Hiking the Trails of Bishop’s Lodge
Exploring the Trails of Bishop’s Lodge: A Walking Guide to Northern New Mexico’s Quiet Beauty
One of the most special things about Bishop’s Lodge isn’t just the history or the architecture — it’s what surrounds it. Step outside the lodge and you’re immediately connected to a network of trails that gently (and sometimes not so gently) pull you into the high desert landscape of Northern New Mexico. Pinyon and juniper forests, wide-open vistas, soft creek crossings, and long moments of quiet make these trails as restorative as they are beautiful.
Whether you’re looking for a quick morning walk, a scenic sunset hike, or a longer adventure into the Santa Fe National Forest, the Bishop’s Lodge trail system offers something for every pace.
Tesuque Vista Trail
Easy | 0.7 miles | ~40 minutes | Elevation gain: 182 feet
Perfect for a short, scenic outing, the Tesuque Vista Trail is a gentle alternative to the more rugged Horizon Trail. The path winds through arroyos and open terrain, gradually revealing expansive views of the surrounding hills and distant mountain ranges.
The trailhead sits just past the Horizons Trailhead on the Bishop’s Lodge grounds and connects with Road and Ecola Lane before ending in a quiet residential area. It’s an ideal choice if you’re easing into hiking, traveling with kids, or simply craving fresh air without a major commitment.
Mesa Trail
Easy to Moderate | 0.9 miles | ~40 minutes | Starting elevation: 7,130 feet
The Mesa Trail begins on a gravel road near the resort’s main entrance and quickly rewards hikers with sweeping views overlooking Bishop’s Lodge and the surrounding valley. After passing through yellow gates at the trailhead, the path meanders through pinyon and juniper forest, offering a peaceful, shaded walk.
This out-and-back trail eventually merges with the Little Tesuque Creek Trail, making it a great option if you want to extend your hike or explore deeper into the trail system.
Little Tesuque Creek Trail
Easy to Moderate | 1.5 miles | ~1 hour | Elevation gain: ~100 feet
Starting near the Tesuque Ridge Building, this trail follows the gentle curves of Little Tesuque Creek through forested terrain. The sound of water and the soft canopy of trees make this one of the most calming walks in the area.
The trail continues into the Santa Fe National Forest, crossing the creek once and occasionally becoming impassable during periods of high water — a reminder that these trails remain very much part of a living landscape.
Horizons (Viewpoint) Trail
Moderate | 2.0 miles | ~2.5 hours | Elevation gain: 537 feet
For those seeking the payoff, the Horizons Trail delivers. This out-and-back hike features narrower paths and steeper sections that wind along arroyos before opening up to stunning 360-degree views.
About halfway to the viewpoint, the trail crosses Juan de Gaucher Road. As you approach the summit, benches invite you to pause, breathe, and take in the surrounding mesas, hills, and expansive New Mexico sky. It’s an ideal trail for sunrise or late-afternoon light.
Desert Ridge Trail
Moderate | 0.7 miles | ~40 minutes | Starting elevation: 7,094 feet
Short but rewarding, the Desert Ridge Trail winds through classic Northern New Mexico terrain — pinyon, juniper, and mountain mahogany. This trail can be enjoyed as a loop or extended by crossing diagonally over Bauer Road to connect with the Horizons Trail.
It’s a great choice if you want a moderate challenge without committing to a longer hike.
Nearby Santa Fe National Forest Trails
Just beyond the Bishop’s Lodge trail system lies access to even more exploration:
La Piedra Trail – Moderate, 1.4 miles
Saddleback Trail – Moderate to Difficult, 2.4 miles
Saddleback Connector Trail – Easy to Moderate, 0.5 miles
Carol’s Trail – Moderate, 1.3 miles
These trails invite longer adventures and deeper immersion into the surrounding wilderness.
Helpful Notes Before You Go
Trails are open year-round, but winter conditions can bring snow and ice.
Complimentary hiking poles are available at the Adventure Station near Two Dogs Café.
Bottled water is available at the Bishop’s Lodge reception desk.
Always check conditions, bring sun protection, and respect the land.
