Outdoors

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A Stellar Example of Recent Volcanic Activity

Angel Fire Resort is a four-season alpine resort high in the Rocky Mountains of northern New Mexico. Angel Fire offers fantastic outdoor recreational amenities for visitors of all ages. The resort is situated at 8,600-foot elevation with stunning views of Mt. Wheeler, the tallest peak in New Mexico. Offering a variety of lodging options to best fit your needs: the Lodge at Angel Fire Resort offers spacious rooms and suites just steps from the Chile Express chairlift, or you can rent a condo or vacation home, perfect for families and groups.

In winter, visitors can choose between skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, tubing, Nordic skiing, sleigh rides, snow blades, ice fishing and more. Angel Fire receives on average over 240 inches of legendary dry powder during the winter months, with abundant blue skies and brilliant sunshine. Every Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, the resort hosts torchlight parades and firework shows to celebrate the holidays.

In summer, you'll want to enjoy New Mexico’s first and only zipline adventure tour, along with world-class mountain biking, ATV tours, rafting, horseback riding, fun at Monte Verde Lake, hiking and more. Don’t miss the Angel Fire Resort Golf Course and Country Club, an 18-hole course that winds through two stunning alpine canyons of aspens and spruce.

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A Stellar Example of Recent Volcanic Activity

Nestled in Bear Canyon Arroyo, this 27-hole Northeast Albuquerque course is noted for its interesting topography. Arroyo del Oso isn't necessarily a tough course. Its features — which include large greens, rolling fairways, three water-hole obstacles, and sand traps — meet the needs of intermediate and advanced players

The course opened in 1965. A 9-hole addition named "Dam 9" was constructed in 1987, giving Arroyo del Oso its 27 holes.

Arroyo del Oso's primary course is 6,545 yards Par 72 for men, and 6,015 yards Par 73 for women.

The Dam 9 plays to a Par 36 at 3,300 yards, crossing the Bear Canyon Arroyo three times.

In 1981, Golf Digest Magazine rated Arroyo del Oso among the top 50 Municipal Golf Courses in the nation.

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Hiking, Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing, Mountain Biking

Dog Friendly

Length: 10 miles

Elevation Range: 9,900 to 12,000 feet

Degree of Difficulty: Moderate

Seasonal: 4 Season (Possible snow in winter: Snowshoe)

Driving Distance from Plaza: 13 miles

One of the most popular trail in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The gradual uphill climb and the width of the road make it ideal for hikers, snowshoers and cross-country skiers of all abilities and ages. The road is closed to motorized vehicles including snowmobiles.

Directions: Follow Paseo de Peralta to Washington Ave on the North end of Paseo de Peralta. Turn away from the plaza heading north on Washington Avenue to artist rd (ski Basin rd). Follow the Ski Basin Rd. 13 miles. Access this trail from Aspen Vista Picnic Area, just beyond the 13 mile marker. Ample parking is available

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Hiking, Snowshoeing, Mountain Biking

Dog Friendly

Length: Trail 174 is approx. 7 miles round-trip, Trail 170 is 4.6 miles round-trip

Elevation Range: 7,300 to 9,121 feet

Degree of Difficulty: Easy - Challenging

Seasonal: 4 Season (Possible snow in winter)

Driving Distance from Plaza: 3 miles

The Atalaya Mountain Trail, accessible from the parking lot at St. Johns College, is one of the most popular and easily accessible hiking trails in Santa Fe. Hikers have the option of taking the longer route (Trail 174), which is approximately 7 miles round-trip, or parking farther up near the Ponderosa Ridge development and doing a 4.6-mile loop (Trail 170) instead. Both trials eventually join and take you toward the top of Atalaya Mountain, a 9,121-foot peak. The first few miles of the trail are relatively easy, but it becomes increasingly steep and strenuous as you near the summit of Atalaya Mountain. Hikers who make it to the top are afforded great views of the Rio Grande valley and the city below.

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Ancestral Pueblo People

Life in Bandelier

The Ancestral Pueblo people lived here from approximately 1150 CE to 1550 CE. They built homes carved from the volcanic tuff and planted crops in mesatop fields. Corn, beans, and squash were central to their diet, supplemented by native plants and meat from deer, rabbit, and squirrel. Domesticated turkeys were used for both their feathers and meat while dogs assisted in hunting and provided companionship.

Moving On

By 1550, the Ancestral Pueblo people had moved from this area to pueblos along the Rio Grande. After over 400 years the land here could no longer support the people and a severe drought added to what were already becoming difficult times. Oral traditions tell us where the people went and who their descendents are. The people of Cochiti Pueblo, located just south and east along the Rio Grande, are the most direct descendents of the Ancestral Pueblo people who built homes in Frijoles Canyon. Likewise, San Ildefonso is most closely linked to Tsankawi.

