New Mexico
Nature|Hiking

This Incredible Hike Leads To A Lake So Hidden You’ll Have It All To Yourself

Middle Fork Lake Trail in New Mexico offers a moderate 5-mile hike through a forest with streams and waterfalls, leading to a secluded and picturesque lake.

Published Aug 27, 2018

Written by 

E Jamar

Hiking in the Land of Enchantment is absolutely breathtaking, whether it’s an easy hike or a more difficult one. This trail is right in the middle with a moderate difficulty, but the payoff is anything but average. Once you reach the end of this 5-mile trek, you’ll find the most breathtaking lake, and you’ll likely have it all to yourself. Lace up your boots, and get ready to find the most peaceful escape in New Mexicoa

Welcome to Middle Fork Lake Trail!

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Brenna Reaves/AllTrails

This roughly 5-mile hike in an old forest by Red River is the epitome of beauty. Though there are many switchbacks, this hike isn't too daunting.

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Annette Madrid/AllTrails

Despite being engulfed in the forest, you'll still pass many small streams and waterfalls, offering a serene atmosphere.

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Brenna Reaves/AllTrails

Along the wide path, you might even find a friend or two!

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Annette Madrid/AllTrails

Once you reach the end, the trees will part and you'll find yourself at a gorgeous hidden oasis.

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Mayra Acord/AllTrails

This secluded lake offers other hiking opportunities around the lake if you're not done hiking yet.

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Sarah Robertson/AllTrails

Middle Fork Lake is so picturesque, you'll think it's straight off a postcard. Odds are, you'll have this unbelievable lake all to yourself.

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S Stepko/AllTrails

If you're looking for a fun hike with an amazing payoff, Middle Fork Lake Trail is your best bet.

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S Stepko/AllTrails

Middle Fork Lake Trail is located in Carson National Forest, off State Road 38 in Red River, NM.

Have you ever had Middle Fork Lake all to yourself? Let us hear about your experience in the comments, and don’t forget to share photos from your adventures with us in our New Mexico Nature Lovers Facebook group, or tag us on Instagram by tagging #onlyinnewmexico for a chance to be featured!

For another hidden oasis, you must visit this underrated natural hot spring.

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Nature|Hiking

This Beautiful Boardwalk Trail In New Mexico Is The Most Unique Hike Around

Interdune Boardwalk Trail in White Sands National Monument offers a short, accessible hike with breathtaking views of sand dunes.

Updated Aug 12, 2024

Written by 

E Jamar

The Land of Enchantment is full of breathtaking landscapes, and amazing trails to walk through them. This boardwalk trail takes you through one of our nation's greatest treasures and transports you to a scenic delight where you'll feel completely free. This one hike might be short and sweet, but it's the perfect hike for anyone and everyone. You won't want to miss out on one of the best hikes in New Mexico that's completely surrounded by beauty.

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Interdune Boardwalk Trail is the perfect, easygoing trail. It's also one of the most beautiful accessible trails in White Sands National Park.

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kountrygurlla/TripAdvisor

This New Mexico boardwalk trail inside White Sands National Monument is right outside of Alamogordo.

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hjk1962/TripAdvisor

Walking upon the sand dunes is an unreal experience, and this short and easy hike makes for the perfect views.

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jrog9832/TripAdvisor

This trail is fully accessible and keeps you elevated above the fragile dunes.

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Sarah Robertson/AllTrails

Along the way, there are informational signs so you can learn about the sand and the plants that grow within it.

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aprilamente/TripAdvisor

This trail is truly perfect for the whole family, and great for kids.

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gaminwoman/TripAdvisor

It's said that the White Sand is a national treasure, and we couldn't agree more. Looking out into the vast, clear sand is truly freeing.

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balloonr/TripAdvisor

This boardwalk trail at White Sands might be short and sweet, but it's truly breathtaking.

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alpw/TripAdvisor

Have you been to the incredible White Sands? Did you take the boardwalk hike, one of the best hikes in New Mexico? Let us know how it was in the comments, and don’t forget to share photos from your adventures with us on Instagram by tagging #onlyinnewmexico for a chance to be featured!

Looking for more New Mexico hiking? This cave trail is full of mystery and wonder. And don't forget to download the incredibly helpful AllTrails+ app to guide you on the trails.

If you love exploring the Land of Enchantment, check out more enchanting places around the state:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0iCEvdpiP3/

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Nature|Hiking

The New Mexico Hike That Leads To The Most Unforgettable Destination

Discover the McCauley Hot Spring in New Mexico, a hidden gem offering a challenging hike and a relaxing soak in warm waters.

Updated Jul 23, 2024

Written by 

Megan Shute

New Mexico is home to unparalleled natural beauty, and while you will find plenty of beauty hidden in plain sight, sometimes you need to work for it. Such is the case with the breathtaking East Fork Trail in New Mexico that leads to one of prettiest hot springs in the Land of Enchantment. Ready for an epic New Mexico hike that provides both a strenuous workout and relaxation? Great, let's lace up those hiking boots and dig in!

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Welcome to the McCauley Hot Spring, a relaxing retreat hiding in the middle of a New Mexico forest.

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Danielle Lilleston/AllTrails

You will find the trailhead for the McCauley Hot Spring at the Battleship Rock Day Use Area, where you will follow the trail with round markers attached to the trees. When you come to a fork in the trail, you will head to the right.

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Eric Clima/AllTrails

The East Fork Trail difficulty rating, per AllTrails, is moderate. It's 3.1 miles out and back.

Be sure to stop and admire the views along the way — and maybe even snap a few photographs!

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Tomi Petrov/AllTrails

Following switchbacks up the side of the mountain, the moderate 3.6-mile trail is steep, but it’s all worth it when you reach your destination.

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Kenny Dillingham/AllTrails

Surrounded by a lush forest and featuring crystalline water, these two striking hot springs are just begging for you to jump in and unwind.

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Tanya Neplioueva/AllTrails

Luckily, the water here is warm rather than toasty, making it an idyllic spot to kick back and relax, even in the summer heat.

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Darius Norvilas/Flickr

(Pro tip: water in the upper pool is warmer than the lower one.)

Don't forget to wear a swimsuit under your hiking gear, and load up your backpack with a towel and plenty of water.

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Matt Spinelli/AllTrails

Once you're done soaking, it's time to head back the way you came. Luckily, after all that relaxation, it's downhill from here.

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George Heibel/AllTrails

Can you imagine a better way to spend your day off than with a magnificent hike and a soak in a local hot spring? We certainly can't.

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Jolie R/AllTrails

For a trail preview, East Fork Trail photos and East Fork Trail reviews, check out AllTrails Plus, where you can also download maps for offline use when you don't have cell service. And if you're looking for more incredible hikes to add to your New Mexico bucket list, check out our previous article. Have you hiked the East Fork Trail in New Mexico to McCauley Hot Springs? Let us know in the comments.

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