A Final Thought
The trails of Bishop’s Lodge aren’t about conquering peaks — they’re about connection. To land. To breath. To time moving just a little more slowly. Whether you walk for twenty minutes or a few hours, these paths offer a quiet invitation to experience Northern New Mexico the way it’s always been meant to be experienced: on foot, with intention, and with space to listen.
The Santa Fe Opera 2025 Season
The Santa Fe Opera 2025 Season
Schedule and Events!
Opera still remains in my blood and I have a subtle joy well up inside of me when invited to the opera. I’m looking forward to this 2025 season, which will be somethingth time in my life as a Santa Fean. Thank you grandma and grandpa for always taking me as a kiddo. Here’s what’s on the schedule:
La Boheme
JUNE 27 - AUGUST 23, 2025
In the vibrant playground of 1920s Paris, six Bohemians come together in pursuit of connection, meaning and artistic greatness. Set in this golden age of artistic revolution, Puccini’s timeless tale of love, longing and sacrifice resonates anew.
Directed by James Robinson, expect a visual feast that complements the emotional depth of a work that has captivated in every medium. Conductor Iván López Reynoso leads an exciting cast. American soprano and former apprentice Sylvia D’Eramo sings Mimì, Chinese tenor Long Long is Rodolfo and Polish baritone Szymon Mechliński makes his US debut in the role of Marcello. American soprano Emily Pogorelc is Musetta and Mexican-American baritone Efraín Solís is Schaunard.
The Marriage of Figaro
JUNE 28 - AUGUST 22, 2025
Love, loyalty and lies can be a tricky trio. In Mozart’s hands, they’re perfectly wound into a comedy brimming with mistaken identities, youthful yearning and hilarious antics. Will Figaro keep his wife’s heart safe from the Count’s amorous advances?
French director Laurent Pelly’s stylish production, set in the late 1930s just before World War II, is back by popular demand! The Santa Fe Opera is proud to present the following American debuts: Italian bass Riccardo Fassi in the title role, French baritone Florian Sempey as Count Almaviva and Spanish soprano Marina Monzó as Countess Almaviva. Former apprentice Liv Redpath will sing Susanna and Chinese mezzo-soprano Hongni Wu sings Cherubino. Music Director Harry Bicket conducts the international cast.
Rigoletto
JULY 12 - AUGUST 20, 2025
In the court of the Duke swirls a storm of intrigue, lust and betrayal. Rigoletto the jester struggles in vain to keep his daughter from the Duke’s relentless desires. Vowing vengeance, he takes matters into his own hands only to become the unwitting punchline of a darker force.
Julien Chavaz will make his Santa Fe Opera directorial debut with this new production that draws inspiration from the rich allure of Renaissance paintings. Italian conductor Carlo Montanaro in his company debut leads the Santa Fe Opera Orchestra and a dynamic cast. Spanish baritone Gerardo Bullón makes his US debut as Rigoletto. Cuban-American soprano and 2024 Richard Tucker Career Grant recipient Elena Villalón makes her role debut as Gilda. Former apprentice and tenor Duke Kim undertakes the role of the Duke.
The Turn of the Screw
JULY 19 - AUGUST 5, 2025
In the shadowed corridors of a country estate, a young governess finds herself destabilized by mystery. As disturbing events occur, she grapples with increasing paranoia that plunges audiences into a realm of psychological suspense. This is an operatic ghost story for the ages.
Staged by Louisa Muller, get ready to be immersed in a haunting atmosphere that mirrors the eerie tension of the narrative. New Zealand-born conductor Gemma New takes the podium in her company debut. The cast features former apprentice and soprano Jacquelyn Stucker as the Governess, soprano Wendy Bryn Harmer as Miss Jessel, Jennifer Johnson Cano sings Mrs. Grose and Brenton Ryan is Peter Quint.
Die Walküre
JULY 26 - AUGUST 21, 2025
In a broken land where rules no longer apply, Gods clash, heroes rise and music resounds with titanic magnitude. This second installment of Wagner’s Ring Cycleweaves an epic tale of forbidden love and cosmic destiny.
