I didn't expect to hear silence so loud. Just outside the artsy buzz of Santa Fe, the sky opens up, the crowds thin out, and the only sounds are wind through pine needles and the crunch of gravel underfoot.

If you've been caught in the rhythm of city life for too long, Santa Fe's surrounding wild spaces offer something rare: room to breathe.

Whether you're hiking through otherworldly rock formations, watching leaves fall like golden snow, or staring up at a sky bursting with stars, this is the side of Santa Fe most travelers miss—and shouldn't.

1. Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks: Like walking on Mars

This one's not a secret—but it still feels like you've stumbled into a hidden world. The Tent Rocks National Monument, officially known as Kasha-Katuwe, is famous for its cone-shaped rock formations that rise like giant stone tepees from the desert floor.

The main trail here is the Slot Canyon Trail (3 miles roundtrip), which weaves through narrow passages, up carved stone steps, and finally leads to a panoramic viewpoint over the entire area. It's not hard, but the climb at the end will get your heart rate up.

• Entry fee: $5 per vehicle (cash only)

• Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; gates lock at 5 p.m.

• Best time to go: Arrive early (before 9 a.m.)—the parking lot fills fast, and they do close entry once it's full.

• Tip: There's no shade and no water on the trail, so bring more water than you think you need—especially in warmer months.

Geology nerds will love it, but honestly, you don't need to understand volcanic tuff to be wowed. The landscape here does all the storytelling.

2. Hyde Memorial State Park: The locals' weekend fix

Just 20 minutes from downtown Santa Fe, Hyde Memorial State Park feels like stepping into a different season—especially in fall, when the aspens start to shimmer. This is the go-to spot for Santa Fe families looking for a quick dose of nature without a full day's commitment.

There are multiple trails, but the Circle Trail is a great place to start. It's a moderate 2-mile loop that gives you a taste of forest, views, and peaceful solitude, especially if you hit it on a weekday morning.

• Entry fee: $5 per vehicle

• Hours: Sunrise to sunset

• Winter bonus: In snow season, you can rent snowshoes in town and explore the same trails under a blanket of white. The park becomes a silent, magical place after a snowfall.

This is also one of the best spots for family camping, with well-maintained sites, basic restrooms, and plenty of flat space to pitch a tent. You'll fall asleep to pine breezes instead of traffic noise.

3. Santa Fe National Forest: Your trail, your way

Covering over 1.5 million acres, the Santa Fe National Forest is huge—but you don't need to tackle it all. Some of the most beautiful trails are just off Highway 475 (also called Hyde Park Road), making it easy to squeeze in a half-day hike without a long drive.

If you're up for a half-day adventure, try Winsor Trail. It starts near the Santa Fe Ski Basin and runs deep into forested canyons, following a creek most of the way. You can turn back at any point, but even the first 2–3 miles in are packed with shade, wildflowers (in summer), and the kind of quiet that resets your brain.

• No entrance fee

• Dog-friendly, but leash required

• Trailhead parking is free but limited—get there by 8:30 a.m. on weekends

Fall is absolutely stunning here—think yellow aspens glowing against blue skies. And in winter, the same trails transform into snowshoe or cross-country ski routes.

Bonus: Stargazing where no one's looking

If you've never seen the Milky Way with your bare eyes, stay out after sunset. One of the easiest places to stargaze is actually the pull-off parking area just past Hyde Memorial, on the way up to the Santa Fe Ski Basin. There are no lights, no noise, and if you give your eyes 15–20 minutes to adjust, the sky will blow your mind.

Local tip: Bring a thermos, a blanket, and a stargazing app. Even without gear, you'll spot constellations, satellites, and—if you're lucky—a shooting star or two.

How to get around

You'll need a car. None of these places are served by public transit, and rideshares are spotty that far out. A compact rental is fine for all listed destinations—no off-road vehicle needed unless you're venturing deep into backcountry areas.

When to visit

• Fall (September–October): Aspen leaves, cool air, fewer bugs. Absolute prime time.

• Winter (December–February): Snowshoeing, quiet trails, and stargazing on clear, cold nights.

• Summer (June–August): Hot midday sun, but early mornings are cool and great for hikes. Watch out for afternoon thunderstorms.

Spring can be hit or miss—it's windy and muddy as the snow melts, but still beautiful if you catch it on a good day.

So if Santa Fe's galleries have filled your head with color, maybe it's time to fill your lungs with mountain air. Pack a snack, lace up your boots, and head just a little outside the city. You don't have to go far to feel like you've traveled somewhere else entirely. Maybe even somewhere better.