Biking
Biking in Santa Fe can be rugged and wild or a leisurely ride on a quiet, paved road. Taking to the trails on two wheels is a wonderful way to enjoy the state’s numerous national and state parks and forests. For more information visit the New Mexico Department of Tourism Activities and Outdoor Recreation; the New Mexico State Parks Division, 505-476-3355; the USDA Forest Service, 505-438-7840; or the National Park Service, 505-988-6098.

Bird Watching
In addition to great bird-watching in the nearby wilderness areas, the Randall Davey Audubon Center offers 135 acres that provide a safe habitat for birds, plants and animals. Ranging from common to rare, approximately 130 species of birds can be found in or over the various ecosystems of this sanctuary.

Downhill Skiing, Snowboarding, and Cross-Country Skiing
Santa Fe sits near the gorgeous foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and some of the nearby peaks are over 12,000 feet. Local ski areas – Ski Santa Fe, Pajarito Mountain and Sandia Peak – often have snow pack in excess of 100 inches, so expect wonderful, world-class downhill skiing within a half-hour to an hour drive of La Fonda on the Plaza. Visit Ski Santa Fe, or call 505-982-4429. New Mexico has more than nine million acres of national forest, so cross-country skiers can take to the back country where snow is deep, the views spectacular and the solitude revitalizing. For details, visit Ski New Mexico. 

Fishing
North of Santa Fe, in the upper mountains near Taos and Chama, there are pristine fly-fishing destinations. Local lakes are bountifully stocked with trout and freshwater salmon. The Pecos River, located near Santa Fe, is a well-known angler destination. Required fishing liscences are readily available. Visit New Mexico Department of Tourism Activities and Outdoor Recreation or call New Mexico Game and Fish at 505-827-7911.

Golf
Santa Fe has great golfing in naturally beautiful surroundings; at least five public courses are an easy drive from La Fonda On the Plaza. Golfers who are unaccustomed to higher altitudes will be thrilled with their drives; the air is so thin that golf balls sail down the fairway at great distance.

• Marty Sanchez Links de Santa Fe Golf Complex
Caja del Rio Road 505-955-4400
• Quail Run Golf Course
3101 Old Pecos Tr. 505-986-2255, 800 548-6990
• Santa Fe Country Club
Airport Rd. 505-471-0601
• Pueblo de Cochití Golf Course
5200 Cochití Hwy., Cochití Lake 505-465-2239
• Black Mesa Golf Club
115 State Road 399, La Mesilla, 505-747-8946

For more information on courses around the state visit
www.golfnewmexico.com

Hiking
Hiking trails are abundant for all levels of hikers – from easy trails to more rigorous climbs. For more information visit New Mexico Department of Tourism Activities & Outdoor Recreation or contact the USDA Forest Service, 505-438-7840.

Horseback Riding
Within New Mexico are more than 4,000 miles of designated horse trails on public land such as national forests and state parks. For more information visit New Mexico Department of Tourism Activities & Outdoor Recreation or call the National Park Service at 505-988-6098. In and around Santa Fe several facilities offer guided trail tours on horseback, while others offer longer wilderness excursions. Check with La Fonda’s Concierge Desk for brochures.

Rafting, Canoeing, Kayaking
Snow melting off the mountains makes spring and summer rafting, canoeing and kayaking popular, with trips available from Santa Fe, Taos and Chama. Rafting opportunities range from calm to class-four whitewater thrills on the Rio Grande and the Rio Chama rivers just north of Santa Fe. Visit New Mexico Department of Tourism Activities & Outdoor Recreation. Check with La Fonda’s Concierge Desk for brochures.

Other activities include: sailplane soaring among the clouds, early morning hot-air ballooning, boating in no-wake lakes, and rock climbing.