The Essential Summer Day-Trip Guide

Abiquiú

If you’re looking for adventure, as well as a respite from those hot summer days, check out the pristine blue waters of Abiquiú Lake. Not only is it a great place to swim, its cliffs offer an exhilarating experience for the more adventurous among us. There are 20- to 30-foot cliffs that are the envy of those foreign to the region. However, as with many activities that rely on the pull of gravity, cliff jumping is dangerous. “Water levels are a little bit low compared to last year,” warns camp manager John Mueller, “but not enough to interfere with recreational activities.” Still, it is not advised to jump from cliffs 40 feet or higher (if unforgettable memories are the goal, then a future is necessary). That being said, check out Riana Campground, located on a 150-foot bluff overlooking the lake—it’s a spectacular view.

Some Sound Advice: The weekends at the lake are busy; if you're planning on camping, then be sure to make a reservation ahead of time.

Red River

Surrounded by the Carson National Forest, the small town of Red River is a great hub for outdoor activities. Despite being known mainly for its ski slopes, the spot isn't lacking in summertime activities. "The summer here is actually more popular than in the wintertime," RR tourism manager Brad Garrett says. Such activities include horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, tubing and rafting. There is even a collection of trails for off-highway vehicles and Jeeps. Don't have your own? Guided tours are available that visit abandoned cabins and historical sites, weaving story with adventure. It isn't all outdoor activities. The area offers a range of activities that are a good way to unwind after a day's adventure. Red River also has several annual festivals that appeal to all kinds. From a fine art and wine festival to a classic car show, this small town is buzzing all summer long.

Some Sound Advice: Visit nearby Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico at over 13,000 feet. And wear sensible shoes.

Jemez Springs-Valles Caldera

To some, manmade lakes are abhorrent, and others must always have both feet firmly on the ground. Known for its natural hot springs and its slew of spas, Jemez Springs is the perfect place for these two groups to take in the summer. Most hot springs are a brisk hike away from parking spots but well worth the work. Depending on which springs you go to, the hike is as short as two miles or as long as 10. Be warned, it won’t all be beautiful sights: “You may see some people in the nude,” says one official. “Some people don’t know what it means to follow the rules.” For more on awkward, stripped-down soaks,

. And there are other beautiful places to see nearby. Jemez Springs is near the Valles Caldera, an ancient volcano. On a hike through the caldera, you have a chance to encounter mineral springs, volcanic domes and other natural wonders that make it one of the most intricate ecosystems in the world.

Some Sound Advice: The Valles Caldera visitor center offers several van tours, from wildlife and geological excursions to tours of former movie sets. This is a good way to get to know the caldera, if you've never been.

Tent Rocks

People from all over the world come to New Mexico to enjoy its natural splendor. The variety and beauty of landscapes that we have here is a treasure and a source of pride. Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is a prime example of this. Located some 40 miles southwest of Santa Fe, it is home to bizarre cone-shaped rocks. These formations, some of which reach 90 feet in height, are the result of unique geological circumstances—including a volcanic eruption that took place 6 to 7 million years ago. The national monument, situated on the Pajarito Plateau, is closed on Sundays and open for day-hikes only; park ranger Angelo Chavez suggests getting there before 2:30, as the hike takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes—longer if it's your first time—and they start kicking people out at 6:30 pm. "You want to have time to enjoy the view," he says.

Some Sound Advice: If you're looking for good views, take the longer, more difficult canyon trail (1.5 miles one way as opposed to 1.2 miles roundtrip). The extra effort will not be in vain.

Bandelier

Just outside of Los Alamos is Bandelier National Monument, which features an anthropological site of ancestral pueblo homes. Some of these amazing homes were carved out of the Frijoles Canyon wall; other were built with stones on the canyon floor. Several kivas (ceremonial structures) still remain among the sites on the canyon floor, and petroglyphs are visible alongside the cave dwellings. The main loop trail, which tours the ancestral homes, takes about an hour at a leisurely pace; along the trail are a few cave dwellings that can be climbed into. Every Saturday through July and August, the park offers ranger-led night walks. These flashlight walks are free this year and simply require registration beforehand, although you won't get much more information than that: "We make everyone who goes on the walk vow never to tell anyone what happens," Bandelier park official Chris Judson says. "It keeps the walks special."

Some Sound Advice: The moon will be brighter and fuller in late July; it's recommended that you register for one of these night walks for a more enriching experience.

Madrid

If you prefer to stay within the comforts of an air-conditioned environment, then a trip along the Turquoise Trail, a national scenic byway, to the small town of Madrid (pronounced MAD-rid) is the comfortable adventure for you. Once a historic coal mining town, Madrid is now a creative community with over 40 shops and galleries and several fine restaurants. Abandoned within the span of a few days after the coal mines were shut down, the village became a ghost town and was eventually repopulated by squatters and artists. Now with a population barely over 200, according to 2010 Census figures, Madrid is like no other town. "There's a lot of talent here for its size," says local Hugh Hackett, who went on to list the wide variety of artists and craftsmen who reside there. "Madrid is the jewel of the region," Hackett boasts.

Some Sound Advice: Be sure to visit the Mine Shaft Tavern. Burned down on Christmas Day in 1944 and rebuilt a few years later, it is said to be the most haunted of all places in this former ghost town. The food is good too—and it has live music on weekends.

Editor's note: an earlier version of this story included a misattributed quote by Julie Anne Overton, public affairs officer for the Santa Fe National Forest. It has been corrected.

Santa Fe Reporter