jayne1973

Any suggestions on drives in the Santa Fe/Taos region for catching some nice fall foliage in mid September?

Thanks so much.

DebitNM

Enchanted Circle would be great!

http://www.legendsofamerica.com/HC-E...edCircle1.html

Deb

BeachGirl247

I would also add:

High Road to Taos. Gorgeous scenery along two-lane road/highway with charming towns along the way. My favorite drive.

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpag...51C0A965948260

Also, a drive out to Jemez Springs is gorgeous.
http://www.jemezsprings.org/directions.html

hikrchick

thanks so much for these links. My boyfriend and I will be there Oct. 11-17. I hope trees will be just as glorious then!

beachbum

Not to disagree with DebitNM or BeachGirl, but just a caution; don't expect New England-like foliage. I remember lots of yellows and golds, but not many reds and oranges. But heck, you won't care! ;-)

Besides what's been mentioned, we also liked Bandelier, and the surrounding countryside. Nice foliage, plus the interesting history.

As I was typing this I remember someone recommending a park, which I believe to be around Albuquerque somewhere. Has "fire" in the name, I think, referring to the color of the trees. Anyone know of it?

BeachGirl247

Yep, lots of golds and yellows from the aspens and cottonwoods. When the sun shines on them it is something to behold.

I love New Mexico.

ElendilPickle

Fourth of July Canyon on the east side of the Manzanos, south of Albuquerque, has maples; is that what you're thinking of, beachbum?

Lee Ann

DebitNM

Angel Fire?? That is a town that is on the Enchanted Circle.

And yes, the colors here in the SW are NOT New England/East Coast colors. Yellow mostly, a bit of gold. Lots of pines interspersed, for green.

That said, the blue of the sky, the yellow bright sunshine and the crips Autumn air is a sight to behold.

Here are some pictures that are pretty typical of Autumn in Four Corners. These were taken in SW Colorado about a week after we moved here from ABQ.

http://picasaweb.google.com/DebitNM/LeafPeepCO2005#

Deb

SAnParis2

Foliage may be a bit of a stretch, but that drive is always awesome.

jayne1973

Thanks so much, everyone. I will study these routes and make a plan. Can't wait to get to Santa Fe!

rgoldman

We live in Taos. If you want a classic Rocky Mountain hike in Aspen country, there is a very moderate trail leading out of the Santa Barbara Campground. This is just south of the town of Penasco, about a half hour south of Taos. At Penasco turn south on the road signed to Llanos (rt 73?). Drive 2.5 miles and turn left (there is a sign on the right that says Santa Barbara C.G. 6). Drive to the end of that road and through the gate, park near the end of the campground. LOCK your car. Take either of the two trail heads, they go to the common trunk trail. The hike is flat, running along the beautiful river, for about 30-40 minutes. After crossing the bridge it heads up at a moderate incline. After 20 minutes or so you encounter a sign announcing the beginning of the Wilderness Area. This is the only time you have to make a choice. Go right and you go down a short way to a pretty glade along the river. Go left (up) which will seem unrewarding for about 15 minutes. But then you encounter some boulders and the trail opens up onto beautiful views of the Aspen covered mountains and the river valley below. Great place to have some lunch and just take it all in. You will probably have this all to yourselves, and it is terrific. Look at a map and you can find your way there from Taos (the back road over US Hill-- rt 518), from rt 68, and from the high road. Enjoy.

jayne1973

What great insider information, rgoldman. Thanks so much.

julywest

How is the color in Taos Santa Fe area? We will be arriving Spet 23...

jayne1973

I've been watching weather.com and see that the area has been having rain and scattered showers are predicted most of the time we will be there, which is this Friday through Monday. Can anyone tell me how much rain you are getting -- just occasional, or is is constant drizzle?

DebitNM

We are still in official Monsoon season. That usually means a chance of late afternoon showers that don't last long. When they are over, usually the sun comes back out and it is clean, fresh air and wonderful [ no lingerling muggy air].

It is not typical to have all day showers or even drizzle.

Make you outdoor plans for first thing each morning and leave mid afternoons for indoor activities [museums, galleries, etc].

Dress in layers, chilly mornings and after sun goes down. Nice temps during day.

Deb

jayne1973

Thanks so much -- that helps so much with making plans!

BeachGirl247

Hey Debi, my husband laughs at the term 'monsoon' when it's used for Santa Fe. It is correct, don't get me wrong. Relative though.

After many, many trips to India, the term "monsoon season" takes on a different meaning with him!
(I think I remember you have some experience near there, too)

This time of year in New Mexico is so beautiful. The trees are turning a golden yellow, the pinon burning, green chiles roasting, the people are just, I don't know, it's like they "know" something that everyone else doesn't. Santa Fe is just very magical.

You either "get it" or you don't.

BeachGirl

jayne1973

Although I've gone every summer for many years, this will be my first time to go in the fall, so I almost feel like I'm going for the first time! Just one more day...

julywest

Anyone know how color is developing? I arrive Sept 23-Sept 30

BeachGirl247

Jayne, Fall will be your new favorite time to be in Santa Fe!

Here's a Santa Fe Plaza webcam to get your ' fix '.

http://www.santafeinformation.com/