Cross of the Martyrs
A historic hilltop monument offering sweeping 360-degree views of Santa Fe, especially stunning at sunset.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Spectacular golden hour light
Cross of the Martyrs
Best Time
Spectacular golden hour light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic hilltop monument offering sweeping 360-degree views of Santa Fe, especially stunning at sunset.
"Best place to watch the sunset in Santa Fe with stunning views of downtown and the mountains."
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The sunset views are unparalleled; bring your camera!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk up is paved but can be steep. Good for a light hike.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Views
Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of Santa Fe, especially magical at sunset.
The Cross Monument
A significant landmark commemorating the Franciscan friars killed during the Pueblo Revolt.
Sunset Spectacle
Witness an unforgettable sunset painting the sky with vibrant colors over the city.
Historical Walkway
A paved, zig-zagging path lined with historical plaques detailing the area's past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The sunset views are unparalleled; bring your camera! +2
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk up is paved but can be steep. Good for a light hike.
💧 Stay Hydrated
There's no shade, so bring water, especially on warm days.
🚗 Parking Tips
Look for the designated parking lot or park at Fort Marcy.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The sunset views are unparalleled; bring your camera! +2
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk up is paved but can be steep. Good for a light hike.
💧 Stay Hydrated
There's no shade, so bring water, especially on warm days.
🚗 Parking Tips
Look for the designated parking lot or park at Fort Marcy.
📜 Learn the History
Read the plaques along the path to understand the monument's significance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning panoramic views of Santa Fe, especially during sunset, and the historical significance of the monument. The paved walk up is considered a rewarding experience, though it can be tiring in the heat due to the lack of shade. Parking is available but can be limited.
"This is a fantastic place to visit, especially if you enjoy a bit of a hike. Walking up the path offers an incredible view of the city, making the effort worthwhile. If walking is challenging, you can park at Historic Fort Marcy, but be prepared for a short walk. Keep in mind that there are no shaded areas, so it’s best to visit when the sun is low to avoid the Santa Fe heat. Overall, I highly recommend this spot for its stunning views and unique experience."
Anand
"Great free place to watch sunset on a bluff above town. There’s a big cross that you can climb up above if you don’t want it in your photos. Some parking but not too much. Beautiful views!"
ESB NYC
"Best place to watch the sunset in Santa Fe with stunning views of downtown and the mountains. Chill evening breeze makes it even better. Parking is free — just search “Cross of the Martyrs Parking” on maps."
Neeraj Shrestha
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cross of the Martyrs is located on a hill overlooking downtown Santa Fe. You can drive up and park at the designated lot or at Historic Fort Marcy, followed by a short walk. It's also a manageable walk from the Santa Fe Plaza.
Yes, there is a designated parking lot. However, it can get busy, especially during sunset. Parking at Historic Fort Marcy is another option.
Absolutely! It's a short and scenic walk from the Santa Fe Plaza, making it easily accessible for those exploring the city on foot.
The path is paved and zig-zags up the hill, making it accessible for most. However, it can be tiring for some, especially in the heat.
For sunset, consider arriving a bit early to secure parking and find a good spot. Driving is the most convenient option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Cross of the Martyrs is a free public monument. You can visit and enjoy the views without any admission fee.
The site is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's a public park, so there are no strict opening or closing times, but it's best visited when there's natural light for the views.
There is no entrance fee. The Cross of the Martyrs is a free attraction for all visitors.
While the site is outdoors and not officially closed, it's recommended to visit during daylight or sunset hours for safety and the best viewing experience.
Official guided tours are not commonly advertised, but the historical plaques along the path provide a self-guided history lesson.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset is incredibly popular for photography due to the stunning light and colors. +2 Early mornings also offer beautiful light with fewer people.
You can capture panoramic cityscapes of Santa Fe, the iconic cross monument, and breathtaking sunset scenes. +2
There are no specific restrictions on photography for personal use. You're free to capture the views and the monument.
Yes, you can get good shots of the entire cross from various angles as you ascend the path.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive city views and sunsets. A tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions during sunset.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The main activities are enjoying the panoramic views of Santa Fe, learning about the history from the plaques, and watching the sunset. +2
The walk up is a moderate incline. It can take about 4 minutes to go up the incline, and a mile might take over 15 minutes depending on your pace.
Yes, it's a popular spot for runs and workouts, with a significant incline that can be challenging.
It commemorates the 21 Franciscan friars who were killed during the 1680 Pueblo Revolt. +1
There are no specific amenities like restrooms or water fountains at the site itself. It's advisable to come prepared.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers & Sunset Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History Behind the Monument
While the current site is well-developed, there are discussions among locals about the original location of a smaller cross.
Capturing the Perfect Santa Fe Sunset
To get the most out of your sunset experience, aim to arrive in the late afternoon. This allows ample time to find parking, make the walk up, and settle into a good vantage point.
A Rewarding Hike with a View
For those who prefer to minimize the climb, parking at Historic Fort Marcy provides a shorter walk to the summit.
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