Posted in New Mexico Hiking, Nature June 22, 2022 by

We Just Planned Your 2022 Year Of New Mexico Hikes And You’ll Love Them All

It’s the new year, and that means it’s time to start planning so that you can fit every activity into your schedule before 2022 is up. Hiking in New Mexico is one of the most beautiful activities you can partake in, and if your resolution was to get outdoors more, we have the perfect solution. These 12 best hikes in New Mexico correspond with the time of year, offering the perfect time to visit each trail.

1. January - Williams Lake Trail - Taos Ski Valley
Allison Hamlin/AllTrails
This waterfall hike is absolutely breathtaking in winter as it’s covered in sparkling snow, and the lake is an icy blue. This out-and-back trail near Taos Ski Valley in the Carson National Forest isn't as difficult as the nearby Wheeler Peak, but at 3.7-miles, it's not too easy either. This waterfall hike is surrounded by some of the most amazing scenery in New Mexico, and it’s the perfect way to start the year.
Williams Lake Trail, Taos Ski Valley, NM 87525, USA
2. February - Lava Falls Trail - Grants
Heidi Mergen/AllTrails
Let’s jump into a bit more difficult hike right off the bat. This trail within the El Malpais National Monument might seem easy, but if you’re not careful, you could find yourself stuck in the cracks of old volcanoes. The one-mile trail is upon an old lava field and is full of cracks in the ground, some of which are even big enough to fall through.
Lava Falls Road, Lava Falls Rd, New Mexico 87020, USA
3. March - Jemez Falls Trail - Santa Fe National Forest
Erica Fields/AllTrails
After that last rush of a hike, let’s transition to something a bit more simple. This easy waterfall hike in the Santa Fe National Forest, which is also one of the most scenic hikes in New Mexico, is perfect for the whole family. At just under 1-mile long, this hike won't take too much time, but there's so much to see. At the end, you’ll be able to see the beautiful waterfalls, and from there, you can climb down to the bottom of the falls, or wade in a small pool at the top.
Jemez Falls, New Mexico 87025, USA
4. April - Dragonfly Trail - Gila National Forest
Kimberly Sweeney/AllTrails
Springtime is here! Just outside of Silver City, you’ll find a colorful 3.5-mile loop trail within the Gila National Forest. This moderate hike is full of colorful wildflowers to kick off springtime the right way. Hence the name, the beautiful flowers attract many dragonflies which offers a unique atmosphere.
5. May - Domingo Baca Trail #230 - Sandia Mountain Wilderness
Nick C./AllTrails
Let’s get back in gear with a strenuous 8-mile hike, but don’t worry, it’ll be worth it. This unique hike through the Cibola National Forest within the Sandia Mountain Wilderness will lead you to remnants of a plane crash from 1955. This historic crash site is upon a beautiful trail within the Sandia Mountain Wilderness, and coming across the plane wreckage will have you contemplating a New Mexico tragedy from decades ago. This hike is an experience unlike any other.
Sandia Mountain Wilderness, Albuquerque, NM 87122, USA
6. June - Nambe Falls Trails - Sangre de Cristo Mountains
Abdomina G/TripAdvisor
At the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains inside the Pueblo of Nambe, you'll find the astounding Nambe Falls. Inside, there is a lower trail and upper trail to choose from, and both are only a quarter mile long. The upper trail offers expansive views on rocky terrain, while the lower trail has you wading through the small pools. No matter what you choose, the sight of the falls are amazing, especially in the summer.
Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Colorado 81152, USA
7. July - Middle Fork Lake Trail - Red River
Melanie Elson/AllTrails
This 5-mile trail in an old forest in Red River is right in the middle with a moderate difficulty, but the payoff is anything but average. Once you reach the end of this moderate trek, you’ll find the most breathtaking lake, and you’ll likely have it all to yourself. Put your feet up and enjoy the beautiful New Mexico summer weather.
Middle Fork Lake, New Mexico 87525, USA
8. August - Main Loop Trail - Bandelier National Monument
Greg Gjerdingen/Flickr
This beautiful and mysterious cave trail inside of Bandelier National Monument is perfect for everyone at only 1.2-miles long. This leads you through ancient archeological sites featuring many small hand-made caves date back to over 100,000 years ago when hunter-gatherers migrated across the canyons and mesas.
Main Loop, 15 Entrance Rd, White Rock, NM 87544, USA
9. September - Santa Fe Canyon Preserve Interpretive Trail - Santa Fe
Google Maps
Fall is upon us, and this easy fall hike is the perfect way to embrace one of the most beautiful seasons in New Mexico. On this 1.4-mile trail you'll also see remnants of history. You'll be walking within the old ruins of the Old Stone Dam that was built in 1881, and ruined by a flood in 1904. You can read about the history as you walk through one of Santa Fe’s oldest canyons while being surrounded by fall colors and wildlife.
Santa Fe Canyon Preserve, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
10. October - Aspen Vista Trail - Santa Fe National Forest
AllTrails.com
As you’re hiking up to the top of a mountain within one of our most spectacular national forests, you can see a sea of aspen trees all illuminating their golden leaves. If you’re a lover of fall colors, this Aspen Vista Trail is an 11-mile hike of endless colors. There's truly no better way to see fall foliage in New Mexico than hiking this incredible out-and-back trail.
Santa Fe National Forest, New Mexico 87532, USA
11. November - Interdune Boardwalk Trail - White Sands National Monument
Sarah Robertson/AllTrails
The year would not be complete without a visit to the jaw dropping White Sands National Monument. In the summer, the White Sands can get uncomfortably hot, but this time of year will be just right. This completely accessible boardwalk hike will show you all that this natural wonder has to offer, without taking too much of your energy.
Interdune Boardwalk, Dunes Dr, Tularosa, NM 88352, USA
12. December - Pine Tree Trail - Las Cruces
Mark Vigil/AllTrails
Okay, this might not be the most wintery hike compared to the trails in the mountains that are covered with snow, but being surrounded by pine trees might be enough to get you into the holiday spirit. Nevertheless, the 4-mile loop Pine Tree Trail in Aguirre Springs National Recreation Area offers absolutely stunning panoramic views, and will have you appreciating New Mexico’s beauty as you enter a new year.
Pine Tree Loop Trail Head, Las Cruces, NM 88011, USA

