Rich history. Natural beauty. Mountain peaks. Sunny skies. Santa Fe has all the ingredients of a hiker’s paradise – and fall means clear trails and cooler temperatures perfect for exploring. Here are four fall hikes you’ll want to fit into your schedule before it’s too late!
Chamisa Trail
With its easily accessible location and moderate level of difficulty, Chamisa Trail is the perfect place to start your fall adventuring. Hop on the 4.5-mile loop right off of SR 475, just 12 miles and an easy 20-minute drive from Olympus Rodeo. Take time to enjoy every step on the gradual climb, soaking up views of local flora in the Santa Fe National Forest. If you’re bringing a little extra energy, Chamisa Trail makes for an inspiring and invigorating trail run, too.
Nambe Lake Trail
Looking for a challenging hike with a good payoff, a cool trail to enjoy on your Saturday morning that won’t keep you out all day? Nambe Lake Trail checks every box, and that’s why it has become a local favorite. Come ready to work on this 6.9-mile out-and-back hike boasting just over 2,000 feet of elevation gain. The difficulty lies not only in the elevation but in the rocky terrain and the steep inclines, including the final push up to Nambe Lake. Don’t worry; the reward is well worth the effort.
Santa Fe Baldy via Windsor Trail
If you’re going big this fall, mark a day on your calendar, and do some advanced planning, to tackle Santa Fe Baldy by way of the Windsor Trail, one of the toughest hikes in the Santa Fe National Forest. You’ll want to start early to fit in this killer 13.5-mile trek with 3,500 feet of elevation. Starting from Aspen Basin just like Nambe Lake Trail, the hike continues north to the summit of Santa Fe Baldy at 12,622 feet. Enjoy a beautiful walk through pine and aspen forests on your way to the top, where commanding views of the surrounding mountain ranges and a good look at Katherine Lake are waiting for you.
Main Ruin Loop Trail
A must-see for any Santa Fean, the Main Ruin Loop Trail at Bandelier National Monument delivers a completely different kind of nature walk. An easy 1.4-mile loop serves up some incredible local history, from rock cliff cave dwellings to ancient petroglyphs. Connecting with the stories of the Ancestral Pueblo people will give every hiker a renewed appreciation for Santa Fe’s beautiful heritage.
Wherever you’re headed this fall, make sure to enjoy the journey! For more fun ways to explore Santa Fe, plus details on local and resident events, visit the Olympus Rodeo blog.