Winter is one of the best times to visit the high desert.

While the average temperatures are chilly, it’s almost always sunny. It’s the optimal time for travelers to enjoy the hot springs, hiking, and skiing. Just an hour and a half from Albuquerque, Santa Fe is surrounded by stunning mountain peaks and wilderness.

A winter visit to Santa Fe should be at the top of everyone’s list!

Can I hike in Santa Fe?

For those interested in hiking during their visit, Santa Fe has many top-rated trails. It’s important to note that most of the trails are difficult and not meant for beginner hikers.

Because Santa Fe does get snow, some of these hikes may require crampons (spikes) or snowshoes. It’s always advised to check trail conditions before heading out.

Nambe Lake Trail, Atalaya Mountain Trail, and Raven’s Ridge Trail are all great options for those who want a challenging hike with beautiful views. Easier hikes around the city are The Grasshopper Canyon Trail, Two Mile Pond Loop, and Dale Ball North Loop.

Is there skiing in Santa Fe?

Guests interested in skiing will be happy to know that Ski Santa Fe is a short 16-mile drive from town.

The mountain is home to 89 ski trails and is generally open from the end of November to mid-April depending on snowfall. All levels are welcome, they have an array of green and blue runs as well as more difficult black diamond runs. Lift tickets start at $95 per adult. 

What about a soak and spa in Santa Fe?

It’s hard to beat soaking in a hot spring on a cold winter day.

Ojo Caliente Santa Fe has multiple thermal pools for both hotel guests and non-guests. Those who stay at the hotel have unlimited access to the many soaking pools, and day guests can enjoy the same access for $45 on weekdays and $65 on weekends. Those looking to relax will also enjoy the many spas around the city offering a range of services.

At Bishop’s Lodge, wellness classes and workshops are available daily. Guests can choose from their Sacred Space Meditation class, yoga classes, and intuitive healing class. They also have a world-class spa with body and facial services. Their spiritual services include a Shamanic healing class, a Music as Medicine class, and natal chart consultations.

The Bishop’s Lodge is a wonderful option for those looking to use their time to self-discover, heal, and relax.

For a more boutique experience, The Inn of Five Graces also offers spa and wellness services. Right in downtown Santa Fe, each room at the inn is one-of-a-kind and features curated antique decor giving each suite a rustic and luxurious feel.

Wellness offerings include Tibetan mindfulness meditation and morning yoga classes. Guests may also book private meditation and yoga classes. Spa services include massages, facials, and soaking pool access.

Lastly, Ten Thousand Waves Spa and Resort is a wellness-focused hotel that is modeled after Japan’s onsens – a geothermically heated hot spring heated by volcanoes activity. Their spa offers signature Japanese Shiatsu massages, stone massages, and Japanese facials.

The resort has a communal soaking tub as well as multiple private and reservable tubs. They also have a dry sauna, wet sauna, and cold plunges. Not only is the resort one of the most unique in New Mexico, but it’s also the only Japanese onsen-inspired hotel in the country!

Is there an art community in Santa Fe?

The historic Santa Fe Plaza in downtown is also a must-see. It’s been the city center for over 400 years and features beautiful pueblo-style architecture and is home to many shops, galleries, and restaurants. The famous American artist Georgia O’Keeffe fell in love with New Mexico and featured it in many of her paintings later in life. Her museum is located in downtown for those interested in her art. 

What’s cooking in Santa Fe?

New Mexican cuisine is a staple in Santa Fe and one of the most famous spots for it is The Shed. Right in downtown Santa Fe, The Shed serves Mexican and New Mexican dishes at a moderate price and always has a crowd.

For a fine dining experience, visitors will enjoy The Compound‘s rotating farm-to-table menu that highlights regional flavors. Chocolate lovers can’t go to Santa Fe without visiting Kakawa Chocolate House.

At Kakawa guests can try historic chocolate elixirs three different ways: the Mesoamerican, the Contemporary or the Historic European way. Along with elixirs, they also have organic chocolates and truffles featuring regional staples like chocolate-covered chili d’arbols and piñon agave caramels. 

Santa Fe is truly a hidden gem, it’s one of the Southwest’s most historic cities and has a lot to offer. From spa and wellness-centric resorts to hiking and skiing, the New Mexican town is a wonderful winter destination for all.