Posted in New Mexico January 27, 2021 by

In 2021, Take These 12 Incredible New Mexico Hikes, One For Each Month Of The Year

It’s a new year and there’s no better way to celebrate than by hiking through New Mexico’s dazzling landscape. If you’ve set a goal to be a little more active this year (quarantine 15, anyone?) or you just want to explore more of the state, then you’ll want to check out these 12 hiking trails.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
1. Aspen Vista Trail, Santa Fe National Forest
Barbara Regan/AllTrails
In the mood for a lengthy fall hike? 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
Read more: This Incredible Hike Is The Best Way To See Endless Fall Colors In New Mexico
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
Read more: The One Walk Above The Trees In New Mexico That’s Beautiful Any Time Of Year
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.

Trail length: 5.5 miles
Read more: Embark On This Underrated Cave Trail For An Easy Day Trip Near Santa Fe, New Mexico
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 see 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
Read more: New Mexico’s Capulin Volcano Is One Of The Best Hiking Summits For Viewing Multiple States
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
Read more: Nature Is Reclaiming This One Abandoned New Mexico Spot And It’s Actually Amazing
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. Each fall, this area explodes with warm hues and is absolutely stunning.

Trail length: 5 miles
Read more: The Awesome Hike That Will Take You To The Most Spectacular Fall Foliage In New Mexico
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
Read more: This Picturesque River Hike In The Gila Wilderness Was Just Named One Of The Best In New Mexico
8. Holy Ghost Creek Trail, Santa Fe National Forest
Rebecca Anderson/AllTrails
With a name like this, it's not surprising the Holy Ghost Creek 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.

Trail length: 7 miles
Read more: Hiking At Holy Ghost Trail In New Mexico Is Like Entering A Fairytale
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.

Read more: The Underground Hike In New Mexico That’s Unlike Any Other In The World
10. Osha Trail, Cloudcroft
Shriya Ruparel/AllTrails
Short and sweet, the appeal of this hiking 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
Read more: This Beautiful And Scenic Trail In New Mexico Is Perfect For Beginners
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
Read more: Paliza Canyon Is An Otherworldly Destination Hidden In New Mexico’s Jemez Mountains
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 this 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 miles
Read more: The 4.2-Mile Williams Lake Trail In New Mexico Takes You Through The Enchanted Carson National Forest

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.

Address: New Mexico, USA