Summer Activities
Santa Fe and the surrounding areas host many different activities throughout the summer. Whether you prefer rigorous outdoor adventures, indulging in the arts, lounging at RockResorts Spa, or shopping to your heart's content, chances are La Posada's neighborhood has what you're looking for. Be sure to check out our winter activities as well.
Outdoor Adventures
Golf
Towa Golf Resort
Located in the heart of beautiful Northern New Mexico, offers challenging golf, amazing southwestern vistas and first-rate service. 27 of the 36 holes, designed by Hale Irwin and William Phillips, are now open for your enjoyment and golfing pleasure.A first class clubhouse and Golf Shop features a full service restaurant and bar complete with meeting facilities. Located 12 scenic miles north of Santa Fe on Highway 84/285, Towa already has become one of the top public golf courses in the Southwest. Play Towa and experience golf's newest legend! 1-877-465-3489 or 505-455-9000 www.towagolf.com
Pueblo de Cochiti
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., this public 18-hole course sits on Cochiti Indian Reservation land. Services and amenities include a clubhouse, driving range, short-game practice area, snack bar, and beer cart. Pueblo de Cochiti is open from dawn to dusk every day of the year. Tee times may be reserved as early as one week in advance. 505-465-2239
Santa Fe Country Club
Opened more than half a century ago, this is Santa Fe’s oldest golf course. Services and amenities include a driving range, short-game practice area, putting green, snack bar, grill, and on-course food cart. The restaurant is for country club members only. Open every month, except January, from dawn to dusk; Mondays are reserved for tournament play only. Tee times can be reserved as early as one week in advance. 505-471-0601
Rafting
Spring's melting snowpack brings New Mexico's rivers the kind of white-knuckle, hair-raising rafting adventure that attracts thrill seekers from all over. The dissipation of snowpack, later in the summer, marks a season of low-water rafting and sets the scene for a slower, more relaxed ride. All raft companies in northern New Mexico have access to the same 80 or so miles of the Rio Grande. This stretch of water starts approximately eight miles north of Taos and runs all the way to Cochiti Lake. Please contact Kokopelli Rafting Adventures at 1-800-879-9035 or www.santafeadventure.com
Taos Box
This is New Mexico's premier whitewater run. Beginning just north of Taos, deep in the Rio Grande Gorge, rafters spend a full day navigating rapids such as "Ski Jump," "Powerline Falls," and "the Rock Garden." Generally, guests ages 12 and up get the most out of this full-day trip. Lunch is provided. Rapids range from Class II to Class IV+.
Racecourse
A half-day trip on the Rio Grande river, the Racecourse offers fun for the entire family. This stretch of the river is used for the annual Mother's Day Whitewater Races, one of the oldest river races in the U.S., which was started by a Boy Scout troop in Los Alamos about 35 years ago. Rafters negotiate "Albert Falls," paddle through "the Narrows," float past "Big Rock," and at high water, confront the awesome waves of "Souse Hole." A snack is usually provided, but varies from company to company. The rapids range from Class II to Class III.
Rio Grande Gorge
Perfect for first-time boaters, this full-day trip begins just downstream of the Taos Box run. The first few miles are calm as the Rio Grande enters the Orilla Verde Recreation Area, a calm float between pleasant, green banks. After lunch, be ready for a little excitement on the "Racecourse" section. This trip is ideal for rafters seven years old and up. Lunch is usually provided.
Rio Chama
Lose yourself in the splendor of Georgia O'Keeffe country. Winding through the heart of northern New Mexico, the Rio Chama is one of this state's real treasures. Designated one of America's "Wild and Scenic Rivers," the Chama provides a wonderful river adventure. Rafters have plenty of time for drifting and swimming during the day, and will occasionally have the opportunity to hike one of the river's many side trails. Camping is exceptional on the Chama, as most sites are nestled among large trees and feature views of the sandstone cliffs that line the river. The Chama is a favorite among New Mexico's fishermen, so remember to bring your pole and a current fishing license. All meals are provided during the trip. Since the Rio Chama is a permitted river, and flow is regulated by El Vado Dam, there are only specific dates on which it can be run. Full-day and overnight trips are available.
Other Activities
Hiking
Magnificent hikes can be found in Santa Fe and the surrounding area. Enjoy the scenery, and be sure to keep in mind that the altitude may take a little getting used to. For more information, contact the New Mexico Public Lands Information Center at (505)438-7542.
Biking
Great biking abounds in and around Santa Fe. Traverse trails on National Forests and Parks, Bureau of Land Management areas, and even the municipal lands adjacent to the city. The more technical routes are in the mountains outside of the city, however, and may require a short drive to find them. Check with the concierge for more information on local trails.
Fishing
Fishing in the Santa Fe area is usually good between June and early September. By early fall, most fishing moves to lower elevations. Test your skills in the pristine San Juan River, or try your luck in one of the many other local streams and lakes. Licenses are required in New Mexico and may be obtained from the New Mexico Department of Fish and Game.
Exhibits, Performances, and Shopping
Art Galleries
Georgia O'Keeffe and other successful artists have made Santa Fe their home for years because of its unique scenery and rich artistic culture. It is here, in this one-of-a-kind Southwestern city, that artists and tourists from all over the world have found inspiration and an abundance of incomparable local galleries. There are, in fact, over 200 galleries within walking distance of La Posada de Santa Fe. Contact the concierge for more information on special events and gallery openings.
The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet
This nationally recognized ballet company features year-round performances in both Santa Fe and Aspen, Colorado. Consisting of a troupe of 11 dancers, the ballet is an annual favorite. For more information, visit call 505-983-5591.
Santa Fe Opera
The Santa Fe Opera is one of the marquis summer events in New Mexico's capital. Performances are scheduled in late June, July, and August, so be sure to check back for the La Posada de Santa Fe Opera package. For a complete schedule and more information, call the Santa Fe Opera at 505-986-5900 or 800-280-4654. Offices are open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m to 5 p.m.
Shops and Boutiques
Santa Fe is renowned the world over as a shopper's paradise—and with good reason. The town harbors hundreds of unique retail shops and boutiques, a premium outlet mall, two major shopping malls, and more than a dozen smaller shopping centers. In Santa Fe, there's something for everyone, from the occasional window shopper to the die-hard shopping veteran.
Santa Fe Indian Market
Held annually, this one-of-a-kind event attracts over 100,000 visitors from all over the world. The next Santa Fe Indian Market will come to town August 18-20, 2006. For a complete schedule and more information, call 505-983-5220.
