These 10 Trails In New Mexico Will Lead You To Extraordinary Ancient Ruins
People have been living in the Land of Enchantment for thousands of years and the remainders of their lives are scattered across our state in the forms of ruined buildings. Combine hiking and history with a walk back in time along these 10 hiking trails with ruins in New Mexico:


Chaco is in the middle of nowhere and you need to plan in advance to ensure you have sufficient supplies, plus a camping spot if you want to stay overnight. Here is the Chaco Culture National Historic Park website for information on these first two hikes.





The mistake many make is underestimating the length of time needed to drive to these ruins. They’re remote so you definitely need to start early. Here’s a map and also some additional information.



There are so many ruins throughout the state that this list is – by necessity – incomplete. Which hiking trails with ruins in New Mexico would you add?
Hiking Trails With Ruins In New Mexico
What are the most picturesque hiking trails in New Mexico?
There are many unique hiking trails in New Mexico that’ll take you to more spots than just ruins. You can hike through the dazzling White Sands National Monument on trails like the 1.8-mile White Sands Backcountry Trail. There’s no other place in the world quite like it, and it’s beautiful. A hike through the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Badlands is also most certainly picturesque. Taking one of the many trails through the area is almost like walking on another planet, the formations are just that unique.
Which state parks should I visit in New Mexico?
Looking for more prime locations to experience New Mexico hikes? The state has many great parks that offer exactly that and so much more. The Cimarron Canyon State Park is quieter and surrounded by trees and other beautiful views. There are many trails there that are truly stunning. For a beautiful mountain lake view, try Morphy Lake State Park. Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the lakeside scenes are just spectacular to see in person.
What is the oldest town in New Mexico?
These historic hiking trails in New Mexico take you to some truly old towns. This state is full of history, and if you’d like to see some truly spectacular living history, you’ll want to visit the Taos Pueblo. This particular place is still lived in today and has been continuously for over a thousand years. It’s considered one of the oldest of its kind not just in New Mexico, but all of the United States. Not only is its history fascinating, but it’s quite lovely to look at, as well.