Have about 7-10 days in October and want to spend some time in Santa Fe, Taos, and hike in the area, and then drive down to Austin.

1. What suggestions do you have for cool towns and for great parks/hikes in the area around Santa Fe, Taos, Albuquerque? What are the most beautiful areas?

2. Is it too ambitious to head to Austin - will I want to spend all my time in NM?

3. What's the best route to Austin? Are there some good spots on the way in NM and Texas, or is it just a grind of a drive?

Thanks!

Jed

You could easily spend your whole time in New Mexico. October is the best time of the year to be here, IMO.

Normally I would suggest Bandelier National Monument, but most of it is closed due to fire damage. The parts that are open are worth visiting.

From Santa Fe, you can drive to Taos via the high road through Chimayo and a number of other neat towns. From Taos, you can take the Enchanted Circle through Angel Fire, Red River, and other places.

There are some nice hikes on the back side of the Sandias in Albuquerque. A lot of people like Tent Rocks between Albuquerque and Santa Fe.

Lee Ann

What level of hiking are you interested in? Are you used to hiking at altitude? It is very different here and often you need some time to acclimate. Lots of water, hat, sunscreen, chapstick, maybe hiking poles.

This is a great site:
http://trails.gorp.com/TrailSearch?state=NM

Others-
http://www.itsatrip.org/activities/s...rs/trails.aspx

http://santafe.org/Visiting_Santa_Fe...ing/index.html

As Lee Ann said, October is the best month here, weather wise.


I would skip Austin, put I would suggest a few days up in Durango and Mesa Verde NP if you have never been. MV is an amazing place.

http://www.nps.gov/meve/index.htm

Austin is a long way from Santa Fe. It's a great city with lots to see and do, but you need to plan to spend a whole day driving to get there.

Thanks, very helpful!

While I think Austin is great, I agree- stay in NM and come here next time! April and October are the best times to visit, IMHO.