit around: King’s Day Celebration, St. Ildefonso Feast Day, St. Paul’s Feast Day, and the anniversary of the 1680 Pueblo Revolt and Santa Clara Feast Day. The first three mentioned events all so happen to take place within the month of January, while the latter two occur within the summer months. The celebrations often include dancing, storytelling, and feasting. If those three attributes, along with exploring and learning about other cultures, is your idea of an adventure, then mark your calendars for one—or more—of these celebrations.
According to All Trails, an excellent, thorough hiking app, Nambe Lake Trail is the number one hike to do in Santa Fe. The hike, beginning at the Santa Fe Ski Basin parking lot, allows you to explore the Southern Rockies. Fare warning though, it is signified as hard and is almost 7 miles long. If you are looking for an easier stroll, try Tsankawai Ruins Trail. The trail has the same star rating (4.5) as Nambe, but is only 1.5 miles long and is located in Bandelier National Monument, where a vast array of cliff dwellings and other Native ruins remain. If getting outside is your idea of an adventure, Santa Fe has plenty of hiking trails worthy of exploration.
If these three adventure ideas did not catch your eye, be sure to research the art scene in Santa Fe (Meow Wolf, for example), the food scene (La Choza, Tortilla Flats, for example), the Opera, or check out the many New Mexico Wineries. Santa Fe is a diverse town filled with diverse adventures for any and every taste—there is an adventure for everyone in your family or every part of yourself to be found in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
While not directly located in Santa Fe, this region boasts some of the best whitewater rafting in the country! The scenic Rio Chama and the Rio Grande are only an hour away. If you are looking to cool off from the New Mexico heat, look no further for our Santa Fe white water rafting adventures. Our trips depart daily during the Spring and Summer months. Check out our Rio Grande rafting and Rio Chama rafting trips today!
Rio Grande Racecourse Half Day
Rio Grande Gorge Rafting Full Day