Summary of Santa Fe Sunsets
- Unparalleled views of Santa Fe sunsets.
- Best time and places to experience this natural wonder.
- Recommended spots for sunset viewing in New Mexico.
Head to high ground for these unparalleled views.
Fact checked by Elizabeth MacLennan
There’s something almost supernatural about a Santa Fe sunset. Benefiting from the picturesque southwestern landscape and clear, bright skies, the city’s views of the setting sun are always breathtaking.
Between fiery orange blazes and cherry brushstrokes, New Mexico‘s world-famous sunsets are nothing short of artistic. In fact, it’s been elegantly captured by artists like Georgia O’Keeffe and can range from bright and searing to soft and pastel, or even Biblically dramatic, depending on the weather and time of day.
With low air pollution, a 7,000-foot altitude, and an impressive average of 325 sunny days a year, the magical quality of light here becomes even more enchanting come sunset.
The wide-open spaces allow for sky-watching from almost anywhere; however, for the most breathtaking, unobstructed views — and the finest spots to capture the brilliant hues left by the sinking sun — you must be willing to make an effort.
Whether you’re hiking Atalaya Mountain or heading to a local rooftop pizza spot, gaining elevation is crucial for securing the stunning mountain and sunset vistas that New Mexico is celebrated for. Once you’ve reached your chosen height, simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the transformational beauty of Santa Fe’s setting sun.
Read on for details on when and where to see this extraordinary spectacle.
When to See the Sunset in Santa Fe
When dealing with nature, timing is crucial. So, when is the ideal time to head out in Santa Fe for spectacular sunset views? During the summer, aim to be on a rooftop or at the peak of your hike by 8 or 8:30 p.m. Mountain Time. On the other hand, in winter, sunsets can occur as early as 5 p.m., so it’s important to plan accordingly to ensure you’re settled in as the sky begins to change color in the late afternoon.
Where to See the Sunset in Santa Fe
Cross of the Martyrs
The 25-foot-tall reinforced concrete cross is located atop a hill off Paseo de la Loma in Fort Marcy Park, honoring the 21 Franciscan priests and numerous Spanish colonists who perished during the Pueblo revolt of 1680. This site is easily reachable via a gently sloping staircase starting at the eastern corner of Paseo de Peralta, offering stunning close-ups of downtown Santa Fe as well as expansive vistas of the Jemez Mountains to the west.
Hyde Memorial State Park Overlook
Start your trip approximately half an hour before sunset to allow time to navigate the 18 miles up winding New Mexico 475 from Santa Fe, enveloped by towering Ponderosa Pines of Hyde Memorial State Park. Along the journey, you’ll be treated to constantly changing perspectives of the Sangre de Cristos and the Jemez Mountains. Upon reaching the Overlook, which features a parking area separated by a fence from a steep drop-off, you can pause to enjoy the expansive western panorama.
Rooftop Pizzeria & Draft Station
Situated on the top floor of the Santa Fe Arcade, Rooftop Pizzeria boasts a unique advantage over other outdoor dining establishments. Request a table at the west-facing bar on the patio for unobstructed views of the sunset over the Jemez Mountains. Treat yourself to the Tre Carne pizza (bacon, shrimp, lobster, roasted garlic spread, red onion, and truffle oil) on a blue corn artisan crust and enjoy a bottle of red wine.
Picacho Peak
Few cities can claim an 8,300-foot peak at their doorstep. Don’t be discouraged by the two-hour trek to the summit of Picacho. This four-mile hike along a well-maintained trail leads directly to happiness — upon reaching the top, you’re rewarded with two stunning views: one overlooking the city, the desert, and Albuquerque‘s Sandia Peak in the far distance, and another overlooking the Jemez to the west complemented by the lush greenery and rolling hills of the Sangre de Cristos to the northeast.
Atalaya Trail
More frequented than Picacho, Atalaya begins just behind St. John’s College and is a straightforward 3.0-mile ascent to the 9,000-foot summit. This hike involves a significant elevation gain of 1,800 feet in a relatively short distance but offers ample rewards. At the summit, you’ll discover several flat rocks facing west — the ideal spot to witness the sun setting over Santa Fe.
