Hiking in the Land of Enchantment is beautiful, and one of the best parts of being in the Southwest is that we can enjoy the trails any time of year. However, you might think that the most breathtaking hikes are inherently time-consuming and challenging, and that just isn’t the case! Thunder Egg Trail is a short and sweet hike in Deming’s Rockhound State Park, and at just 1.2 miles long, this trail is easy as can be without sacrificing any views. If you still have energy left, this hike connects to Jasper Trail for a 2-mile hike in total. No matter what length you’re up for, Thunder Egg Trail is sure to be beautiful any time of year; it’s one of the best hikes in New Mexico, and we simply cannot get enough.

Welcome to Thunder Egg Trail!

Angelle225 / TripAdvisor

This beautiful hike in Rockhound State Park in Deming won’t take too much out of you, since it’s only 1.2 miles long.

Anna Katherine Moore / AllTrails

Hiking in New Mexico is always fulfilling, but many of our jaw-dropping hikes are up in the mountains and are tailored to experienced hikers.

Jean-Claude Linossi / AllTrails

Thunder Egg Trail is short and sweet, but it’s not sacrificing any views. This park is surrounded by Little Florida Mountains, making for an unforgettable scenic experience.

Josh Hunt / AllTrails

Besides the rugged rocks and canyons around you, you’ll find tons of wildflowers and even a campground if you’re up for making a trip out of this hike.

Josh Hunt / AllTrails

If you aren’t tired yet, you can experience even more New Mexico nature by extending your hike. To turn your 1.2-mile hike into a rounded 2-mile, take Jasper Trail.

Victoria F / TripAdvisor

No matter the time of year, Rockhound State Park is unique and beautiful, and this trail is one of the best ways to see it.

Josh Hunt / AllTrails

Next time you’re looking for a beautiful hike that’s short but sweet in New Mexico, you need to check out Thunder Egg Trail in Rockhound State Park.

Fred Rosin / AllTrails For more information on Rockhound State Park, you can visit the New Mexico State Parks website.

Have you ever taken this short but sweet hike in Rockhound State Park? What was it like? Do you agree it is one of the best hikes in New Mexico? We’d love to hear all about your thoughts and experience in the comments! Don’t forget to then go share your photos from your outdoor adventures in our New Mexico Nature Lovers Facebook group, or tag us on Instagram at #onlyinnewmexico to see your photos featured!

Angelle225 / TripAdvisor

Anna Katherine Moore / AllTrails

Jean-Claude Linossi / AllTrails

Josh Hunt / AllTrails

Victoria F / TripAdvisor

Fred Rosin / AllTrails

For more information on Rockhound State Park, you can visit the New Mexico State Parks website.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Rockhound State Park, 9880 Stirrup Rd SE, Deming, NM 88030, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Hikes in New Mexico March 21, 2022 Tori Jane What are some of the best kid-friendly hikes around New Mexico?   Of the nearly 1,500 trails weaving all over the Land of Enchantment, about 250 of them fit the bill as both easy and brief (under two miles), making them perfect for families with children. In fact, some of New Mexico’s best hikes are kid-friendly, like the legendary Chihuahua Desert Nature Trail, which is nestled within Carlsbad Caverns National Park and features a walk past the exteriors of multiple caverns. Head to Santa Fe National Monument and take the little ones on a journey to Jemez Falls via the Jemez Falls Trail; it features a beautiful waterfall and campground you might just want to stay at forever. The Dune Life Nature Trail is another great one; you’ll find it within White Sands National Park, and it does require a little bit of climbing, but it should be easy enough for the kiddos to navigate. Finally, be sure to look into the Black Rock Hot Springs hike at Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. The possibilities go on from there – the adventure is up to you!   What are the most amazing scenic hikes in New Mexico?   With so many trails to pick from, where on earth (or in New Mexico, rather) do you begin? It can be a little daunting, but that’s alright; it just means you find this planet as awesome as we do, and you can’t wait to explore it as much as you can. Well, why not start with one of our favorite scenic hikes in New Mexico? We love trails like the Bridal Veil Falls & Grand View Trail, which can be found in the Lincoln National Forest and is about seven miles long. The reward at the end is a stunning 45-foot-tall waterfall, though the views along the way are excellent, too. Travel to the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and locate the Pueblo of Nambe; there, you’ll encounter both upper and lower falls, which are easily one of our favorite waterfalls in New Mexico. Want more ideas and inspiration? Check this article out for the ultimate New Mexico waterfalls road trip. 

