Santa Fe parking
 

We will be in Santa Fe for a quick stop on Sunday, Sept. 11th. I know the Historical/Hysterical parade is taking place that afternoon and was wondering if anyone can give me information on how much impact the parade will have on visiting the plaza area and parking. We're heading down from the Dolores, CO area in the morning and overnighting in Santa Fe before catching a flight from Albq. the next day. We probably won't get to Santa Fe until midday at the earliest. Thanks for any advice.

What route are you taking from Dolores to Santa Fe? Figure at least 4 1/2 hours depending on route.

We actually had Fodors GTG during the parade last year. It really does cause a lot of traffic nightmare and it is very crowded around the Plaza. Roads are blocked off for quite a ways around the plaza and parking is difficult.

Consider this. Drive from Dolores to Bernalillo and take the Railrunner up to Santa Fe. There is a large parking lot at the station [just west of the intersection of I-25 and 550]. The train ride is just under an hour and will put you right by the action. Drive time should be just under 4 hours from Dolores to Bernalillo.

Yeah, i was afraid that driving and parking might be a problem and unless we leave CO at the crack of dawn we won't get there till midday. I haven't really looked into what route to take; probably head towards Durango and go that way (?). we've already booked a night in Santa Fe but might have to rethink sightseeing around the Plaza. Unfortunately i found out about the fiesta after we committed to staying in Santa Fe. I've been there many years ago, however, my travel partner hasn't. Maybe we'll just have to do some things in the surrounding area. Do you know how early things open during the week? We do have a little bit of time Mon. morning since our flight isn't until 3:45 p.m. but i don't want to head to Albq. too late.

Things being?? Museums, shops, galleries??

Are you staying IN the Plaza area or on Cerrillos Rd?

Hilton Plaza 2 blocks away from the Plaza should be fine

free parking there when I stayed there last or parking

garage across the street.

1 block to plaza so 1 of those 2 for me

should keep you out of the crowds.

we're actually staying outside downtown at the Bobcat Inn so i'm not sure how practical it will be to try and go to the Plaza area Monday morning.

Sorry qw, but your suggestion won't work. If you have never been in SF during a parade, fiesta etc, you don't know the extent of closures of roads around the plaza. OP will not get anywhere near the garage to park, especially at the time they expect to arrive. OP also has stated they already have a hotel, so trying to park at Hilton won't work either as a non-guest - especially during an event like this.