Melly Still makes her company debut directing this company premiere. Conductor James Gaffigan returns to the podium to lead a stellar cast that includes three-time Grammy-Award winning bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green in his role debut as Wotan. Tamara Wilson returns to sing Brünnhilde following her praiseworthy interpretation of Isolde in 2022. American tenor Jamez McCorkle makes his role and company debut as Siegmund and Lithuanian-born soprano Vida Miknevičiūtė makes her US debut as Sieglinde.
Apprentice Scenes & Concert
August 10th & 17th
The Next Generation … Center Stage
The opera’s singing and technical apprentices take the mainstage spotlight for two unique evenings of staged scenes. These evenings are fun-filled “sampler boxes” of operatic styles. They are a great introduction to opera and a great value for families to enjoy an evening out. They are the perfect opportunity to experience the future of opera – now.
The opera’s singing and technical apprentice programs have launched numerous distinguished careers, including singers William Burden, Joyce DiDonato, Michael Fabiano, Brandon Jovanovich, Kate Lindsey, Samuel Ramey, Susanna Phillips and technicians Ruth E. Carter, Alex Davila, B.R. Delaney, Jennifer Good, Rupert Hemmings, Aja Jackson and Jeffrey Mace to name a few.
August 10
Apprentices will present costumed and staged scenes with piano accompaniment.
August 17
Apprentices will present a concert with the Santa Fe Opera Orchestra.
For more information on ticketing and further questions, please visit the Santa Fe Opera website at … https://www.santafeopera.org.
Santa Fe ARTS DISTRICTS for those Interested...
Downtwon
Art and history fill the restaurants, shops, galleries, chapels, hotels and museums surrounding Santa Fe’s central plaza. Find treasures from Native American vendors under the shaded portal of the historic Palace of the Governors. Travel through time in the New Mexico History Museum, explore the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and the New Mexico Museum of Art. Summers bring musicians to the plaza bandstand and festivals to the streets.
Canyon Road
100 years ago, this residential street of centuries-old adobe homes housed “Los Cinco Pintores”. The walls of the shops and galleries on this world-famous road still whisper the echoes of their voices. More than 80 galleries teeming with contemporary and traditional art line this vibrant street. You’ll find Fridays filled with opening receptions, live music, and artist talks in the Spring, Summer and Fall. On Christmas Eve revelers enjoy the annual Farolito Walk.
Railyard
Find big, bold gallery spaces showing modern and contemporary art, shop the Farmer’s Market on Saturdays and the Railyard Artisan Market on Sundays. Grab a bite or a beer, catch a movie or a train, see SITE Santa Fe and view the Vladem. Summers hold free concerts, events in the park, and El Museo Cultural de Santa Fe Mercado. Galleries stay open late for artist receptions on the last Friday of the month. Big city feels, Santa Fe style.
SFXL
Santa Fe Extra Large, our newest arts district, explodes with cutting edge, established, and alternative galleries and museums, including the Museums of Indian Arts and Culture, International Folk Art and the Santa Fe Children’s Museum. From art vending machines to kinetic sculptures that dominate the landscape SFXL is bursting with color, sound, brew pubs, tasting room and food trucks. You’ll want wheels; a car, bike or bus, to fully explore this scene.
The Santa Fe Opera 2024 Season
I’ve working on listening more and more and although dressing up and going to the opera with a loved one is one of the best things to do; lately I’ve been going solo and disappearing into the opera’s majestic setting, natural acoustic surroundings and blissfully dramatic evenings. If you’re gonna go, here’s what’s up this 2024 season.
Der Rosenkavalier
Richard Strauss
Romantic entanglements unfold between a youthful nobleman, his mature mistress, and a young woman engaged to be married to an older Baron.
Conductor: Karina Canellakis
Director: Bruno Ravella
Marshallin: Rachel Willis-Sorenson
Baron Ochs: Matthew Rose
Octavian: Paula Murrihy
Sophie: Ying Fang, Liv Redpath (August 15)
Faninal: Zachary Nelson
The Elixir of Love
Gaetano Donizetti
Nemorino has fallen for Adina. He doesn’t feel worthy, so he buys a ‘magic elixir’ to make his dreams come true.
