Jsykes

Follow up to previous postings. I am looking to try and visit the area April next year after two failed attempts (first one there were too many places closed down because of COVID, the second one due to fires); wondering if things are now back to normal?

newsguygeorge Loc: Victoria, Texas

Santa Fe is "The City Different." I would not love Santa Fe nearly as much if it was "normal." That said, here's a Google search link that would help.

https://www.google.com/search?q=santa+fe+cvb&oq=santa+Fe+cvb&aqs=chrome.0.0i512j0i22i30l5j0i390l3.4502j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

One thing you should also check is whether the Legislature is in session during your time frame. If so, accomodations will be tight.

Jsykes

Thanks

The initial planned trips were flying into Sante Fe, then a "circular" tour NE, N, NW then down to Albuquerque; flying back out of Sante Fe. Your reference to accommodations refers to Sante Fe itself or the surrounding areas?

newsguygeorge Loc: Victoria, Texas

There are some folks on UHH who live in New Mexico who could chime in on this. That said, if the Lege is in session, lodging will be tight in the area. I don’t know where you’re flying from, but were I you, I’d fly into ABQ said rent a car there. Fares will be better into a larger airport.

Jsykes

Thanks. I am flying from Charlotte, NC and now flying into Albuquerque, as the flights in Sante Fe are seasonal.

The original itinerary (which I intend to follow) had its penultimate stop in Albuquerque before driving back to Sante Fe.

hdfilmnoir Loc: New Mexico

Jsykes,

What kind of pics are you looking for, we got mountains, we got desert and a little bit of everything in between. Do you just want to shoot from the car or go for a day hike. The fires are out for now. The legislation is out as well and most of the area art markets are done but lookout for ballon weekend. Good shooting!

Jsykes

Planned Route ....Ranchos de Taos>>Rio Grande Gorge Bridge>>Ghost Ranch>>Puye Cliff Dwellings>>Bandalier National Monument>>Valles Caldera>>Los Alamos>>Manhattan Project>Kashe Katue NP (Tent Rocks)>>Alberquerque (Acoma Pueblo)

CliffMcKenzie Loc: Lake Athens Texas

By any chance, do you have a trusted source regarding projected fall foliage for NW NM? In this region, what do you feel the draught impact is? Thank you, Cliff

hcmcdole

When we went 20 years ago or so, we flew into Albuquerque and rented a car - it was a lot cheaper doing it this way but maybe it is not as bad today flying into Santa Fe itself. The drive to Santa Fe was only an hour. Do visit Sandia Peak via the tramway while in Albuquerque and the botanical garden/aquarium was worth the extra 2 hours before our flight back home. We went to Taos (it was okay), Bandolier (nice day excursion), Four Corners (not much there other to say "been there, done that, never again"), Chama which is one of the stops for the narrow gauge train and a quaint little town - really liked this area.

We went north to Colorado (the reason why we stopped at 4 corners), passed Shiprock monument and looked for a road to get nearer to it, then on to Mesa Verde, CO which was a great visit (we could see Shiprock from Mesa Verde which I think is around 30+ miles as the crow flies, driving is more than twice that distance). Spent the night in Durango, CO before heading back to Santa Fe. There are a lot of good Mexican restaurants in Santa Fe and order the level of heat you think you can tolerate - they love their hot peppers. Lots of shops in Santa Fe for artwork (some are quite high).

Have fun!

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

Be sure to drive the old highway. It's really interesting. And there's an old hacienda just south of Santa Fe that's wonderful. Hacienda de las Golondrinas. I was there pre-Covid, so I'm not sure now. But they had folks working old trades. I intended to spend an hour and ended up nearly all day!

BARRY COWAN

Just got back from Santa Fe, everything is open. We had a great time. If you plan to go to Tent Rocks, get there early as there is limited parking. Puya Cliffs is amazing. Call in advance for hours as their website is currently incorrect. Grab a meal at The Shed, great New Mexican food.

Hip Coyote

We always try to visit state capitals wherever nearby on trips. The NM one is particularly special in that it features art work from NM folks. All free. Very very nice.

Jsykes

Thanks

Jsykes

Thanks

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Length of trip in days?