Santa Fe: E-Bike City & Nature Tour with Local Stories

Summary

Santa Fe’s quiet trails, art corners and stories you only hear riding slow

You’ll feel Santa Fe’s layers unfold as you pedal past adobe homes, pause at hidden parks and hear stories locals actually tell. From gentle climbs with pedal assist to quiet moments by the river or laughter over mispronounced Spanish, this small-group e-bike tour lets you see—and feel—the city differently.

What’s the experience like?

I woke up in Santa Fe still feeling the altitude, but the e-bike tour made that a non-issue. We met our guide near the Plaza — I think her name was Carla — who handed out helmets and gave us a quick rundown on how these bikes work (honestly, I was nervous about looking like a dork, but it was easy). The air had that dry, piney smell and the sky was all blue except for one stubborn cloud. As we pedaled up toward Fort Marcy Park, Carla pointed out adobe walls peeking through cottonwoods and told us about the cross at the top of Paseo de la Loma Hill. She mentioned the Pueblo revolt in 1680 — I’d never heard those details before. The climb was gentle with pedal assist; I barely broke a sweat.

We coasted down into quieter neighborhoods, passing murals and little yards with chili ristras hanging by doorways. There was this moment above Upper Canyon Road where everything went silent except for our tires crunching gravel near the Audubon Center. Carla explained how it used to be grazing land and later a sawmill — I tried to imagine soldiers chopping wood here in 1847. She let us peek inside an old house with hand-hewn beams (the smell of old timber stuck with me). Someone in our group tried to say “Talaya Hill” in Spanish — we all laughed, even Carla.

The Santa Fe River looked more like a trickle than a river this time of year, but there were kids skipping rocks and someone playing guitar under a cottonwood. Riding through the Railyard District felt different: more people, bursts of color from art installations, food smells drifting from somewhere (tamales maybe?). At Frenchy’s Field Park Labyrinth, we walked our bikes along the cobb paths — my shoes got dusty and I had to brush off clay later. It’s funny how something as simple as mudding keeps that labyrinth alive every year.

By the time we reached the Inn and Spa at Loretto, my legs were tired in that good way — not worn out, just used. Carla told us about its history as an old academy site; she seemed proud of how Santa Fe keeps its roots visible even as things change. I still think about that view from Fort Marcy — sun on adobe walls and mountains way off to the west. If you’re curious about Santa Fe beyond just galleries or shops, this e-bike tour is kind of perfect for catching all those small moments you’d probably miss otherwise.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — E-Bike tour of Santa Fe highlights

• Start at Paseo de la Loma cross
• View downtown adobe walls and cottonwoods
• See Jemez Mountains vistas
• Explore Audubon Center gravel entrance
• Learn history of Talaya Hill grant
• Pass preserved sawmill house interior
• Ride along Santa Fe River
• Cruise through Railyard arts district
• Visit Frenchy’s Field Park Labyrinth
• Stop at Inn and Spa at Loretto

Top questions

Is prior e-bike experience required for this Santa Fe tour?

Previous e-bike riding experience is recommended but not required; guides provide instruction before starting.

What is included in the Santa Fe small-group e-bike tour?

Your rental e-bike, helmet, bike trunk bag, and safety reflective triangle are included.

Are there age restrictions for joining this e-bike adventure?

The minimum age is 15 years old for participants on this tour.

How difficult is biking at Santa Fe’s elevation?

The pedal assist on e-bikes helps reduce effort so most people with moderate fitness can enjoy it despite high elevation.

Does this Santa Fe bike tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; parking is available if you arrive by car—just let valet know you’re there for a tour.

What neighborhoods or areas will we see during the ride?

You’ll visit Fort Marcy Park, Upper Canyon Road near Audubon Center, Santa Fe River area, Railyard District, Frenchy’s Field Park Labyrinth, and finish near Loretto Chapel.

What’s included

Your day includes use of an e-bike with pedal assist (so hills aren’t scary), helmet for safety, a trunk bag for your stuff and reflective triangle—plus stories from your local guide as you explore both city streets and quieter green spaces together.