How lucky we are to live in such a beautiful, vibrant landscape. Our seasons are distinct and fall is no different. With all of its changing colors, New Mexico’s fall leaves are not to be missed. Take a road trip and visit them all. I’m sure that counts as a field trip of some kind.
We’d like to thank Manzano Day School for sponsoring this Guide to Fall Leaves.
New World. New Way. Same Manzano Day School. Founded in 1938, Manzano Day School is an independent, nonprofit elementary school for children in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. In addition to the core subjects of reading, math, science, and social studies, the six co-curricular subjects of art, library, music, physical education, Spanish, and technology are part of every student’s schedule. Manzano Day School is implementing a reopening strategy that allows the school to remain flexible while responding to the changing situation around COVID-19. They are providing the best educational experience possible while also mitigating risk of exposure or outbreaks of COVID-19 in the community.
Botanic Gardens
2601 Central Ave. NW, Albuquerque
The Botanic Gardens are beautiful all year round, but there’s just something special about the color changes that occur right before the winter frost sets in. Make sure to grab your tickets ahead of time on the BioPark website.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
500 Terrace Avenue, Chama
Voted one of the best train rides in the whole country, what better way to take in everything fall has to offer than a train ride along the New Mexico/Colorado border. Did we mention the views are breathtaking? Masks are required and COVID safe practices are in place.
Fourth of July Canyon
See the map at the link above for detailed directions to the Canyon located in Cibola National Forest in Estancia
The Fourth of July Canyon gets its name from the gorgeous maple leaves that turn orange, red, pink, and yellow every October. There’s nothing better than seeing fireworks in the fall.
Los Alamos & The Jemez
See the map at the link above for detailed directions on where to start your drive
Take The Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway, which will take you past San Ysidro Pueblo through Jemez Springs, Jemez Pueblo, and Valles Caldera. There’s so much to see and do along the way . . . including catching a glimpse of some gorgeous fall color. This is quite possibly one of the most beautiful drives in New Mexico. And for the first couple of weeks in October, it will be scattered with yellow and red.
Paseo del Bosque Trail
See the link above for all the different points of entry.
Bike, jog, or stroll follow this 17.6-mile trail and take in the gorgeous yellow cottonwood trees right along our Rio Grande River.
Sandia Peak
See the link above for a map to the bottom all the way to the top of the peak
There’s is not much more beautiful or peaceful than Aspen leaves on a crisp fall day. Take a drive up the backside of the mountain and enjoy the bright yellow leaves of the Aspens contrasting with their white bark and the green pine trees.
Ski Santa Fe
Santa Fe Recreation Area, Santa Fe
Catch a glimpse of glowing Aspens at Ski Santa Fe before the snow falls. The ski area usually opens up its ski lift for a ride through the leaves at eye level. (We couldn’t find info on this for 2020, so make sure to check the website.)
Where do you go to get your fall color fix? Let us know all about it by emailing info {at} abqmom {dot} com.
