other
For a comprehensive tour of Santa Fe, check out one of their open-air guided tours. There are several of these motorized tour companies, like The Loretto Line (http://www.toursofsantafe.com). They have knowledgeable tour guides who speak about the history, culture, art scene and architecture of Santa Fe.
Several operators offer specialized tours -- ghost tours, art and even restaurant tours. Or for a splurge or a group, design a customized tour from one of several experts. Choose your "inspiration" -- areas of interest like art, Native American culture, motorcycle tours, etc. -- on the web site of Seven Directions Custom Tours (http://www.sevendirections.net), by Patrizia Antonicelli, an Italian who also speaks French and English.
Taos
known for arts and crafts as well as a superb downhill ski area, is about two hours north of Santa Fe.The Enchanted Circle
(http://gocalifornia.about...) is a scenic but long drive that includes Taos and Eagle Nest.Santa Fe National Forest
is nearby and offers abundant outdoor recreational opportunities. The Santa Fe Ski Basin (http://www.skisantafe.com/) is a short distance outside town, in the high country of the forest seriously high -- even the base of the runs is above 10,000', so think carefully whether you want to go there if you have respiratory problems or are prone to altitude sickness. In addition to the obvious skiing, the lifts often operate during the summer, taking visitors to near the top of 12,000'-plus Tesuque Peak for great views. The road to the ski area goes through an aspen grove with spectacularly golden foliage and hordes of people looking at the trees -- don't expect privacy in the fall, and several trails lead into the national forest from trailheads along the way. Some of the trails turn into interesting Nordic ski tracks in the winter.Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
(http://www.nm.blm.gov/rec...) is just south of town near Cochiti Lake in the central region, and is covered in that region's article. Many guidebooks of the area omit this little gem, which is open for day use $5/vehicle and includes a trail through a short but spectacular bit of slot canyon. Highly recommended for the hiker with half a day to spend.A trip to Los Alamos and nearby Bandelier National Monument is a great excursion from Santa Fe. If you want to make a day of it, you can continue on into the Jemez Mountains and Valles Caldera National Preserve plan ahead, as the Preserve's more interesting activities require advance reservations.
White-water rafting
is excellent on the nearby Rio Grande and Rio Chama, with trips ranging from easy half-day floats to taxing multi-day outings. Kokopelli Rafting Adventures, 551 W. Cordova Rd. #540, +1 800 879-9035, (http://www.kokopelliraft.com) is one of several good outfitters operating out of Santa Fe; other good ones can be found along the road to and in Taos. Reservations are a must, particularly during peak season usually June to early July.If you're not tired of the art scene by the time you leave, head south on SR 14 to Madrid, an old mining town turned art colony, significantly lower-key than Santa Fe itself. Albuquerque lies beyond, with its own attractions; getting to Albuquerque via SR 14 is slower than the direct route on I-25, but compensates with far reduced traffic and nice scenery.
