This Short New Mexico Trail Leads to a Stunning, Little-Known Overlook

The Land of Enchantment and its wide open spaces are meant for exploring, and there's so much of New Mexico to explore! From mountains to valleys, lakes, and rivers, we have countless trails that lead to breathtaking scenery and the best views in New Mexico.

If you're looking for a hike that takes you to one of the most stunning overlooks, look no further than the Pueblo Alto Trail in San Juan County. We can almost guarantee its beauty will take your breath away. The Chaco Culture National Historical Park is a remote preserve in Nageezi, New Mexico. Its mission is to preserve "ancestral Puebloan culture dating between 850 and 1250 CE."

Several backcountry trails meander through this nearly 34,000-acre park. For example, there's the Wijiji Trail, the South Mesa Trail, the Peñasco Blanco Trail, and the Pueblo Alto Trail. Today, we are going to focus on the Pueblo Alto Trail.

The Pueblo Alto Trail is nearly 5.5 miles long, and you can expect some slight elevation gain on your journey. Come prepared with plenty of water and sturdy hiking boots to trek along the rugged terrain. There's little shade, so sun protection is also a must. You'll enjoy all types of views as you trek, but once you get to the overlook, the sights are just spectacular! No wonder it's one of the best overlooks in New Mexico! Not only will you see the San Juan Basin, but also numerous Chacoan buildings that are important to the Chaco culture.

There's truly no other hike quite like this with views overlooking an ancient historical site, and it's one worth adding to your bucket list. We think you'll love it! And if you're looking for more to do before or after your hike, visit our itinerary planner for nearby suggestions.