New Mexico is a beautiful mountainous state full of spectacular natural beauty and a variety of scenic hikes for outdoor enthusiasts. However, if there are only five hikes you ever do in the Land of Enchantment, which five would you choose? That’s certainly no easy question with so many beautiful hiking trails around the state. So, to help, here are just five of the best hikes in New Mexico.
- Chimney Rock Trail, Ghost Ranch (Abiquiu)
Kelly B./Yelp This dramatic, three-mile roundtrip trail is a somewhat moderate hike. It is also one of the most scenic of any hike in the state. From gorgeous desert views to stunning rock colorations to Chimney Rock itself — a sight so beautiful it inspired artist Georgia O’Keeffe — there is much in the area to explore in addition to the hike itself. Abiquiu, NM 87510, USA
- Paliza Canyon Trail, Jemez Mountains (Ponderosa)
Jaimie Wages/AllTrails This unique, easy, four-mile out-and-back hike takes you through a colony of goblins. Also called hoodoos and fairy chimneys, these interesting eroded rocks actually look like, well, goblins. Paliza Canyon, Ponderosa, NM 87044, USA
- Narrows Rim Trail, El Malpais National Conservation Area (Grants)
mwwile/Flickr The amazing eight-mile, out-and-back Narrows Rim Trail takes you on a journey to the edge of a towering sandstone mesa that overlooks the 1,500-year-old McCarty’s lava flow. At the end of the trail, you are treated to spectacular views of La Ventana (the window) — the state’s second-largest natural rock arch. Along the way, there is ample flora and fauna including towering Ponderosa pines to provide much-needed shade. El Malpais National Conservation Area, NM-117, Grants, NM 87020, USA
- Bull-of-the-Woods Trail, Wheeler Peak (Taos)
Sarah Richter/Flickr This somewhat vigorous 14.5-mile out-and-back trail near Taos takes you up New Mexico’s highest mountain — the 13,161-foot Wheeler Peak. While Williams Lake Trail provides another route up the peak, Bull-of-the-Woods Trail is far more conventional and well-trafficked. In addition to spectacular panoramic views of the mountains and a glimpse of Horseshoe Lake below, there is ample wildlife, green pastures, a charming stream, and trees galore. Bull of the Woods Trail, Taos Ski Valley, NM 87525, USA
- Diablo Canyon Trail (Los Alamos)
Tony Fernandez/Flickr The Diablo Canyon Trail covers 4.3 miles on the canyon’s floor and features a river, rugged cliff faces, spectacular views, and you may even see a film crew. This area has been featured in many movies such as 3:10 to Yuma and Aliens and Cowboys. Once you see it, you’ll definitely recognize this stunning canyon. This hike is one everyone should experience. Diablo Canyon, New Mexico 87016, USA
Have you tried any of these five hikes? What do you think are the best hikes in New Mexico? Did I leave your favorite off this list? Let us know in the comments!
Kelly B./Yelp
This dramatic, three-mile roundtrip trail is a somewhat moderate hike. It is also one of the most scenic of any hike in the state. From gorgeous desert views to stunning rock colorations to Chimney Rock itself — a sight so beautiful it inspired artist Georgia O’Keeffe — there is much in the area to explore in addition to the hike itself.
Abiquiu, NM 87510, USA
Jaimie Wages/AllTrails
This unique, easy, four-mile out-and-back hike takes you through a colony of goblins. Also called hoodoos and fairy chimneys, these interesting eroded rocks actually look like, well, goblins.
Paliza Canyon, Ponderosa, NM 87044, USA
mwwile/Flickr
The amazing eight-mile, out-and-back Narrows Rim Trail takes you on a journey to the edge of a towering sandstone mesa that overlooks the 1,500-year-old McCarty’s lava flow. At the end of the trail, you are treated to spectacular views of La Ventana (the window) — the state’s second-largest natural rock arch. Along the way, there is ample flora and fauna including towering Ponderosa pines to provide much-needed shade.
El Malpais National Conservation Area, NM-117, Grants, NM 87020, USA
Sarah Richter/Flickr
This somewhat vigorous 14.5-mile out-and-back trail near Taos takes you up New Mexico’s highest mountain — the 13,161-foot Wheeler Peak. While Williams Lake Trail provides another route up the peak, Bull-of-the-Woods Trail is far more conventional and well-trafficked. In addition to spectacular panoramic views of the mountains and a glimpse of Horseshoe Lake below, there is ample wildlife, green pastures, a charming stream, and trees galore.
