Attractions Nearby Santa Fe, Day Trips and Excursions

(Santa Fe, New Mexico - NM, USA)

Located to the north and to the east of Santa Fe, and spread around the Pajarito Plateau and the Jemez Mountains, are some areas of extreme natural beauty, with top attractions consisting of meandering mountain streams, dense pine forests, hiking trails and dramatic red rocks. Close by Santa Fe and literally just a short drive from each other are the attractions of the Bandelier National Monument, the Valles Caldera National Preserve, and the historical town of Los Alamos.

Further attractions and possible excursions around Santa Fe include the Acoma Pueblo, the El Morro National Monument, the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, Taos and the spreading Santa Fe National Forest. New Mexico is sandwiched by the states of Arizona (west) and Texas (east), and so if you prepared to travel a little further, then many more places of interest await you.

Acoma Pueblo

Established as long ago as the 12th century and situated around 124 miles / 200 km to the southwest of Santa Fe, the Acoma Pueblo is amongst the most historic continuously inhabited communities in the whole of the USA. The Acoma Pueblo comprises a series of villages and often goes by the name of 'Sky City', due to its high location - some 2,130 metres / 7,000 feet above sea level. Guided tours are the main attraction at the Acoma Pueblo, offering an insight into the history and also the famous Acoma pottery.

El Morro National Monument

Standing approximately 182 miles / 293 km west of Santa Fe, a day trip to the El Morro National Monument is really only possible if you are prepared for an early start. However, those who do venture to this popular attraction will likely find this sandstone outcrop a fascinating travelers' oasis. The El Morro National Monument contains a series of intriguing carvings and petroglyphs, spanning the past four centuries and including inscriptions by both Anglo pioneers and even Spanish conquerors.
Open hours: visitor center: May to August, daily - 09:00 to 19:00; September to October, daily - 09:00 to 18:00; November to April, daily - 09:00 to 17:00; walking trails: May to August, daily - 09:00 to 18:00; September to October, daily - 09:00 to 17:00; November to April, daily - 09:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge, valid for seven days, children under 16 years old are free

Gallup

A small city just under 200 miles / 320 km to the west of Santa Fe, the attractions of Gallup tend to relate to its rich Indian associations, being something of a trading post for the Zuni and Navajo people. Gallup has earned itself the nickname of the 'Indian Capital of the World', since it lies within the very center of National American lands, where it is dissected by the Will Rogers Highway (US Route 66).

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

An understandably popular excursion, the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is just 40 miles / 64 km to the southwest of Santa Fe and is to be found close to the Cochiti Lake. This whole area really is a stunning natural attraction and features a collection of 'tent rocks' and canyons, created over many thousands of years by volcanic activity and water erosion. The Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is open by day only and its narrow 'slot canyon' is a particular draw card, leading to an excellent viewing point.
Open hours: November to February, daily - 08:00 to 17:00; March to October, daily - 07:00 to 19:00
Admission: charge, applicable to vehicles and individuals

Los Alamos

At 40 miles / 64 km to the northwest of Santa Fe, an excursion to Los Alamos will take around an hour by car. This charming townsite is called home by some 12,000 residents, with the main attractions of Los Alamos being distributed within the downtown area. Highlights include the Bradbury Science Museum, the Los Alamos Historical Society, the Art Center at Fuller Lodge and also Overlook Park, where visitors are treated to endless views across the Rio Grande and the White Rock Canyon. Nearby, day trippers may also like to check out the Bandelier National Monument, the Jemez Mountains and the Valles Caldera National Preserve, although it is strongly advised that you plan your time ahead of your arrival, since some of the attractions and activities will require advance booking.

Santa Fe National Forest

Address: 11 Forest Lane, Santa Fe, New Mexico NM, 87508, USA
Tel: +1 505 438 5300
Email: andreapruitt@fs.fed.us
Lovers of the great outdoors simply must not miss out on spending a day or two exploring the nearby Santa Fe National Forest. Filled with summer hiking trails and winter ski runs, this forest is dominated by the towering Tesuque Peak, which stands around 3,660 metres / 12,000 feet in height. Many areas of the Santa Fe National Forest are around 3,050 metres / 10,000 feet above sea level, meaning that some visitors may need time to acclimatize to these high altitudes.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Taos

Taos is a thriving and somewhat seasonal tourist destination, roughly 70 miles / 113 km north of Santa Fe. The attractions of Taos are in good supply, with the most popular being the expansive Kit Carson Park, the Kit Carson Home and Museum, the Blumenschein Home and Museum, the Millicent Rogers Museum and also the Taos Art Museum. However, during the winter months (December to April), the neighboring Taos Ski Valley becomes nothing short of a Mecca for skiers looking for excitement and thrills. If you have time on your hands, then near to Taos is the town of Cordova, the Truchas Peak and the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge.