New Mexico has unique atmospheric and geological conditions that make for spectacular skies and dramatic sunsets. So when you visit Santa Fe,  you’ll want to take the time to sit and watch a sunset –  every night is a mind-blowing new arrangement! Here are my TOP 5 spots to take one in:  

1) The lively Bell Tower roof top bar at the Hotel La Fonda has beautiful sunset views overlooking town and up to the Santa Fe mountains. A bit touristy, sure. But all the touristy places are that way for a reason. Try the smokey pineapple margarita with a guacamole appetizer. Open seasonally (May - late October).

2) Take the train! In the warmer months of the year through the end of December, the Sky Railway has a fun, round-trip sunset adventure starting from the Railyard in Santa Fe town that rolls through gorgeous desert scenery, complete with live music, a bar car, and an open-air car for ideal nature and sky viewing.

3) For another local spot, and to get some history in, walk northeast of the plaza to visit the hillside historic site Cross of the Martyrs, which offers panoramic views of the city and mountains. Then walk to town and grab a fabulous dinner at La Boca or Santacafé.

4) In the summer, get tickets to the iconic Santa Fe Opera which performs at sunset. The theater is a large open-sided venue and the sunsets are the backdrops to the performances! It’s quite something when you happen to have a distant thunder and lightning storm during Die Walküre….

5) Take a hike. There are numerous hikes with great vantage points, but one loop just south of town gives you huge, sweeping vistas of the surrounding Western-esque landscape. The Arroyo Hondo Openspace is an easy trail, about 2 miles, with well-worn paths (plus a few rocky parts) that lead you down through some shady piñon and juniper and then up to the top of the hill. The mostly open terrain means you get excellent views as you meander through the trails. Hop over to Harry’s Roadhouse for a post sunset meal!