History & Culture

Bandelier's human history extends back for over 10,000 years when nomadic hunter-gatherers followed migrating wildlife across the mesas and canyons. By 1150 CE Ancestral Pueblo people began to build more permanent settlements. Reminders of these past times are still evident in the park as are the strong ties of the modern Pueblo people. By 1550 the Ancestral Pueblo people had moved from their homes here to pueblos along the Rio Grande (Cochiti, San Felipe, San Ildefonso, Santa Clara, Santo Domingo).

In the mid-1700's Spanish settlers with Spanish land grants made their homes in Frijoles Canyon. In 1880 Jose Montoya of Cochiti Pueblo brought Adolph F. A. Bandelier to Frijoles Canyon. Montoya offered to show Bandelier his people's ancestral homelands.

Building the lodge

In 1916 legislation to create Bandelier National Monument was signed by President Woodrow Wilson. In 1925 Evelyn Frey and her husband, George, arrived to take over the Ranch of the 10 Elders that had been built by Judge Abbott in 1907. Between 1934 and 1941 workers from the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) worked from a camp constructed in Frijoles Canyon. Among their accomplishments is the road into Frijoles Canyon, the current visitor center, a new lodge, and miles of trails. For several years during World War II the park was closed to the public and the Bandelier lodge was used to house Manhattan Project scientists and military personnel.

Hiking Trails

The National Park service has noted several designated trails, advising visitors to bring adequate safe water supplies on some trails.

The Main Loop Trail is 1.2 miles (1.9 km) long and loops through archeological areas, including the Big Kiva, Tyuonyi, Talus House, and Long House. It will take between 45 minutes and one hour. There are some optional ladders to allow access to the cavates (small human-carved alcoves).

Prior to the construction of the modern entrance road, the Frey Trail was the only access to the canyon. Originally, the parking lot was at the canyon rim. Today, it starts at the campground amphitheater. The trail is 1.5 miles (2.4 km) one way. There is an elevation change of 550 feet (170 m).

The Alcove House trail beings at the west end of the Main Loop trail and extends 0.5 miles (0.80 km) to Alcove House. Previously called the Ceremonial Cave, the alcove passes 140 feet (43 m) above the floor of Frijoles Canyon. This pueblo was the home of around 25 Ancestral Pueblo people. Except in winter, the site is reached by 4 wooden ladders and stone stairs. Alcove House has a reconstructed kiva that offers views of viga holes and niches of several homes. However, access to the kiva's interior is closed indefinitely as of spring 2013, for safety reasons associated with stabilization of the structure, although the ladders and stairs are once again open to the public.

The Falls Trail starts at the east end of the Backpacker's Parking Lot. Over its 2.5 miles (4.0 km), it descends 700 feet (210 m), passing two waterfalls and ending at the Rio Grande. However, trail damage resulting from the Las Conchas Fire has led to the indefinite, and possibly permanent, closure of the trail beyond Upper Frijoles Falls pending remediation. In addition to the elevation change, its challenges include steep dropoffs at many places along the trail and a lack of bridges over Frijoles Creek, which continue to be factors even with the closure of the lower part of the trail.

The 2.5 miles (4.0 km) Frijolito Loop Trail trail is more strenuous. It starts in the Cottonwood Picnic Area and climbs out of Frijoles Canyon using a switchback path. Once on top of the mesa, it passes Frijolito Pueblo. It returns to the visitor center along the Long Trail.

No pets allowed.

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Big River Rafts provides New Mexico whitewater rafting trips and guided tours. Rio Grande River Whitewater Rafting down the Rio Grande River in Taos, New Mexico. Just twenty minutes south of Taos your adventure begins!

How about enjoying a New Mexico whitewater river raft trip down the Rio Grande Gorge? Big River offers rafting trips planned to suit your every need for every skill level.

Enjoy relaxing dinner floats or exciting rapid rides down the Rio Grande River, including delicious picnics. You choose your adventure from mild to wild whitewater rafting trips.

We've been providing Rio Grande rafting excitement to folks around the country and the world since 1983, and we hope you'll join us this season.

Since 1983

Big River Raft Trips has been providing beautiful and exciting all day and half day white water river trips on the Rio Grande. We offer quiet picnics, scenic floats, spine tingling rapids, complete with ice cream!

Big River Raft Trips is a full service outfitter, and we supply everything. We offer personal attention and customer service. You just sit back, relax, and enjoy yourself. Big River knows how important your vacation is. And we want to help make it as much fun as possible.

We've been providing Rio Grande rafting excitement to folks around the country and the world since 1983, and we hope you'll join us this season.

