Fall in
  Santa Fe County

 

Santa Fe County is the place to be in the fall. Spectacular fall colors are dazzling under our crisp blue skies. Green chiles roasting along roadsides scent the pleasantly-cool fall air. The spectacular fall weather is crisp in the morning, warming in the afternoon and deliciously cooler most evenings. As the season progresses, piñon fires grace adobe kiva fireplaces in the evenings and the aromatic scent of the crackling wood assures you that you are “No Place Like Home!” You'll enjoy hiking among the golden mountain aspens, visiting ancient ruins or modern art galleries, mountain climbing, or rejuvenating in a luxury-spa resort. Local cuisine produces some of the finest green-chile stew at this time of year, or opt for haute-cuisine at the many four and five-star fine restaurants moments away. Fall in Santa Fe County is a fall you will always remember.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

La Bajada Hill
La Bajada Hill is the formidable landmark where the Spanish divided their colonies into the Rio Arriba (Upper River) and Rio Abajo (Lower River). The dramatic 1300-foot ascent to Santa Fe features a well-equipped Visitor Center at its summit.

Traversing La Bajada Hill Road was once an arduous trip; however, in the 1930s the Highway Department moved the road three miles to the east to the same route currently used by I-25. Remnants of the long history of travel up the hill are still visible; petroglyphs, wagon ruts, and the initials of drivers who climbed the hill in the early 1910s and 1920s mark the trail.

The old road is still accessible for mountain bike rides or hiking. The shadeless hill is best explored in the cool spring and fall weather.


Driving Directions
Take I-25 to the Cochiti Pueblo exit/NM-16. Travel west on NM-16 for 3.5 miles. Turn right on the Tetilla Peak Recreation Area road. After one mile, turn right onto an unmarked dirt road, continue 1.5 miles, and park past the bridge over the Santa Fe River. The old road turns right from the bridge.

Lodging near La Bajada includes:
The Bobcat Inn (southeast of Santa Fe)
Santa Fe Lodge (south of Santa Fe)
Sleep Inn (south of Santa Fe)
Inn and Spa at Sunrise Springs (south of Santa Fe)