Whether to the peaks of the Sangre de Cristo or Jemez Mountain ranges or the popular Valles Caldera National Preserve – not to mention countless miles in between – there are plenty of great places to go hiking in Santa Fe this fall. There are even some fantastic hiking trails that you can access directly from Santa Fe, including the popular Dale Ball Trails.
Though there are plenty of other things to do in Santa Fe, fall is a wonderful time to get out and experience the outdoors. Fall is a mild season, with weather perfect for winding your way up mountain peaks and enjoying up-close views of the breathtaking landscapes of northern New Mexico. Whether enjoying some of the best hiking in Santa Fe or taking a deep dive into the arts and cultural scene at local museums and galleries, we know you’ll love every second of your time in this remarkable city – especially when you base your stay at our top-rated Bed and Breakfast in Santa Fe.
With high-end accommodations, plentiful amenities, and personalized service that sets our Inn apart, you won’t find any better place to stay in town than our Bed and Breakfast in Santa Fe. Our Inn is conveniently located within walking distance to downtown, where you’ll find the top shops, museums, galleries, and more – and when it’s time to head out for some hiking in Santa Fe, our knowledgeable team will be happy to make a few recommendations. Experience the best local lodging in Santa Fe, and book your room with us today!
Hike at Valles Caldera National Preserve
If you’re looking for some of the best hiking near Santa Fe, head to the Valles Caldera National Preserve. The Preserve is well-known for its stargazing opportunities, but there’s so much more to explore here during the daylight hours. From hiking and biking to hunting and fishing, there’s a diverse array of things to do at Valles Caldera National Preserve.
This incredible park is located in the Jemez Mountains just outside Santa Fe, approximately 90 minutes from our Bed and Breakfast. This 89,000-acre Preserve is in the middle of a 13-mile-wide crater of a former supervolcano. With nearly 90,000 acres to explore, you won’t be surprised to know there are plenty of hiking trails throughout the Valles Caldera National Preserve. We’ve listed some of our favorite trails below – including everything from easy nature walks to steep and challenging climbs.
- Hike Coyote Call and Rabbit Ridge Trails. These trails offer a total combined mileage of just over five miles along the southern rim of the caldera, where you’ll find great views of Valle Grande and Redondo Peak.
- Another trail on the southeastern rim of the caldera is the Valle Grande Trail, which offers scenic views and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife. Elk are commonly seen in this area.
- If you want to explore a volcano dome, hike the 1.5-mile La Jara Trail.
- Unsurprisingly, Valles Caldera National Preserve is home to some remarkable geothermic activity. For an easy hike to a bubbling site, we recommend heading to Sulphur Springs. The hike is just over 1/4 mile long.
- For another short and easy hike that ends at a pond with views of La Jara River, take the Pond Trail. It’s not quite 1 mile long, and the views from here are gorgeous.
- Follow the east fork of the Jemez River on the Hidden Valley Trail, and you’ll enjoy gorgeous views of the Valles Caldera National Preserve.
If you have the energy to stick around after hiking through the Valles Caldera National Preserve, it’s a fantastic spot to enjoy some night sky viewing. Valles Caldera National Preserve was designed as a Dark Sky Park in 2021. From here, dark sky enthusiasts can expect to see the Milky Way, meteor showers, planets, and star constellations, all unobstructed by the light pollution found in the majority of the country.
More Great Hiking in Santa Fe
Though it’s located a bit outside of town, Valles Caldera is considered one of the best places to enjoy hiking in Santa Fe. It should just be the start of your hiking adventures, though. There are many more fantastic places to hike in Santa Fe, including the stunning Santa Fe National Forest.
Fall is one of the best seasons to enjoy hiking in Santa Fe. The weather is mild, and the scenery is positively gorgeous. Each trail is diverse, too, showcasing the best aspects of the high desert ecosystems across northern New Mexico.
There’s no shortage of choices if you’re thirsting for hiking near Santa Fe, and we’ve listed some of our favorite trails below.
- One of the most popular hiking trails in Santa Fe, especially in the fall, is the Atalaya Mountain Trail. You’ll start the day in a beautiful aspen forest and finish with a panoramic view at the top.
- One of the most accessible places to enjoy hiking in Santa Fe is the Dale Ball Trail System. These trails are accessible from downtown Santa Fe and are the quickest route into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
- Head into the Santa Fe National Forest and enjoy gorgeous fall hikes like the Grasshopper Canyon Trail.
- If you’re looking for a relatively flat but still beautiful hike, head to the Santa Fe Rail Trail. This popular trail starts at the Santa Fe Railyard and travels south for 15.5 scenic miles.
- Hyde Memorial State Park is another excellent place to enjoy hiking in Santa Fe.
- The La Tierra Trail network is another great place for hiking near Santa Fe. It’s also a great place to spot local birds and wildflowers.
Remember that the city starts at an elevation of 7,199 feet, so you should bring layers, plenty of water and supplies, and take your time. When you’ve finished hiking for the day, retreat to the comfortable guest rooms at our Bed and Breakfast in Santa Fe. There’s no better place to stay in town. Book your room today!
