Santa Fe, New Mexico
The oldest capital in America, at 7,200ft, where you breathe slower and stay longer.
Santa Fe is the trip's breath. The oldest capital city in the United States sits at 7,200ft on a high plateau, all adobe walls and turquoise sky, and it deserves the rest day we've built in. This is where you acclimatise to altitude, eat the best food of the trip, and remember why you came.
“7,200ft, and we breathed slower. Two days here was the right call — the body needed it before the desert, and The Shed's red chile is worth the trip on its own.”
History
Santa Fe was founded in 1610 as the Spanish colonial capital of New Mexico — a decade before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth. It's been a trading centre ever since, the terminus of the Santa Fe Trail and, before 1937, the original Route 66 actually ran through here. The old alignment is still rideable — a quiet, beautiful detour most riders miss.
Why Visit
Because rushing it is a crime. The Plaza, Canyon Road's galleries, Meow Wolf's art-world extravaganza, and the green chile that defines New Mexican cooking all need time. At altitude, you also need a day to adjust before the big desert push west.
Best Motorcycle Roads
Old Route 66 (pre-1937 alignment)
The original route to Santa Fe — quiet, scenic and largely forgotten. Ride it and feel like an explorer.
Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway (NM-475)
Climb into the Sangre de Cristo mountains from town — pines, aspens and cool air, the perfect altitude break.
Best Hotels
La Fonda on the Plaza
PremiumA historic inn on the Plaza since 1610 — adobe walls, hand-painted beams, pure Santa Fe. Book ahead.
Inn of the Governors
Mid-rangeA local favourite downtown with a great restaurant and a free shuttle — authentic New Mexican hospitality.
Best Restaurants
The Shed
New Mexican
Adobe courtyard dining, red and green chile, and the best margarita in Santa Fe. An institution.
Must Try · Carne adovada and red chile enchiladas
Tia Sophia's
New Mexican
The breakfast that defines Santa Fe — green chile breakfast burritos, cheap and perfect.
Must Try · Green chile breakfast burrito (Christmas-style)
Hidden Gems
- Meow Wolf — an immersive art 'house' that defies description. Two hours, minimum, and you'll want more.
- Canyon Road at dusk — a mile of galleries in adobe houses, free to wander.
- The Loretto Chapel's 'miraculous staircase' — built, legend says, with no central support and no nails.
Photography Spots
- The Plaza at golden hour — adobe walls glowing against the blue sky.
- Canyon Road's doors and courtyards, every one a composition.
- The high-desert sunset from the Cross of the Martyrs hill.
Sunrise & Sunset
Around 5:55am. At altitude the air is clear and the first light on the Sangre de Cristos is rose-gold.
From the Cross of the Martyrs — a short climb with the best free view in town.
Practical Information
- Santa Fe Fuel on Cerrillos Road — the main drag, easy access.
- DeVargas Center Shell, handy as you head back south to rejoin the main 66.
Downtown Santa Fe has free street parking (2-hour limits) and small paid lots. La Fonda and the major hotels have their own. The Plaza is walkable from anywhere central.
Suggested Walking Routes
Plaza to Canyon Road
A flat 1-mile walk from the historic Plaza up Canyon Road's gallery mile — the essential Santa Fe stroll.
Railyard District
A modern arts-and-food district a 15-minute walk from the Plaza — farmers market on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Weather & Ride Difficulty
High-altitude mountain-desert — cool even in summer (highs 28°C, nights 10°C), with sudden afternoon thunderstorms July–August. Pack a mid-layer; the mornings can be near-freezing even in June. Sun is intense at altitude — sunscreen religiously.
The climb to Santa Fe is gentle but you gain real altitude. Take it easy on Day 1 — drink water, avoid alcohol, and let your body adjust before the desert push.
Nearby Attractions
- Santa Fe Plaza
- Canyon Road galleries
- Meow Wolf
- Loretto Chapel
- Bandelier National Monument (ancient cliff dwellings, 45 min)
Frequently Asked Questions
Altitude acclimatisation and culture. You're at 7,200ft before the big desert crossing — a rest day lets your body adjust, and Santa Fe deserves the time anyway. Riders who rush always regret it.
Some links may be affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we believe are useful for riders.