Where do you plan to hike in 2022? Share your favorite New Mexico trails with us in the comments!

Don’t forget to share photos from your hiking adventures with us throughout the year in our New Mexico Nature Lovers Facebook group, or tag us on Instagram by tagging #onlyinnewmexico for a chance to be featured!

For another list of New Mexico trails to take on, check out the ultimate waterfall hike bucket list if you’re a waterfall lover.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Hikes in New Mexico

June 27, 2022
Lysa Allman-Baldwin

Are there any hiking trails in El Morro National Monument?

Yes. El Morro National Monument encompasses two popular hiking and walking trails for various physical ability levels. The Inscription Rock Trail Loop is a great one if you are hiking with kids. It runs into another popular loop called the Headland Trail (together totaling two miles). In addition to hiking and walking, during certain times of the year, you can embark upon ranger-led programs that provide some of the histories of the park and the early inhabitants who made it their home thousands of years ago.

Where can I find waterfall hikes in New Mexico?

Waterfall hikes are literally dotted all over The Land of Enchantment! In the Carson National Forest, you’ll find the Lost Lake Trail. Gaining over 2,000 feet in elevation as you meander along the 10-mile-long length, this trail is definitely for those who are a bit more fit. For something a bit easier, you might try the Soledad Canyon Loop in Las Cruces. It is only three miles long, but seeing this beautiful waterfall is totally worth it.

How many state parks are in New Mexico?

There are 35 state parks in New Mexico, each offering its own unique history, viewpoints, and recreational amenities. Whether you like to swim, climb, hike, camp, fish, or bike ride, you will find a park that suits your needs and desires.

I’m looking for a few ideas for a New Mexico road trip.

You’re in luck because there are some fabulous New Mexico road trips covering a wide array of itinerary themes. If you enjoy visiting ghost towns, there is a big loop covering seven of them but you’d definitely have to spend the weekend in order to see them all. New Mexico is home to several dormant volcanos, and there is a road trip itinerary to visit some of those as well, located in places like Shiprock, Jemez Springs, Albuquerque, and Carrizozo, just to name a few.

Can you name a campground near Albuquerque?

Yes. About an hour and 45 minutes northeast of the city, you can visit the Holy Ghost Campground in the Santa Fe National Forest. Maybe it’s the name that draws folks here from all over the state (and it is believed to be haunted!), but once they get here, they will find lots of hiking trails, streams, and other outdoor wonders to behold. Be sure to pack a “Ghostbusters” flashlight to catch the apparitions at night!