Santa Fe National Forest

Travel | Santa Fe National Forest

Talk about aspen heaven! If you are in the Santa Fe, New Mexico area during early October, I highly recommend exploring Santa Fe National Forest. The fall colors, glittering light and cool temperatures are amazing.

I was grinning from ear to ear my entire visit!

Top Five Hikes + Places to Explore

• Aspen Vista Picnic Site - step out of your car into aspen goodness! The picnic tables are perfect for a relaxing meal. Also serves as a trail head for Tesuque Peak and Alamo Vista Trail.

• Holy Ghost Trail - a 3.3 mile hike filled with colorful trees or wildflowers, depending on the season.

• Jemez Falls - a short half mile hike to Jemez Falls, the tallest waterfall in the Jemez Mountains.

• Jemez Mountain Trail Scenic Byway - the scenic byway covers 163 miles, with approximately 65 miles in the national forest. Enjoy cliff dwellings, small mining towns and endless beautiful views.

• Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway - a glorious, aspen filled 16 miles of highway starting in historic downtown Santa Fe, ending at the Santa Fe Ski Area.