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

In 2022, Take These 12 Incredible New Mexico Hikes, One For Each Month Of The Year

Every year is a great time to set new goals and check more adventures off of our “bucket lists.” And there’s no better way to do this than by embarking on some of the best hikes in New Mexico. So without further ado, here are 12 incredible New Mexico hikes, one for each month of the year.

1. Aspen Vista Trail, Santa Fe National Forest
Barbara Regan/AllTrails
In the mood for a lengthy fall hike? The Aspen Vista Trail is about 11 miles long but has an easy grade. The trees here will bathe you in a sea of gold. In the fall months, the numerous aspens gain shimmering, golden leaves that will leave you speechless.

Trail length: 11 miles
Aspen Vista Picnic Ground, Hyde Park Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87506, USA
2. Catwalk National Recreation Trail, Gila National Forest
Man Griff/AllTrails
This short-and-sweet trail offers a breathtaking view above the canyon floor of Whitewater Canyon in western New Mexico. The trail is an elevated platform that winds its way through the canyon above trees and the creek for a fascinating excursion.

Trail length: 2 miles
Catwalk Recreation Area, Catwalk Road, Glenwood, NM 88039, USA
3. Cave Creek Trail, Pecos Wilderness
Angela Coletta/AllTrails
This summer be sure to plan out a trip to isolated caves outside Santa Fe. Follow creeks and cairns to the aptly named Cave Creek Trail, a little paradise hidden behind trees. This is definitely one of the best hikes in New Mexico.

Trail length: 5.5 miles
Pecos Wilderness, Rociada, NM 87742, USA
4. Crater Rim Trail, Capulin Volcano National Monument
Aji Kayamkulam/Google
Most New Mexico hiking trails offer spectacular views, but how many allow you to see our neighbors for miles on end? Crater Rim Trail is one of the few spots where you can view multiple states--Colorado, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas--all on one trail. The trail is short and a good little walk when visiting the national monument.

Trail length: 1 mile
Capulin Volcano National Monument, 46 Volcano, Capulin, NM 88414, USA
5. Dripping Springs Trail, Las Cruces
Bureau of Land Management/Flickr
Located just outside Las Cruces, Dripping Springs Trail is a fairly easy trek with some beautiful sights. We suggest hiking this trail in the cooler months, so you can enjoy the views without roasting under the sun.

Trail length: 2.7 miles
Dripping Springs Trail, New Mexico 88011, USA
6. Fourth of July Trail, Cibola National Forest
Tressia Castillo/AllTrails
When autumn rolls around, seeing fall colors in person is an absolute must. That's why you need to add this trail to your hiking bucket list (even though it is called the Fourth of July Trail!). Each fall, this area explodes with warm hues and is absolutely stunning.

Trail length: 5 miles
Fourth of July Trailhead, Torreen Tajique Loop Rd, Estancia, NM 87016, USA
7. Gila Middle Fork Trail, Gila Wilderness
KrisNM/Flickr
You can spend a few hours in near isolation on this long trail in the Gila Wilderness. Through 11 miles, you'll be treated to dramatic views and a fantastic little hot spring.

Trail length: 11 miles
Middle Fork Gila River, New Mexico, USA
8. Holy Ghost Creek Trail, Santa Fe National Forest
Rebecca Anderson/AllTrails
With a name like this, it's not surprising the Holy Ghost Trail is a breathtakingly beautiful journey through New Mexico's mountains. Vivid green foliage, creeks, towering aspens, and wildlife are just a few of the magical views you'll encounter on this trail which is one of the most scenic hikes in New Mexico.

Trail length: 7 miles
Santa Fe National Forest, Los Alamos, NM 87544, USA
9. Junction Cave, El Malpais National Monument
cdrocdoc/TripAdvisor
The trek to this unique lava tube is a short one, but you will love the underground atmosphere when summer rolls around. That's because this lava tube maintains a temperature right around 42 degrees Fahrenheit, making it one of the coolest subterranean journeys you'll ever take.
Junction Cave, Grants, NM 87020, USA
10. Osha Trail, Cloudcroft
Shriya Ruparel/AllTrails
Short and sweet, the appeal of the Osha Trail isn't just limited to its spectacular forest views throughout the seasons. You'll also get to spot the old Mexican Canyon Railroad Trestle from above and even White Sands National Park from a distance!

Trail length: 2.2 miles
Osha Trail Road, Osha Trail Rd, Cloudcroft, NM 88317, USA
11. Paliza Canyon, Jemez Springs
James Davenport/AllTrails
For a magical journey in the summer and fall months, you can check out the "goblins" hiding in the Jemez Mountains. Also known as hoodoos, these spectacular rock formations are surrounded by pine trees and make for a wonderful natural maze to wander.

Trail length: 4 miles
Paliza Canyon, Ponderosa, NM 87044, USA
12. Williams Lake Trail, Taos Ski Valley
Elliott Lillard/AllTrails
If you're looking for a hike that's a little more of a workout, then check out the Williams Lake Trail on a weekday in the summer and fall months. The trail has a rocky uphill start but the lovely mountain views are worth it.

Trail length: 4.2 miles
Williams Lake Trail, Taos Ski Valley, NM 87525, USA

Have you taken any of these hikes? If so, we’d love to see your photos and hear about your experiences there.

Looking for other things you should add to your to-do list this year? If hitting the road for an easy day trip is right up your alley, be sure to read 12 Unforgettable New Mexico Day Trips, One For Each Month Of The Year.

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Address: New Mexico, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Hikes in New Mexico

June 27, 2022
Lysa Allman-Baldwin

Where can I find hiking trails near me in Albuquerque?

One of the most popular hiking trails in the Albuquerque area is the Paseo Del Bosque Trail. It’s really cool because although it is within the proper city limits, it feels like you are a world away. The trail meanders along the Rio Grande River and there are numerous places to enjoy the foliage, wildlife, and trees peppered all around the area. Whether you are biking or hiking, you’ll also appreciate the series of bridges and short tunnels that keep you out of the way of the car traffic, making your time here very safe and more enjoyable.

Are there any kid-friendly hikes around New Mexico?

Kid-friendly hikes are abundant in the Land of Enchantment and there are numerous ones that are short and sweet so the little ones (OK, the big ones too!) don’t get tired too quickly. One of the most popular is the Inscription Rock Trail Loop at El Morro National Monument. What makes this one so great is that it is fully paved so families with strollers and others who have mobility issues will find it easily accessible and safe. In Crownpoint at the Chaco Culture National Historical Park, you’ll find the Petroglyph Trail which, true to its name, features ancient petroglyphs that the kiddos can try to decipher. These are just two awesome kid-friendly hikes to get you started.

I’m looking for some easy hikes in New Mexico. Can you point me in the right direction?

You’re in luck because there are many easy hikes in New Mexico. One that we would suggest is called the Malpais Nature Trail. Located at El Malpais National Monument in the Valley of Fires Recreation Area, it extends only approximately 0.75 miles and features a raised walkway over the ancient lava flow spot here.

What is a good place to visit for a day trip?

There are tons of great day trip options within a few hours of most of the bigger New Mexico cities. One of the most unique is a former ghost town called Madrid (about a 40-minute drive south of Santa Fe). There’s a lot to do here, including going to the Old Coal Town Museum to learn about the history of the area.

Can you provide the name of a waterfall hike in New Mexico?

I would definitely suggest the Clear Creek Trail, one of the best waterfall hikes in New Mexico. It is located in Cimarron Canyon State Park in the town of Eagle Nest about an hour northeast of Taos. You’ll actually find several waterfalls along this meandering trail that extends for about four miles.