Just a few miles from Santa Fe' historic plaza, the Nature Conservancy Trail offers 190-acres of open space covered with a lush willow and cottonwood forest, a pond, hiking trails 140 species of bird, the original path of the Santa Fe river and the ruins of a Victorian-era dam.

Nestled in the foothills next to the Santa Fe National Forest, the preserve is one of the last unspoiled riparian areas along the river. The Conservancy has worked rigorously using eco-friendly practices to restore the land to its natural state, as well as constructing a 1.5-mile interpretive loop trail detailing the preserves colorful history and fragile ecology. The preserve also serves as a stepping stone for the 22.22-mile Dale Ball Foothill Trail System.

Directions: From Santa Fe, NM, The trail can be accesses from Parking lot on Upper Canyon Rd.

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