Conductor: Roberto Kalb
Director: Stephen Lawless
Adina: Yaritza Veliz
Nemorino: Jonah Hoskins
Belcore: Luke Sutliff
Dulcamara: Alfredo Daza
La Traviata
Giuseppe Verdi
Violetta and Alfredo run away from high society for a simple life in the country, when Alfredo’s father asks Violetta to sacrifice her love to save the family’s honor.
Conductor: Corrado Rovaris
Director: Louisa Muller
Violetta: Mané Galoyan
Alfredo: Bekhzod Davronov
Giorgio Germont: Carlos Aråmbula
Don Giovanni
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Don Giovanni has had infamous exploits. He kills the father of one of his victims and now, his continued debauchery will seal his fate.
Conductor: Harry Bicket
Director: Stephen Barlow
Don Giovanni: Ryan Speedo Green
Donna Anna: Teresa Perrotta
Donna Elvira: Rachael Wilson
Don Ottavio: David Portillo
Leporello: Nicholas Newton
The Righteous (World Premiere)
Music: Gregory Spears
Libretto: Tracy K. Smith
David’s journey from preacher to Governor, like the lives of those closest to him, is shaped by the current affairs of the 1980s.
Conductor: Jordan de Souza
Director: Kevin Newbury
David: Michael Mayes
Sheila: Elena Villaløn
Michele: Jennifer Johnson Cano
Jonathan: Anthony Roth Costanzo
Paul: Greer Grimsley
Performance Times
8:30pm June 28-July 27
8pm All performances of Der Rosenkavalier
8pm July 29 - August 24
For more info, visit santafeopera.org or call the Box Office at 505-986-5900.
Favorite Dining in Santa Fe
My favorite dining experiences in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Everyone’s gotta eat at mostly, I enjoy cooking at home but when time doesn’t permit and I’m able to enjoy going somewhere… this is where I’d go. Since The Santa Fe Reporter already made a restaurant guide, I’m using some of their highlights… go to their website directly for more information and other news… here.
This restaurant right off of Old Santa Fe Trail has ample parking and always feels like walking into another time and dimension. Enjoy Chef Luis’ delights… my favorite is a French onion with a glass of Côtes du Rhône.
315 Restaurant & Wine Bar • 315 Old Santa Fe Trail, (505) 986-9190 • The French-infused menu is constantly changing to showcase seasonal specialties, but right now the veal schnitzel with Irish cheddar mac and cheese has us drooling.
Visiting La Boca, I always hope to see Chef James and talk about art and its influence on modern dining, and when he’s not there, I still get to enjoy the amazing food. Bring friends and order one of each.
La Boca • 72 W Marcy St., (505) 982-3433 • At least one SFR staffer’s mother would be very disappointed if we didn’t convey how hard it is to find a good paella in Santa Fe, so let us tell you on her behalf: Get thee to La Boca when you’re craving that sweet, sweet saffron rice aroma.
After skateboarding down Canyon Road, hook a left on Paseo de Peralta and ride the gentle downhill grade directly into the…
The Brakeroom • 510 Galisteo St., (505) 780-8648 • Not only is one of our favorite downtown food trucks parked right outside (see the Bang Bite entry), The Brakeroom itself is one of the more notably vibey drinking spots in the area. The name comes from its former life as a rest stop for railroad brakemen, and the steampunk-inspired decor carries that legacy.
… and have a pint and a burger with some of your best buds.
Sometimes I just want a Lamb Gyro, with some hummus and inside a very interesting seemingly quiet Design Center, there is a mirage of a place called…
Cleopatra Café • Design Center, 418 Cerrillos Road, (505) 820-7381 • Nothing hits quite like a good gyro, does it? If that’s not your thing, though, the King Tut plate has enough falafel, dolma, baba ghanoush and (truly top-notch) hummus to satisfy the hungriest herbivore.
Fernando Olea is the chef of this culinary treat and his innovation working with Mexican cuisine is phenomenal. I highly recommend and when I was asked to host an Australian TV Show that featured Santa Fe restaurants, I immediately took them to…
Sazón • 221 Shelby St., (505) 983-8604 • Some of the most critically-acclaimed upscale Mexican eats in town. Our fave is the cholula—a dish described as a “tower of chile.” Not only that, chef Fernando Olea won a Beard Award for his Southwest cheffin’ last year.
