Let’s face it—Santa Fe is a worthwhile destination in itself. Wandering around the museums, historic buildings, and quaint shops on the plaza is on my list of favorite travel experiences. And don’t even get me started on the food. I’ve had moments when I’ve contemplated driving the 400+ miles to Santa Fe for the sole purpose of getting some blue corn enchiladas. But Santa Fe is also a perfect base for exploring some other memorable sites. You’ll find some not-to-miss places within just a few hours’ drive of the city. From ancient cliff dwellings to a quirky historic artist’s town, here are five must-do Santa Fe day trips.
Bandelier National Monument
Among all the spectacular national parks in the Southwest, Bandelier National Monument is one of my favorites. With 33,000 acres of public lands, Bandelier protects scenic canyons and the cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloans, who inhabited the area between AD 1150 and 1550. Like many ancient people in the Southwest, they were eventually forced to move on to other locations due to drought and resource scarcity.
The hike through Frijoles Canyon on the Pueblo Loop Trail takes you past archeological sites and a series of cavates—cliff dwellings within small alcoves. Short ladders allow you to take a look inside these mini dwellings. If you’re game for some serious climbing, you can continue on a spur trail to Alcove House. A series of four wooden ladders and lots of stone stairs take you 140 feet above the canyon floor. We’re talking very tall ladders—so high that you might just chicken out when you see them. I’ll admit that at one point I had to stop looking down. But it’s definitely an adventure, and it gives you a close-up look at a reconstructed kiva.
Distance from Santa Fe Plaza: 44 miles
Chimayo
Located 28 miles north of Santa Fe, the small town of Chimayo is famous for its heirloom variety of chili pepper, the Chimayo Pepper. It’s also known for the weavings of the Ortega and Trujillo families, who have been creating handwoven rugs and blankets for generations.
But the main reason most visitors come to Chimayo is to visit El Santuario de Chimayo. Built in the 1800s, this historic Roman Catholic church was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1970. Every year, about 300,000 people make a pilgrimage to El Santuario during Holy Week. Regardless of your religious leanings, it’s hard to deny that this is one of the most picturesque churches you’ll ever see. El Santuario draws landscape photographers (including me) who come from around the world to capture its architecture and setting.
While you’re in Chimayo, I highly recommend you treat yourself to lunch or dinner at Rancho de Chimayo. In fact, just thinking about it right now has my mouth watering for carne adovada.
Distance from Santa Fe Plaza: 28 miles
Madrid
The Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway makes an excellent mini road trip from Sante Fe. And one of the not-to-miss stops on the Trail is the funky little town of Madrid. Once a thriving coal mining town, Madrid had been nearly abandoned by the 1950s after the mines closed. By the 1970s, the town was experiencing a revival as artists and bohemian free spirits began moving in. The community was transformed into an art mecca, while still maintaining its rustic charm.
Today, you can visit art galleries housed in old miners’ cabins and grab a snack at a soda fountain or tavern. I also recommend stopping in the semi-ghost town of Cerillos, just a few miles from Madrid, where you can see the historic St. Joseph’s Church.
Distance from Santa Fe Plaza: 27 miles
Taos Pueblo
Built 1,000 years ago, Taos Pueblo is the oldest continuously inhabited community in the US. Today, its 150 full-time residents maintain traditional customs and religious practices. The multi-storied adobe buildings remain much the same as they have been for centuries. Taos Pueblo is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Historic Landmark.
Note that at various times of the year, the pueblo closes for feast days and other religious celebrations. Be sure to check the event calendar on the web site so you don’t get there and find out it’s closed. Taking photos of tribal members or in the San Geronimo Chapel is forbidden, so make sure you understand the visitation rules and visit respectfully. There is an admission fee of $25.00 per person ($22.00 for seniors, students, and military).
Distance from Santa Fe Plaza: 73 miles
Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
With a span of 1,280 feet, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is a pretty impressive piece of hardware. The “Gorge Bridge” is a steel deck arch bridge suspended about 600 feet above the Rio Grande. During the bridge’s construction in the 1960s, there was apparently not enough funding to continue the road on the other side, so it became known as “the bridge to nowhere.” It is now part of U.S. Route 64, which continues west from the bridge.
You can park on either side and walk across the bridge. Viewing platforms near the center of the span enable you to take in the dizzying scene and get photos without standing too close to traffic. The narrow gorge 600 feet below you makes for quite a dramatic view. The Gorge Bridge is only 14 miles from Taos Pueblo, so you can combine these two sites into one day trip.
Distance from Santa Fe Plaza: 78 miles
Images and text ©Laurie J. Schmidt, All Rights Reserved
