8 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List In New Mexico
One of the best things about New Mexico is that you don’t have to go too far into the wilderness or be an experienced hiker to find yourself surrounded by natural beauty. While there are lots of options for those who prefer a more challenging hike, you don’t have to commit to an arduous trek for beautiful views. If you’re a hiking novice or you just aren’t able to devote a full day to hiking, you can still enjoy these eight best hikes in New Mexico!
1. Inscription Rock, El Morro National Monument, near Grants
Your journey to Inscription Rock will be much easier than it was for visitors in past centuries. This watering hole, nestled at the base of a sandstone bluff, has served as an oasis to Ancestral Puebloans, Spanish, and American travelers. More than 2,000 people carved messages here in the form of signatures, dates, and petroglyphs. The hike to this rock and pool is short (half a mile), easy, and paved.
El Morro National Monument, El Morro Nat'l Monument, New Mexico 87321, USA
The Columbine Trail starts at the Columbine Campground. Although this trail is a long one, you don't have to travel far along the route before encountering exceptional scenery. Wander through forests, back and forth across a stream, and through meadows dotted with wildflowers. Just turn around whenever you get tired!
Columbine Campground, 184 NM-38, Red River, NM 87558, USA
3. The trails at City of Rocks State Park, between Silver City and Deming
There are only five and a half miles of trails in the entire park so there’s a limit to how long a hike at City of Rocks can last. However, you can pack some impressive sights into a short distance at this state park just by weaving your way between the pinnacles of rock. Some of them stand up to 40-feet high!
City of Rocks State Park, 327 NM-61, Faywood, NM 88034, USA
4. Malpais Nature Trail, Valley of Fires Recreation Area, near Carrizozo
While you can also hike across a lava flow at El Malpais National Monument, at Valley of Fires Recreation Area you can do so without worrying about twisting an ankle. That’s because there’s a raised walkway over the lava. The nature trail is accessible and roughly 0.75-miles long.
Valley of Fires Recreation, 6158 US-380, Carrizozo, NM 88301, USA
This hike is roughly two miles out and back. The route takes you through an impressive red rock slot canyon. To reach the trailhead, you need to turn off US-84 and drive along FR-151 towards the Monastery of Christ in the Desert until you reach the trailhead.
Chavez Canyon, New Mexico 87510, USA
6. Ice Canyon, Dripping Springs Natural Area, near Las Cruces
This easy hike is three-miles long, out and back. It takes you through Ice Canyon, past the ruins of the Van Patten Mountain Camp and Boyd’s Sanatorium, and by Dripping Springs. To reach the trailhead, drive to the Dripping Springs Natural Area then park at the A. B. Cox Visitor Center.
Dripping Springs Natural Area, 15000 Dripping Springs Rd, Las Cruces, NM 88011, USA
This hike takes you up to cliff dwellings dating back to the 13th century. It is a little steep in a couple of sections, but the trail is short – only about a mile each way. Although the cliff dwellings are technically near Silver City, the road in is winding and slow going so you'll want to start driving first thing. You can learn more about this remarkable cave in our feature article
Gila Cliff Dwelling Visitor Center Road, Gila Cliff Dwelling Visitor Center Rd, New Mexico, USA
8. Trail at Quarai Mission Pueblo, near Mountainair
This 1.5-mile-long trail, which starts at the visitor’s center at Quarai, leads you through the remains of a mission church and Native American pueblo.
Quarai Road, Quarai Rd, New Mexico 87036, USA
What’s your favorite short hike in New Mexico? What do you consider are the best hikes in New Mexico? Let us know in the comments!
If you are looking for even suggestions for the best hikes in New Mexico, read our past article on trails under five miles in length.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In New Mexico
April 22, 2022
Meghan Byers
What are some kid-friendly hikes around New Mexico?
Hiking with kids can be a challenge, but there are plenty of easy hikes in New Mexico you can do with little ones in tow. The Interdune Boardwalk at White Sands National Park is a great, short hike along an elevated boardwalk. It’s only 0.4-miles long and offers some beautiful views of the park’s glistening white sands and 10 outdoor exhibits along the route. It’s fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, and there’s even a shady area with seating where you can relax halfway along the walk.
The Main Ruin Loop at Bandelier National Monument is slightly longer at 1.4-miles long, but it’s also an easy hike and the first section is paved and wheelchair accessible. You can climb ladders along the trail to the openings of cliff dwellings and find educational trail guides that explain the history of the dwellings at the visitor’s center. For more trails to conquer with the whole family, check out our guide to some of the best kid-friendly hikes in New Mexico.
What are the best state parks to visit in New Mexico?
While its national parks are not to be missed, New Mexico also has some stunning state parks to visit. Favorites include City of Rocks State Park, which has towering rock formations created by volcanic activity; Bottomless Lakes State Park, with its seemingly bottomless lakes formed by sinkholes; Bluewater Lake State Park, featuring a beautiful, 1,200-acre lake and views of the Zuni Mountains; and the scenic Cimarron Canyon State Park. Our guide to the 14 best state parks in New Mexico can help you get on the path to more outdoor adventuring.
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