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Hikes in New Mexico

March 21, 2022

Tori Jane

What are some of the best kid-friendly hikes around New Mexico?   Of the nearly 1,500 trails weaving all over the Land of Enchantment, about 250 of them fit the bill as both easy and brief (under two miles), making them perfect for families with children. In fact, some of New Mexico’s best hikes are kid-friendly, like the legendary Chihuahua Desert Nature Trail, which is nestled within Carlsbad Caverns National Park and features a walk past the exteriors of multiple caverns. Head to Santa Fe National Monument and take the little ones on a journey to Jemez Falls via the Jemez Falls Trail; it features a beautiful waterfall and campground you might just want to stay at forever. The Dune Life Nature Trail is another great one; you’ll find it within White Sands National Park, and it does require a little bit of climbing, but it should be easy enough for the kiddos to navigate. Finally, be sure to look into the Black Rock Hot Springs hike at Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. The possibilities go on from there – the adventure is up to you!   What are the most amazing scenic hikes in New Mexico?   With so many trails to pick from, where on earth (or in New Mexico, rather) do you begin? It can be a little daunting, but that’s alright; it just means you find this planet as awesome as we do, and you can’t wait to explore it as much as you can. Well, why not start with one of our favorite scenic hikes in New Mexico? We love trails like the Bridal Veil Falls & Grand View Trail, which can be found in the Lincoln National Forest and is about seven miles long. The reward at the end is a stunning 45-foot-tall waterfall, though the views along the way are excellent, too. Travel to the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and locate the Pueblo of Nambe; there, you’ll encounter both upper and lower falls, which are easily one of our favorite waterfalls in New Mexico. Want more ideas and inspiration? Check this article out for the ultimate New Mexico waterfalls road trip. 

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Of the nearly 1,500 trails weaving all over the Land of Enchantment, about 250 of them fit the bill as both easy and brief (under two miles), making them perfect for families with children. In fact, some of New Mexico’s best hikes are kid-friendly, like the legendary Chihuahua Desert Nature Trail, which is nestled within Carlsbad Caverns National Park and features a walk past the exteriors of multiple caverns. Head to Santa Fe National Monument and take the little ones on a journey to Jemez Falls via the Jemez Falls Trail; it features a beautiful waterfall and campground you might just want to stay at forever. The Dune Life Nature Trail is another great one; you’ll find it within White Sands National Park, and it does require a little bit of climbing, but it should be easy enough for the kiddos to navigate. Finally, be sure to look into the Black Rock Hot Springs hike at Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. The possibilities go on from there – the adventure is up to you!  

What are the most amazing scenic hikes in New Mexico?  

With so many trails to pick from, where on earth (or in New Mexico, rather) do you begin? It can be a little daunting, but that’s alright; it just means you find this planet as awesome as we do, and you can’t wait to explore it as much as you can. Well, why not start with one of our favorite scenic hikes in New Mexico? We love trails like the Bridal Veil Falls & Grand View Trail, which can be found in the Lincoln National Forest and is about seven miles long. The reward at the end is a stunning 45-foot-tall waterfall, though the views along the way are excellent, too. Travel to the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and locate the Pueblo of Nambe; there, you’ll encounter both upper and lower falls, which are easily one of our favorite waterfalls in New Mexico. Want more ideas and inspiration? Check this article out for the ultimate New Mexico waterfalls road trip.