12 Incredible Hikes Under 5 Miles Everyone In New Mexico Should Take
Some New Mexicans like nothing better than waking up early on a weekend and hitting the trails for lengthy day hikes. That’s great – kudos if you’re one of those people. But others are just looking to squeeze a nature fix or workout into their day between errands or before a Netflix marathon. That’s why we’ve put together this list of hiking trails under 5 miles in New Mexico. You’ll get plenty of cardio without a serious time commitment on these 12 trails.
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1. Three Rivers Petroglyph Site, Tularosa, 1 mile round trip
This hike starts at the visitor center. There are 21,000 petroglyphs throughout this park, many of which are concentrated next to this trail. It's so absorbing that this walk feels more like an adventure into the past than a workout. (No pets allowed.)
More info:Three Rivers Petroglyph Site
Although this trail is just a short distance from Albuquerque, this hike allows you to feel as if you're far away from it all. Immerse yourself in nature while enjoying views that stretch for miles.
More info:Tunnel Canyon Trail
3. Coyote Call Trail, Valles Caldera National Preserve, 2.9 miles
During this hike, you can admire a caldera that was created after a supervolcano erupted in the Jemez Mountains, roughly 1.2 million years ago. The trail meanders through meadows and forests. Added bonus: you can often spot wildlife such as elk or birds of prey in this area.
More info:Valles Caldera National Preserve
4. Thunder Egg Trail, Rockhound State Park, 0.78 miles
This loop trail provides a short but sweet walk through Rockhound State Park. You can combine it with the Jasper Trail (0.64 miles) to extend your hike.
More info:Rockhound State Park
Located in Taos Ski Valley, this trail showcases some of New Mexico's best scenery. The steeper portions of the path along with the altitude - Williams Lake sits at 11,040 feet - also offer a good workout. Admittedly, this trail is well-trafficked, but for a good reason.
More info:Williams Lake Trail
6. Fort Bayard Big Juniper Tree Trail, Fort Bayard, 5 miles
This trail comes in right at 5 miles, but we’ve included it because it passes by the country’s second largest alligator Juniper Tree.
More info:Fort Bayard
7. Bosque Loop Trail 0.55 miles and River Loop Trail 0.64 miles, Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
These two trails form a creative figure eight. When combined, they make for an easy and relaxing hike. Part of the trail runs along the banks of the Rio Grande and the plentiful waterfowl make these trails as entertaining as they are pretty. (Pets are not allowed on the trails.)
More info:Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
8. Crater Rim Trail, Capulin Volcano National Monument, 1 mile
This paved loop trail circles the rim of volcano. Now that’s unique! The sweeping views you see from this path extend for miles. This route provides more of a workout than you'd expect due to the elevation changes. (This isn't a pet-friendly trail.)
More info:Capulin Volcano National Monument
9. Upper Falls Trail, Bandelier National Monument, 3 miles round trip
In 2011, major flooding damaged the trail to Frijoles Falls. The current route is shorter, but this remains an incredible hike, which provides great views of the falls. (Pets are not permitted in Bandelier National Monument.)
More info:Bandalier National Monument
10. Black Canyon Trail, Santa Fe National Forest, 1.5 miles
High above Santa Fe, this trail circles through the woods. At times it gets busy but its proximity to the city and the abundant wildflowers make it a pleasant escape. (Since you can only reach the trailhead by walking to the attached campground, the actual mileage is a little longer.)
More info:Santa Fe National Forest
11. Luchini Trail, Elephant Butte State Park, 1.5 miles
For a soothing stroll along a trail that weaves through sand dunes, try the Luchini Trail. Afterwards, cool off in the reservoir.
More info:Elephant Butte State Park
12. Cerrillos Hills State Park, Cerrillos, under 5 miles
Since this park contains 5 miles of trails, any hike there should clock in at less than that. Hike while learning about New Mexico's mining history at this unique state park, located between Santa Fe and Albuquerque.
More info:Cerrillos Hills State Park
What other awesome New Mexico hikes clock in at five miles or less? If you enjoyed these hiking trails under 5 miles in New Mexico, here are more of the best hikes in the state.
Address: Grand Enchantment Trail, Tijeras, NM 87059, USA
Address: 39201 NM-4, Jemez Springs, NM 87025, USA
Address: 9880 Stirrup Rd SE, Deming, NM 88030, USA
Address: Williams Lake Trail, Taos Ski Valley, NM 87525, USA
Address: Fort Bayard, NM 88061, USA
Address: 2901 Candelaria Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107, USA
Address: Crater Rim Trail, Des Moines, NM 88418, USA
Address: 46 Volcano, Capulin, NM 88414, USA
Address: 15 Entrance Rd, Los Alamos, NM 87544, USA
Address: Los Alamos, NM 87544, USA
Address: 101 NM-195, Elephant Butte, NM 87935, USA
Address: Co Rd 59, Los Cerrillos, NM 87010, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hiking Trails Under 5 Miles In New Mexico
January 01, 2021
Leah
What are the most beautiful hikes in New Mexico?
Take on more of the best New Mexico hikes on these stunning trails. The La Luz Trail in the Cibola National Forest will take you up into the Sandia Mountains. The trail is long and rugged, so it’s not for beginners, but if you are feeling up for the challenge the views are spectacular. Explore the stunning Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks on the Slot Canyon Trail. It’s a 3-mile round trip and worth every step as you gaze up at the unique rock formations.
Does New Mexico have any natural wonders?
You can explore incredible places on short and scenic hikes in New Mexico through the state’s natural wonders. The White Sands can be explored on the Alkali Flat Trail. It’s just under 5 miles and will allow you to walk among the bright white gypsum sands and enjoy the scenery. Explore New Mexico’s badlands at the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area. It’s a bit rustic in that it’s very off the grid. Come prepared, there are no facilities here. Still, the colorful landscape is worth the trip out to see.
What are the best hikes with a view in New Mexico?
There are many easy hikes in New Mexico that are short and sweet yet full of beauty. The Sandia Man Cave Trail is a short half-mile-long trail that’ll make you feel like you’ve reached the top of the world. The view from up there is breathtaking. You can take a scenic waterfall hike near Jemez Springs, New Mexico. It’s just shy of 1-mile in length and the result is a view of multiple, beautiful waterfalls.
