The Magic of Fall in Santa Fe: Outdoor Adventures for Every Traveler

Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a magical destination year-round, but there’s something especially enchanting about visiting during the crisp, cool days of fall. The vibrant foliage, clear skies, and cooler temperatures create the perfect conditions for all kinds of outdoor adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer, a leisurely explorer, or somewhere in between, Inn of the Turquoise Bear is the ideal place to stay while you take in the natural beauty of Santa Fe’s fall season.

What kind of traveler are you?

For the Adventurous Soul

Hiking and biking are the best ways for the adventurous soul to get out and explore. As the summer heat gives way to cooler days, the surrounding landscapes come alive with vibrant fall colors, making it the perfect season to explore the great outdoors. Whether you prefer hiking through golden aspens or biking across rugged desert trails, there’s no better way to experience the beauty of a New Mexican autumn.

Hiking with Fall Foliage and Mountain Views

Santa Fe’s hiking trails are especially inviting in the fall. They offer breathtaking views and cooler temperatures that make exploring even more enjoyable. Hiking is one of the best ways to experience the season’s beauty.

The Dale Ball Trails (North) are an excellent option for hikers looking to stay closer to the city while still enjoying nature.
- This 22-mile network of hiking paths winds through the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, offering panoramic views of Santa Fe, dramatic rock formations, and the chance to spot local wildlife.

The Aspen Vista Trail is just a short drive from the city for the hiker looking to explore nearby.
- This moderate trail winds through a forest of golden aspens, rewarding hikers with stunning panoramas of autumn foliage set against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The vibrant yellows of the aspens create a magical scene perfect for photography and peaceful reflection.
For those seeking a more challenging adventure, the Chamisa Trail offers a longer hike through diverse terrain, including meadows, woodlands, and rolling hills. The cool fall air makes the uphill sections more manageable, while the changing leaves add an extra layer of beauty to your journey.
For the more daring hiker, the Atalaya Mountain Trail provides a moderate-to-difficult ascent, culminating in sweeping vistas of the city and surrounding landscape. The crisp fall air and expansive views make it well worth the effort.

Looking for more? You can find more easy, moderate, and difficult hikes on our blog post.

Biking through Santa Fe’s Scenic Landscape

Santa Fe’s mild fall weather and stunning scenery also make it a fantastic destination for biking enthusiasts. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced mountain biker, the city has something for everyone.

For those looking for a well-loved and incredibly popular route, check out the Santa Fe Rail Trail. It stretches for miles, beginning in the heart of the city and winding through the open countryside. It really showcases Fall’s vibrant foliage and cool breezes, making it a relaxing yet invigorating way to explore the area!

For those craving a more rugged biking experience, La Tierra Trails is the perfect spot. Located just minutes from our bed and breakfast, this extensive network of trails offers a variety of difficulty levels, catering to both novice and experienced riders. The cooler fall temperatures ensure a comfortable ride, while the scenic desert landscape — less crowded at this time of year — provides a striking backdrop for your adventure.

For more biking trails to explore, see our blog post.

For the Leisurely Explorer

Leaf-peeping and horseback riding are perfect outdoor adventures for the more laidback explorer. There’s no better way to experience the expansive beauty of New Mexico’s desert and mountain landscapes than on horseback. Fall is the perfect time for horseback riding, with cooler temperatures making it a more comfortable and enjoyable activity.

Scenic Drives Through Santa Fe’s Fall Foliage

For a short and incredibly picturesque drive, consider the Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway.
- This 16-mile route takes you through Hyde Memorial State Park, a popular spot for viewing the aspen-filled forests, with vibrant yellows and oranges contrasting against the evergreen trees.
- The drive ends at Ski Santa Fe, where you can stop for a scenic picnic (add on our Picnic Basket for Two enhancement), take a scenic chairlift ride, or simply enjoy the crisp mountain air. This route is especially popular during fall, so be prepared to share the views with other leaf peepers. Don’t worry — the breathtaking scenery makes it well worth the trip!

