Santa Fe Area Hiking Early June - 3 full days.
 

Hello -
We have been to Santa Fe previously and would like to explore more of the surrounding areas various times of year (dreaming to live there like many). Having only been in December previously, we are a bit concerned about late May/June heat, altitude and hiking as we are from the East Coast. Seeking recommendations for great areas to explore.

We have previously been to Bandelier (only did the common alcove climb), Tent Rocks, and Chimney Rock in December and know there are a number of other areas to explore including Roswell (although at a distance), various parks, and lakes. We are not aggressive hikers - just love nature, and wildlife.

Open to suggestions for day trips - assuming there may be some shade "if" needed as we understand the climate may vary as it seems to everywhere lately.

Thank you!

I thought Taos Pueblo was wonderful!

On the way to/from Taos Pueblo you can see the property where DH Lawrence lived out his final years, if you have an interest in the novelist. The house is not accessible but you can climb a hill to a little shrine his wife created.

Thinking tent rocks will be very different in summer than winter - especially because the avian population is completely different.

Where are you from on the East Coast that doesn't get hot? You won't get a 90/90 (temp/humidity) day in Santa Fe like you do in NYC, Philly, Boston, etc.

Try these sites:
http://www.everytrail.com/best/hiking-new-mexico
http://www.explorenm.com/hikes/
http://www.newmexico.org/camping-hiking/

Lee Ann

"Where are you from on the East Coast that doesn't get hot? You won't get a 90/90 (temp/humidity) day in Santa Fe like you do in NYC, Philly, Boston, etc."

Quite true, but it's also a double-edged sword - it's easy to underestimate the amount of water you need to take on a climbing hike like Tent Rocks (if you go to the top that is) on a hot day.

A drive down to Albuquerque to take the gondola up to Sandia Peak would be nice too. There are hiking trails up there that are pretty shady, and at 10k feet or so, the temp is probably about 15 to 20 degrees cooler than in the city. I found it to be quite beautiful.

We have found that the altitude is what affects us dramatically in the heat, so it is not really comparable to East coast summer temps. In addition we burn A LOT faster based on past experience so it is quite an adjustment.

Thanks for the tips, will check out some of the links.

We love the Valles Caldera National Preserve.

http://www.vallescaldera.gov/comevisit/hike/

Thanks @sweetannie looks wonderful! Wish we had more time to explore but please share any specific hikes you liked if you may!