Frenchy's Field/Santa Fe River Trail — Attraction in Santa Fe

Frenchy’s Field Park in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a charming gem that offers a peaceful escape from the bustle of city life. Nestled along the Santa Fe River, this 16-acre park boasts a rich history as a former dairy farm, now transformed into a welcoming space for families, dog walkers, and nature lovers alike. The paved walking loop—perfect for a leisurely stroll or a quick jog—circles a wildflower-dotted field that bursts with color in the right season, while a shaded playground keeps kids entertained for hours. With picnic tables, grills, and even a labyrinth to explore, it’s a spot that invites you to slow down and savor the simple joys of outdoor time. Plus, the free parking is a rare treat in Santa Fe, making it an easy stop for anyone craving a dose of fresh air.

What really sets Frenchy’s Field apart is its quirky, laid-back vibe—like the prairie dogs that have claimed it as their own little sanctuary, popping up to say hello as you wander the trails. The park’s connection to the Santa Fe River Trail adds an extra layer of adventure, letting you extend your outing with scenic views of the surrounding mountains. It’s not without its quirks, though—some areas could use a little more TLC, with occasional weeds or litter in the mix—but that rustic charm just adds to its character. Whether you’re tossing a ball with your pup, enjoying a picnic under the trees, or just soaking in the quiet, Frenchy’s Field Park is a delightful slice of Santa Fe’s natural heart, perfect for a...

In the early 1970s, I lived in the Agua Fria Street Commune owned and run by Alex Silberstein, at 1701 Agua Fria St. in Santa Fe. One of my favorite things was to sterilize a couple of 1-gallon glass jugs and walk down to Frenchy's Farm to buy some raw milk for a buck a gallon. He seemed like 100 years old to me then, in my early 20s, yet he still took care of his substantial herd of dairy cows with very little help from anyone. He was always happy to stop whatever he was doing and chat for awhile, and I was happy to sit for a few minutes after the long walk and try to make myself understood in French, as he tried to make himself understood in English-- with often hilarious results that we both enjoyed. Whenever he was ready, he would get up and pour out two gallons of rich, frothy milk -- frequently still warm from the cow -- into a funnel that he inserted into my gallon bottles. Then I would walk home with it. By the time it got cold in our refrigerator, the thick yellow cream would have risen to the top, a 2"- 3" layer of sinfully rich, sweet gooey goodness, which would lighten our coffee or tea the next morning. I am so delighted to see that Frenchy's field has been left undeveloped, as a community resource for everyone in Santa...

I love walking the trails in the evening. The lights becoming brighter as I would walk through the park are a welcome feature as it helps me see better. Rarely do I run into anyone else walking the trails after dark which is also nice.

The one thing that was very strange was a woman dressed in a black cloak with the cowl pulled down went walking past me. I had heard her and a male voice speaking in hushed tones for a few minutes while I was resting on the bench conveniently located right on the other side of the foot bridge over the arroyo from the park. I never saw him which made me nervous wondering why they were hiding in the bushes. Stranger still was her attire.

Other than that one evening though, it was generally everything I wanted in a quiet yet brisk evening walk without being bothered by my Santa Fe...