You’ll find a beautiful area for hiking and horseback riding just about 30 minutes from downtown Santa Fe at Cerrillos Hills State Park. While it’s known as Santa Fe’s newest designated state park, the area’s history is ancient. For years, the Pueblo people used the lead-silver deposits found at Cerrillos Hills State Park as an ingredient in their pottery glazes. The park is located along the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway, the beautiful route that connects Santa Fe and Albuquerque.
Before you start planning your hikes at Cerrillos Hills State Park and beyond, you’ll want to secure your lodging. The best places to stay are within walking distance from the Santa Fe Plaza, which is where you’ll find the best restaurants, museums, shopping opportunities, and historical monuments. Our beautiful bed and breakfast, Four Kachinas Inn, happens to be steps from all of the fun things to do in Santa Fe but also tucked on a quiet neighborhood street. Our cozy guest rooms are the perfect home base and reprieve after a lovely hike through the New Mexico countryside.
Get your lodging on the books and start planning your itinerary today!
Cerrillos Hills State Park & More Hiking Options
Hiking at Cerrillos Hills State Park is a popular pastime. The park has five miles of trails that offer scenic views of the Galisteo Basin and surrounding areas. Along the way, you’ll come across historic mine shafts, which are safeguarded and signed with interpretive information. Elevations range from 5,800 to 6,100 feet. On the weekends, the Visitors Center is open from 10 am to 4 pm; they have trail maps and a gift shop with snacks, local books, and souvenirs; it’s the best place to start before exploring the park.
If you’d like to do horseback riding at Cerrillos Hills State Park, the same five miles of hiking trails are also suitable for equestrian adventures. The best way to enjoy these trails is with Broken Saddle, a local company offering “smooth-riding Tennessee Walkers and Missouri Fox-Trotters through the scenic Cerrillos Hills State Park.” Riding horseback through these open vistas and rugged landscapes will be an unforgettable experience.
Other Great Hikes Accessible from Santa Fe:
While you’ll be able to get your hiking fix at Cerrillos Hills State Park, here are a few more options to explore near Santa Fe:
- Picacho Peak Trail: This is a segment of the popular Dale Ball Trail system in Santa Fe. This stretch includes Picacho Peak, one of the highest hills you’ll see off in the distance from downtown.
- Tsankawi Ruins Trail: One of the most visited Santa Fe State Parks is Bandelier National Monument, where you’ll come across caves, wooden ladders, and petroglyphs. There are multiple hikes to explore, which send you back in time.
- Nambe Lake Trail: For those up for a challenge including steep climbs with more than 2,000 feet of elevation gain, this nearly seven-mile trek takes you through a stunning alpine forest of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and opens up on this pristine and quiet lake in the woods.
- Ancestral Trail: Located with the Pecos National Historical Park, about 17 miles southeast of Santa Fe, this route takes you by the remains of the largest Indian pueblo in the Southwest. Guided tours are available by appointment with the park rangers.
Breakfasts & Warm Hospitality in Santa Fe
Our warm and welcoming guest suites have all the modern touches you’ll need for a relaxing getaway to Santa Fe. Luxury beds are dressed in fine linens, fluffy pillows, and comfortable bedding. En-suite baths are equipped with hand-painted tile work and high-end details. Slip into one of our luxurious robes, turn on your favorite show, and relax. The perfect end to an exciting day hiking at Cerrillos Hills State Park and beyond!
Each morning, we’ll prepare a complimentary breakfast with flavorful dishes, served buffet-style, and accompanied by fresh fruit, juices, baked goods, and treats. Our guests love spending a leisurely morning at the Inn, sipping freshly brewed coffee on the patio, the ideal way to start your day off right. Join us in Santa Fe and book your next stay today!
