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The Best Santa Fe Hiking Trails For Fall

Gorgeous panoramic view of Santa Fe in fall, from one of the best Santa Fe hiking trails

Fall is truly the best time to visit Santa Fe! The heat of the summer has come down to a much more mild and enjoyable temperature, the busy crowds of summer have gone home, and the hills and mountains surrounding the City Different take on the vibrant hues of the season. Fall is also a fantastic time to explore the vast network of Santa Fe hiking trails! 

Santa Fe sits at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and is surrounded by vast swaths of protected forests, like the Santa Fe National Forest and the Carson National Forest. These areas, in addition to popular places like Bandelier National Park and Valles Caldera National Preserve, are home to some of the best Santa Fe hiking trails. Getting out and enjoying nature on these Santa Fe hiking trails is the perfect complement to your trip that’s otherwise filled with things like art, shopping, culture, and fantastic food and drinks. 

The high deserts of northern New Mexico are a true outdoor lover’s dream – but hiking is just one of the many great things to do in Santa Fe. There’s a nearly never-ending list of Santa Fe hiking trails and other fun adventures. There’s no better place to use as your home base than our top-rated luxury Bed and Breakfast in Santa Fe. We offer comfortable accommodations and exceptional hospitality in one convenient location. Book your room with us today! 

Woman taking a photo of the yellow aspens on one of the best fall Santa Fe hiking trails

The Best Santa Fe Hiking Trails for Fall Views

Deep breaths of fresh mountain air and spectacular views of New Mexico’s fall foliage – these are the things that await you on the best Santa Fe hiking trails this fall. Though our Bed and Breakfast in Santa Fe is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Santa Fe, near the Santa Fe State Capital and the historic Santa Fe Plaza, we’re also conveniently located near some of the best Santa Fe hiking trails!

Many of the area’s top Santa Fe hiking trails can be accessed from downtown Santa Fe – just one more reason this city is an outdoor lover’s paradise! From gorgeous wildflowers and the stunning pops of Aspens peeking out between the evergreen Piñon pines, there’s something gorgeous waiting for you around every bend this fall. Below, we’ve listed some of our favorite Santa Fe hiking trails to take this fall. 

  1. Without a doubt, the Atalaya Mountain Trail is one of the most popular Santa Fe hiking trails. It’s gorgeous any time of year, but the views at the top of Atalaya Mountain are simply stunning when fall foliage comes to town! The trail is 6 miles out-and-back and leads you to a stunning stand of aspen trees before finally reaching the peak for breathtaking views of the forests below.
  2. Another excellent choice for fall colors is Hyde Memorial State Park in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This is a popular spot for fall hiking in Santa Fe. Here, you’ll find five different Santa Fe hiking trails ranging from short and easy to long and rugged.
  3. The Borrego Trail is magnificent in the fall and popular for birding, hiking, and mountain biking. It’s also less trafficked than other Santa Fe hiking trails, making it a great place to enjoy a little peace and quiet in the stunning natural surroundings of Santa Fe. 
  4. The name says it all – the Aspen Vista Trail. This is easily one of the best Santa Fe hiking trails to take in the fall, as it offers a breathtaking view of the aspen trees that make this area so famous each fall. 
  5. From hiking to mountain biking, the Dale Ball Trail System is a fantastic way to quickly get out in nature from downtown Santa Fe. It’s the quickest route into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and opens up to 25 miles of Santa Fe hiking trails to explore, taking users through some of the most striking landscapes of northern New Mexico. 
  6. If you want to combine birdwatching with a bit of hiking, head to the Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary. This 135-acre wildlife preserve, with winding trails through piñon, juniper, and ponderosa trees, is a birdwatching hot spot. Nearly 200 bird species frequent this area, and there are plenty of picturesque hiking trails to explore here. 
  7. If you want to get out of the downtown Santa Fe area, we recommend hiking in the Bandelier National Monument Area. More than 70 miles of hiking trails here lead to things like ancestral Pueblo homes, the Bandelier Museum, and waterfalls and streams.
  8. Finally, we love to send guests to the stunning Valles Caldera National Preserve. Not only is it a fantastic place for stargazing at night, but it’s also home to some of the best Santa Fe hiking trails. 
After exploring the top Santa Fe hiking trails this fall, unwind at our top-rated Bed and Breakfast in Santa Fe with gorgeous guest rooms like this

Relax at the Best Bed and Breakfast in Santa Fe

Whether you spend your days exploring the vast Santa Fe hiking trails and soaking up jaw-dropping fall views, or you prefer to visit the various art galleries and shops in downtown Santa Fe, there’s no better place to stay in town than our Bed and Breakfast in Santa Fe. We’re conveniently located near the State Capital buildings and the Santa Fe Plaza. But our location is just one of the many reasons to choose our Bed and Breakfast in Santa Fe.

Our Santa Fe Inn is small and intimate, lending itself to a quiet and more restful getaway away from the busy crowds of downtown Santa Fe. We also offer exceptional and personalized hospitality throughout your stay, too. Whether it’s helping you choose the best Santa Fe hiking trails or to make reservations at the top restaurants in Santa Fe, we’re here to make your stay the best it can be!

Our Bed and Breakfast in Santa Fe offers a choice of six guest rooms. Each guest room features tasteful Southwestern Decor, including various local art pieces, private entrances, fireplaces, comfy beds and seating areas, en suite bathrooms, and high-end amenities. A favorite guest amenity is our daily breakfast, served in our cozy dining room. Grab a freshly brewed cup of coffee or freshly pressed juice, and get ready for a delicious multi-course breakfast.

We always offer our guests a selection of fresh teas and juices, along with a hearty selection of fresh-baked bread or pastries and fruit. Once you’ve finished your starting courses, we’ll serve you a daily entreé which we vary daily throughout the year. Whatever we serve that day, rest assured you’ll be well-fueled for a fantastic day on the best Santa Fe hiking trails. Book your room with us today!

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