When visiting or moving to a new city finding new routes or loops is often a runner's top priority. There is always the standby of the High School or College track, but running 1/4 mile oval loops is not everyone's cup of tea. We've assembled several options for road and trail runners in Santa Fe.
First a Note of Caution:
Santa Fe is located at 7000 feet (2133 meters) in the High Desert of New Mexico at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. That means two important things: less air and more sun. If you travel from sea level to Santa Fe you will be breathing air that is about 20% less dense than you are accustomed to. That may not seem like much, but you will certainly notice it as you start your run. Regarding the sun, wear sunscreen and you won't regret it. Thin air and strong sun also make hydration even more important, so don't forget your water or sport drinks. Please also note that running trails in Santa Fe are also open to and popular with dog walkers, hikers and cyclists.
The Arroyo Chamisa Trail is a city built asphalt path that winds through the south part of Santa Fe. Its end points are at Rodeo Road near Sam's Club and at Zia Road just west of St. Francis Road. The trail is 7.6 miles round trip with a gradual grade and one short steep hill.
If you cross Zia Road at the end of the Arroyo Chamisa trail you will find the Lamy Rail Trail. The Rail trail is a popular dirt trail which follows the scenic Santa Fe Southern Railway. You can run this as an out and back for 20+ miles. The terrain is packed dirt, gravel and sand with rolling hills and great views if you follow it far enough out. Be careful after a rain as the arroyo (seasonal streams) crossings can be treacherous.
The Dale Bale Trails are an extensive trail network on the Northeast side of Santa Fe. Accessed from Upper Canyon road and Hyde Park road, with good parking, the Dale Ball trails are packed dirt trails with untold loop variations. Each trail intersection is marked with a sign bearing a GPS created map, so it would be difficult to become lost. The Dale Ball Trails are in the foothills so some sections can be quite steep, but the trails are well designed and quite fun.
The Atalaya and Aspen Vista Trials are popular high mountain trails for serious runners. The Atalaya trailhead is accessed from the parking lot at St. John's College and affords great views of Santa Fe. Aspen Vista Trail starts from Hyde Park Road a mile and a half below the Santa Fe Ski Area and is a favorite in the Fall as the aspens turn golden. Maps are available at many local outdoors stores.
Old Santa Fe Trail is another option for the dedicated road runners. While Old Santa Fe Trail was once a great overland trade route it is now a paved asphalt road. Start downtown and follow the road south and east as an out and back run over rolling hills. Old Santa Fe Trail is a 35 mph zone and is usually lightly traveled.
There are a variety of road loops which can be taken from Downtown and the Plaza. [Click Here=>http://www.runsantafe.com/runsantafe.html] for a selection of running routes starting in the center of Santa Fe.
