Eldorado at Santa Fe is a premier homeowner community that offers residents a rich selection of outdoor amenities. This neighborhood is popular with families and provides residents with extensive recreation options in its community center, scheduled events, and surrounding area. When visiting Eldorado, don’t miss out on these great activities.
Explore the Eldorado Community Preserve
The Community Preserve at Eldorado features 4,094 acres of undeveloped land and is by far one of the best amenities the area offers. Its boundaries stretch from Highway 285 across the Galisteo River and south toward Lamy. This preserve protects archaeologically and ecologically sensitive areas which residents can explore by hiking, biking, and horseback riding on designated trails.
This preserve spans a diverse and beautiful desert highland landscape. Visitors can admire the pink granite of steep canyons, unique rock formations, and red limestone cliffs. Ridges and mesas are heavily wooded with juniper, pinon, cholla, and rabbitbrush in lower elevations. Higher up, hikers will spot ponderosa pine and gambel oak. Many arroyos also cross through the area.
Hike the Santa Fe Rail-Trail
Another great thing to do when searching for Eldorado homes for sale is to hike the Santa Fe Rail-Trail. This trail follows the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway line through New Mexico’s desert landscape. Although the trail starts at Santa Fe’s Railyard Park, it eventually enters through Eldorado on its way to Highway 285 and Lamy.
Some of this trail is paved, which offers a more leisurely hike for those interested in viewing the landscape dotted with juniper, yucca, and pinion. The unpaved, densely packed trail is also a favorite with mountain bikers. Local hikers can access this route at Avenida Eldorado or other intersecting trailheads nearby.
Have fun at the community center
Local experts like those on the Ricky, Cathy, and Tara Team can tell home searchers just how valuable Eldorado’s community center is to its residents. Located on 28 acres of land, this center offers a pool and kiddie pool open throughout the summer, two tennis courts available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and a baseball field for exclusive resident use. The playgrounds are great for families with young children as well.
Other outdoor amenities include a dog park, volleyball nets, basketball courts, and horseshoes. The center itself is located in a ranch house building which provides rooms that can be reserved by guests. Eldorado residents can also find useful resources for even more recreational opportunities, like maps to trails in surrounding green belts or an explanation of the 14 miles of hiking and biking paths throughout the community.
Attend a community event
Eldorado at Santa Fe cultivates a tight-knit community by hosting events residents can partake in. Community members can join the Eldorado hiking group, which hikes every Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. Other activities like chair aerobics are a fun way to make new connections while staying fit. Residents can also join social groups to play games like Mah Jongg at the community center.
Reserve a table at Cafe Fina
Eldorado’s culinary scene contains tasty spots like Cafe Fina with locally inspired dishes. This intimate restaurant offers brunch all days of the week for its guests. Indoor seating looks out onto the surrounding desert landscape, while intimate outdoor seating features wicker chairs, shaded tables, and overhanging trees. This brunch destination has a New Mexico flair with its wood-framed walkways and local art.
The daily brunch menu is available from Tuesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and offers a succinct selection of main dishes. Those who enjoy a sweet first meal will love the cloud cakes: ricotta pancakes topped with real maple syrup and berries. The migas is another must-try, an egg and tortilla dish topped with beans, guac, and asadero cheese. Guests can order pastries and beverages for takeout between 3-4 p.m. or sample this restaurant’s take-out-only dinner menu.
Ready to have fun in Eldorado?
Eldorado at Santa Fe is a laid-back community with a strong nature focus that offers plenty of fun and entertainment to long-time residents and visitors alike. Outdoor recreation abounds in the expansive community preserve and nearby hiking trails. Locals also love the delicious dishes at Cafe Fina. Home searchers interested in Eldorado should partner with a local agent for more information about living in this neighborhood. When you’re ready to start a home search in the area, contact the trusted agents on the Ricky Allen, Cathy Griffith, and Tara Earley Team for expert help.
