Old Fort Marcy Park, New Mexico

Ft. Marcy is worth a look to gain insight into Santa Fe’s history. Some uphill walking is required, but you will be rewarded with excellent views of the city. Early settlers occupied the area, then became an outlook post for the U.S. Army during the Mexican American War. Thanks to the high, 8,000-feet elevation and number of  ruins that serve as viewing platforms, sunsets in Santa Fe are memorable.

Most visitors go to Old Fort Marcy Park, but there are plenty of other options for viewing in the area. There is nothing but dirt piles left of this fort, so you don’t come here to ‘see’ a fort but to see the view from where the fort used to be. Enjoy a nice leisurely hike up several windy stairs along which plaques tell you the history of the area and fortress. Bring a picnic basket and stay awhile to witness the orange and pink hues sunsets that often break through the clouds, producing a prism of colors.