Walk Randall Davey's Home and Gardens, Santa Fe
Nature Trails, an Audubon Center and Bird Sanctuary
Nov 29, 2008
In a pristine Santa Fe Canyon location, the historic home and studio of Randall Davey beckons visitors looking for a quiet place to walk or take an energetic hike. The pink adobe home relays Southwestern style architecture with cottonwood trees and native plants lining the gardens. It’s a peaceful place to just sit on a garden bench and view the surrounding hills. But to fully absorb the natural beauty, nature trails surround the property.
Randall Harvey moved to Santa Fe in 1920 and was a renowned artist and teacher during his lifetime. His attraction to the art community in northern New Mexico convinced him to buy an old mill and convert the building into a home and studio. The charm of the early structure remains and now houses a museum with original period furniture. Local volunteers maintain the gardens by replanting seasonal native varieties. Wrought iron benches are strategically placed to take advantage of the views. Several secluded patios have a bistro table and a few chairs, tempting places to enjoy a picnic lunch.
Harvey loved nature as reflected in many of his paintings. After his death, the property became an Audubon Center and bird sanctuary. Over 130 species can be found in the area and many varieties are viewed from hikers and bird watchers. The Audubon Center encompasses 135 acres surrounded by the Santa Fe National Forest and canyons. A well stocked nature store carries birdfeeders, books and educational materials related to the region.
Two distinctively different trails adjoin the Randall Davey property. One of the trails covers level terrain and the other trail ascends to a moderate climb. The Audubon Center sits at 7500 ft. elevation with canyon and foothill views on all sides.
El Temporal Trail
This primarily flat, ½ mile loop trail starts across the parking lot and is a prime location to setup bird watching equipment. The terrain is low chaparral, with small pinion and juniper trees that attract many birds.
Bear Canyon Trail
The Bear Canyon Trail starts outside of the nature store. The beginning of the trail is well maintained and marked with stone pilings. It climbs gradually for 1 ½ miles crossing the creek bed and continues through Ponderosa pine forests. Also a bird habitat, blue jays and woodpeckers are commonly seen. The trail markers eventually disappear and it’s the hiker’s call on when to turn around. A specific trail ending does not exist.
The Randall Davey home and gardens and the bird sanctuary provide a peaceful retreat from the often busy Santa Fe shopping scene just a few miles away. Follow Canyon Way through a winding myriad of art galleries and chic restaurants to 1800 Upper Canyon Road. More information is available by calling (505) 983-4609.
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