If you love the great outdoors, then Santa Fe is the perfect place for you. The city is surrounded by thousands of acres of pristine wilderness in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. And it's all just minutes away from the cosmopolitan center.

Santa Fe is a paradise for hikers, skiers, snowshoers, mountain bikers, river rafters, horseback riders and people who simply like to stroll in city parks and take in the fresh air. You can ski the Rocky Mountains in winter and ice skate outdoors on the pond in Hyde Memorial State Park. In summer, ride the chairlift up the mountain enjoying dramatic, panoramic vistas and then hike down through fields of wildflowers.

Click on Hiking for information about the incredible diversity of trails in the Santa Fe area. Visit Skiing for information about nearby ski areas and cross country ski trails. You'll also find fantastic places to play golf and enjoy fishing, camping and other outdoor activities. And you'll find plenty of parks and recreation centers throughout the city.

Explore our Tours section, where you'll be amazed by the many creative ways you can explore the Santa Fe wilderness. Click here for a regional directory of New Mexico Museum, Parks and Monuments. And click here for information on bicycling around Santa Fe.

It's a rare treat find such an abundance of nature so close to the heart of the city. And it's a major reason why locals and visitors alike are so passionate about Santa Fe.