“You find yourself here, somehow.  I’m not spiritual but Santa Fe called to me.” Will, a local, sounds like most other locals when you ask them how they ended up in Santa Fe and why they decided to stay.

These common refrains often put “spiritual” and “nature” in the same sentence, and it becomes apparent that this is an outdoor town the second you land.  The Sange de Cristo Mountains are visible in the distance, and the soft rolling foothills encourage exploration.

A visit to Santa Fe is not complete without at least an afternoon out enjoying the natural surroundings.  It is such an integral part of the culture here, and as you hike, you will run into couples walking their dogs, artists with easels and folks out for brisk exercise.

One of the more popular moderate-level hikes is the Aspen Vista trail, which is 13 miles up Ski Basin Rd from Santa Fe.  The trail is wide and closed to motorized vehicles, including snowmobiles, so it makes for a fantastic leisurely hike.  After about 30 minutes of hiking, you can choose to double back into the valley, or continue heading up for the vista at the top of the trail.

During late September and early October, the aspens change colors and create a stunning display of shimmering copper, yellow, and golden leaves.  The hills come alive with stands of aspens turning colors, as if the rolling hills were made of liquid sunshine.  Refusing to be rushed, the aspens change colors at their own pace, painting fantastic contrasts on the hillsides.

Get out and experience the thin, clean air and you will come alive with some of that creative energy that Santa Fe-ans rave about!