The Iconic Trail in New Mexico Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

Bucket-list hiking trails in New Mexico aren't hard to come by. The varied and lovely terrain of the Land of Enchantment lends itself to endless trails to enjoy; in fact, you could easily dedicate a lifetime to hiking them all. But there's one trek that, in our opinion, stands above the rest. The South Piedra Lisa Trail is a love letter to New Mexico. Tucked away near Albuquerque in the Sandia Mountain Wilderness, it winds its way through Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and during the spring and summer, abundant wildflowers. To top it all off, you'll enjoy stunning mountain views. If you haven't added this hike to your repertoire, it's high time you visited.

First, the numbers. The South Piedra Lisa Trail is a four-mile out-and-back trail that gains 1,200 feet in elevation and takes about two-and-a-half hours to complete. It's rated as moderately difficult, meaning most people with some hiking experience in the mountains will be able to complete it. That being said, it's not suitable for beginners. The trail features some steep inclines, so you'll want to wear sturdy hiking shoes. We also recommend starting your hike early to take advantage of shade and avoid the hottest part of the day.

By all accounts, the South Piedra Lisa Trail is easy to follow and, although it's popular, is never too crowded, especially if you can visit on a weekday. The trail is in wonderful condition, too, although it doesn't hurt to watch where you're stepping and bring poles for extra support.

One of the best aspects of this trail is that it offers not just one, but multiple beautiful views. The gorgeous scenery is all along this trail, offering hikers an opportunity to admire the surroundings while catching their breath and drinking water. (Don't forget to bring your water bottle!)

The South Piedra Lisa Trail is the type of outdoor adventure you just can't seem to forget. There may be easier trails in the Land of Enchantment, but this hike is well worth your efforts. Lace up your hiking boots and decide for yourself whether this is one of the best hiking trails in New Mexico.

Have you hiked the South Piedra Lisa Trail before? If not, be sure to share this article with someone you'd like to go with! If you're looking for some easier trails, we've compiled a list of some of our favorite short-and-sweet trails in New Mexico.

Now it's time to plan your own trip to this corner of the Land of Enchantment with Only In Your State’s AI-powered itinerary planner.