Outdoor Activities

Opportunities for outdoor activities in the area abound. From the hiking available locally, llama trekking , to the ski areas as close as 25 miles, to the hot springs at Ojo Caliente and in the forests of the Jemez mountains, the variety is staggering.

• Hiking. From my door it is about a half mile to the the Carson National Forest gate. There are numerous old logging roads which serve as easy trails for hiking. Four miles in begins the Pecos Wilderness which extends many miles and across the 13,000 foot peaks with lakes and waterfalls located in various cirque basins of the Sangre de Cristo (Blood of Christ) mountains. The four entryways near here include the Borrego Mesa trail out of Cordova (the Rio en Medio trail), the Truchas Peaks trail from here, the San Leanardo Lakes trail between here and Trampas, and the Trampas trail a few miles north of here.
• The Luna ranch hike may include spending a night in a tipi, probably seeing elk and going from 8,000 to10,000 feet altitudes. The ranch has spectacular views and features deer, elk, bear, turkey, grouse, coyotes and incredibly intrusive pack rats! There are also cabins, barns and lots of timber, chokecherries, oak and other flora. It is a two hour trip getting in so advanced planning is required.
• Rafting. There are two rivers which offer rafting: The Chama and the Rio Grande. The Chama river is more limited in that trips are scheduled for times when water is released from the dam above, but the trip is truly spectacular, overnight, through virgin timber. The Rio Grande offers a variety of conditions from half day trips past Pilar, to expert runs through the Taos Box. At last look there were eight companies in Santa Fe alone which offered rafting.
• Narrow gauge railroad. The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad is a national historic site. Built in 1880 it leaves Chama N.M. and goes 64 miles through gorgeous mountain country to Antonito Colorado. It runs from Memorial Day weekend 'till mid-October (when the aspens turn) and can be reached at 505-756-2151 or Box 789N, Chama,NM 87520. If you have an interest in either old steam trains or fantastic mountain scenery, I can recommend this trip highly. It is truly an experience of a lifetime and one not to be missed.

• Archeology on horseback. An interesting opportunity to combine two outdoor experiences is offered by the Center for Continuing Education, Santa Fe Community College. They provide two non credit courses during each semester, one a half day and the other a full day field trip from Ojo Caliente stables. Each is a one day only course, a unique opportunity to have an informed exposure to area prehistory. They also offer one or two day courses in Southwest weaving, Chaco Canyon excursion, Santa Fe history,Native American jewelry,Santa Fe railroading, and Hopi Katchinas. They can be contacted at 505-438-1251 or P.O.Box 4187,Santa Fe,NM, 87502-4187.
• Trail riding. Horseback riding is available at Ojo Caliente (hot springs) 505-583-2233,Cieneguilla Stables near Pilar 505-751-2815,or Bishop's Lodge (near Santa Fe) 505-983-6377.
• For those interested in horseback activities in Northern New Mexico consult Horsetalk .
• Hunting. Private land owner permits are available on the ranch for those interested in elk hunting . Arrangements need to be made well in advance.
• Biking. Many people ride the High Road between Nambe and Taos. There are companies which bring people in from California with bicycles and equipment. People from Denver often start at Taos and ride (downhill mostly) to Santa Fe. We are halfway between the two.
• Retreats. There is a monastery on the Chama river just past the Ghost Ranch Museum for those who really want some quiet time. A retreat there presents an opportunity to nourish the soul.

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