Sports, Hiking, and Outdoor Recreation in Santa Fe
Santa Fe is an outdoor enthusiast's city. At 7,000 feet, surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the vast high desert, you're never more than minutes from a trailhead. The 300+ days of sunshine mean you can be active year-round, and the altitude provides a natural training boost that serious athletes specifically seek out.
Hiking
Hiking is arguably the most popular outdoor activity in Santa Fe. Trails range from easy walks near town to demanding mountain climbs.
| Trail | Details |
|---|---|
| Atalaya Mountain | The quintessential Santa Fe hike. 6 miles round trip, 1,700 feet elevation gain. Trailhead is behind St. John's College. Panoramic views of the city from the summit. Moderate difficulty. |
| Dale Ball Trails | A 24-mile network of trails on the east side of town. Rolling terrain through piñon-juniper with mountain views. Multiple trailheads and difficulty levels. Also popular for trail running and mountain biking. |
| Raven's Ridge / Lake Peak | Above the ski basin at 10,000+ feet. Alpine terrain, aspen groves, and wildflowers in summer. Strenuous but rewarding. Access via the ski area parking lot. |
| La Tierra Trails | Northwest of town. Wide, rolling trails through open desert. Good for beginners and families. Also excellent for mountain biking. |
| Tent Rocks (Kasha-Katuwe) | About 40 minutes southwest of Santa Fe on Cochiti Pueblo land. Cone-shaped rock formations created by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. The slot canyon trail is unforgettable. Check ahead — the Pueblo occasionally closes access. |
Skiing and Snowboarding
Ski Santa Fe is just 16 miles from the Plaza — one of the closest ski areas to a major town anywhere in the country. The base sits at 10,350 feet with a summit at 12,075 feet, offering legitimate mountain skiing with 86 runs, 1,725 feet of vertical, and an average of 225 inches of snowfall annually. It's not Vail, but it's real skiing with surprisingly short lift lines and stunning views.
Golf
- Marty Sanchez Links de Santa Fe — A municipal course designed to be affordable and accessible. 18 holes with beautiful views of the Sangre de Cristos and Jemez Mountains. Great value.
- Towa Golf Resort — At Buffalo Thunder Resort, designed by Hale Irwin. Championship course on Pojoaque Pueblo land with dramatic high-desert scenery.
- The Club at Las Campanas — Two Jack Nicklaus-designed courses. Private, but sometimes accessible through hotel partnerships.
Other Sports
- Running: The Santa Fe Striders running club organizes group runs and races. The altitude makes it a training ground for serious runners.
- Tennis and Pickleball: Public courts at several city parks including Fort Marcy. Pickleball has exploded in popularity locally.
- Swimming: The Genoveva Chavez Community Center has an indoor pool and fitness center open to the public.
- Rock climbing: Indoor climbing at Santa Fe Climbing Center. Outdoor climbing at Diablo Canyon (30 minutes west) and the crags above the ski basin.