… oh yeah, the TV Show? It’s called United Plates of America… watch it here.
If it’s my birthday, I want to go get breakfast at this little cafe I hold dear to my heart…
Tia Sophia’s • 210 W San Francisco St., (505) 983-9880 • The mythology is almost as rich and delectable as the food, and if you believe the rumors, we have Tia’s to thank for the invention of the breakfast burrito.
Prefer a hand-made cocktail with local distilled spirits and amazing ambience?
As Above, So Below • 545 Camino de la Familia, (505) 916-8596 • In keeping with the name, Altar boasts spirits (including their Ritual gin and Sigil vodka) labeled with a kick of Crowley and multiple green velvet couches of which we’re deeply envious.
If you know me, you’ll find me getting my food medicine here …
La Choza • 905 Alarid St., (505) 982-0909 • We’ve been saying La Choza has the best pinto beans in town since we were...pretty much pinto bean-sized ourselves, and we’re not stopping now. The crowds may have grown in recent years, but the New Mexican food is just as authentic as ever. Everyone loves the margs, too.
Is it your birthday? Then I’m taking you to the sweetest little breakfast spot…
Dolina • 402 N Guadalupe St., (505) 982-9394 • You’ve probably heard more than enough folks rave about the Eastern European pastries on offer here, but have you gotten down with that Hungarian goulash yet? If not, get on that. If so, move on to the borscht.
One of the other hats I get to wear, is the co-curator of Palace Avenue Arts, and we curate all the artwork at my friend Sean’s memorable coffee roaster….
Iconik Coffee Roasters (’Lupe) • 314 S Guadalupe St., (505) 428-0669 • That not-too-sweet Iconik chai is unbeatable—and we can’t get enough of the cobblestone patio out back.
… we curate at Lena Street and at RED, their newest location on Cerrillos.
Una Paloma Blancaaaaaa… take a trip to Oaxaca at our favorite celebratory restaurant…
Paloma • 401 S Guadalupe St., (505) 467-8624 • Whatever you pick from the Nixtamal section (the Mexican fusion offerings are constantly changing), make sure you get some fried Brussels sprouts to share. And while you’re feeling grateful, check out all the gorgeous folk art, tables from Stark Raven Fabrication and killer cocktail menu.
A movie, some food, a pint of beer or a glass of wine… after all this traveling and adulting… pick a seat and watch the best movies while you dine at…
Violet Crown Cinema • 1606 Alcaldesa St., (505) 216-5678 • Being able to wash down the latest Oscar bait or arthouse horror with pecorino truffle French fries is so satisfying—and we guarantee it’s physically impossible you’ll make as much of a mess as we do in the process. Seriously, Violet Crown staff, we have no idea how we always end up spilling so much pecorino and we’re sincerely sorry.
Are the teenagers getting bored? Take them to this pizza joint and head upstairs to play some pool while you dine on local pizza that will knock your socks off…
Back Road Pizza • 1807 Second St., Ste. 1, (505) 955-9055 • We’ve personally witnessed the bizarre time warp that happens around Back Road’s upstairs pool table. We think it has something to do with those delicious cornmeal-dusted crusts. Owner Piper Kapin recently reopened the dining areas, too—just in time for summer patio season!
If you don’t go here for the food, go here to see some smiling faces… one of my favorite restaurants, with an amazing curry…
Jambo Café and Jambo Hapa Food Truck • 2010 Cerrillos Road, (505) 473-1269 • What can be said about beloved chef Ahmed Obo that hasn’t been said by the folks at James Beard or bazillions of “we love you,” pieces across countless publications and websites? Kenyan cuisine is the specialty here, but there’s nothing Obo can’t ace, from Caribbean oxtail stew to Moroccan lamb to cumin French fries.
Literally a favorite of mine, with a walk into a small Japanese ramen joint that will blow your mind. The Black Tonkotsu is my favorite…
Mampuku Ramen • 1965 Cerrillos Road, (505) 772-0169 • The downright Ghibli-worthy tonkatsu bowls this side of town deserves. Don’t forget to save a little room for the quartered mochi.
