I probably don’t need to tell you that you don’t need to travel far to find some amazing scenic views. We have plenty of those in the form of parks, mountains, and canyons all around us in New Mexico (and the Southwest in general, I might add). But did you know that some of the best hiking trails in the world can also be found right here? These trails offer stunning views of the landscape and some are quite the workout. Let’s take a look at our favorites.
- Alkali Flat Trail at White Sands National Monument
Alyson Hurt/Flickr Despite the monument’s name, this trail is most certainly not flat. It will take you through a portion of White Sands National Monument’s surreal landscape. Take note this trail has no shade or water access, so we recommend hiking it when the temperatures are still low (NPS recommends temperatures under 85 degrees) and bring more water than you think you may consume. Trail Length: 5 miles round-trip Hiking details: National Park Service
- Continental Divide Trail at San Pedro Parks Wilderness
Bureau of Land Management/Flickr This trail actually traverses several states but you’ll enjoy this portion in New Mexico, which heads to the Chama River. It’s a lush landscape here, so take in the beauty while you’re hiking! Trail Length: 8 mile loop Hiking details: Continental Divide Trail Coalition
- Natural Entrance Trail at Carlsbad Caverns National Park
David Fulmer/Flickr This trail is steep but absolutely stunning! It takes you down into Carlsbad Caverns and you’ll have a chance to see some of the earliest-found formations. Trail Length: 1.25 miles Hiking details: National Park Service
- North Crest Trail at Sandia Mountain Wilderness
Paul Johnson/AllTrails If you’re up for a challenge, then you’ll want to hike this trail! Located up on the Sandia Mountains, the trail is a major workout for your body but you’ll find the sights are absolutely beautiful from above! Trail Length: 10.1 miles Hiking details: AllTrails.com
- Pueblo Alto Trail at Chaco Culture National Historical Park
jim_mckenzie/Flickr If you’re hoping to explore Chaco Canyon, then plan to embark on this trail. You’ll get spectacular views of several of the old pueblos, including Pueblo Bonito, and a wonderful view of the area. Trail Length: 5.4-mile loop Hiking details: National Park Service
- Rio Grande Gorge Trail at Wild Rivers Recreation Area
Bureau of Land Management/Flickr If you’re hoping to explore the Rio Grande Gorge one of these days, be sure to add this trail to your itinerary! The foot traffic here is fairly light and you’ll love the views of the gorge and river. Trail Length: 6 miles Hiking details: AllTrails.com
- Williams Lake Trail
Sarah Richter/Flickr Now, doesn’t that look something like paradise? This is only a tiny portion of the spectacular views you’ll encounter here. You’ll find a lush forest, delicate wildflowers, plus the namesake lake. Beautiful! Trail Length: 7.9 miles Hiking details: AllTrails.com
Which of these trails have you hiked before or are looking forward to hiking? If there are any others you think should be added to this list, let us know! Leave a comment below or on our Facebook page.
Alyson Hurt/Flickr
Despite the monument’s name, this trail is most certainly not flat. It will take you through a portion of White Sands National Monument’s surreal landscape. Take note this trail has no shade or water access, so we recommend hiking it when the temperatures are still low (NPS recommends temperatures under 85 degrees) and bring more water than you think you may consume. Trail Length: 5 miles round-trip Hiking details: National Park Service
Bureau of Land Management/Flickr
This trail actually traverses several states but you’ll enjoy this portion in New Mexico, which heads to the Chama River. It’s a lush landscape here, so take in the beauty while you’re hiking! Trail Length: 8 mile loop Hiking details: Continental Divide Trail Coalition
David Fulmer/Flickr
This trail is steep but absolutely stunning! It takes you down into Carlsbad Caverns and you’ll have a chance to see some of the earliest-found formations. Trail Length: 1.25 miles Hiking details: National Park Service
Paul Johnson/AllTrails
If you’re up for a challenge, then you’ll want to hike this trail! Located up on the Sandia Mountains, the trail is a major workout for your body but you’ll find the sights are absolutely beautiful from above! Trail Length: 10.1 miles Hiking details: AllTrails.com
jim_mckenzie/Flickr
If you’re hoping to explore Chaco Canyon, then plan to embark on this trail. You’ll get spectacular views of several of the old pueblos, including Pueblo Bonito, and a wonderful view of the area. Trail Length: 5.4-mile loop Hiking details: National Park Service
If you’re hoping to explore the Rio Grande Gorge one of these days, be sure to add this trail to your itinerary! The foot traffic here is fairly light and you’ll love the views of the gorge and river. Trail Length: 6 miles Hiking details: AllTrails.com
Sarah Richter/Flickr
Now, doesn’t that look something like paradise? This is only a tiny portion of the spectacular views you’ll encounter here. You’ll find a lush forest, delicate wildflowers, plus the namesake lake. Beautiful! Trail Length: 7.9 miles Hiking details: AllTrails.com
Want to find more incredible hiking trails around the state? Check out some of our suggestions in These 7 New Mexico Hiking Trails Lead To Some Incredible Pieces Of History.
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