Experience Fall in Santa Fe
With many Santa Fe events, festivals, and activities canceled for fall 2020, large crowds and busy events are being replaced by road trips and time spent in nature with friends and family.
We’ve put together some of our favorite recommendations for experiencing fall in Santa Fe along with specific destinations we recommend visiting while staying in one of our vacation rentals! Keep in mind that fall in northern New Mexico only lasts a few weeks and peak color usually occurs around the end of September.
Go for a Scenic Fall Drive
A scenic drive is one of the best ways to experience the Land of Enchantment during what many believe is the most spectacular season of the year. The two routes listed below offer great fall foliage views and are popular with our guests.
The Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway
This route begins in downtown Santa Fe at the Palace of the Governors and travels up the scenic Ski Basin road to the Santa Fe Ski area. The large concentrations of aspen trees as you climb higher up the road make this a great fall drive that doesn’t require too long to complete. Expect a roundtrip drive time of about 1 hour with plenty of stops at scenic overlooks! There are also many hiking opportunities along the way, including the Aspen Vista Trail, which we have more information on below.
Route Directions for the Santa Fe National Scenic Byway: Click Here
Roundtrip Drive Time: 1 hour without stops
The High Road to Taos
If you’re looking for a longer road trip, then we recommend taking the High Road to Taos and experiencing the stunning scenery. This is an all-day trip that will take up most of the day, so make sure to plan ahead so you can enjoy everything the route has to offer.
Route Directions for the High Road to Taos: Click Here
Roundtrip Drive Time: 3 hours 15 minutes without stops
Experience a Colorful Fall Hike
There are many hikes near Santa Fe that are absolutely stunning in the fall, however, our number one recommendation is the Aspen Vista Trail. Located near the Santa Fe ski area, this hike provides some of the best yellow and gold fall colors in the area.
The many aspen trees make for a stunning hike that is at its best when the leaves are changing in mid to late September. The Aspen Vista Trail begins at the Aspen Vista Picnic Ground, which is located up Ski Basin Road along the Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway. While you can hike all the way up to the Ski Area for a total roundtrip of over 11 miles, the first couple miles have plenty of fall colors for those who are looking to keep the hike short.
Directions to the Aspen Vista Trail: Click Here
Relax at your Santa Fe Vacation Rental
Many travelers choose Santa Fe as a relaxing and rejuvenating destination.
Whether you choose a rental with a hot tub or decide to stay for a month or more, the crisp fall air and mountain views make for the perfect fall getaway!