Santa Fe, New Mexico – Gateway to the Southern Rockies

Santa Fe is the gateway to adventure in Northern New Mexico. Perched at 7,000 feet at the foot of the southern Rocky Mountains, Santa Fe is both a stepping off point for wild lands recreation and a culturally rich, pampering base camp from which to operate. The city provides easy access to literally millions of acres of public lands, lakes and streams, Native American heritage sites, and unspoiled wilderness. Chances are if it doesn’t require an ocean, it can be done near Santa Fe.

When Santa Fe, New Mexico is mentioned, many may picture a desert town, hot, sandy, and filled with cactus. Those would be the folks who haven’t actually visited Santa Fe. In fact, New Mexico’s state capital and cultural epicenter is more of a mountain town, snug up against the Sangre de Cristo range of the Rockies. Santa Fe is surrounded on three sides by mountains and lined with extinct volcanoes on its western border making it geographically distinct and visually stunning.

Santa Fe itself is the second oldest city in the U.S. with a multi-cultural heritage, remarkable history, and a reputation for friendly people, exceptional art, and great food. The city’s environment is driven by its near-alpine location with clean air and 300 days of annual sun. Its close proximity to nearly limitless public lands makes it the ideal place to launch warm-weather inspired activities for three seasons and winter sports when the snow flies.

From the Santa Fe Plaza, the heart of the city, the Santa Fe National Forest boundary is 7 miles. At that point the forest opens into the Southern Rocky Mountains and the Pecos Wilderness and on into the adjoining Carson National Forest. This huge expanse offers endless hiking, horseback riding, backpacking, and exploration. Nearby rivers and streams provide kayaking, white water rafting, and outstanding fishing. Outfitters for all activities can be easily found in town.

The most compelling reason for active travelers to visit is the combination of Santa Fe’s distinctive cultural environment and its proximity to so much open space. The city is the ultimate base of operations for discovering Northern New Mexico and the diversity of its historic villages, centers of past and present Native American life, and many wild places.

Resources
Everything needed to plan a Santa Fe adventure can be found at www.santafe.org, from lodging and attractions to guides and outfitters.

Tour Operators offering New Mexico on www.Adventure.travel
Backroads
The Bavarian
Classic Journeys
Hidden Trails
Uncharted Outposts
The Wayfarers

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