Owner Billy Miller rafts 10 months a year and owns a river company. Also knows local history, flora, fauna, and can say "forward paddle" in eight languages! Our river guides are professional, courteous, and very knowledgeable of our canyon and its history.

They are willing and eager to custom design a river trip for your special group needs.

Corporate team building, moonlight floats, family get togethers, reunions, birthday parties, clothing optional sunbathing, or romantic sunset dimmer floats are only a few.

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Hiking, Snowshoeing, Mountain Biking

Dog Friendly, Horses Allowed

Borrego - Bear Wallow - Winsor Loop

Length: 4 miles Round Trip

Elevation Range: 8,240 to 8,800 feet

Degree of Difficulty: Easy

Seasonal: 4 Season (Possible snow in winter: Snowshoe)

Driving Distance from Plaza: 8.5 miles

The Borrego Trail located just a few miles up the road from the Chamisa Trail head and is another excellent choice for hikers and trail runners alike. The Borrego is a loop hike that follows three trail systems for approximately four miles. The Borrego Trail is a well defined trail that winds through lush Pines with rolling elevation dropping down to Big Tesuque Creek and a lovely meadow perfect for a picnic. The trail follows the Winsor trail for a short distance west to the Bear Wallow Trail. Follow the Bear wallow trail Uphill until it reconnects with the Borrego Trail.

Directions: Follow the same instructions as Chamisa trail. Follow Ski Basin rd 8.3 miles to Borrego Trail Head. The Parking lot will be on your left.

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Let the stress of City Life drift away at Brazos Lodge. This mountain lodge is great for outdoor family fun, retreats, or an intimate getaway with that special someone.

No phones or distractions, just a quiet relaxed atmosphere to work or play. We pride ourselves on going out of our way to make your visit the perfect "getaway" experience.

If Photography is what you love, this is the most picturesque place in Northern New Mexico. Photo Tours Available.

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Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino is located 15 minutes north of the Santa Fe Plaza, 60 minutes south of Taos, and 75 minutes north of Albuquerque. Take Highway 84/285 and exit Buffalo Thunder Road (exit #177)

Gaming

• Open 24 hours daily.
• 1,200 slot machines - 1 cent to $100 games
• 18 game tables - features Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Three Card Poker and Texas Hold'em
• Poker Room - adjacent to the Turquoise Trail Bar & Grill.
• Thunder Race Book - coming soon. Horse and greyhound racing.

Restaurants and Bars

• Red Sage - Southwest, fine-dining
• Painted Parrot Buffet - Asian, Mexican, Italian, American
• Mica - daily lunch, American cuisine
• Turquoise Trail - homage to Route 66 restaurants
• Starbucks - coffee, pastries, snacks
• Pueblo Deli - open 24 hours
• Club Warehouse - night club
• Hotel Lobby Bar
• Towa Clubhouse Grill
• Pool Grille - sandwiches, salads, ice cream, and full-bar

Hotel Rates & Reservations

395 Guest Rooms
10 restaurants, a snack bar/deli, a coffee shop/café, 5 bars/lounges and a poolside bar.

Golf

Santa Fe Golf at Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino
3 independent 9-hole courses
Part of the Hilton Santa Fe Golf Resort and Spa at Buffalo Thunder.

Spa

Wo’ P’in, a Santa Fe Spa
16,000 sq. ft. spa facility
Reservations (505) 819-2140

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Hiking, Mountain Biking

Dog Friendly, Horses Allowed

Length: 5 miles

Elevation Range: 6,000 to 9,000 feet

Degree of Difficulty: Moderate

Seasonal: 4 Season (Possible snow in winter)

Driving Distance from Plaza: 16 miles

There are 1,100 years of mining history in these hills which can be seen by hiking, biking, or horseback riding on the 5 miles of trail among rolling juniper savanna.

Cerrillos Hills State Park is a state park of New Mexico, United States, located 16 miles (26 km) south of Santa Fe. Transferred to state ownership in 2009, it is New Mexico's newest state park. The hills in the park range in elevation from 6,000 feet (1,800 m) to 6,900 feet (2,100 m) above sea level. At the current time, there is no visitor center or other facilities, however plans are underway for the construction of one. The park does have numerous hiking trails.

History

The Cerrillos Hills were originally known by the Spanish as the Sierra de San Mateo. In 1581 they discovered the lead-silver deposits there, which had earlier been used by the pueblo peoples as an ingredient in pottery glazes. After the coming of the "Americans" the Cerrillos Mining District was created in 1879.

Hours

Park: Sunrise to 9:00pm Daily
Visitor Center: 2:00 – 4:00pm Daily or by Appointment