Hyde Park Roadfall foliage
No reports yet this season for Santa Fe National Forest. It usually peaks Oct 1–7.
Right now in Hyde Park Road · September
- Black Canyon Campground open · May–Oct
3days to the next fall foliage seasonusually Oct 1–7
Next 7 days
Flood WatchFlood Watch issued September 28 at 11:22AM MDT until September 30 at 6:00AM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM- Rain likely · up to 100% chanceTonight, Tuesday, Tuesday Night, Wednesday
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 3:02 PM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Frost near Santa Fe National Forest
First frost usually in ~3 weeks
Oct 17Average first fall frost
May 2Average last spring frost
The day a 32°F night is as likely as not, 1991–2020, at NOAA's Santa Fe Seton station (14 mi away, 7,000 ft). Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Santa Fe National Forest through the year
- Black Canyon Campground openNowMay–Oct
- Wildflowers at the ski basinJul–Aug
- Aspen color along the ski-basin road, usually the first week of OctoberOct
Best spots around Santa Fe National Forest
- Hyde Park Road (NM 475)Santa Fe Scenic Byway; giant aspen forest on the way to the ski basin
- Aspen Vista Picnic SiteJust below the ski basin; trailhead for the road to Tesuque Peak
- Big Tesuque CampgroundTen sites among big aspen stands, 12 miles up NM 475
- Winsor TrailheadAt the ski basin parking lot; trails into the Pecos Wilderness
How we know
US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Santa Fe Ski Basin (Santa Fe National Forest) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · USA National Phenology Network, colored leaves observations (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · US Forest Service, Big Tesuque Campground (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Santa Fe National Forest, Española Ranger District (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Black Canyon Campground (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Aspen Vista Picnic Site (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Winsor Trailhead #254 (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (annual/seasonal) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Santa Fe National Forest in 2026?
There's no forecast yet. In a typical year it peaks Oct 1–7. We add the forecast as soon as one is published.
How is the fall color in Santa Fe National Forest right now?
Not now: the fall foliage season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 3 days (usually Oct 1–7).
When do the aspens on Hyde Park Road usually peak?
The Forest Service says the first week of October is usually the best. Aspens drop their leaves quickly once they peak, so check local reports before you go.Source: US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Santa Fe Ski Basin (Santa Fe National Forest) ↗ (opens in a new tab)
How busy is it in aspen season?
Very. The Forest Service says the area around Big Tesuque Campground is especially busy in the fall aspen season, though there are plenty of developed sites along the road to stop at.Sources: US Forest Service, Big Tesuque Campground ↗ (opens in a new tab), US Forest Service, Santa Fe National Forest, Española Ranger District ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I camp along the road in October?
Black Canyon Campground, 8 miles from downtown Santa Fe on NM 475, is open May 1 to October 15 with 36 car and RV sites, reservable, with a few kept first come. Big Tesuque has 10 sites, no water and no room for trailers or RVs.Sources: US Forest Service, Black Canyon Campground ↗ (opens in a new tab), US Forest Service, Big Tesuque Campground ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Santa Fe National Forest?
Hyde Park Road (NM 475): santa Fe Scenic Byway; giant aspen forest on the way to the ski basin; Aspen Vista Picnic Site: just below the ski basin; trailhead for the road to Tesuque Peak; Big Tesuque Campground: ten sites among big aspen stands, 12 miles up NM 475; Winsor Trailhead: at the ski basin parking lot; trails into the Pecos Wilderness.
What is Santa Fe National Forest like through the year?
Black Canyon Campground open (May–Oct), Wildflowers at the ski basin (Jul–Aug) and Aspen color along the ski-basin road, usually the first week of October (Oct).