Don’t Try This One Hike in New Mexico If You’re Afraid of Heights

With over one million acres of wild, rugged terrain, it may come as no surprise that some of the most challenging hikes in New Mexico can be found at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park within the Lincoln National Forest. This includes the Dog Canyon Trail, which will test your endurance and mental fortitude as you navigate its steep, rocky sections. But is it worth it? For those who are physically able to, absolutely! However, for those afraid of heights, you should probably skip the Dog Canyon hike in New Mexico.

Parking for the Dog Canyon trailhead is at the main parking lot of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park in Alamogordo, off of Dog Canyon Road. From there, you'll set out on foot toward an arduous journey through rough and rugged landscapes that will periodically test your will. You may be tempted to turn around and head back to your vehicle many times, but it's worth it if you're prepared and physically fit to tackle a trail of this caliber. The 10.9-mile, out-and-back Dog Canyon Trail features steep inclines and rocky sections that can make even the most skilled hiker trip or slip and fall. But the Dog Canyon Trail difficulty doesn't stop there—you'll also have to contend with its 3,595-foot overall elevation gain.

When you start this hike, you'll be faced with a steep incline almost immediately. After that, the trail levels out for a bit until the next steep ascent, this time with switchbacks. Continuing on, you'll eventually come across the ruins of an old cabin, and there are stunning viewpoints and different ecosystems along the entire route. The landscape seems endless from the top, where you should certainly take a break and enjoy the views before turning around for the long journey back.

The Dog Canyon Trail might not be the most extreme hike in New Mexico, but it's one you should plan for, especially if you're afraid of heights. As one hiker stated, this trail is "Steep, rocky, and not for anyone with a fear of heights or vertigo on the section heading up after the cabin and spring." Additionally, this Is not a hike for beginners.

Because this is a strenuous hiking trail that requires preparation, you should check out our Ultimate Hiking Packing List for ideas on what to pack. You should always bring plenty of water (more than you think is necessary), snacks, and sunscreen, and wear a pair of hiking boots with sturdy soles. Downloading an offline map from AllTrails+ to your phone for this or any other trail is also a good idea in case you lose cell service.

What's the most demanding hike you've ever tackled in New Mexico? Is it the Dog Canyon Trail? Please tell us about your favorite challenging hikes by filling out our nomination form. To learn more about the Dog Canyon Trail and to see what other hikers have said about it, visit AllTrails.

Plan your own New Mexico hiking trip with Only In Your State’s AI-powered itinerary planner.