The 7 Scariest Hikes In New Mexico Are Not For The Faint Of Heart
Are you looking for a physical and mental challenge? Have you ever searched for “challenging hiking trails near me?” Or perhaps you’re kicking back on the couch and are curious about what adventures your fellow New Mexicans might be taking. Either way, you’ll want to check out the scariest hikes in the Land of Enchantment. From drop-offs to ladders, you won’t get bored traversing these 7 trails. Not only are they challenging, but they are some of the best hikes in New Mexico.
1. Wild Rivers Recreation Area (near Taos)
Wild Rivers Visitors Center, 1120 NM-378, Questa, NM 87556, USA
If you thought driving or walking across the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge was nerve-racking, try hiking in Wild Rivers Recreation Area. The Big Arsenic Spring Trail, while well maintained, leads down the steep side of the gorge to the river below. Overall, the hike is two-miles long (round trip) but involves a descent of 653 feet. If heights don’t scare you then the prospect of climbing back up just might! This hike is considered "moderate," but the return journey is pretty rigorous. It's difficult for sure, but it's one of the most scenic hikes in New Mexico. If you're up for the challenge, lear more about Wild Rivers Recreation Area, then plan your visit.
2. Junction Cave Hike, El Malpais National Monument (near Grants)
El Malpais National Monument Visitor Center, 1900 E Santa Fe Ave, Grants, NM 87020, USA
While hiking through a lava tube is one of the most unique experiences you’ll ever have, if you’re claustrophobic then this jaunt takes some guts. Remember to pick up a free caving permit from the visitor center before you start. It's not one of the easy hikes in New Mexico, but it sure is memorable. Check out more information about the Junction Cave Hike and see if it's a good trail for you.
3. Lava Falls Trail, El Malpais National Monument
El Malpais National Monument Visitor Center, 1900 E Santa Fe Ave, Grants, NM 87020, USA
Even if you stay aboveground, El Malpais National Monument is a place where it’s smart to exercise caution. The Lava Falls Trail is only a mile in length, so you might assume it’s easy. Not so much. There are huge crevices in this lava field – some of them big enough to fall down - and traversing this terrain is surprisingly disorientating. Always find the next cairn marking the trail before leaving the last one behind on this unique hike! This is not one of the kid-friendly hikes around New Mexico, so we recommend leaving the kids at home for this one. Read more about Lava Falls Trail, then calendar your visit.
This challenging trail requires preparation and preferably a bit of climbing experience. The route is tricky because it’s easy to slip, and the markers are confusing as well. So why attempt this 5.8 mile out-and-back hike? The views and bragging rights for completing one of the best hikes in New Mexico.
If you decide to brave the Organ Needles Trail, get an early start and bring plenty of food and water. The trailhead is at La Cueva Picnic Area, within the Dripping Springs Natural Area. Pictured is Juniper Saddle, which you pass through on your way to the top. Learn more about Organ Needles Trail to see if it's right for your next hike.
5. Alcove House, Bandelier National Monument (near Los Alamos)
Bandelier National Monument, 15 Entrance Rd, Los Alamos, NM 87544, USA
Most people who come to explore the cliff dwellings and petroglyphs at Bandelier follow the 1.2-mile Main Loop Trail. If you’re feeling gutsy, add on the one-mile round-trip spur that takes you to Alcove House. The ascent up the cliff face involves climbing up four long wooden ladders and plenty of stone stairs until you’re 140-feet above the canyon floor! Read more about the Alcove House Trail, then grab your gear and check it out.
If you’re an aspiring hermit and want to ensure you’re left alone, one way to achieve that goal is to climb up to an inaccessible location and carve yourself a cave. That’s what Italian Juan Maria Agostini did in the 1860s and reaching Hermit’s Peak, which is named after him, remains a challenge to this day.
The trail is most frightening on the way down because the number of large, loose rocks make slipping or turning an ankle a real concern. The elevation gain along the 8.1 mile, out-and-back trail is 2939 feet. Then again, it leads to views like this… The trailhead is located in El Porvenir Campground, near Gallinas. Read more about Hermit Peak Trail, then plan your visit.
7. Carlsbad Caverns National Park (near Carlsbad)
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA
While you can ride the elevator into Carlsbad Caverns, there’s nothing quite like following the 1.25-mile long path into the Natural Entrance. It’s like being swallowed by the earth. The astounding formations you’ll view inside the caverns make this an experience you won’t want to miss. The ascent on the way back out is a different type of challenge since you gain 750 feet elevation in a pretty short period of time. Plan your next visit by learning more about Carlsbad National Park.
What’s the scariest hike you’ve ever taken in New Mexico? Was it one of the best hikes in New Mexico? Share your story on the Only In New Mexico Facebook page.
Perhaps these hikes seem too daunting. Fair enough. Here are some much shorter, easier trails for you to try!
Address: Wild Rivers Visitors Center, 1120 NM-378, Questa, NM 87556, USA
Address: El Malpais National Monument Visitor Center, 1900 E Santa Fe Ave, Grants, NM 87020, USA
Address: El Malpais National Monument Visitor Center, 1900 E Santa Fe Ave, Grants, NM 87020, USA
Address: Organ Needle, New Mexico 88011, USA
Address: Bandelier National Monument, 15 Entrance Rd, Los Alamos, NM 87544, USA
Address: Hermit Peak, New Mexico 87701, USA
Address: Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in new mexico
April 05, 2022
Jessica Bohl
What are some kid-friendly hikes around New Mexico?
Wow, the hikes above are truly for experienced and thrill seeking hikers! But for hikers with kids, don’t worry, there are some truly awesome hikes in New Mexico that are family friendly. If your family enjoys spying petroglyphs and rocky landscapes, you will want to check out the Boca Negra Upper Canyon at Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque. This short trail is just one quarter of a mile, has a great viewing area, and even has a picnic area. At just .4 miles, La Pasada Encantada Trail in Lincoln National Forest is a short interpretive trail through a forested landscape. These two hikes are great for families, but check out these other kid-friendly hikes around New Mexico to add to your list.
Address: Wild Rivers Visitors Center, 1120 NM-378, Questa, NM 87556, USA
Address: El Malpais National Monument Visitor Center, 1900 E Santa Fe Ave, Grants, NM 87020, USA
Address: El Malpais National Monument Visitor Center, 1900 E Santa Fe Ave, Grants, NM 87020, USA
Address: Organ Needle, New Mexico 88011, USA
Address: Bandelier National Monument, 15 Entrance Rd, Los Alamos, NM 87544, USA
Address: Hermit Peak, New Mexico 87701, USA
Address: Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA
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