Santa Fe At a Glance
Best Time to Go
Summer is a popular time to visit Santa Fe because of the Santa Fe Opera, which schedules
performances through July and August. Make reservations in advance because most weekends
are booked to capacity. Don't forget that Santa Fe is a great place for skiiers, who hit
the trails from Thanksgiving to Easter.
Average Weather
Santa Fe averages 300 days of sunshine per year, thus, Santa Fe is blessed with lots of
warm summer days and cool evenings (bring sweaters and long pants for your nights here).
Winters see more sunshine, mild to cold temperatures and many bouts of sparkling snow
which lure in skiers who hope to tackle the Santa Fe Ski Basin.
Transportation
Getting in and out of Santa Fe can be a little tricky. The most direct entrance into Santa
Fe is through the Santa Fe Municipal Airport, just south of the city. Most travelers
arrive at the Albuquerque International Sunport which is located about 50 minutes south of
Santa Fe (a little more if there is construction on I-25, which there often is).
As for getting around the city itself, renting a car is your best option. Downtown is
easily navigated by foot, but for day trips or getting to hotels in the Cerrillos Road
area, travelers will find it easiest to have their own transportation. A city bus system
does exist, but even locals have a hard time figuring it out.
In-Season Costs
If you're staying in downtown Santa Fe during the summer, rates might be a little higher.
Because this is the city's high season, tourists should know in advance that the prices
jump during this time of the year. However, the off-season comes with some pretty
reasonable rates.
Day Trips
Cerillos and Madrid: One quick trip away from Santa Fe lands you at the former
ghost towns of Cerrillos and Madrid. Head south out of town on Cerrillos Road (State Road
14). Continue south through the rolling hills. Both Cerrillos and Madrid are finding a new
revival. You can dedicate two or three hours to this little jaunt, or expand it to a full
day of exploring and shopping.
Taos: Take highway 84/285 (local call it St. Francis Drive) north out of Santa Fe.
You'll pass Camel Rock - the truly cool rock formation which really does look like a camel
- on your left. Travel northward through Pojoaque, a sort of blip in the road where you
can get gas and food or stop at the information center and trading post. Heading north
again eventually brings you to a steep ascent out of the Rio Grande Valley, up toward the
town of Taos. There is much to see and do in Taos if time permits. If you plan ahead, Taos
has a number of very nice motels and an overnight stay would allow for more exploration
time, though be warned, this little town has a way of becoming a bit claustrophobic during
the height of tourist season.
