Posted in New Mexico Nature November 22, 2020 by

7 Low-Key Hikes In New Mexico With Amazing Payoffs

Finding incredible views in New Mexico isn’t a difficult task—there is a reason this is called the Land of Enchantment. If you’re in the mood for an easy hike then you’ll want to check out these easy, low-key hikes that also happen to offer some lovely views.

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1. Alcove House Trail, Bandelier National Monument
Samantha Lang/AllTrails
If you happen to be at Bandelier National Monument, this 2.6-mile loop trail makes for a stunning hike. Cliff dwellings constructed by Ancestral Puebloans are the prime sight to see here, which date back to approximately 1100 AD. Note that reaching the dwellings requires climbing some ladders, so proceed with caution if you have a fear of heights.

Trail details: AllTrails / Alcove House Trail
2. Crater Rim Trail, Capulin Volcano National Monument
Charli Harlen/AllTrails
You'll feel on top of the world when you trek this trail that circles around the top of an extinct cinder cone volcano. The one-mile trail is located about 8,182 feet above sea level and you can even see parts of neighboring states from the volcano's rim.

Trail details: AllTrails / Crater Rim Trail
3. Inscription Trail, El Morro National Monument
Heidi Mergen/AllTrails
This easy trek is a loop that measures just under one mile and is a definite must-see for anyone interested in New Mexican history. Along the way, you'll find a shady watering hole and hundreds of inscriptions and petroglyphs carved into the side of the bluff.

Trail details: AllTrails / Inscription Trail
4. Mexican Canyon Trestle, Cloudcroft
Phillip Hall/AllTrails
Measuring just two miles, this trail leads you from the outskirts of Cloudcroft to an abandoned trestle bridge. Dating back to 1899, this historic bridge was once part of the “Cloud Climbing Railroad” that operated here until 1947 and is one of the few wooden trestles still standing built by the Alamogordo and Sacramento Mountain Railway.

Trail details: AllTrails / Mexican Canyon Trestle
5. North Sandia Peak Trail, Sandia Mountain Wilderness
Kiran Hill/AllTrails
On this hike, you'll be treated to incredible views of the forest and Albuquerque from above. The trail measures approximately 3.7 miles and is typically far less busy than other trails on the mountain.

Trail details: AllTrails / North Sandia Peak Trail
6. Peña Blanca, Organ Mountain-Desert Peaks National Monument
Jonathan Gman/AllTrails
The rugged landscape that surrounds Las Cruces also happens to offer some stunning views, such as at Peña Blanca Wilderness Study Area. You'll see some lovely mountain views, especially in the morning and a hike here in early spring will show off brightly colored wildflowers.

Trail details: AllTrails / Peña Blanca
7. Sitting Bull Falls Trail, Lincoln National Forest
Phillip Purpera/AllTrails
Short and sweet, this trail is the perfect day trek on a sunny, warm day but is accessible year-round. Located about an hour from Carlsbad via Highway 285 and State Road 137, this trail is an easy nature walk for everyone in the family and you get a stunning view of this natural oasis.

Trail details: AllTrails / Sitting Bull Falls Trail,

Prefer to sightsee from the car? As the fifth-largest state, New Mexico is home to a plethora of scenic roads where you can check out all of the state’s incredible landscapes. Read about some of our favorite drives in These 9 Beautiful Byways In New Mexico Are Perfect For A Scenic Drive.

Address: New Mexico, USA