The best road cycling routes in the Sangre de Christo Mountains

Santa Fe Plaza stands as the historic and cultural heart of Santa Fe. Founded in 1610, it’s one of the oldest continuously occupied public spaces in the United States. The Plaza was originally designed as the central square for the Spanish colonial Presidio, surrounded by residences, a chapel, and the seat of government. Over the centuries it evolved — welcoming trade caravans arriving along the historic Santa Fe Trail, serving as a gathering place for Indigenous, Spanish, Mexican, and later American communities, hosting centuries of civic, social, and cultural life. Today, the Plaza remains a lively public square ringed by adobe-style buildings, galleries, boutiques, and museums — including the Palace of the Governors, the oldest continuously occupied public building in the U.S. The plaza is also the official starting point for the Santa Fe to Taos thru-hike.

The Basilica was built in the late 1800s by Archbishop Jean Baptiste Lamy, 26 years before New Mexico even became a U.S. state. However the site is much older than that, as the current structure is built on the foundations of earlier churches dating all the way back to 1626.

Old Santa Fe is the historic downtown area. It's known for its mix of Naive Pueblo and Spanish Colonial styles of architecture and is an excellent mix of culture, history, shops, and views. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Old Santa Fe is the historic downtown area. It's known for its mix of Naive Pueblo and Spanish Colonial styles of architecture and is an excellent mix of culture, history, shops, and views. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Poncha Springs is a tiny town just west of Salida, Colorado. Although there are not many facilities here, there is the Poncha Market, a hidden-gem where you can purchase drinks, snacks, and sandwiches at Mabel's Deli (located in the market) to refuel, and a cool town hall (in the old historic school house) where there are bathrooms you can use.

Just north of the small community of Centerville, Colorado, is a pullout that offers fantastic views of the Collegiate mountains. There are signs that tell you the which peaks you're looking at, some history of the area, and the ecology of the Arkansas River Valley. This is a great place to pause, snap some photos, and sip some water as you admire the views.

Poncha Springs is a tiny town just west of Salida, Colorado. Although there are not many facilites here, there is the Poncha Market, a hidden-gem where you can purchase drinks, snacks, and sandwiches at Mabel's Deli (located in the market) to refuel, and a cool town hall (in the old historic school house) where there are bathrooms you can use.

The Joyful Journey Hot Springs and Lodge is a unique establishment in the San Luis Valley in the shadow of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. There are naturally sulfur-free mineral hot springs, a spa, unique lodgings in traditional rooms, tipis, yurts, and camping/ RV sites, yoga classes, and dining options. You do not have to be a guest at the resort, however, to enjoy the hot springs; you can access the hot springs from 9:30 AM - 10 PM daily for $18 (for adults). They offer specials like 12 dollar Tuesdays, where you can soak anytime from 9:30am - 9:50pm for only $12, every Tuesday, and free soaks on your birthday!