You Can Hike in Two States in One Day on This New Mexico Trail

With the seasons changing from a cold winter to a warm spring, hiking will be at the forefront of many of our minds. With so many trails to choose from between the state and national, it's almost overwhelming. So, if you want something different, how about a trail near the state's border that allows you to hike two states at once in New Mexico and Colorado? If you're as intrigued as I am, pack your hiking backpack, put on some boots with good tread, and head to Sugarite Canyon State Park to hike the Lake Maloya Trail from New Mexico into Colorado.

Trail Overview: Distance, Difficulty, and Scenic Highlights

Tucked away in the north-central part of New Mexico, near the Colorado border, lies the underrated Sugarite Canyon State Park. Throughout its 3,600 acres, there is an abundance of birds, wildlife, and wildflowers in the spring and summer, and 13 miles of trails to explore it all. But only one trail in the park, the Lake Maloya Trail, allows you to cross over into Colorado to continue your hike.

The Lake Maloya Trail offers an easy-to-moderate, family-friendly adventure that takes less than 2 hours to complete with no stops. It's 2.2 miles each way, for a total of 4.4 miles out and back, and you'll only have an elevation gain of 288 feet. The trail follows the west shore of Lake Maloya and then joins the Opportunity Trail. You'll follow the trail to the right and up to the north end of the lake into Colorado, where it terminates at the Lake Dorothy State Wildlife Area trailhead.

Along this cross-border journey, you may see wildflowers (depending on the time of year, of course), wildlife, and birds such as osprey, red-tailed hawks, and canyon wren. The forest, lake, and creek views are also outstanding, and hikers rave about the trail's beauty. You should also be on the lookout for mountain bikers and equestrians sharing the trail.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking in Two States

There are several frequently asked questions for those who wish to hike the Lake Maloya Trail from New Mexico to Colorado. Here are just a few FAQs:

• Where can I park for the Lake Maloya Trail? Located at Sugarite Canyon State Park in Raton, NM, there is a medium-sized lot off Highway 526.
• Is the Lake Maloya Trail busy? The Lake Maloya Trail is usually not busy, but sees more hikers in the spring, especially in May.
• Can I bring my dog? Yes, the trail is dog-friendly, but your four-legged best friend must remain on a leash at all times.

Hike Two States at Once in New Mexico and Colorado

If you'd like to spend a day hiking between New Mexico and Colorado, head to Sugarite Canyon State Park and embark on an adventure along the Lake Maloya Trail. You can view trail conditions and other important information on the Lake Maloya Trail on AllTrails, and check out the Sugarite Canyon State Park web page for any advisories.