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 be some of the best hikes in New Mexico with lovely views.
1. Alcove House Trail, Bandelier National Monument
Bandelier National Monument, 15 Entrance Rd, Los Alamos, NM 87544, USA
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. So while not the easiest trail around, it definitely is one of the most scenic hikes in New Mexico.
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.
Start gearing up for your visit by reading more about Crater Rim Trail.
3. Inscription Trail, El Morro National Monument
El Morro National Monument, NM-53, Ramah, NM 87321, USA
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. This is one of the coolest easy hikes in New Mexico, so you will want to give it a try.
Learn more about Inscription Trail and then grab the whole family and give it a try.
4. Mexican Canyon Trestle, Cloudcroft
Mexican Canyon Railroad Trestle, Cloudcroft, NM 88317, USA
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. This hike with its fascinating history is one of the most kid-friendly hikes around New Mexico.
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. The scenery makes this one of the best hikes in New Mexico.
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.
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.
Now that you’ve read this list of the best hikes in New Mexico, there’s no need to search for “hiking trails near me.” This list has you covered, so check one of these great trails out today.
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 this article: These 9 Beautiful Byways In New Mexico Are Perfect For A Scenic Drive.
Address: New Mexico, USA
Address: Bandelier National Monument, 15 Entrance Rd, Los Alamos, NM 87544, USA
Address: Sitting Bull Falls, New Mexico 88220, USA
Address: Mexican Canyon Railroad Trestle, Cloudcroft, NM 88317, USA
Address: Capulin Volcano National Monument, 46 Volcano, Capulin, NM 88414, USA
Address: Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument, Las Cruces, NM 88011, USA
Address: El Morro National Monument, NM-53, Ramah, NM 87321, USA
Address: Sandia Mountain Wilderness, Albuquerque, NM 87122, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in New Mexico
March 24, 2022
Jessica Bohl
What are some kid-friendly hikes around New Mexico?
Hiking in New Mexico is a full body experience. It awakens you physically, mentally, and emotionally. And that experience should be shared with your kids and family. Kids who can get outdoors in nature and explore benefit immensely. And fortunately New Mexico overflows with kid-friendly hikes that are short and relatively flat, but exploding with beauty. So check out this fantastic article about seven totally kid-friendly hikes that are a mile and under. Then grab the whole family and check them out today.
Are there any waterfall hikes in New Mexico?
What’s better than hiking in New Mexico? Hiking to a waterfall in New Mexico! New Mexico is full of stunning scenery and unique landscapes, but there is something about a waterfall that evokes such a positive emotional response in people. Luckily, New Mexico has some great hikes with some fantastic waterfalls. So check out this article with six easy-access waterfalls in New Mexico.
Address: New Mexico, USA
Address: Bandelier National Monument, 15 Entrance Rd, Los Alamos, NM 87544, USA
Address: Sitting Bull Falls, New Mexico 88220, USA
Address: Mexican Canyon Railroad Trestle, Cloudcroft, NM 88317, USA
Address: Capulin Volcano National Monument, 46 Volcano, Capulin, NM 88414, USA
Address: Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument, Las Cruces, NM 88011, USA
Address: El Morro National Monument, NM-53, Ramah, NM 87321, USA
Address: Sandia Mountain Wilderness, Albuquerque, NM 87122, USA
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Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
