Even locals get inspired by the view from the top of Picacho Peak Trail. Below, adobe homes nestle into the piñon-juniper forests. Above, the sky often shows off brilliant shades of orange and purple. In the distance, mountains stack up on the horizon. It feels like you’re a world away—and yet you’re only a couple miles from Santa Fe’s historic plaza and a uniquely vibrant cultural scene.
It’s that world-class art and food that put Santa Fe County on the culture map—and for good reason. Three local chefs were James Beard Award semifinalists in 2025, and the area has a long list of critically acclaimed restaurants, as well as more than 250 art galleries, museums, and private dealers. But Santa Fe County also belongs on the adventure map. With more than 200 paths in the Santa Fe National Forest serving hikers and equestrians, 160 miles of mountain biking trails, 370 climbing routes, plus excellent whitewater rafting and trout fishing, the iconic Southwest region serves up adventures for everyone—and the secret is out.
Easy Access to Hiking, Biking, and Climbing
One of the most remarkable things about the Santa Fe County trail systems is just how close everything is. The popular Dale Ball Trail network delivers 35 miles of hiking, trail running, and mountain biking. The La Tierra system offers an additional 32 miles of accessible multiuse, beginner-friendly trails, and nearby Galisteo Basin has another 47 miles. That’s not to mention the many trailheads throughout the Santa Fe National Forest.
More interested in vertical adventure? Diablo Canyon Recreation Area delivers some of the best sport rock climbing in the region. Areas including Santa Fe National Forest and the Pecos River Canyon offer scenic granite crags at 7,000 feet elevation, with five cliffs that feature single-pitch routes, offering a mix of traditional and sport climbing along the trout-rich Pecos River.
Or go for historical adventure and explore Bandelier National Monument, less than an hour’s drive northwest of Santa Fe. As the ancestral land of at least 23 tribal nations, the stunning canyon terrain was an epicenter of Native American life and culture for centuries. Today, you can hike throughout the park, see historic petroglyphs and cliff dwellings, and learn about how communities once thrived here.
Santa Fe County on Trailforks.com
World-Class Fishing and Whitewater Rafting
From placid stretches of peaceful water ideal for family floats to the you-better-know-what-you’re-doing rapid called “Racecourse” (Class IV at high water), the Rio Grande—the waterway that defines so much of New Mexico—has something for everyone. Regardless of your route, you’ll likely find absolute quiet, families of bighorn sheep, and towering canyon cliffs. The Rio Chama, a National Wild and Scenic River, also delivers great rafting trips, including multiday adventures. Both rivers are also known for their exceptional fly-fishing for brown and rainbow trout.
Adventure, Elevated
Put it all together, and Santa Fe County offers an unmatched experience: spectacular outdoor action combined with a refined arts and food scene. The only question is how to do it all.
Explore Santa Fe County, where history, arts, and outdoor adventure await. Hike dramatic trails, bike breathtaking landscapes, ride horseback, or fish pristine waters. Discover Bandelier National Monument’s ancient wonders, raft the Rio Grande, or hike Nambé Falls. Experience unforgettable beauty and culture. Santa Fe County. Beautiful. Happy trails. SantaFeNMTrue.com.
