Scenic Road Trip: Santa Fe to Pagosa Springs

 

ExploreBeyondYourDoor is a spot to

 talk travel, share hiking adventures and 

experiences about places far from home, in the

greater Southwest or right in our own backyards.

 

Our view from the road heading to Pagosa Springs, CO

Oh, how we love the open road. With the summer heat hanging on in Phoenix, I'm reminiscing about our late summer road trip, over the Labor Day holiday, to cool Pagosa Springs. Stéphane and I hit the road to do a quick stop in one of our favorite places, Santa Fe, while on our way to visit family in Colorado.

Our hotel while in Pagosa...the place lives up to its name

We had a friendly visitor on the property!



Stéphane making a new friend 



We stayed for a long weekend and spent quality time with family. We enjoyed the local wildlife, the healing hot springs and the cool mountain air that Pagosa Springs has to offer. We're lucky my family lives in such an amazing place!

 

On the trip home, we headed back the way we came. Along the highway, we found a hidden gem in northern New Mexico. Echo Amphitheater is about 17 miles west of Abiquiú on US84, about four miles up the road from Ghost Ranch. 

 

It's a great stop to stretch your legs and experience this natural wonder. A place that's not only beautiful, but a sacred space that reverberates the voices of today and the native ancestors of our past.

Located in a beautiful area

  

Sandstone cliffs near the amphitheater...wow!

Stéphane walking to the amphitheater

 

 

As the sun set on our Southwest road trip, we enjoyed the view and started planning to head back this way again next year!

Happy Travels,

Christie



 

What are your Favorite Summer Escapes?



These boots are made for hiking...I'm ready to go!

ExploreBeyondYourDoor is a spot to

 talk travel, share hiking adventures and 

experiences about places far from home, in the
greater Southwest or right in our own backyards.

It's summer in Phoenix, AZ and it's hot. Right now, I'm spending a good amount of time dreaming about being somewhere else. I'm dreaming about putting on my hiking boots, jumping in the car and just driving...somewhere cooler.
 

This summer I've been home more than usual and this might be one of the reasons I'm doing more dreaming than actual hiking or traveling.

 

Luckily, I'll be making my great escape over the next few months to several of my favorite places for hiking and road tripping:

• Sedona, Flagstaff and Jerome, AZ
• Santa Fe, NM
• Pagosa Springs, CO

These are some of my favorite summer escapes and I'll be writing about my favorite spots in the coming months. What are your favorite summer escapes?

 

This summer, have you been able to travel around the beautiful state of Arizona? Or did you visit another part of the U.S. for the first time? Maybe you traveled abroad? Would love to hear about your summer adventures!

My planning is done and my boots are ready and waiting to Explore Beyond My Door. I hope yours are too.

 

Happy Trails,

Christie