Alright young ones, head on over to this hip AF bar, and see locals do their thing…
La Reina • El Rey Court, 1862 Cerrillos Road, (505) 982-1931 • Fine mezcal cocktails are the original name of the game at La Reina (the Ultima Palabra with maraschino liqueur is our current fave), but the El Rey Court bar has become one of the best spots in town for live music and queer nights.
A beer and some french fries please… is my order at this farm to table ale house…
Rowley Farmhouse Ales • 1405 Maclovia St., (505) 428-0719 • The head brewer here—John Rowley—is a chemist by training, which will come as no surprise once you’ve tasted his and chef Jeffrey Kaplan’s handiwork. The X-Files themed names scattered throughout the menu are just a bonus.
Good vibes all around, this is one of my favorite places to get the ever so beyond huge burger… The Alien Burger…
Second Street Brewery (Rufina Taproom) • 2920 Rufina St., (505) 954-1068 • The Tesuque Grandma sandwich (panko-fried marinated chicken, chipotle mayo, pickles and coleslaw) tastes all the better while you’re jamming to live music from the taproom’s ever-packed lineup.
My favorite place to dine, usually you’ll find me chatting with the chefs at the bar…
Izanami • 21 Ten Thousand Waves Way, Ste. #2, (505) 982-9304 • Undeniably some of the best sake in town, alongside wagyu beef ishiyaki and yuzu crème brulee for all your non-sushi centric Japanese cuisine cravings. You’re not wrong for thinking that produce tastes especially fresh, either—a good chunk of it is grown on-site at Ten Thousand Waves.
Where everybody knows yourrrr nammmee! This is my favorite local spot, between the gallery and my house, so it makes sense…
Tesuque Village Market • 138 Tesuque Village Road, (505) 988-8848 • Behind those gorgeous murals lie the wood fired pizza and green chile cheese bread that keep even the most drive-averse city folk heading north on the regular. Hear and believe us, too, that TVM has the best key lime pie in the biz, plus a full bar.
The Santa Fe Opera 2023 Season
The Santa Fe Opera Season 2023
Ever since I could remember, my grandparents would take me to the Opera with them. I looked forward to the Häagen-Dazs during intermission, they looked forward to the opera. Yet, as my taste became more refined, I began to really enjoy the theatrics of the Santa Fe Opera. In its 2023 season, June 30 - August 26, The Santa Fe Opera premiers five operas with a world premiere orchestration by Nico Muhly. Here is a run down of the five operas coming up this season…
TOSCA
Giacomo Puccini
Tenacious diva, Floria Tosca, is thrust into a no-win situation after her lover, the painter Mario, assists the escape of a political prisoner. They are cornered by the corrupt Scarpia. Each decision she makes brings fate, and disaster, one step closer.
THE FLYING DUTCHMAN
Richard Wagner
Every seven years, a cursed and ghostly sea captain gets a chance at redemption. He needs a bride to break the curse. Can he find a woman pure of heart, or will he roam the seas eternally?
PELLÉAS ET MÉLISANDE
Claude Debussy
Golaud, grandson of King Arkel, falls in love and marries the mysterious Mélisande. His half-brother Pelléas falls for Mélisande as well. It’s a love triangle of royal proportions.
RUSALKA
Antonîn Dvoråk
Rusalka, a young water nymph, falls in love with a prince. The witch gives her a potion that will render her human but take away her voice. Rusalka risks everything for love and ends up paying dearly.
ORFEO
Music: Claudio Monteverdi
World Premiere Orchestration: Nico Muhly
Legendary lovers, Orfeo and Euridice, face death and separation. They undertake a perilous journey from the underworld back to the world of the living. One rule must be followed: Orfeo cannot look at Euridice. His conviction falters, he turns …
APPRENTICE SCENES
The opera’s singing and technical apprentices take the MainStage spotlight for two unique evenings of staged scenes. These evenings are fun-filled “sampler boxes” of operatic styles. They are a great introduction to opera and a great value for families to enjoy an evening out. They are the perfect opportunity to experience the future of opera - now.
Intrigued? For more information about the Santa Fe Opera, please call 505-986-5900 or visit santafeopera.org.