The Little-Known Hiking Path in New Mexico’s Villanueva State Park Is Our Favorite First Hike of the Year

When I'm feeling the winter blues, my go-to solution is always to get outdoors. The crisp, cool air invigorates the mind, body, and spirit, leaving me feeling refreshed and motivated. Start the year off on a high note by embarking on our favorite little-known hiking path in New Mexico: the Viewpoint Loop Trail at Villanueva State Park. It's short, not too difficult, and offers truly stunning views, making it ideal for a slow, contemplative first hike of the year. I especially love this trail because so few people know about it, so you're guaranteed peace and quiet.

Beginning near the El Cerro Upper Campground within Villanueva State Park, the Viewpoint Loop Trail is 1.8 miles long and rated moderate on AllTrails. It has an elevation gain of just over 400 feet with some rock scrambling involved, but it's nothing so technical that you need a ton of hiking experience.

Although, we do recommend wearing sturdy hiking shoes for this journey. While the trail is quite easy to follow, it is still fairly rough, and you will have to climb rocky steps. Watch your step throughout your journey, but don't look down the entire way. You'll miss what makes this hiking trail so special.

The view from the trail's highest point is astonishing. You can see for miles in all directions, and the Pecos River looks positively stunning from above as it cuts through the valley and meanders past canyons dotted with lush greenery. There's plenty of space at the top for a picnic, so pack some snacks and take advantage of the trail's short length by stopping to soak up the scenery. You'll also have the opportunity to cross the river on a wooden bridge and see the beautiful surroundings up close.

Winter is an especially great time to take the Viewpoint Loop Trail because it doesn't offer much shade, so the warmer months can prove quite brutal. Just be sure to bring plenty of water no matter what time of year it is, as the trail doesn't have any opportunities to refill.

Visit AllTrails for more information about the Viewpoint Loop Trail and to read about recent hikers' experiences on this route. And, if you are looking for even more hiking inspiration for the new year, we have oodles of recommendations. Check out our list featuring some of the top-rated hikes in New Mexico, as well as some of our favorite underrated national forest hikes in the Land of Enchantment. And if you are planning to spend the new year visiting many New Mexico state parks, check out our list of lesser-known state parks in NM that we recommend adding to your travel wishlist.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own outdoor adventure in New Mexico using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.