Outdoor Attractions
River Rafting
http://www.kokopelliraft.com/
If you are seeking an adventurous journey, join Kokopelli Rafting for the "river trip different". Float and paddle down the sometimes mild and sometimes wild Rio Grande River. Go for half-day or multi-day expeditions with professional rafting guides and experience the natural and the cultural region of Northern New Mexico. Lifejackets, helmets, shoes, and lunch is included! The best time of year for a challenging rafting trip is in mid April as the area's snow begins to melt. The best time for families and those inexperienced rafters is closer to the end of the summer as the temperatures rise and water levels drop.
Other Rafting Companies
Far Flung Adventures www.farflung.com
Known World Guide Service www.knownworldguides.com
Native Sons Adventures www.nativesonsadventures.com
Rio Grande River Tours www.rivertours.com
Santa Fe Rafting Company www.santaferafting.com
Hiking Trails (more information coming soon)
The mountains of northern New Mexico provide for scenic strolls or strenuous hiking trails. Here is a list of hiking trails to accommodate beginner to advanced hikers. No matter what level of hiking trail you decide on, always bring an adequate supply of water to prevent dehydration or altitude sickness.
Half-day hikes:
Atalaya Peak
The trail head is located behind the parking lot of St. John's College. This is a moderate climb that takes hikers 9,121 feet to the summit of Atalaya Peak. The hike is easier at the trailhead and more difficult towards the summit. This is also a dog friendly trail.
Chamisa Trail
Only six miles from the plaza is the family friendly Chamisa trail. It is almost 5 miles roundtrip and provides a beautiful terrain of evergreen trees. To get there: follow Paseo de Peralta to Washington Ave./Bishops Lodge road and turn right. Make another right onto Artist Road. Continue towards the ski Basin rd. 5.6 miles to a wide canyon with two prominent parking areas on the south and north sides of the rd. Parking is available on the north side. Look for the trailhead towards big Tesuque creek.
Dale Ball
There are two options Dale Ball North and Dale Ball South. The northern route is approximately 7 miles with new technical trails. Access the North trailhead from the ski basin road (NM 475). Parking is on the left (north). Dale Ball South is a 5 miles trail and is available to both hikers and mountain bikers. Head towards Upper Canyon Road just passed Cerro Gordo. Turn right up a steep dirt road and follow the trail about 100 feet up that heads to the left.
Full-day hikes/excursions:
Bandelier National Monument
http://www.nps.gov/band/
Take 285 North towards Los Alamos. The monument is located 12 miles SW of downtown Los Alamos. This is a historical site with exhibits, artifacts and a slide show at the Visitor Center. Explore the cave dwellings of ancestral Pueblo Indians. This is a great site for families. Directions to Bandelier National Monument
Tent Rocks National Monument
http://www.nm.blm.gov/recreation/albuquerque/kasha_katuwe.htm
Recently added to the list of National Monuments, Tent Rocks is a place to explore bizarre rock formations from volcanic activity.Located 20 miles south of Santa Fe off Hwy 22 at the Cochiti Pueblo exit, follow signs to Forest Rd 266.
Santa Fe Baldy
Hike to the top of Santa Fe's highest elevation, 12,622 feet. This is a moderate to strenuous hike about 6.5 miles each way. Best time of year to hike is between late May and early November. This hike has incredible views from the summit and plenty of wild chipmunks. Bring adequate water supply and an extra jacket as the winds increase and the temperatures drop closer to the summit. This is a beautiful hike through aspen meadows, with mild rock scrambling. During the summer months, start hiking early in the morning due to daily lightning storms. It is not to be missed. Directions: Drive up to the ski basin off of Hyde Park Road. Head up the Winsor Trail about 3/4 mile to a large fence. Walk passed the fence about 2.5 miles toward the valley between Santa Fe Baldy and Lake Peak. Bear to the left towards the bald peak.
Nambe Lake
Head up the Windsor Trail as if you were hiking towards Santa Fe Baldy instead of taking a left at the valley, make a right. Climb the steep hill and follow the trail to the left. After what seems like a strenuous ascent, you will be inspired by the pristine lake at the top.
Lake Catherine
This trail ranks the most challenging day hike in the Santa Fe area. With nearly 16 miles of trail round trip, begin hiking early in the day or plan to spend the night. The trail does not require technical hiking skills but is strenuous and requires a lot of endurance. Head as if you were following the Santa Fe Baldy trail and head over the top of the saddle towards Lake Catherine. The trail is clearly marked. Follow the clearly marked trail as it twists and turns to the right.
Aspen Vista
As the most popular of trails in Santa Fe, this moderate hike is 5 miles each way and at a gradual incline. To get there, follow Paseo de Peralta to Washington Ave./Bishops Lodge road and turn right. Make another right onto Artist Road. Follow this road towards the ski basin, approx. 13 miles. The trailhead is located at the Aspen Vista picnic area.
