With a new year comes new possibilities. And for many, one of the best ways to reflect on those probabilities is by partaking in a hike in nature. Whether you’re new to hiking or a seasoned expert, you’ll definitely want to check out these seven trails right here in New Mexico. Each is fairly easy with gorgeous views, so you can focus more on your pending goals and less on catching your breath between strides.
- Dripping Springs Trail (Las Cruces)
Bureau of Land Management/Flickr Take advantage of trekking this trail while the temperatures are cool. Located a short drive from Las Cruces, this trail measures 2.7 miles overall and you will absolutely fall in love with the views here. Plus, depending on the weather, you just might spot a seasonal waterfall.
Details: AllTrails
- Jemez Falls Trail (Jemez Springs)
Erica Fields/AllTrails This short trail is heavily used in the summer and fall months but lessens once those freezing temperatures arrive. If you’re lucky, you just might get to see the waterfall frozen over!
Details: AllTrails
- Lava Falls Trail (El Malpais National Monument)
El Malpais National Monument/Facebook You won’t find too many people on this trail so it’s perfect for a quiet morning walk when visiting El Malpais National Monument near Grants. Lava Falls Trails measures just under one mile and seeing the remnants of ancient rivers of fire that date back about 2 million years. It kind of puts things into perspective!
Details: AllTrails
- Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park (Las Cruces)
Jeni Sauce/AllTrails Flat and picturesque, the small trails here combine into about 1.5 miles as they follow the Rio Grande, loop around marshes, and introduce you to some of New Mexico’s stunning wetlands. This is an easy hike so you can easily drift into your own thoughts.
Details: New Mexico State Parks
- Osha Trail (Cloudcroft)
Jorge Carrillo/Flickr Measuring a mere 2.2 miles, this trail is great for beginners and also a popular trail. It’s a little quieter in the winter months and features some beautiful snowy scenery.
Details: Lincoln National Forest
- Red River Nature Trail (Red River)
Tyler Young/AllTrails If you get nervous at the idea of venturing too far from town or being too far removed from people, then you just might enjoy this 3.2-mile hike outside Red River. It features gorgeous scenery from the base of the mountain on an easy-to-follow trail.
Details: AllTrails
- Williams Lake Trail (Taos Ski Valley)
Rebecca K/TripAdvisor This hike totals four miles and even with a bit of elevation gain, it’s still a fairly easy hike for most people. During the winter, you may want to wear snowshoes or bring other winter hiking gear since the snow can get quite deep as you get nearer the lake. It’s still an amazing sight and adventure!
Details: Carson National Forest
Those looked like amazing trails, don’t they? What do you like to do when you’re in the midst of contemplation and reflection?
Bureau of Land Management/Flickr
Take advantage of trekking this trail while the temperatures are cool. Located a short drive from Las Cruces, this trail measures 2.7 miles overall and you will absolutely fall in love with the views here. Plus, depending on the weather, you just might spot a seasonal waterfall.
Details: AllTrails
Erica Fields/AllTrails
This short trail is heavily used in the summer and fall months but lessens once those freezing temperatures arrive. If you’re lucky, you just might get to see the waterfall frozen over!
Details: AllTrails
El Malpais National Monument/Facebook
You won’t find too many people on this trail so it’s perfect for a quiet morning walk when visiting El Malpais National Monument near Grants. Lava Falls Trails measures just under one mile and seeing the remnants of ancient rivers of fire that date back about 2 million years. It kind of puts things into perspective!
Details: AllTrails
Jeni Sauce/AllTrails
Flat and picturesque, the small trails here combine into about 1.5 miles as they follow the Rio Grande, loop around marshes, and introduce you to some of New Mexico’s stunning wetlands. This is an easy hike so you can easily drift into your own thoughts.
Details: New Mexico State Parks
Jorge Carrillo/Flickr
Measuring a mere 2.2 miles, this trail is great for beginners and also a popular trail. It’s a little quieter in the winter months and features some beautiful snowy scenery.
Details: Lincoln National Forest
Tyler Young/AllTrails
If you get nervous at the idea of venturing too far from town or being too far removed from people, then you just might enjoy this 3.2-mile hike outside Red River. It features gorgeous scenery from the base of the mountain on an easy-to-follow trail.
Details: AllTrails
Rebecca K/TripAdvisor
This hike totals four miles and even with a bit of elevation gain, it’s still a fairly easy hike for most people. During the winter, you may want to wear snowshoes or bring other winter hiking gear since the snow can get quite deep as you get nearer the lake. It’s still an amazing sight and adventure!
Details: Carson National Forest
If you’re instead looking for an opportunity to get out into nature with your kiddos, there are plenty of super short trails around the state that are easy to navigate. Read some of our suggestions in 7 Totally Kid-Friendly Hikes In New Mexico That Are 1 Mile And Under.
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Address: Dripping Springs, New Mexico 88426, USAAddress: Jemez Springs, NM 87025, USAAddress: El Malpais National Monument, Grants, NM, USAAddress: Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park, 5000 Calle Del Norte, Las Cruces, NM 88005, USAAddress: Cloudcroft, NM 88317, USAAddress: Red River, NM, USAAddress: Williams Lake, New Mexico 87525, USA
