Four days in Santa Fe from Austin -- need COOL OFF (Albuquerque: where to stay, homes)

[atxcio]

Hello forumers,

I'll be in the general area for a few days next week, and I'm wondering if anyone can suggest some activities or "can't miss" events... also looking for suggestions on where to stay. Basically, I have 1 day where I have to be in Albuquerque. Beyond that, I can go anywhere to stay. Driving is no problem, any place within 250 miles of ABQ is fine. But I was thinking Santa Fe would be good.

Here is my situation: I don't know if you've heard, but in Austin we are experiencing our hottest summer in recorded history... plus the worst drought in 40 or so years. We've had 60 days of 100+ degree weather, and while it's not overly humid it's definitely not a "dry heat". So, I'm really hoping to get up somewhere with a little altitude, where I might be able to actually experience temps in the 50's-60's again (at least in the evenings). I've forgotten what that feels like!

With that in mind, any suggestions? I enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, rafting, kayaking... and was hoping to focus on these and be outside as much as possible during my free time.

thanks!

[Santa Fe]

There are bunch of hiking trails that takeoff from the Santa Fe ski area in the Sangres. That will get you some decent altitude. There other places to park and start hiking, but the ski area is supposed to be one of the best places to leave your car. Also you don't four wheel drive (in the summer, that is) to get thered

Be careful about getting up real high and exposed. I understand that summer thunderstorms can fierce up there. I think that people hike up there in the morning and avoid the afternoon. Look into it before you go.

[mortimer]

Originally Posted by atxcio

... 1 day where I have to be in Albuquerque. ...

What time do you get in?

If in the late afternoon/early evening:
Take a quick trip to fall weather on the Tram.

You might like visiting Taos and the Taos ski area,
which like the Santa Fe ski area has trails out of it.

[atxcio]

Great suggestions! Thanks Santa Fe... I will look into the Sangres, definitely sounds like what I'm after.

mortimer --

Is this the tram you are referring to? Summer Sports .. it's right outside of Albuquerque? Cause riding a mountain bike down the mountain sounds pretty cool, if they have some intermediate trails (I can handle fast, but not super technical and fast).

Another related question:
I see that there are some year-round river trips in the area (like these:http://www.kokopelliraft.com/rivertrips.php). But I know the water doesn't flow much (at all?) this late in summer. Would any of the river stuff still be worthwhile, or don't bother?

[GreatSantaFe]

Ah, that helps explain why I've run into several Austinians here in Santa Fe looking for 2nd homes.
I agree with the advice given so far. There are wonderful hiking trails off Hyde Park Road on the way to the ski area just outside Santa Fe. Then take an overnight trip up to Taos. You can drive the Enchanted Circle which will take you from Taos to Angel Fire and Eagle Nest and Red River. Take a raft trip on the Rio Grande - you can find outfitters in Taos on the web and make reservations. In Taos stay at the Taos Inn and enjoy the nightlife in their lounge "Doc Martins" (they've often got local talent playing different varieties of music), or if you prefer two-steppin', you might consider the Sagebrush Inn. Most nights they've got a good country band playing.

A few days won't cut it, but it'll give you a taste and you'll want to come back for more!

[Santa Fe]

The raft trip does not appeal to me very much in any season. The Rio Grande is a little too brown for my taste.

If you drive to Taos consider the High Road one way and the Low Road the other. There is construction in Espanola which straddles the High Road. So try to time the High Road for a low traffic time.

[GreatSantaFe]

Santafe says:"The Rio Grande is a little too brown for my taste."

Well, it is a bit brown during some seasons and especially after heavy rains especially in the flat, family-rafting areas. However, there are Class 3 rapids in the Pilar area so you might not see a whole lot of brown amongst the white water. I'm not sure how late into the Fall season the rafting trips occur, so atexio, do call ahead if you think it might be something you'd like to do. Rafters wanting to run the Taos Box, part of the Wild and Scenic river, must submit an application to a river ranger for a permit. The lower Taos Box is known as one of the best rafting areas in the United States. Be aware that there seem to be drowning deaths virtually every year there, so be safe.

[Santa Fe]

Originally Posted by GreatSantaFe

Santafe says:"The Rio Grande is a little too brown for my taste."

Well, it is a bit brown during some seasons

Sorry but I have never seen it when it wasn't brown. Not a bit brown, but brown. I think that is a reason for the drownings. I was a lifeguard in a large brown lake. Somebody goes under, they are very hard to find. Twenty of us would line up and swim shoulder to shoulder under the water searching the bottom. You go under in the Rio Grande and you don't have twenty trained lifeguards to look for you.

Brown water is dangerous and we should not downplay it.

[mortimer]

Originally Posted by atxcio

Is this the tram you are referring to?

Yup.

[jiminnm]

In many places, the water may be brown but it's shallow enough to stand in and be seen.