Posted in New Mexico November 17, 2020 by

Now That The Temperatures Are Cooler, Trek These 7 Sun-Filled Hiking Trails In New Mexico

Now that the temperatures have dropped, embarking on a long hike on a sunny day no longer feels like you’re roasting. Set aside a few hours this week to explore some of those lovely trails that are normally unbearable in the middle of summer but also rarely coated in snow.

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. Alkali Flat Trail, White Sands National Park
Christopher Bolton Sr/AllTrails
Located in southern New Mexico, the day temperatures can get mighty hot at White Sands. If you want to spend a few hours exploring the park on foot, check out this looped trail that will have you traveling up and down the dunes. Even in cooler weather, you'll want to bring plenty of water and sunglasses; that sun can get intense, especially since the white gypsum reflects the sunlight.

Trail length: 4.9-mile loop
Trail information: alltrails.com
2. Baylor Canyon Pass Trail, Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument
Andrea Gardner/AllTrails
You'll experience a good deal of elevation gains but also spectacularly rugged views on this trail near Las Cruces. The trail is well-marked and has many switchbacks, making this a good morning workout.

Trail length: 4.1 miles
Trail information: alltrails.com
3. Narrows Rim Trail, El Malpais National Monument
Heidi Mergen/AllTrails
The arid landscape at El Malpais offers a gorgeous view of the old lava flows and Ventana Arch. The trail here has little shade and can be steep and rocky in areas, so take your time when trekking this trail.

Trail length: 7.3 miles
Trail information: alltrails.com
4. The Narrows via Fillmore Canyon Trail, Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument
Blake Bottle/AllTrails
The Organ Mountains are beautifully rugged but also treacherous in summer. When the temperatures are cool, head out on this trail to see the hidden beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert.

Trail length: 6.2 miles
Trail information: alltrails.com
5. Percha Box, Hillsboro
David Baake/AllTrails
Desert dwellers know winter is the best time to enjoy the greenery in the arid landscape and a hike through Percha Box is no different. In cooler temperatures, you'll find wildlife wandering, wildflowers blooming, and relish the feel of a cold stream.

Trail length: 5.4 miles
Trail information: alltrails.com
6. Soledad Canyon Loop, Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument
Kenneth Dritz/AllTrails
Another trail located in the Organ Mountains, this loop takes you through the hardy canyon landscape to a seasonal waterfall and the ruins of an abandoned house. This trail has a steady elevation gain and can be pretty rocky, so take your time on this hike.

Trail length: 3.4-mile loop
Trail information: alltrails.com
7. Valley of Dreams Loop, Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness
anthony marko/AllTrails
Although this landscape is referred to as badlands, the views here are positively enchanting. Isolated and almost alien, this trail is just one of several that will take you through the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness north of Chaco Culture National Historical Park.

Trail length: 3.7-mile loop
Trail information: alltrails.com

On the lookout for another hiking trail that you can enjoy now that the temperatures are cooler? You can’t miss hiking the three-mile Dripping Springs Trail near Las Cruces that also features an abandoned resort. Read about the trail and the incredible views in Nature Is Reclaiming This One Abandoned New Mexico Spot And It’s Actually Amazing.

Address: 19955 US-70, Alamogordo, NM 88310, USA
Address: Las Cruces, NM 88011, USA
Address: El Malpais, Grants, NM 87020, USA
Address: County Road 7297, Bloomfield, NM 87413, USA