Is this a guided tour Santa Fe offers?

No, this is a self-guided audio walk. You can start exploring with Zigway whenever you like and move at your own pace without following a group or schedule.

What is the best walking tour Santa Fe has for literature lovers?

This 'Ghosts and Writers' route is ideal for literature fans. It visits the bookstore frequented by Cormac McCarthy and the cinema owned by George R.R. Martin, highlighting the city's rich writing history.

Is the route hilly or difficult to walk?

The route is considered easy and flat. It stays within the downtown and Railyard districts, which are designed for pedestrians and have well-maintained sidewalks.

Can I see real ghosts at La Posada?

While sightings aren't guaranteed, La Posada is widely considered one of the most haunted places in the US. Many visitors go specifically to see the room of Julia Staab.

Are the stops on this walk free to enter?

Most stops, like the bookstore and hotel lobbies, are free to enter. However, checking showtimes at the Jean Cocteau Cinema or buying a book at Collected Works is encouraged to support local businesses.

Is this walk suitable for families?

Yes, the walk is family-friendly. The ghost stories are more historical than terrifying, and children often enjoy the bronze burro statues in Burro Alley.

When is the best time of day for this walk?

Late afternoon is perfect. You can enjoy the shops while they are open and then experience the 'haunted' atmosphere of the hotels as the sun begins to set over the adobe buildings.

Ghosts and Writers of Santa Fe | Self-Guided Walking Tour

About This Guided Walking Tour

Step into the 'City Different' and discover a side of Santa Fe where the lines between history, literature, and the supernatural blur. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the winding streets of Downtown Santa Fe, a place that has long served as a sanctuary for writers, dreamers, and perhaps a few lingering spirits. From the high-desert light that inspired Willa Cather to the modern-day fantasy realms of George R.R. Martin, this neighborhood stroll reveals the stories etched into the adobe walls. Your journey begins at a beloved local literary hub and winds through historic shortcuts like Burro Alley, where the echoes of the Old West still resonate. You will encounter the architectural grandeur of Grant Avenue and explore the haunted corridors of former hospitals and grand estates. Along this walking route, you will learn about the socialite whose ghost is said to still host parties at La Posada and the creative revival of a classic cinema in the Railyard district. What makes this experience special is the ability to discover at your own pace. While many look for a walking tour Santa Fe to see the typical sights, this route dives deeper into the hidden gems and local favorites that define the city’s soul. Whether you are a fan of classic literature, a seeker of ghost stories, or simply a traveler looking to soak in the unique atmosphere of the Southwest, this audio walk provides the context and narrative to make the city come alive. No need for a guided tour Santa Fe when you have the city's most compelling legends right in your pocket. As you wander past centuries-old structures and vibrant art spaces, you'll see why Santa Fe remains a magnetic North for creators. The route captures the essence of a town that honors its past while constantly reinventing its future. Prepare to see the landmarks through the eyes of the authors who loved them and the spirits who refuse to leave them.

Tour Highlights & Things to See

Visit Collected Works Bookstore, the heart of Santa Fe's writing community
Stroll through the historic Burro Alley and its Old West bronze statues
Discover the haunted history of the Drury Plaza Hotel's former hospital wings
Hear the legend of Julia Staab, the permanent resident of La Posada
See the Jean Cocteau Cinema, restored by Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour.

Tour Stops & Points of Interest (6)

1

Collected Works Bookstore

Begin your self-guided adventure at Collected Works Bookstore, a cornerstone of Santa Fe’s literary identity for over 40 years. This isn't just a shop; it’s a community gathering place where local legends like Cormac McCarthy and Hampton Sides have been known to browse the stacks. As you stand here, consider how the landscape of New Mexico has influenced American literature. The 'high-desert light' and the intersection of Indigenous, Spanish, and Anglo cultures provided a rich tapestry for authors. Many writers came here for the health-giving air but stayed for the stories. Before you move on, take a moment to appreciate the local section, which highlights the deep connection between the land and the written word in the Southwest.

2

Burro Alley

Just a short walk away is Burro Alley, a narrow passage that feels like a portal back to the 19th century. In the days of the Santa Fe Trail, this was where wood-haulers would park their burros while they sold firewood to the residents of the Plaza. It was also once the city’s unofficial red-light district, filled with gambling dens and saloons. Look for the bronze statue of a wood-peddler and his burro, a tribute to this humble but vital part of city history. The alley captures the gritty, hardworking spirit of old Santa Fe, a stark contrast to the polished boutiques you see today. It is a place where the ghosts of frontiersmen and traders seem to linger in the shadows.

3

Grant Avenue

As you walk along Grant Avenue, you are surrounded by some of the most significant historic architecture in the city. To one side sits the New Mexico Museum of Art, built in the Pueblo Revival style that defines Santa Fe's aesthetic. This street has long been a prestigious address, home to judges, politicians, and the social elite. Many of the buildings here have stood for over a century, witnessing the transition from a dusty territory to a world-class art destination. The literary connection here is strong, as many visiting writers in the 1920s and 30s were hosted in the grand homes nearby, finding inspiration in the adobe curves and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains framed at the end of the street.

4

Drury Plaza Hotel

The Drury Plaza Hotel occupies a site with a long and somber history. Before it was a luxury hotel, this was the St. Vincent Hospital, founded by the Sisters of Charity in the late 1800s. The stone building you see today was a major medical hub for decades. Local lore is filled with stories from former nurses and patients who claimed to see 'phantom doctors' or heard the sound of gurneys in empty hallways. Even today, guests sometimes report strange occurrences in the older wings of the building. It serves as a reminder that in Santa Fe, the past is never truly gone; it is simply repurposed. The hotel has done a magnificent job of preserving the historic masonry while acknowledging its place in the city's haunted geography.

5

La Posada de Santa Fe

La Posada is perhaps the most famous haunted location in New Mexico. The original brick mansion, the Staab House, was built in 1882 by Abraham Staab for his wife, Julia. After the tragic loss of a child, Julia reportedly withdrew into the house and never truly left. Since her death in 1896, staff and visitors have reported seeing a dark-haired woman in a long dress near the fireplace or on the grand staircase. Julia is said to be a friendly ghost, appearing most often when the hotel is lively and full of guests. This stop perfectly encapsulates the theme of 'Ghosts and Writers,' as Julia's life has been fictionalized in several novels, cementing her status as a Santa Fe legend.

6

Jean Cocteau Cinema

Your walk concludes at the Jean Cocteau Cinema, a landmark that bridges Santa Fe's historic charm with its modern creative energy. Originally opened in 1910, the theater fell into disrepair before being purchased and lovingly restored by George R.R. Martin, the author of the 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series. Martin turned it into a hub for independent film, literary events, and even a bookstore featuring signed copies of works by his fellow fantasy and sci-fi authors. It is a testament to how writers continue to shape the physical landscape of this city. After exploring the cinema, you are in the perfect spot to enjoy the nearby Railyard district’s galleries and cafes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The walk typically takes 90 to 120 minutes depending on how long you spend browsing books or exploring the hotel lobbies. The total distance is approximately 1.2 miles (2 km) through the downtown area.