For a longer, more laidback drive, check out one of the most breathtaking scenic routes that Santa Fe has to offer with a trip along the High Road to Taos.
- It offers incredible views of vibrant fall foliage and winds through charming mountain towns, historic sites, and dramatic wilderness. At 105 miles one way (~165 miles round trip when returning on the Low Road), it’s perfect for a day trip. In late September, you can stop by the High Road Artisans Tour, where over 70 local artisans open their studios along the route.

Southwestern Horseback Riding Experiences

Visit Vision Quest, a Native American-owned and- operated ranch, for guided horseback riding and picturesque trails.
- The guide, Joaquin, offers guided horseback riding tours and lessons through picturesque trails surrounded by cottonwoods, juniper trees, and rolling hills. Plus, they offer sunset tours! You’ll get a true taste of the Old West while enjoying the vivid autumn colors that paint the landscape.

For a fun experience on a ranch featured in many famous motion pictures, book a horseback ride with Santa Fe Western Adventures at Lone Butte Ranch.
- This private ranch is a friendly, family-owned business that has been in the family since 1954 and has been featured in Breaking Bad, Longmire, Manhattan, and Too Old to Die Young.

For a deeper dive into the region’s cowboy history, consider visiting Broken Saddle Riding Co.
- Horseback riding tours take you through historic mining towns of Cerrillos; Madrid and La Bajada Overlooks; Devil’s, Crooked Hat, and Elkins Canyons; Cash Entry and Grand Central Silver Mines; Franklin Ridge; and Miner’s Trail. They offer a variety of different trails and are certainly a local favorite!

For more information on horseback riding adventures, read more on our blog post.

For the Art & Culture Enthusiast

Local festivities and day trips are our recommended activities for those looking to get outside and experience the art and culture of the Southwest. In Santa Fe, culture and nature are intertwined, making outdoor experiences more than just recreational.

Explore Local Festivities

Travelers can experience various outdoor festivals and markets throughout the year. In August, the famous Santa Fe Indian Market is the largest of its kind in the world, featuring Native American art, jewelry, and crafts in a beautiful open-air setting. Check out their website for more pop-up markets throughout the year.

In September, the annual Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta combines exquisite regional food with scenic outdoor venues, making it an unforgettable experience for the foodies and wine lovers who visit. The crisp air and changing leaves around town will surely put you in the fall spirit.

Must-See Fall Day-Trips

For paved paths and easy trails that offer a fascinating look into the region’s history while providing beautiful vistas and a calm atmosphere, consider taking a day trip to Bandelier National Monument. Just a short drive from the city, this monument is where you can explore ancient Pueblo ruins nestled in canyon walls, all with a scenic drive and beautiful fall backdrop.

For various options in the same direction as Bandelier National Monument, take a day trip into the Jemez Mountains. There, you can see the flourishing art community surrounding the famous San Ildefonso Pueblo, explore the Bradbury Science Museum, take a dip in the natural mineral hot springs in the quaint town of Jemez Springs, and so much more!

Explore more day trips and destinations by reading our blog post.

And Finally…For Your Home Base

Sometimes, the best outdoor activity is simply sitting back and enjoying the fresh air. At Inn of the Turquoise Bear, you can do just that. Unwind by enjoying a good book or perhaps strolling through our garden patio, surrounded by tall pines, trembling aspens, and other sights and sounds of nature.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast from local, seasonal ingredients before exploring the crisp fall air and stunning scenery. After a day of discovery, return to the comfort of your room, where you can unwind by the fire and plan your next adventure.

No matter what outdoor adventure you seek, fall in Santa Fe offers something magical for every kind of traveler. Whether hiking through aspen groves, biking along scenic trails, or riding horseback through rolling hills, staying at our Inn provides the perfect home base for your autumn adventures.

We look forward to welcoming you this fall and helping you create memories of outdoor adventure in one of Santa Fe’s most beautiful seasons!

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