WHERE ADVENTURE MEETS HISTORY

August 17, 2026

As riders, we’re always looking for the next place to go ride. Depending on your season in life, you could be looking for an epic bro-cation (or Girl’s Trip); you could be looking for a place to explore nature have some quiet time and get lost; or a place you can take the family and have a great time experiencing a variety of activities. Santa Fe, New Mexico is one of the rare places that offers all three, creating an experience that feels….enchanting. Too cheesy? Maybe, but, when it comes to eating copious amounts of volcanes and other Mexican food as I travel the land, I’ll take all the cheese I can get.

I’ve always felt a call to the Enchantment State. Even so, up until recently, I had done little more than drive through New Mexico en-route to other destinations. At first glance, Santa Fe’s warm adobe buildings, desert brush, mountain backdrop, and thriving arts scene immediately set it apart. After spending two weeks here for our recent Full Power eMTB Shootout, we discovered the city is much more than a beautiful place to ride. It’s a destination where centuries of history, diverse cultures, world-class food, and endless outdoor recreation all come together in a way that encourages visitors and locals alike to slow down and enjoy the vibe.

A CITY STEEPED IN HISTORY

Founded in 1610, Santa Fe is the oldest state capital in the United States, and one of North America’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Long before Spanish settlers arrived, Pueblo communities had called this region home for generations. There is a rich Native American heritage that is present everywhere you look. Throughout its downtown, you’ll find Native artisans selling handcrafted jewelry and other goods beneath the historic Palace of the Governors, which is America’s oldest public building. As you stroll around the Plaza, you see centuries-old Adobe architecture lining narrow streets, and countless reminders that this city has been a crossroads of cultures for hundreds of years.

The historic Santa Fe Plaza has served as the center of the city for more than four centuries. It is more than a gathering place: it’s a place where history, commerce, art, music, and local culture continue to intersect in a living way. Today it’s surrounded by galleries, restaurants, museums, local shops, and historic landmarks, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering before grabbing dinner, or simply enjoying the atmosphere as the sun sets over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

A STAY THAT REFLECTS THE SPIRIT OF SANTA FE

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the character of the city, few places capture Santa Fe’s charm better than the Inn of the Anasazi. Located just steps from the Plaza, the boutique hotel blends luxury with refined Southwestern design and locally inspired touches throughout, with warm hospitality making it feel special. It’s an ideal home base for exploring downtown on foot, while providing a quiet retreat after a full day on the trails. They’ve even got in-house eMTBs for guests to take out for a rip around town or on the nearby urban trails.

If you are looking for more modest accommodation options, there’s a whole lot of hotels, Airbnb offerings and budget-friendly motels around.

MOUNTAINS IN EVERY DIRECTION

One of Santa Fe’s biggest surprises is just how quickly you can leave the city behind. Within 20 to 30 minutes, the pavement gives way to quiet forests, alpine meadows, and miles upon miles of singletrack tucked into the southern reaches of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

While many think of the desert when they envision Santa Fe and New Mexico as a whole, the reality is there’s so much more. Nearby you can find high elevations at Ski Santa Fe and the mountains behind Glorieta Adventure Camp, where we based our testing. They offer cool temperatures throughout the summer and access to some of New Mexico’s most iconic alpine riding.

The community is thoroughly invested in outdoor recreation, and an example of that is the shuttle bus with bike rack, that runs from town up to the mountain. From the upper mountain, riders can descend the legendary Windsor Trail, before linking into numerous routes that weave through dense forests and eventually connect with the expansive Dale Ball Trail System overlooking the city. The mountain biking around Santa Fe is as diverse as we’ve found in a region. Whether you’re looking for perfectly packed dirt jumps in a desert setting, urban singletrack for an after-work rip, or epic backcountry missions into the big forests above, you can find it around Santa Fe.

Of course, we know that all Santa Fe visitors aren’t likely to fill their days with sun up to sun down mountain biking. Thankfully, alternative outdoor activities are plentiful: from white water rafting the river, to hiking, fishing, trail running, wildlife viewing, scenic drives, and winter skiing. Santa Fe is a true four-season outdoor destination.

MORE THAN JUST A PLACE TO RIDE

Adventure doesn’t stop when you leave the trailhead. Santa Fe has earned a reputation as one of the country’s premier art destinations, with hundreds of galleries, public art installations, museums, and cultural events spread throughout the city. Pair that with exceptional New Mexican cuisine, local breweries, live music, and nearby historic sites, and it’s an easy place to spend a couple days or even a week.

If you’re traveling with friends or family, there’s no shortage of things to keep the whole crew entertained in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

GLORIETA ADVENTURE CAMPS

Just outside Santa Fe, sits Glorieta Adventure Camps. The camp served as the perfect base camp for our visit. Surrounded by towering Ponderosa pines, and perched at the gateway to thousands of acres of public land, the property offers immediate access to outdoor adventure while providing group accommodations; a peaceful setting away from the bustle of downtown, and more activities than you can shake a stick at. Primarily, these activities are reserved for camp attendees, but the mountain bike trail network is open and free to all users. If you’re a fan of speed, their Zipline adventure course is well worth a try, too. Whether you’re visiting with a riding group, family, or larger event, it strikes an excellent balance between convenience and immersion in the surrounding landscape.

A PLACE YOU SHOULD ADD TO YOUR LIST

Our time in Santa Fe reminded us that truly memorable riding destinations are about far more than trail mileage. They’re about the communities that welcome you, the history that surrounds you, and the experiences waiting once the ride is over.

Santa Fe, New Mexico delivers incredible singletrack, stunning mountain scenery, fascinating history, rich cultural experiences, exceptional food, and a pace of life that encourages exploration. It’s an easy place to leave feeling like there was still more to ride.

We’d like to extend a huge thank you to Glorieta Adventure Camps, the City of Santa Fe, Santa Fe County Tourism, and Santa Fe County Economic Development for helping make this trip possible. We look forward to returning to explore even more of what this remarkable corner of New Mexico has to offer.

PS. – If you stop by Taquizas Tijuana, tell ‘em The Wolf sent ya and try some Al Pastor Volcanes!