There is nothing better than spending time outdoors with the entire family. Whether you have toddlers, children, or even teenagers, there are easy hiking trails in the Land of Enchantment just waiting to be explored. If you're looking for a super short trail that children of any age can enjoy while being exposed to new experiences and learning opportunities, then you'll want to check out these trails that are one mile or less! These are some of the best hikes in New Mexico!

1. Boca Negra Upper Canyon at Petroglyph National Monument, Albuquerque

This particularly short trail is one of the more popular spots at this national monument since it allows visitors to easily see the petroglyphs and the rocky landscape, plus a picnic area is located here as well. Note there are stairs on the trail, so you may need to be a little patient while helping children descend. Length: 0.25 miles Details: National Park Service

2. Bosque Loop Trail at Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, Albuquerque

Ready to see what life is like for plants and animals along the Rio Grande? Pay a visit to this nature center in Albuquerque and see what kinds of beautiful sights you can see on the trail! By the way, if your kids don't mind a trail that's longer, then connect this with the River Loop Trail for a 1.2-mile hike. Length: 0.64 mile Details: New Mexico State Parks

3. Butterfly Trail at Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Roswell

Do you want to show your children that wetlands certainly do exist in New Mexico? All year, you can embark on this short hike at the wildlife refuge. The interpretive trail offers details about the area, plants, and insects found here. Plus, your children will enjoy seeing the butterflies flying all around. Length: 0.25 miles Details: AllTrails

4. Inscription Rock Trail Loop at El Morro National Monument, Grants

Located about 45 minutes west of Grants, this short trail is fully paved and easily accessible for both wheelchairs and strollers. Along the way to see centuries of inscriptions left behind by previous generations of Indigenous peoples and settlers, you'll also pass a pool that was once a welcome oasis for travelers in the past. Length: 0.5 miles Details: National Park Service

5. Interdune Boardwalk at White Sands National Monument, Alamogordo

Paved and short, this is perfect for families as the "trail" is a level boardwalk that shows the lovely views of the dunes but keeps your kids from touching every little thing they see. You'll get to see some great little exhibits that detail what life is like on the dunes for plants and wildlife. This is not only one of our favorite trails, but it is also one of the best hikes in New Mexico. Length: 0.4 miles Details: National Park Service

6. La Pasada Encantada Trail in Lincoln National Forest, Cloudcroft

This short interpretive trail will take you through the forested landscape in Cloudcroft. It's not only a short trail perfect for the whole family to enjoy but if there are any members of your party who are visually impaired, the signs are also written in braille. Length: 0.4 miles Details: U.S. Forest Service

7. Petroglyph Trail at Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Crownpoint

The graded dirt trail leads you between Pueblo Bonito and Chetro Ketl in Chaco Canyon. You'll have the opportunity to see some petroglyphs from the trail and an inexpensive trail guide from the visitor center will provide more details about each image and how they may be interpreted. Length: 0.25 mile Details: National Park Service

How many of these easy trails in New Mexico have you had the opportunity to hike before? Are there any others you would suggest that families can enjoy together?

Are you interested in more of the best hikes in New Mexico but for older kids and adults in the family? Check out some of our suggestions featured in 7 Of The Greatest Hiking Trails On Earth Are Right Here In New Mexico.