Bull of the Woods Trail, Taos Ski Valley, NM 87525, USA
Tony Fernandez/Flickr
The Diablo Canyon Trail covers 4.3 miles on the canyon’s floor and features a river, rugged cliff faces, spectacular views, and you may even see a film crew. This area has been featured in many movies such as 3:10 to Yuma and Aliens and Cowboys. Once you see it, you’ll definitely recognize this stunning canyon. This hike is one everyone should experience.
Diablo Canyon, New Mexico 87016, USA
If you are looking for even more scenic hikes in New Mexico to explore, here are seven easy hiking trails in New Mexico with an amazing payoff.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best hikes in New Mexico March 19, 2022 Courtnie Erickson What are some kid-friendly hikes around New Mexico? The number of hiking trails in New Mexico is certainly plentiful. However, when searching for trails that even young kids can do, you may feel a bit overwhelmed. Luckily, there are kid-friendly hikes around New Mexico that are easy, beautiful, and well worth it. One of the best easy hikes in New Mexico is the Crater Rim Trail at Capulin National Monument. This 1.1-mile loop trail is paved and takes you around the rim of an inactive volcano. It is certainly one of our favorite scenic hikes in New Mexico as you can see for miles, but be prepared for a few inclines along your way. For a scenic hike in New Mexico with a big payoff at the end, check out the McCauley Hot Springs Trail. This easy hike is found in the Santa Fe National Forest and leads to a gorgeous hot spring. This hike is four miles, a little long for many young kiddos, but it is a fairly easy trail to tackle, making it ideal for older children and teenagers. Just make sure you bring some extra clothing and maybe an extra pair of socks and shoes if you plan to relax at the hot springs. One of the best hikes in New Mexico is the Black Canyon Loop Trail. This 1.6-miles trail will take you through some of the most stunning scenery the Land of Enchantment has to offer. This is also a less popular trail, making it easy to find some peace and quiet out in nature.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best hikes in New Mexico
March 19, 2022
Courtnie Erickson
What are some kid-friendly hikes around New Mexico? The number of hiking trails in New Mexico is certainly plentiful. However, when searching for trails that even young kids can do, you may feel a bit overwhelmed. Luckily, there are kid-friendly hikes around New Mexico that are easy, beautiful, and well worth it. One of the best easy hikes in New Mexico is the Crater Rim Trail at Capulin National Monument. This 1.1-mile loop trail is paved and takes you around the rim of an inactive volcano. It is certainly one of our favorite scenic hikes in New Mexico as you can see for miles, but be prepared for a few inclines along your way. For a scenic hike in New Mexico with a big payoff at the end, check out the McCauley Hot Springs Trail. This easy hike is found in the Santa Fe National Forest and leads to a gorgeous hot spring. This hike is four miles, a little long for many young kiddos, but it is a fairly easy trail to tackle, making it ideal for older children and teenagers. Just make sure you bring some extra clothing and maybe an extra pair of socks and shoes if you plan to relax at the hot springs. One of the best hikes in New Mexico is the Black Canyon Loop Trail. This 1.6-miles trail will take you through some of the most stunning scenery the Land of Enchantment has to offer. This is also a less popular trail, making it easy to find some peace and quiet out in nature.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The number of hiking trails in New Mexico is certainly plentiful. However, when searching for trails that even young kids can do, you may feel a bit overwhelmed. Luckily, there are kid-friendly hikes around New Mexico that are easy, beautiful, and well worth it.
One of the best easy hikes in New Mexico is the Crater Rim Trail at Capulin National Monument. This 1.1-mile loop trail is paved and takes you around the rim of an inactive volcano. It is certainly one of our favorite scenic hikes in New Mexico as you can see for miles, but be prepared for a few inclines along your way.
For a scenic hike in New Mexico with a big payoff at the end, check out the McCauley Hot Springs Trail. This easy hike is found in the Santa Fe National Forest and leads to a gorgeous hot spring. This hike is four miles, a little long for many young kiddos, but it is a fairly easy trail to tackle, making it ideal for older children and teenagers. Just make sure you bring some extra clothing and maybe an extra pair of socks and shoes if you plan to relax at the hot springs.
One of the best hikes in New Mexico is the Black Canyon Loop Trail. This 1.6-miles trail will take you through some of the most stunning scenery the Land of Enchantment has to offer. This is also a less popular trail, making it easy to find some peace and quiet out in nature.
