Santa Fe, New Mexico is known for many things. From the notable Pueblo architecture to the unique cultural environment, Santa Fe has plenty of things to explore. While the city itself is magical, you shouldn’t forget to explore the surrounding area! Since it is located in the Sangre de Cristo foothills near the Rio Grande River, Santa Fe is conveniently situated for a wide variety of outdoor activities. Whenever you’re in Santa Fe, get outside with one or more of these fifteen, fun, outdoor adventures! 

1. Go Rafting on the Rio Grande

The Rio Grande is one of the most emblematic parts of Santa Fe, and getting out on the river is one of the best outdoor adventures in the area. If you’re interested in tackling the rapids, contact a local rafting guide or tour company to get started. There are lots of options, including day trips and multi-day excursions. Tailor your trip to meet your rafting skill level (from beginner to advanced) and get ready for a rip-roaring good time! 

2. Hike Around Nambe Lake

Strap on your hiking shoes for this magnificent trail around Nambe Lake! To the northwest of Santa Fe, near Lake Peak and in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, you’ll find the beautiful Nambe Lake. Hikers will appreciate the challenging yet rewarding Nambe Lake Trail. This trail takes you six miles up the mountains, with an elevation gain of around 2,000 feet. It does present a challenge. However, you’ll be met with beautiful views around the lake and of the mountains as you ascend. Lace up your boots and head up to the mountains to experience this magical trail! 

3. Bike the La Tierra Trails 

If you’re an experienced mountain-biker, you should be excited to tackle the La Tierra Trails! These trails sit just northwest of downtown Santa Fe and contain over twenty-five  miles of trails, which cater to bikers, equestrians, and hikers. For those who are highly experienced, you can also take advantage of the technical parks for ATV/MX bikes, BMX, and mountain biking. If you can’t bring your own bike, don’t worry. There are plenty of places where you can rent a bike. Alternatively, you can book a tour with bike rental included, so you can take on the trails worry-free! 

4. Walk Along the Santa Fe River 

Don’t forget about the outdoor adventures right around the corner! The Santa Fe River Trail, which can be accessed through De Vargas Park, is a lovely natural spot within Santa Fe. It is an out-and-back walking trail, which is roughly 2.4 miles one way or a 4.8 mile trip both ways. With quiet spots, water features, and amenities, such as benches and picnic tables, this urban trail will make you forget you’re in the heart of a city. Reserve some time for a mini-outdoor adventure with this nature walk! 

5. Explore the Dale Ball Trails 

If you don’t want to get too far out of the city, consider exploring the Dale Ball Trails instead! Many people aren’t aware of the Dale Ball Trail system, spanning nearly twenty-five miles. The trails mix urban and natural environments, starting just beyond downtown. You can tackle these trails on foot or using a bike. You can even bring your furry friends along if they’re leashed properly. No matter your skill level, you can find a trail to fit your needs. Plus, you’re likely to be rewarded with a stunning view. Can it get any better? 

6. Take in the Sights at Santa Fe Botanical Garden

When you’re not feeling up for strenuous exercise, visiting the Santa Fe Botanical Gardens is a great way to get outdoors. The gardens stretch over twenty acres and feature a variety of local plant species. Beyond this, the gardens have lots of fountains and other adornments to enhance the beauty, not to mention the great mountain views in the background! This is a great outdoor activity for families, couples, or anyone who wants to stay closer to the city. It’s just a few minutes outside of downtown, so it’s easy to add to a day in Santa Fe! 

7. Go Ziplining

For anyone with a spirit for adventure and desire to fly-high, check out ziplining tours near Santa Fe! With the mountains nearby Santa Fe, adrenaline seekers can enjoy the zipline courses. There are several to choose from, so if this sounds interesting to you, do some research and find the best one for you! No matter where you go, we recommend wearing long pants, closed-toed shoes, and having somewhere secure (a zippered pocket) to hold your valuables during the ride! 

8. Hike Out to the Waterfall Trail 

Look no further than Hyde Memorial State Park for a family-friendly excursion, with an extraordinary photo-finish! Up in the Santa Fe mountains, you’ll find Hyde Memorial State Park, which boasts lots of options for camping and outdoor recreation activities. One of the most popular trails in the park is just two miles long and rewards hikers with a stunning waterfall view at the end. Since there are plenty of spots to stop, rest, or even have a picnic, this trail is ideal for families who want to get outdoors in a more manageable way. 

9. Hit the Trail on Horseback 

On many trails near Santa Fe, you’ll see the option to go horseback riding. This isn’t a coincidence! Horseback riding and equestrian culture more broadly has been a core part of Santa Fe for many years. Visitors and locals alike can take part in this proud tradition by going on a horseback ride! The area has plenty of companies that organize everything for you, allowing you to simply sit back and enjoy the ride. We’d highly recommend trying it out at least once, since it is such a big part of the local culture and a great way to see the sights! 

10. Go Rafting on the Rio Chama

Okay, we already suggested rafting on the Rio Grande, but the Rio Chama merits a mention as well! As a tributary of the Rio Grande River, the Rio Chama is a major rafting destination in the area. As opposed to the Rio Grande, it is a dam-controlled river, so it is a bit more predictable. The scenery is also slightly different, with canyons, sandstone, and forests, as opposed to the mountain views on the Rio Grande. If you want to go rafting on the Rio Chama, book a tour through a local provider and have an awesome time. To extend the experience, you could consider camping in the area or doing some fishing as well! 

11. Try Your Hand at Fishing

Many people appreciate Santa Fe’s rivers for the opportunity to disconnect and get some peace with a fishing trip! The broader area has hundreds of miles of streams and plenty of lakes, so there are lots of fishing spots to check out. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner, there are plenty of ways to get out there. Bring your own gear and head out with your line or book yourself onto a tour, where everything is provided!

12. Hit the Slopes Outside of Santa Fe

Santa Fe is probably not the first destination that comes to mind for a ski or snowboard vacation, but it actually has great mountain access and amenities. Near Santa Fe Baldy, you’ll find Ski Santa Fe. At above 10,000 feet elevation, this ski resort offers over eighty different runs and all the usual amenities of a ski town. Whether you want to spend all day on the slopes or enjoying apres-ski, Ski Santa Fe gives you that option less than 20 miles from Santa Fe proper!

13. Visit Bandelier National Monument 

Visiting Bandelier National Monument gives you the chance to get into nature and appreciate the unique history of Santa Fe. Bandelier National Monument spans over 30,000 acres of canyon and protects historical sites, such as petroglyphs, dwellings carved into the rock face, and more. We would seriously recommend visiting this National Monument, since there are few better places to see ancestral Pueblo archaeological sites and the local fauna. 

14. Appreciate Santa Fe’s Golf Scene 

Golfers will know that Santa Fe has plenty of legendary courses to choose from! Benefiting from the unique scenery, Santa Fe has stunning private and public golf courses to choose from. If you have a connection, consider trying your hand at the Sunrise or Sunset course at Las Campanas Club. If you can’t get access to the private clubs, don’t worry! There are plenty of top-rated public options as well, such as Marty Sanchez Links or the Santa Fe Country Club. Book your tee time in advance for the best timing options!

15. Go Camping & See the Stars 

Finally, there are few outdoor adventures better than spending the night under the stars. Santa Fe boasts plenty of camping sites close to the city, which make it easy to get out of town for the weekend. From the Santa Fe National Forest to Black Canyon Campground and more, you can find the location that has the right amenities for you. We encourage you to not only explore during the day, but also spend some time gazing up at the stars at night. There are some truly spectacular night sky views!