5 Easy Day Trips From Santa Fe

While Santa Fe is an excellent vacation destination on its own, a day trip away from the city may be in order if you live here or you're visiting for a while. So, what easy day trips can you take from Santa Fe? Well, there are many, but I handpicked five options, including my favorite. Are you ready to plan an adventurous day trip from Santa Fe? Here are my top picks that are only an hour or two away.

1. Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs

Just 50 minutes north of Santa Fe is one of the most relaxing spots in the state. Ojo Caliente Mineral Spa is a luxurious hot springs retreat featuring nine communal pools of sulfur-free, mineral-rich water. You can spend the day soaking in one of the communal pools that do not require a reservation or reserve a private pool. There's also an on-site farm-to-table restaurant and wine bar to further indulge in this memorable day trip experience.

2. Ghost Ranch

If you're a fan of the art of Georgia O'Keeffe, a day trip to Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu is perfect for you. You can start your morning with a visit to the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe before traveling 62 miles north to Ghost Ranch, the gorgeous landscape that inspired many of the artist's best works. Ghost Ranch is a work of art all on its own, and when you visit, you'll understand why O'Keeffe was so taken by its beauty.

3. Taos

Taos is a small town just 90 minutes northeast of Santa Fe. Its historic plaza, adobe structures, and the famous Taos Pueblo are just a few things that make this town so unique. I visited the town years ago and was enchanted by its attractions, history, and the surrounding Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This is a top day trip destination in New Mexico for many reasons!

4. Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

The Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is west of Santa Fe, and will take around 40 minutes to get there. The geological wonders that cover the landscape draw visitors to this otherworldly national park. You can spend the entire day hiking, birdwatching, and viewing wildlife. Photography is another popular activity here due to the extraordinary rock formations.

5. Bandelier National Monument

Bandelier National Monument is just 40 miles west of Santa Fe, making it a convenient day trip. And, if you're wondering, this underrated national park is my favorite day trip destination from Santa Fe! Why? When I visited Bandelier for the first time on a college photography trip from the East Coast, I was fascinated by the cliff dwellings and petroglyphs—they were something I had never seen before. It's truly a remarkable look into the area's ancient human history, and that alone makes it one of the best day trips from Santa Fe.

Are you ready to take a day trip from Santa Fe? Which of these destinations will you visit first? Whichever one you choose, we hope you have the best time! And if you're looking for even more places to check out or things to do, our itinerary planner can help you find inspiration.